Lesotho has faced environmental and social factors that constantly plague its people and halt the country’s essential development. Currently, almost 60% of the population is under the poverty line, 25% is without adequate nutrition and millions of citizens are suffering from appalling diseases. To unpack the gravity of the situation, the following is an overview of the factors influencing poverty in Lesotho.
Food Insecurity in Lesotho
Lesotho heavily relies on internal agriculture for its food supply. However, the country’s climate is extremely unpredictable, with each season bringing different and challenging weather conditions. In the summer, severe droughts cause soil erosion and suboptimal conditions for cultivation. In the fall, heavy rainfall makes land susceptible to severe flooding and the harsh winter temperatures reach the negatives. With such stark contrasts between temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, crops cannot grow properly to sustain the dense population. Consequently, this further leads to severe food insecurity, food shortages and malnutrition in adults and children, which exacerbates the poverty in Lesotho as the climatic conditions force laborers to stay home to find ways to feed themselves and their families rather than go to work.
The Education Crisis
Within classrooms in Lesotho, many teachers do not have proper experience or training and there is a scarcity of furniture for students to write on or sit on. Furthermore, many classes in Lesotho are extremely overcrowded due to the dense population and there are often around 100 students per classroom. Rural children often have to walk miles to attend class, which prompts many children to miss multiple days of school due to unsafe weather conditions for travel. In Lesotho, the dropout rates are concerning, with 94% of elementary school dropouts residing in rural areas, and nearly 89% of higher-level education students also leaving school prematurely. The primary reason for these dropouts is the inability to afford education expenses. Moreover, the inaccessibility of standard education in Lesotho hampers students’ ability to access quality learning opportunities efficiently.
The Impact of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho
In the past seven years, more than 180,000 people in Lesotho have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, making it the leading cause of death in the country. Unfortunately, Lesotho has not had enough access to funding or treatments since the AIDS epidemic began in 1986 and the lack of adequate health care treatments in Lesotho gives allows the disease to infect more and more people. Moreover, the widespread impacts of HIV and AIDS reduce the healthy population of Lesotho, further handicapping the fragile economy.
The Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 critically slowed down the export business in Lesotho, leaving the economy reeling. The main source of income in Lesotho before the pandemic was the prosperous textile industry, which exported millions of dollars worth of garments. During the pandemic, several clothing factories closed due to health concerns arising in light of the unbridled infection rate. With an initially high vulnerability to the COVID-19 infection in 2020, the Lesotho economy had to take a backseat as the working population of Lesotho recovered. The dwindling GDP of Lesotho, which decreased to a meager -5.6, highlighted the magnitude of the situation.
Lesotho’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen significant growth since then. Nevertheless, the enduring impact of the textile industry’s downturn remains evident in the current state of affairs. Prior to the pandemic, numerous textile factories supplied Western brands. However, with the decline in garment demand during that period, many factories closed at alarming rates, leading to substantial income losses. Over the past year, dozens of factories have shuttered due to dwindling revenue, resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs.
While poverty in Lesotho has dropped over the past 15 years, it continues to impact a significant number of people. Luckily, several efforts are in progress to turn the country back around.
Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS
Over the past 16 years, The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has donated more than $600 billion in aid to Lesotho, with a specific focus on combatting the widespread diseases across the country. Due to this vital funding, the organization was able to initiate programs to test the population and expand treatment availability nationwide. By the year 2020, the program successfully tested over 90% of the population and provided medication to over 90% of those who tested positive for the infections.
Since the program began, AIDS-related deaths have plateaued and infection case numbers have decreased from 320,000 to 270,000.
Educating the Youth
Regarding education, the World Bank is actively supporting the strengthening of schooling in Lesotho through substantial financial aid. This program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education through standardized curriculums and implementing necessary changes in the learning environment after the impact of COVID-19. Currently, the program serves nearly 20,000 students and features plans to improve 300 classrooms across Lesotho.
Feeding the People
The World Food Programme in Lesotho has provided seedlings and restored miles of eroded lands for agriculture, aiding the reconstruction of the vast agricultural economy. So far, the organization planted 16,000 seedlings and rehabilitated 620 miles of eroded land. In doing so, the organization reintroduced thousands of people to main food sources, which will battle rampant malnutrition as the program expands its extraordinary influence.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to combat poverty in Lesotho are showing promising results. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has made significant strides in combatting HIV/AIDS, resulting in a decrease in infection cases and AIDS-related deaths. The World Bank’s support in strengthening education is enhancing learning environments and providing opportunities for thousands of students. Additionally, the WFP’s initiatives in agriculture are restoring eroded lands and reintroducing vital food sources to combat malnutrition. These combined efforts offer hope for a brighter future for the people of Lesotho.
–Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay
Diabetes in Costa Rica’s Elderly Population
Prevalence of Diabetes in Costa Rica’s Elderly Population
Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting people of all ages but particularly afflicts those aged 65 and older. Aging, poor diet, physical inactivity and genetic predisposition are all factors that put the elderly at greater risk of contracting diabetes. One factor contributing to this is the impairment of pancreatic islets, responsible for and aiding in insulin production, which occurs with aging.
With elderly people at particularly high risk of contracting diabetes, another factor worrying health experts is Costa Rica’s rapidly aging population. The American Association for Retired Persons outlines United Nations statistics for Costa Rica’s elderly population, which currently represents 11.6% of the nation’s population. Costa Rica’s elderly population has increased by approximately 0.3% each year since 2001. Forecasts suggest the number of elderly Costa Rican could be 1.37 million people by 2050 — triple what it is in 2023.
Impact on Costa Rica’s Health Care Infrastructure
Unlike some of its neighboring nations, Costa Rica’s health care infrastructure is relatively stable. A 2000 survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Costa Rican health care infrastructure as No. 36 in the world, surpassing the United States (U.S.).
Hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and treatment options for patients, including elderly Costa Ricans living with diabetes, are readily available. However, a major obstacle facing some patients is cost. Research finds that health care costs for elderly people living with diabetes are anticipated to fuel rising overall costs. In some cases, patients live undiagnosed or refuse to adhere to their treatment plan, further exacerbating their condition.
Treatment and Assistance Available to Patients
Costa Rica’s national health care system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), commonly known as “CAJA,” provides health coverage to all Costa Ricans, including diabetic patients. Through the system, elderly citizens living with diabetes can receive medication and supplies to effectively manage their condition. The Costa Rican Ministry of Health also provides resources and supplies, as well as education, to patients.
The Costa Rican health care infrastructure provides quality, effective care to its patients, including elderly diabetics. Though diabetes among Costa Rica’s elderly continues to be a health concern for some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, the quality health care infrastructure puts the nation in a good position to care for patients.
– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Unsplash
Everything you need to know about poverty in Lesotho
Food Insecurity in Lesotho
Lesotho heavily relies on internal agriculture for its food supply. However, the country’s climate is extremely unpredictable, with each season bringing different and challenging weather conditions. In the summer, severe droughts cause soil erosion and suboptimal conditions for cultivation. In the fall, heavy rainfall makes land susceptible to severe flooding and the harsh winter temperatures reach the negatives. With such stark contrasts between temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, crops cannot grow properly to sustain the dense population. Consequently, this further leads to severe food insecurity, food shortages and malnutrition in adults and children, which exacerbates the poverty in Lesotho as the climatic conditions force laborers to stay home to find ways to feed themselves and their families rather than go to work.
The Education Crisis
Within classrooms in Lesotho, many teachers do not have proper experience or training and there is a scarcity of furniture for students to write on or sit on. Furthermore, many classes in Lesotho are extremely overcrowded due to the dense population and there are often around 100 students per classroom. Rural children often have to walk miles to attend class, which prompts many children to miss multiple days of school due to unsafe weather conditions for travel. In Lesotho, the dropout rates are concerning, with 94% of elementary school dropouts residing in rural areas, and nearly 89% of higher-level education students also leaving school prematurely. The primary reason for these dropouts is the inability to afford education expenses. Moreover, the inaccessibility of standard education in Lesotho hampers students’ ability to access quality learning opportunities efficiently.
The Impact of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho
In the past seven years, more than 180,000 people in Lesotho have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, making it the leading cause of death in the country. Unfortunately, Lesotho has not had enough access to funding or treatments since the AIDS epidemic began in 1986 and the lack of adequate health care treatments in Lesotho gives allows the disease to infect more and more people. Moreover, the widespread impacts of HIV and AIDS reduce the healthy population of Lesotho, further handicapping the fragile economy.
The Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 critically slowed down the export business in Lesotho, leaving the economy reeling. The main source of income in Lesotho before the pandemic was the prosperous textile industry, which exported millions of dollars worth of garments. During the pandemic, several clothing factories closed due to health concerns arising in light of the unbridled infection rate. With an initially high vulnerability to the COVID-19 infection in 2020, the Lesotho economy had to take a backseat as the working population of Lesotho recovered. The dwindling GDP of Lesotho, which decreased to a meager -5.6, highlighted the magnitude of the situation.
Lesotho’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen significant growth since then. Nevertheless, the enduring impact of the textile industry’s downturn remains evident in the current state of affairs. Prior to the pandemic, numerous textile factories supplied Western brands. However, with the decline in garment demand during that period, many factories closed at alarming rates, leading to substantial income losses. Over the past year, dozens of factories have shuttered due to dwindling revenue, resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs.
While poverty in Lesotho has dropped over the past 15 years, it continues to impact a significant number of people. Luckily, several efforts are in progress to turn the country back around.
Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS
Over the past 16 years, The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has donated more than $600 billion in aid to Lesotho, with a specific focus on combatting the widespread diseases across the country. Due to this vital funding, the organization was able to initiate programs to test the population and expand treatment availability nationwide. By the year 2020, the program successfully tested over 90% of the population and provided medication to over 90% of those who tested positive for the infections.
Since the program began, AIDS-related deaths have plateaued and infection case numbers have decreased from 320,000 to 270,000.
Educating the Youth
Regarding education, the World Bank is actively supporting the strengthening of schooling in Lesotho through substantial financial aid. This program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education through standardized curriculums and implementing necessary changes in the learning environment after the impact of COVID-19. Currently, the program serves nearly 20,000 students and features plans to improve 300 classrooms across Lesotho.
Feeding the People
The World Food Programme in Lesotho has provided seedlings and restored miles of eroded lands for agriculture, aiding the reconstruction of the vast agricultural economy. So far, the organization planted 16,000 seedlings and rehabilitated 620 miles of eroded land. In doing so, the organization reintroduced thousands of people to main food sources, which will battle rampant malnutrition as the program expands its extraordinary influence.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to combat poverty in Lesotho are showing promising results. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has made significant strides in combatting HIV/AIDS, resulting in a decrease in infection cases and AIDS-related deaths. The World Bank’s support in strengthening education is enhancing learning environments and providing opportunities for thousands of students. Additionally, the WFP’s initiatives in agriculture are restoring eroded lands and reintroducing vital food sources to combat malnutrition. These combined efforts offer hope for a brighter future for the people of Lesotho.
–Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay
The Importance of Sustainability in Palau
Marine Life
Marine life is vital to the island nation of Palau. It is its very heartbeat. The Palauan government has organizations in place, such as The Palau National Marine Sanctuary, established in 2015, which covers an expanse of 500,000 square kilometers of protected ocean area that prohibits actions such as fishing and any other commercial business.
Solutions
To thrive, Palauans also need to use their abundant resources. If overfishing and industrialism take over, it could be detrimental to the island nation, increasing hunger due to the depletion of resources. A few answers to this challenge are:
The Promise to Move Forward Together
Palauans have a strong sense of identity and belonging and deep respect for the well-being of their island nation. The government of Palau now mandates that every single tourist who visits the beautiful archipelago have the Palau Pledge stamped proudly on their passports — a promise to take care of the island on their visit. It says, “Children of Palau, I take this pledge, as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home. I vow to tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully. I shall not take what is not given. I shall not harm what does not harm me. The only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away.”
– Matha Mathieu
Photo: Pixabay
Emergency HIV/AIDS Treatment in Ukraine
HIV/AIDS in Ukraine Before the War
The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Ukraine comes to 0.9%, higher than the world average of 0.7% and one of the highest infection rates in Europe. However, the country looked like it was turning a corner, as in the early 2010s, rates of infection started to decline. This was caused by higher investments in antiretroviral treatment and more support for opioid drug users, who were at higher risk of contracting the disease.
The Effect of the War
After the conflict began in 2014, according to the country director of the UNAIDS program Jacek Tymszko, “HIV totally disappeared from the agenda.” It made providing these vital services much more difficult. More than 30% of people living with HIV/AIDS have experienced an interruption in their treatment since the war began, according to UNAIDS. Equally, many faced displacement as a result of the war and therefore struggled to access these services simply because they no longer had a permanent home.
