Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located in Indochina, an eastern peninsula edge of Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s bordering countries consist of Cambodia, China and Laos, and is an important partner for the United States (U.S.) in terms of trade. The country is reputable for its fertile grounds and deltas, providing its population with abundant resources to grow crops. Vietnam is also one of the few countries with the highest cases of tuberculosis in the world. With the help of a national program and USAID support, Vietnam is on track to combat tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis Endemic in Vietnam
According to the Pulitzer Center, tuberculosis is often treated successfully once diagnosed in patients; however, efforts to detect and prevent the disease in Vietnam are deficient by comparison. Reasons for poor prevention and detection can be attributed to the country’s overall economic state. Being able to effectively combat tuberculosis means having the resources to provide education about the disease, sufficient tests and medication.
If the disease continues to reach more people and evolve, there is concern that a stronger form of the disease, MDR-TB may become more widespread. MDR-TB, or Multidrug-Resistant TB, is a type of tuberculosis that is resistant to the most potent drugs typically used to treat the disease (Isoniazid and Rifampin). MDR-TB has a higher mortality rate than normal tuberculosis. According to Vietnam’s WHO medical officer, tuberculosis is a neglected disease, even with a chunk of financing provided by The Global Fund. This is because most of the funds are directed toward HIV and malaria efforts rather than tuberculosis.
The concern of tuberculosis is not limited to those within Vietnam but also extends to foreigners who travel from developed countries. In the West, there is an attitude about tuberculosis that points to a lack of concern since the disease doesn’t pose a major risk amongst developed nations. Therefore, unaware travelers may increase the risk of bringing more strains of tuberculosis to Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Government and Programs
Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) originated in 1986 with guidelines including standard protocol treatment across the nation, tuberculosis control systems incorporated into the country’s primary health care system and diagnostic direct smear examinations.
Further, the formation of the NTP meant communal health workers within various districts were trained and received treatment and detection supplies. As a result, around 99% of Vietnam’s communities utilized the NTP policies and regulations by the year 2000. The national program gained traction in the late 1900s and was eventually given priority amongst national health care programs, further receiving support from the Dutch government.
Vietnam has also developed a national commission for resources which fosters collaboration amongst various sectors to end tuberculosis. Vietnam’s goal is to end tuberculosis by 2030, and in order to do so, the country is committed to strengthening its technological and scientific innovations.
To create better access to tuberculosis care, Vietnam’s government decided to provide insured services for tuberculosis patients in all provinces of Vietnam. To achieve this, the government widened the Social Health Insurance plan to cover tuberculosis treatment and prevention. In 2022, Vietnam’s Social Health Insurance covered all expenses related to tuberculosis.
USAID Support
USAID is providing assistance in fighting tuberculosis through Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Program by effectively implementing diagnostic strategies of Double X, which consists of a rapid detection instrument and a chest X-ray. The rapid detection technology, Xpert MTB/RIF, has a high level of sensitivity compared to conventional sputum smears. Xpert MTB/RIF identifies the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis or MTB as well as resistance to rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat mycobacterial infections.
Traditionally, tuberculosis detection tools involve sputum smears, a test that measures a type of bacteria, acid-fast bacilli (AFB), which causes the disease. However, traditional sputum smears lack sensitivity compared to rapid detection technology in that confirmation of tuberculosis requires at least 10-100 AFB/ml.
Among seven provinces, one that has benefited from USAID support in combating tuberculosis is An Giang, a southern region in Vietnam. An Giang has one of the highest cases of tuberculosis, and in executing the Double X plan of action, a few districts in An Giang province have experienced higher tuberculosis detection. In 2020, patients within three districts in An Giang were tested using the innovative X-ray and detection tools of Double X, leading to more than 80% increase in the detection of tuberculosis within the province since 2019.
In order to effectively implement Double X, the USAID Sustainable HIV and Tuberculosis Response from Technical Assistance (SHIFT) collaborated with Vietnam’s NTP to train health care professionals in health facilities, focusing on areas in Vietnam with patients, not within the NTP system such as those with respiratory symptoms, diabetes or pneumonia.