Emergency HIV/AIDS Treatment
However, due to the help of organizations and programs that focus on providing emergency HIV/AIDS treatment in Ukraine, many HIV/AIDS patients have been able to continue living as normal. In March 2022, the Global Fund provided over $15 million of emergency funding to Ukraine to maintain HIV and TB testing and treatment services and an additional $10.3 million donation in February. These provisions have contributed to retrofitting vans to deliver medicines to patients, community-led organizations that link patients to HIV and TB services and mental health services specifically for those with the disease.
The U.N. has also contributed to providing emergency HIV/AIDS treatment to Ukraine through the Joint United Nationals Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). It released an initial $200,000 in emergency funding in February 2023 to support the seven cities facing significant HIV epidemics. This provided first-aid training and kits to community-based organizations aiming to sustain HIV services, direct humanitarian assistance to those living with HIV with food certificates and STI testing kits and providing shelters for displaced people.
Results of Support
Due to the support of organizations such as the Global Fund and UNAIDS, there has been a reduction in the impact of the war on those living with HIV/AIDS. However, there are still those living with HIV/AIDS that are suffering as a result of the war, highlighting the need for more effort. Prior to the war, the Word Bank estimated that 260,000 people were living with HIV in Ukraine. Since then, around 15,000 of these people have lost treatment due to displacement. There is still room for more support to help affected people access life-saving services and prevent the disease from spreading.
– Erin Latham
Photo: Flickr
The Conflict in Sudan: US-Saudi Arabia Efforts To Stop It
The U.S.–Saudi Arabia Efforts to Stop the Conflict in Sudan began with the Jeddah Declaration, signed by the RSF and the SAF in the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on May 11, 2023. The Jeddah Declaration prioritized “the interests and well-being of the Sudanese people” and affirmed its obligation to “International Humanitarian Law and international human rights law.” This includes ensuring the protection of hospitals and water installations as well as allowing humanitarian organizations to help those in need of medical help. This major diplomatic intervention has been partially successful so far in mitigating the conflict.
Effectiveness of the Declaration
The Jeddah Declaration has managed to reduce some of the tension between the warring parties. On June 17, 2023, the U.S.–Saudi Arabia efforts to stop the conflict in Sudan resulted in a 72-hour ceasefire. The ceasefire agreement includes a prohibition on the “use of military aircraft or drones, artillery strikes” and “from seeking military advantage during the ceasefire.” Consequently, the following day witnessed an absence of fighting in Sudan, and reports from people on the ground indicated a calm situation. This demonstrates the effectiveness of strong diplomatic leadership in halting violence and enabling the provision of humanitarian aid to alleviate poverty and offer essential medical support.
Remaining Hostilities Between Warring Parties
Despite the U.S.–Saudi Arabia efforts to stop the conflict in Sudan, the RSF and SAF are still hostile toward each other, thereby prolonging the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. During the Eid al-Adha on June 28, 2023, Sudanese citizens claimed that they heard gunfire and airstrikes despite a ceasefire announcement by both the RSF and the SAF. As a result, many Sudanese people had to pray the Eid prayer at home instead of in the mosque as per Islamic tradition. Furthermore, people in Sudan are struggling to obtain food because they do not have enough money and the stores are reportedly being looted.
Further Global Initiatives To Help Sudan
Not only the U.S.-Saudi Arabia efforts but also other initiatives are taking place to aid the Sudanese people. On June 20, 2023, an international conference focusing on Sudan’s aid took place in Geneva, Switzerland, with Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and the U.N. playing host. During the conference, donors from around the world pledged $1.5 billion in aid to Sudan. This significant commitment emphasizes the international community’s determination to bring an end to the conflict, which has caused 2.2 million people to flee their homes and endure health and poverty challenges.
– Abdullah Dowaihy
Photo: Flickr
Make the Most of Vacation: Ecotourism Downsizes Poverty
Boosting Rural Economies
Ecotourism downsizes poverty by boosting rural economies. Tourist sites require lodging, dining, and activities — all of which open up avenues for revenue. Rural populations are most at risk of extreme poverty. According to 2023 U.N. statistics, 79% of the world’s poor live in rural areas. The poverty rate in rural areas is 17.2% — compared to 5.3% in urban areas.
Most ecotourist sites are located in the country and generate quite a bit of revenue. In 2021, the industry brought in $157.76 billion in total revenue worldwide, according to Business Wire. Business Wire predicts the figure to be almost $300 billion by 2026.
The expansion of ecotourism was chief among the objectives of a UNESCO initiative “Eradication of Poverty, Especially Extreme Poverty,” active from 2002 to 2007. The program aimed to use ecotourism, and sustainable development, as a national poverty reduction strategy. The initiative worked closely with NGOs in eight regions in Central and South Asia to build “capacities and institutions” that would sustain ecotourism locally and help “enable the poor to enjoy their rights.”
The initiative in India achieved success as it effectively reduced extreme poverty by 25% at its project site. A key factor in this success was the active involvement of the local community in decision-making and skill-building. To ensure the sustainability of the results, the project management entrusted project management to the rural communities themselves.
Sustainability and Poverty
Impoverished rural populations may resort to ecological exploitation to gain revenue. Research published in a 2019 issue of World Development revealed that reducing poverty saves forests. Ecotourism can prevent destruction as it develops sustainable alternatives to building wealth in rural regions.
Safaris are an example of ecotourism’s positive effect on sustainability on the ecological poaching crisis in Kenya. Poaching protection crews are paid for by safari visits to the reserves. When Kenya’s poverty rate dropped in the 1970s, the number of tourists in the Serengeti went from 70,000 to 10,000; its anti-poaching patrols dropped by 60%. “Communities set aside land for wildlife because it’s financially in their interests,” says Mark Butcher of Imvelo Safaris who runs trips in the Serengeti. “But in the absence of tourists, poachers give the incentives.” Without tourist money, locals do not get paid, and the wildlife is protected by unmotivated bureaucrats. Ecotourist safaris boost environmental sustainability and lower poverty rates in countries like Kenya.
Ecotourism and Eco Lodging
Eco lodging expands ecotourism’s capacity to reduce poverty. Eco lodgings feature designs that ensure a “fair share of the benefits remains in the local hosting community” according to Holiable, a site that offers green travel resources.
House of Love is an eco-lodge in the rural Indian province of Tamil Nadu. For $46, ecotourists stay in a cabin nestled in a misty, ancient forest. The lodge doubles as a pepper and coffee farm, and visitors share food prepared with farm-to-table ingredients with locals.
This accommodation is one of many on the site Eco Bnb. Eco Bnb is a nexus in the community of ecotourism. It provides ideas on what to eat, how to travel, and where to stay to maximize a traveler’s impact, in addition to offering discounts for unique adventures.
Ecotourism Companies
Booking a trip with an internationally vetted company is easy for an ecotourist. Quite a few companies have an excellent ledger of giving back to local communities. Responsible Travel and &Beyond are among these companies.
Responsible Travel is an activism company founded in 2001. It works with NGOs and locals in destination countries to form travel packages that benefit the specific country. For each purchased trip, Responsible Travel buys a trip for someone in extreme poverty. &Beyond is targeting high-end trips. It provides luxury tours in areas with high rates of poverty — Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
&Beyond runs sustainable hotels with locally sourced cuisine and well-compensated local staff and guides. It partners with wildlife protection organizations and has funded the construction of an electric microgrid in Botswana.
Conclusion
Though eco-touristic infrastructure in rural areas has a long-term effect on poverty, ecotourism has its pitfalls. Properly vetting the sustainability and humaneness of enterprises in developing countries is a challenge. Despite the challenges, transparent ecotourism continues to help in downsizing poverty.
– Caroline Crider
Photo: Pixnio
How Technology is Helping Refugees in South Sudan
Biometrics
Fingerprinting, or “biometric registration,” is a widely used tool in refugee camps that provides faster recognition and improved assistance for the most vulnerable individuals. Previously, refugee camps worldwide have included refugees in databases, but now biometric data is being added to these logs in refugee camps in South Sudan. Adding this data enables a more precise allocation of resources and clearer communication regarding individual needs for recovery. Furthermore, the precision allows for follow-ups with particularly vulnerable individuals to ensure ongoing support. This is especially beneficial for the major demographics of the camps, which consist of approximately 70% of women and children who have specific needs, such as pregnant women or malnourished children.
Mapping
In South Sudan, mapping the biometric data in refugee camps has become an imperative initiative to assist refugees. Workers collect the data and place it in an interactive map, enabling easy visualization of the camp demographics and spatial distribution of individuals. This comprehensive view offers deeper insights into individual households, enabling workers to prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable individuals.