Results from these studies and the implementation of the Double X program show the efficacy and impact these tools have. The USAID support in technology and science dedicated to early detection of tuberculosis evidently has made a difference in Vietnam’s goal to end tuberculosis by the year 2030.
Looking Ahead
It is evident that Vietnam’s national and governmental efforts to combat the tuberculosis endemic have resulted in innovations in detection, prevention and treatment tools. The USAID/SHIFT implementation of the Double X strategy in collaboration with the NTP has been essential in accelerating and assisting the country’s goal of ending tuberculosis by 2030.
– Bianca Roh
Photo: Flickr
Tourism Boosts Lebanon’s Economy Amid Summer Revival
Lebanon’s economy experienced a remarkable upswing this summer, thanks to the revival of tourism in the country. The tourism sector has emerged and has always been a pivotal player, breathing new life into the nation’s financial prospects and increasing the potential for poverty reduction in Lebanon.
Increased Tourism in Lebanon
Efforts to implement security measures in the region have cultivated a modest sense of confidence among travelers, drawing a heightened influx of international visitors to Lebanon. Expert estimates and statements from tourism authorities substantiate the sector’s expansion, resulting in amplified tourism receipts and economic advantages.
Local businesses, encompassing hotels, restaurants and transportation services, flourish by attending to the increasing count of tourists exploring Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and breathtaking natural landscapes. This influx of visitors has also resulted in job creation, further contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction among locals. This is significant considering a report by Human Rights Watch in 2022 that 36% of people in Lebanon lived in extreme poverty.
Insights from Jean Abboud, president of the Association of Travel & Tourist Agents in Lebanon, reveal that Beirut’s International Airport has witnessed a notable surge in travelers. This trend has remained consistent since the end of June, with passenger numbers averaging between 15,000 and 18,000 individuals daily. Particularly noteworthy is the peak occurring on June 25, when the airport’s terminals bustled with 20,000 passengers in a single day.
This surge in passenger traffic paints a vivid picture of Beirut reclaiming its popularity and appeal on the global travel stage. The numbers indicate a renewed preference for Beirut as a favored entry point, reigniting the city’s role as a hub of international connections. By facilitating the smooth movement of people across borders, Beirut’s airport takes on a pivotal role in revitalizing the local tourism and travel sector. This sector holds immense significance for the nation’s economy and cultural exchanges.
How Tourism is Boosting Lebanon’s Economic State
In 2022, Walid Nassar, serving as the minister of tourism in a caretaker capacity, presented data revealing that Lebanon welcomed more than 1.72 million visitors during the previous summer, contributing a significant $5 billion through their collective expenditures. At a conference held in Dubai in May, Nassar projected that the upcoming year would see an even more substantial influx of tourists, primarily during the summer season, with an estimated minimum of 2.2 million visitors. Nassar’s estimations suggest this surge in visitor numbers will play a key role in generating revenue of at least $9 billion for the nation, thereby contributing to poverty reduction in the country.
Tourism’s resurgence has not only bolstered Lebanon’s economy but also extended economic opportunities to various regions, reducing disparities and promoting inclusivity. By attracting visitors to lesser-known areas, local communities benefit from the increased economic activity. To maintain the momentum, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices and the preservation of Lebanon’s cultural heritage. This ensures the long-term growth and stability of the tourism industry.
Looking Ahead
Lebanon’s economy experienced a much-needed boost, thanks to the revival of tourism during the summer months. The increased number of visitors has had a positive impact on various sectors, leading to economic growth and job creation. However, sustaining this growth requires continued investments in tourism infrastructure and the promotion of sustainable practices. As Lebanon embraces this summer revival, it has the potential to create a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens and communities, further solidifying its position as a favored destination on the global tourism map.
– Kassem Choukini
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
5 Ways To Improve Mental Health in the Developing World
“All countries can be thought of as developing countries in the context of mental health,” says a 2018 report by the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health — a sobering diagnosis for the worldwide distribution of mental health resources. Only 20% of people suffering from depression in the developed world receive proper treatment. In the developing world, this rate plummets to 4%. The world also puts a lower dollar value on recovering the years lost to those with mental illness, investing only 85 cents for each year of illness, as opposed to $144 for each year lost to physical diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Here are five ways to tackle the problem of mental health care in the developing world.
5 Ways To Improve Mental Health in the Developing World
– John Merino
Photo: Flickr
Vietnam’s Fight Against TB with USAID Support
Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is located in Indochina, an eastern peninsula edge of Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s bordering countries consist of Cambodia, China and Laos, and is an important partner for the United States (U.S.) in terms of trade. The country is reputable for its fertile grounds and deltas, providing its population with abundant resources to grow crops. Vietnam is also one of the few countries with the highest cases of tuberculosis in the world. With the help of a national program and USAID support, Vietnam is on track to combat tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis Endemic in Vietnam
According to the Pulitzer Center, tuberculosis is often treated successfully once diagnosed in patients; however, efforts to detect and prevent the disease in Vietnam are deficient by comparison. Reasons for poor prevention and detection can be attributed to the country’s overall economic state. Being able to effectively combat tuberculosis means having the resources to provide education about the disease, sufficient tests and medication.
If the disease continues to reach more people and evolve, there is concern that a stronger form of the disease, MDR-TB may become more widespread. MDR-TB, or Multidrug-Resistant TB, is a type of tuberculosis that is resistant to the most potent drugs typically used to treat the disease (Isoniazid and Rifampin). MDR-TB has a higher mortality rate than normal tuberculosis. According to Vietnam’s WHO medical officer, tuberculosis is a neglected disease, even with a chunk of financing provided by The Global Fund. This is because most of the funds are directed toward HIV and malaria efforts rather than tuberculosis.
The concern of tuberculosis is not limited to those within Vietnam but also extends to foreigners who travel from developed countries. In the West, there is an attitude about tuberculosis that points to a lack of concern since the disease doesn’t pose a major risk amongst developed nations. Therefore, unaware travelers may increase the risk of bringing more strains of tuberculosis to Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Government and Programs
Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) originated in 1986 with guidelines including standard protocol treatment across the nation, tuberculosis control systems incorporated into the country’s primary health care system and diagnostic direct smear examinations.
Further, the formation of the NTP meant communal health workers within various districts were trained and received treatment and detection supplies. As a result, around 99% of Vietnam’s communities utilized the NTP policies and regulations by the year 2000. The national program gained traction in the late 1900s and was eventually given priority amongst national health care programs, further receiving support from the Dutch government.
Vietnam has also developed a national commission for resources which fosters collaboration amongst various sectors to end tuberculosis. Vietnam’s goal is to end tuberculosis by 2030, and in order to do so, the country is committed to strengthening its technological and scientific innovations.
To create better access to tuberculosis care, Vietnam’s government decided to provide insured services for tuberculosis patients in all provinces of Vietnam. To achieve this, the government widened the Social Health Insurance plan to cover tuberculosis treatment and prevention. In 2022, Vietnam’s Social Health Insurance covered all expenses related to tuberculosis.
USAID Support
USAID is providing assistance in fighting tuberculosis through Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Program by effectively implementing diagnostic strategies of Double X, which consists of a rapid detection instrument and a chest X-ray. The rapid detection technology, Xpert MTB/RIF, has a high level of sensitivity compared to conventional sputum smears. Xpert MTB/RIF identifies the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis or MTB as well as resistance to rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat mycobacterial infections.
Traditionally, tuberculosis detection tools involve sputum smears, a test that measures a type of bacteria, acid-fast bacilli (AFB), which causes the disease. However, traditional sputum smears lack sensitivity compared to rapid detection technology in that confirmation of tuberculosis requires at least 10-100 AFB/ml.
Among seven provinces, one that has benefited from USAID support in combating tuberculosis is An Giang, a southern region in Vietnam. An Giang has one of the highest cases of tuberculosis, and in executing the Double X plan of action, a few districts in An Giang province have experienced higher tuberculosis detection. In 2020, patients within three districts in An Giang were tested using the innovative X-ray and detection tools of Double X, leading to more than 80% increase in the detection of tuberculosis within the province since 2019.