Mapping projects are actively aiding health initiatives in refugee camps, particularly in mitigating the spread of disease. These projects enable the identification of outbreak epicenters, allowing for faster and more precise delivery of aid to those in need. As a result, there is an efficient and effective allocation of resources to minimize waste.
Mapping projects actively contribute to the crucial psychological work conducted in refugee camps to ensure that refugees feel respected, understood and dignified. These projects also foster effective communication by directly gathering information from refugees. Additionally, mapping projects enable the accountability of camp overseers, as refugees can openly discuss service adequacy and concerns. Moreover, they highlight the importance of active participation by refugees in South Sudan, allowing them to become empowered and resilient members of society. By collaborating with those experiencing the greatest hardships, their needs can be fully understood and addressed.
Communication
The development of technology in refugee camps in South Sudan has positively impacted communication, fostering connections not only between staff and patrons but also among fellow refugees. Refugee workers have provided cell phones to facilitate easy communication, enabling refugees to access resources, accurate information and individualized assistance. Reports indicate that approximately 91% of refugees in South Sudan now have phone access, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. Specifically, women in these camps have benefited from cell phone access, experiencing improved communication and peer support, leading to increased confidence, empowerment and stronger relationships within the group, as well as with friends, family and the community. This demonstrates the potential of utilizing mobile phones to address health inequities and promote positive psychosocial outcomes within other marginalized refugee communities.
Technology developed to assist refugees in South Sudan plays a vital role in alleviating the crisis. Governments must fund the continuation and duplication of such programs through foreign aid initiatives to ensure that refugees in South Sudan and globally have access to necessary resources and receive the individual assistance they deserve.
– Ada Rose Wagar
Photo: Flickr
Living Conditions in Cambodia’s Slums
Populations Living in Slums
Data from the World Bank indicates a drastic decline in the population living in Cambodia’s slums, decreasing from 85% of the urban population in 2000 to 40% in 2020. Unfortunately, urban poverty and slums continue to pose significant economic and social challenges for the country.
Living Conditions in Slums
The Taramana Magdalena Center, an organization supporting marginalized communities in major Cambodian cities, describes Phnom Penh’s slums as “overcrowded, non-isolated and flood-prone”, which increases the risk of spreading diseases and bacterial growth. Families in slums often encounter land insecurity, unsafe housing, limited access to clean water and sanitation and high unemployment. Unfortunately, impoverished living conditions can lead to detrimental problems, such as water-related diseases, alcohol, drug and gambling addiction and domestic violence.
Typically, Cambodia’s slums experience poor sanitation & hygiene as well as high rates of diarrhea and malnutrition. Lack of toilets, proper drainage, garbage disposal system and overcrowded dwellings are common problems exacerbating health issues in vulnerable communities.
Drug Epidemic
The severity of substance abuse in urban slums prompted the Cambodian government to launch a major drug crackdown. A 2023 article by the Khmer Times, “Cambodia’s slums, a haven for drug abuse,” highlights the increasingly rampant drug use and sales in slum dwellings, mostly populated by homeless people and beggars.
Children’s Health and Education
As of today, The Taramana Magdalena Center determines that, due to the lack of access to vaccination and medical care, 37% of children under 5 in Cambodia face chronic malnutrition, which may reach 70% in some vulnerable areas, including slums.
A 2018 UNICEF Cambodia study, “Child Protection and Education Needs for the Children and Adolescents of Phnom Penh’s Urban Poor Communities,” found that children and adolescents living in urban poor communities face multiple risks and deprivations due to urban poverty. Parents or caregivers often prioritize earning income and have limited time to care for their children adequately. Their lack of knowledge about proper childcare also contributes to the family’s diminished capacity to protect children from risks, provide education, ensure proper nutrition and access essential services.
Solutions and Initiatives
Since 1996, U.N.-Habitat has actively supported Cambodia’s national and provincial governments, city authorities and communities to improve living standards. The organization provides technical assistance in Cambodia, covering water and sanitation, affordable housing, disaster risk reduction, slum upgrading, poverty reduction and urban planning.
Habitat for Humanity Cambodia collaborates with various organizations and authorities to provide safe and affordable housing, water and sanitation interventions and welfare support. Their approach includes reducing disaster risk, influencing housing policies and regulations and promoting financial stability among populations living in Cambodia’s slums.
On the other hand, Planète Enfants & Développement (PE&D) focuses on family dynamics and social issues. The organization provides social workers to help communities in Phnom Penh’s slums address domestic violence, gender equality and parenting. Families are also taught about budgeting and financial management to tackle financial issues related to addiction and gambling. Moreover, savings and microcredit groups are established in each neighborhood, enabling residents to finance immediate needs and small housing projects.