In order to effectively implement Double X, the USAID Sustainable HIV and Tuberculosis Response from Technical Assistance (SHIFT) collaborated with Vietnam’s NTP to train health care professionals in health facilities, focusing on areas in Vietnam with patients, not within the NTP system such as those with respiratory symptoms, diabetes or pneumonia.
Results from these studies and the implementation of the Double X program show the efficacy and impact these tools have. The USAID support in technology and science dedicated to early detection of tuberculosis evidently has made a difference in Vietnam’s goal to end tuberculosis by the year 2030.
Looking Ahead
It is evident that Vietnam’s national and governmental efforts to combat the tuberculosis endemic have resulted in innovations in detection, prevention and treatment tools. The USAID/SHIFT implementation of the Double X strategy in collaboration with the NTP has been essential in accelerating and assisting the country’s goal of ending tuberculosis by 2030.
– Bianca Roh
Photo: Flickr
How African Tourism Reduces Poverty
While seeing the beautiful wildlife and environment of Africa, tourists can also boost the economy and aid the country in its fight against poverty. Tourists can do this by simply continuing to visit the country, as it has been shown not only that African tourism reduces poverty in its Sub-Saharan countries, but also helps to build roads and schools and overall enhances the communities in the area.
Each year, millions of people visit Africa to experience both its culture and its beauty. Because of this, countries in Africa have created a thriving hotel and travel industry, creating numerous jobs and boosting the economy as a whole. Many of the more common tourist spots, like the islands Seychelles and Cape Verde, had an average of 16% of all employees in the countries working jobs directly linked to tourism, and this does not include all of the restaurants, shops, etc. that tourists frequently visit.
The Sub-Saharan districts of Africa have seen such rapid growth in their economies as a result of tourism that nonprofit organizations have been created to support this tourism. The Fair Train in Tourism South Africa organization was created to promote tourism in all of the Sub-Saharan countries but focused most specifically on South Africa. The nonprofit researches ways for tourists to sustainably visit the country and ensures that tourists practice fair purchasing, fair treatment to locals and respect the culture and environment that they are visiting. This nonprofit and the Fair Trade in Tourism organization as a whole also support the countries in various ways, like pushing for fair wages and working conditions within the tourism industry and ensuring that the businesses are run ethically and safely.
The tourism industry has become such an integral part of the economy in these Sub-Saharan regions that their governments are actively including the tourism industry in their government plans for the future. A meeting of UNCTAD, or the United Nations Conference Trade and Development, determined that 49 countries in Africa have created plans to boost the tourism industry even further.
How Has African Tourism Economically Reduced Poverty?
The main way African tourism reduces poverty is through creating jobs. The government’s plans to expand the industry will further the number of jobs that are available and increase the overall flow of money coming from foreign places into the country. This money can then be funneled into things like furthering education, building better road systems, creating cleaner water systems, etc. The jobs that the industry creates are also easy to learn and, mostly, do not require a higher education. Therefore, African tourism reduces poverty specifically among individuals who were not able to pursue their education and may otherwise be unable to find a well-paying job. Many of the people holding these jobs are also women, who make up more than 60% of employees within hotels and travel industries.
Despite the recent hit that the industry took as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry is expected to return to its previous success which was most recently observed in 2019. Specifically, Morocco, the most traveled country in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, has seen a huge improvement in its economy due to the jobs that African tourism has brought in. In 2019, it was estimated that about 5% of employment was due to the tourism industry. The entirety of Sub-Saharan Africa has seen more than $30 billion as a result of the tourism industry in 2019 alone, and the numbers should only rise as they have almost continuously done over the past decade.
What Good Has Come from Tourism Thus Far?
So far, citizens in the Sub-Saharan regions of the continent have seen enhanced roads, advanced internet access and higher-quality waste disposal. Because the goal of the tourism industry is to provide a good experience for travelers so that they will return again, businesses focus on creating a comfortable environment for travelers. This comfort expands beyond the various hotels and tourist spots to also be experienced by locals.
Furthermore, because of the tourism industry and the money it brings in, the government has also built up communities and has been able to fund public organizations that help the local people. More than 700 community projects have been put in place throughout the Sub-Saharan region that have provided housing and improved both schools and medical clinics, and the effect is only continuing to spread.
– Allison Groves
Photo: Flickr
Solutions to Hidden Hunger and Nutrition Based Poverty Traps
Hunger is a prevalent issue throughout many developing countries. Numerous studies have shown that hunger can have detrimental impacts, including low health and high child mortality. One consequence of hidden hunger that is less explored is the decrease in productivity that results from a nutritional deficit. Whilst this effect may initially pale in comparison to other much worse consequences, the downsides to lower productivity are critical and can lead to a much larger, intergenerational cycle of poverty than previously assumed.
Studies have demonstrated that reduced calorie intake can lead to significant decreases in productivity, which can create an inescapable cycle. A randomized control trial conducted by economist Heather Schofield revealed that an additional 700 calories each day could lead to a 10% increase in income, due to the increased physical and cognitive productivity gained. So, how can lower productivity create a cycle of poverty?
Nutrition-Based Poverty Traps
A poverty trap is a non-linear relationship between one’s current and future income. There is a strong correlation between malnutrition and poverty, but it is heavily questioned whether this leads to the formation of a nutritional poverty trap.
Much research has been completed surrounding the potential existence of a nutrition-based poverty trap, and some deny its existence whilst others support the theory. Studies completed by economists Duflo and Banerji demonstrate the evident existence of poverty traps such as these, stating there may even be a clear link between income and future income of undernourished parents and children respectively, all because of a nutrient-deficient diet. This is because lower-earning parents tend to consume less nutrient-heavy food, which can lead to stunted development for a child, beginning as early as in utero, thus creating a brutal cycle. This micronutrient-deficient lifestyle can also be referred to as ‘hidden hunger.’
Hidden Hunger
Hidden hunger is when one’s diet is severely restricted, resulting in nutrient-poor food intake. Micronutrient deficiencies include those such as iron and zinc deficiency, which can result in poor body development and health.
Hidden hunger is reinforced in countries where there is heavy reliance on low-cost, low-nutrient foods, such as rice and wheat. This type of hunger is not so much to do with a lack of calories, but more a lack of nutrients, hence it is considered ‘hidden’ due to lack of an obvious problem. Crops such as these, whilst providing energy and sustenance, have a low amount of nutrients. Micronutrient intake for low-income groups is much lower than what would normally be required for a healthy diet, due to challenges of affordability and shocks to global food systems. The long-lasting effects of hidden hunger can be detrimental. There is a high cost to malnutrition; it is estimated that around 149 million children under the age of 5 are stunted, which is roughly 22%.
The Solutions to Hidden Hunger
There are no direct means of tackling hidden hunger; it is a complex issue that requires a multidimensional response in order to ensure that all those in poverty are able to access a nutrient-heavy, balanced diet. Past solutions range from cash and in-kind transfers to innovations designed to increase nutrient and mineral consumption.
While cash transfers can be successful in poverty alleviation, consumers do not always choose to purchase the most optimal foods for nutrient maximization. In-kind transfers would likely be more beneficial in a scenario such as this, due to certain innovations that can facilitate a nutrient and mineral-rich diet.
Innovative solutions to hidden hunger range from food engineering to create additional nutrients, to devices that aim to increase biofortification. Strengthening staple foods is a successful means of food fortification. A few examples of innovations and solutions that achieve this are as follows:
Tackling hidden hunger is the key to breaking the poverty cycle created by malnutrition. Innovations such as these, as well as successful foreign policies to tackle hunger, will ultimately lead to a successful eradication of undernutrition, alleviating many from absolute poverty.
– Hannah Bugeja
Photo: Flickr
“Parasite:” An Essential Film on Seoul’s Urban Poor
Bong Joon Ho’s black comedy thriller is a cinematic masterpiece that examines class tension and the urban poor within contemporary society in Seoul, South Korea. Through masterful storytelling, characters with questionable morals and effortlessly sleek cinematography, the film stands as an important and timely critique of South Korean society.
The film sees a collision of two families from contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds: the wealthy Parks family and the Kim family who are enduring urban poverty in a basement flat.
When the son of the Kim family begins tutoring the Parks daughter, the whole Kim family eventually deceives their way into becoming employees of the Parks family. The Parks are entirely unaware of this deception. While audience members follow a montage of comedic moments and dark twists for 132 minutes, the plot also unravels an important conversation about South Korea. In reference to the title of the film, Bong Joon Ho asks the question: “Who is the parasite? The rich or the poor?”
“Parasite” and the Urban Poor
The movie instantly establishes the apparent hierarchy of class as the Kim family peers out at the streets above their basement apartment where the urban poor have had to settle. This is a strong contrast to the Parks family whose house, or mansion, walled off and on a hill, is far away from the ferality of the streets, symbolizing their wealth and status.
Although the narrative is purely fictional, Bong Joon Ho’s depiction of poverty and class is a harsh reality for many Soeul civilians. New York Times writer Chloe Sang-Hun articulates this well as she describes how “Parasite” “mesmerized viewers around the world by exposing a much grimmer side of South Korea’s economic growth: urban poverty, and the humiliation and class strife it has spawned.”
Kim Ssang-seok is a 63-year-old taxi driver who has known the reality of urban poverty for decades. In an interview with the New York Times, he explains how he will only see sunlight in his apartment for 30 minutes of the day and struggles to fight against the cockroaches and smell of sewage that lingers in his home. He experiences the constant anxiety that the city will remove his neighborhood to replace it with towering apartment buildings to add to the growing Seoul skyline.
The Power of Storytelling
Although “Parasite” is a fictional story, the poignant theme of poverty is far from fictional; it is an important issue that must be addressed. Storytelling, in this case through film, is a key component in pushing towards social change. Through storytelling, important issues surrounding global poverty can reach audiences that otherwise would not educate themselves on global issues like Seoul’s urban poor. Entertainment is powerful in its ability to start a conversation and alter individuals’ beliefs and attitudes regarding social issues. Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” is a perfect example of this and the reason why everyone should watch the film.
– Poppy Harris
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Single Mothers in China
The crude divorce rate, which measures the number of divorce decrees granted per 1,000 people, has seen a rise over the decade in mainland China. It increased from 1.85 in 2009 to 3.36 in 2019. The percentage of parents who are single and have children under 18 years old has risen from 3.9% in 2001 to 5.9% in 2016. Out of this group, 78% are single mothers in China raising their children alone.
Economic Challenges Faced by Single Mothers
From an economic standpoint, single mothers in China face challenges in accessing resources and public services available to them due to the absence of a husband. The responsibility of looking after children limits their chances of finding employment, making it challenging for them to secure jobs. As a result, families headed by women without husbands are at risk of experiencing poverty. Furthermore, due to the transmission of disadvantage and social status across generations, their children are likely to live in poverty as they grow older.
Even though single mothers in China may be part of the job market, they tend to experience less work and salary stability than single fathers. In 2016, single-mother families in Hong Kong had a household income of HKD 13,780 ($1778.20), whereas single-father families had a slightly higher figure of HKD 18,000 ($2307.70).
Single mothers, typically, allocate around 50% of their overall income towards childcare expenses monthly. This is not solely due to the difficulties faced by single moms but also because they have high hopes and dreams for their children’s future.
Sylvia Chant, a Professor of Development Geography at LSE, coined the phrase “feminization of poverty” to describe single mothers’ struggles as they strive to lift their families out of poverty.
Further Impacts of Single Parenthood
The Family Stress Model considers how maternal distress affects how adolescents internalize and externalize problems in families. This experience is incredibly challenging for mothers as they may feel negative emotions such as depression, frustration and feelings of abandonment because of the loss of their marital relationship.
Evidence suggests maternal depression was linked to lower mental health in their children because the negative emotions of single mothers could pass off to the kids.
Gender-Blind Poverty Alleviation and UN Initiative
China’s poverty alleviation policy has a general deficiency in gender sensitivity, inadequate consideration of the specific needs of poor women and a lack of emphasis on addressing single mothers’ challenges.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have gained popularity in the efforts to eradicate income poverty and reduce all forms of poverty. This has led to the use of the term “preventing people from being left.” China, as a participant in this U.N. initiative, has implemented one of the poverty alleviation programs globally.
On the other hand, The Sichuan Haihui Poverty Alleviation Center, an NGO based in Chengdu, has launched a fundraising initiative that focuses on a group: mothers. The project, called “Moms Wishes” — Making Single Mothers Dreams Come True, aims to select 40 mothers between the ages of 25 and 45 from Daying County, Sichuan Province. These mothers should have a family income below 1,000 yuan ($138). The project’s objective is to provide assistance to help these women fulfill their dreams whether they are related to parenting, purchasing items or personal development. Additionally, the long-term goal of the project is to establish support networks (both in person and online) and systems that can benefit women who are raising their children alone.
Single mothers deserve recognition and appreciation. This includes those who may be considered unconventional, facing challenges in their journey and the determined individuals who willingly take on the responsibility of parenting alone. There is also a need to acknowledge the ones who have chosen to divorce for their children’s betterment and well-being. Currently, these incredible women are raising 19 million children.
– Aysu Usubova
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Somalia’s Drought-Induced Humanitarian Crises
The Cycle of Drought and Despair
Somalia’s geographical location makes it highly susceptible to irregular and insufficient rainfall, resulting in cyclical droughts that have far-reaching impacts. These droughts disrupt agricultural activities, reduce water availability and contribute to food shortages, subsequently leading to malnutrition, disease outbreaks and displacement. Pastoral communities, heavily reliant on livestock, suffer devastating losses as their animals die due to lack of water and forage.
The lack of rainfall has resulted in the depletion of water sources, failed crops and widespread livestock losses. These factors have left millions of Somalians facing acute food and water shortages, pushing them to the brink of famine. According to the Government’s Minister of Health, an estimated 43,000 excess deaths occurred in 2022 due to the drought. The situation remains dire, with approximately 8.3 million people, nearly half of the country’s population, urgently requiring humanitarian assistance.
The International Rescue Committee is offering crucial assistance to the Somali population. Shashwat Saraf, the IRC’s regional emergency director for East Africa, emphasized that the crisis in Somalia is far from resolved and is intensifying with each passing day. Without a significant increase in resources dedicated to the response, famine may occur before the end of the year. The IRC’s aid in Somalia centers on “health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment. As of December 2022, we have reached almost half a million drought-affected people in Somalia,” the IRC website highlights.
In the face of Somalia’s drought-induced humanitarian crises, many families have no choice but to migrate in search of water, food and better living conditions. More than 1 million people had to leave their homes due to dire conditions. Forced migration often leads to overcrowded settlements in urban areas, straining resources and basic services. Additionally, competition for limited resources can escalate tensions, potentially sparking conflicts between communities, the UNHCR explains.
Response and Challenges
Somalia’s drought-induced scarcity brings about significant health challenges. Insufficient water supply and poor sanitation conditions contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Malnutrition rates escalate, leading to stunted growth and weakened immune systems among children. This, in turn, increases susceptibility to various infections and diseases, creating a vicious cycle of suffering. “Over 8.3 million Somalis (49[%]of the population) are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between April and June 2023 and about 1.8 million children under five are likely to face acute malnutrition through June including over 513,000 who are expected to be severely malnourished,” ReliefWeb said in February 2023.
The international community has responded to Somalia’s drought-induced humanitarian crises with a combination of emergency relief efforts, long-term development initiatives and capacity-building programs. Humanitarian organizations, such as UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), provide food aid, clean water and medical assistance to those affected. International organizations have made efforts to improve water infrastructure, develop drought-resistant agricultural techniques and enhance early warning systems for disaster preparedness.
However, several challenges hinder effective response and recovery. Ongoing conflict and instability in certain regions impede the delivery of aid and development efforts. Insufficient funding often limits the scale and sustainability of humanitarian interventions. Additionally, extreme weather patterns exacerbate the frequency and intensity of droughts, making long-term solutions more complex to achieve.
Breaking the Cycle of Devastation
Somalia’s drought-induced humanitarian crises highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions. International cooperation, investment in resilient infrastructure and a focus on climate resilience strategies can contribute to building a more secure future for Somalia’s population. As the world faces the growing challenges of extreme weather patterns, acknowledging and addressing the plight of nations like Somalia becomes crucial in preventing further human suffering and fostering global stability.
– Dunia Matta
Photo: Flickr
5 Strategies for Drought-Stricken Regions in Western and Central Africa
Five Strategies for Drought-Stricken Regions in Western and Central Africa
Looking Ahead
By embracing these comprehensive strategies, drought-stricken regions in Western and Central Africa can preemptively address the threat of devastating floods. This indirectly prevents the worsening of poverty. Collaboration among governments, international organizations and local communities is required to administer these measures effectively and ensure long-term sustainable development within these regions.
– Nathaniel Scandore
Photo: Flickr
Education in Iraq
The Ripple Effects of Conflict on Education
Iraq’s education system has been plagued by a myriad of challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and outdated curricula to insufficient resources and trauma-based psychological impact affecting both teachers and students. According to UNICEF, “one in every two schools is damaged” and needs improvement to effectively teach students. This crisis perpetuates a cycle of ignorance, poverty and underdevelopment.
Education in Iraq is hindered by violence, infrastructure damage and the displacement of children. Due to years of war and conflict, the weakened Iraqi government has allocated less than 6% of its budget to education.
The lack of education in Iraq contributes to a dearth of skilled workers, hindering economic growth and making it difficult for the country to compete in an increasingly globalized world. Low-quality education exacerbates social disparities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. It deprives marginalized communities of the tools they need to break free from the constraints of their circumstances and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Paths to Educational Reform
Improving the education system in Iraq could be the key to unlocking a plethora of benefits for the country. UNICEF and the Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) have been working toward improving the education system and the lives of future Iraqi generations.
UNICEF
Recently, UNICEF has partnered with Daewoo E&C to provide hundreds of young children with access to education in disadvantaged areas in Basra. In a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Basra Directorate of Education, this initiative will not only improve children’s preparedness for school but also streamline their progression into primary education, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition. Early Childhood Education (ECE) plays a pivotal role in enabling young learners to embark on their primary education journey at an appropriate age, armed with the essential skills required for future success.
With Daewoo E&C’s support, UNICEF will establish five ECE centers in five schools. Each ECE center will include a classroom and a play area and will be equipped with essential amenities such as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Through its Iraq National Education Strategy, UNICEF supports the Government’s goal to provide ECE to at least 30% of Iraqi children by 2031.
In order to ensure that children in Basra and other parts of the country have the best start in life, UNICEF will continue to work with the Government of Iraq, U.N. agencies, civil society and community organizations.
EPIC
Established in 1998, the Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering peace in Iraq. EPIC undertakes humanitarian initiatives to promote harmony within the nation. Through a combination of impactful advocacy, field work aimed at empowering youth and authentic collaborations with both Iraqi civil society and the young population, EPIC is committed to advancing its mission to empower young Iraqis.
EPIC designs and implements a series of on-the-ground programs that empower adolescents to make a positive impact. It also advocates for U.S. and international support to secure peace and build democratic institutions in Iraq. This includes efforts to enhance government accountability, strengthen civil society and improve educational opportunities for all generations of Iraqis.
Furthermore, EPIC facilitates research and information-sharing about developments in Iraq. They share lessons learned and best practices in peacebuilding, education and youth development. Through these programs, EPIC is building a community of young people who have been impacted by them. By supporting the development of programs that best serve Iraq’s youth, EPIC will be able to better understand the needs and aspirations of Iraqi youth.
Unlocking a Brighter Future
Transforming education in Iraq requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Adequate funding, updated curricula, teacher training, modern infrastructure and equitable access to education are all critical components of reform. International support, collaborations and best practices can also play a pivotal role in guiding the country toward an improved education system. By committing to education reform, there is hope that Iraq can break the chains of poverty and underdevelopment and pave the way for a brighter future for its citizens.
– Dunia Matta
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