A Look Ahead
Multilateral and community organizations continue to empower communities and improve living conditions for vulnerable urban populations in Cambodia’s slums. Through collaborative efforts, these organizations provide technical assistance, safe housing, water and sanitation interventions, address social issues and promote financial stability. These efforts aim to create positive and sustainable changes in the lives of those living in Cambodia’s slums.
– Freya Ngo
Photo: Flickr
Foreign Aid to Bangladesh to Address the Rohingya Crisis
Though the Bangladesh government claims that socioeconomic circumstances will gradually improve as Bhasan Char forms into a community, the Rohingya lack access to the most basic necessities. The Rohingya almost entirely rely on foreign aid to Bangladesh to promote security and improve living conditions in camps.
Conditions on Bhasan Char
Bhasan Char, with its low elevation, faces higher vulnerability to floods and storms. The Bangladesh government prohibits the construction of stronger shelters to signify the temporary nature of the stay. In August 2021, a monsoon displaced over 21,000 refugees and destroyed about 6,418 shelters. On average, Bhasan Char encounters three to four cyclones per year, and in 2020, the Category Five cyclone Amphan formed in the Bay of Bengal, wreaking havoc on nearby populations, not far from Bhasan Char.
Furthermore, the island occasionally disappears completely underwater and is eroding away at a rate of half a kilometer per year. Bhasan Char’s isolation, lack of storm and flood protection and other environmental predicaments could put the Rohingya at serious risk, with accompanying bad weather causing the island to be inaccessible by boats or helicopter. The risks remain unaccounted for by the Bangladesh government.
The Most Basic Human Necessities
The Rohingya additionally lack access to the most basic human necessities, such as uncontaminated water, food, freedom of movement and education. The Rohingya are currently experiencing a shortage of drinking water on the island due to clogged sewage facilities and inundated wells, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Not only is there a shortage, but the water also may contain water-borne diseases, of which there are already cases reported in the camps. Deemed “an island jail in the middle of the sea” by HRW, Bhasan Char is also facing food scarcity. These circumstances exacerbate the living conditions of the Rohingya during the aforementioned floods and storms. Since the island is completely cut off from the rest of the world during bad weather, adequate food, water and medical care become even more limited and fatality rates surge.
According to reports, the Bangladeshi government restricts the Rohingya from exiting the island once they arrive, punishing those who try to escape by beating them. No secondary schools, informal or formal, exist in Bhasan Char and the government bans Rohingya from teaching the language and curriculum of Bangladesh, leaving the 450,000 Rohingya children with no access to education, according to HRW. Instead, the Bangladeshi government has constructed “learning centers,” temporary bamboo structures that can accommodate up to 40 children at a time, but many of these have since rotted.
Looking Forward: Foreign Aid
In October 2021, the United Nations (U.N.) signed an agreement with the Bangladesh government guaranteeing concerted efforts to improve the services on the island, Al Jazeera reports.
Another way to further support the Rohingya would be to relocate more refugees from Bangladesh to other countries instead of Bhasan Char. Canada, for instance, has previously demonstrated interest in hosting the Rohingya. In addition, with the help of the U.N., Malaysia facilitated the resettlement of more than 10,000 Rohingya in wealthier countries like the United States (U.S.), Canada, Japan and New Zealand over the past decade.
Furthermore, the international community could continue to chip in monetary support. Donations have previously gone toward humanitarian sectors such as food, education and health care. Since 2017, the U.S. has provided $2 billion in assistance to the Rohingya. The U.S. recently provided $23.8 million in April 2023, showing continued interest from the international community.
Bolstering foreign aid to Bangladesh could bring about lasting improved living conditions for the Rohingya, supplying them with adequate nutrition and better-quality education.
— Lauren Liu
Photo: Unsplash
Updates on SDG 1 in Brazil
World leaders adopted the Universal SDGs in 2015, with a primary focus on alleviating poverty for all by 2023. SDG 1 aims to eradicate extreme poverty, while other SDGs aim to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental growth.
The Peculiar Case of Brazil
Since 1998, global extreme poverty has generally declined, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted progress, leading to a global poverty increase from 8.3% to 9.2% in 2020. However, Brazil’s situation diverged from this trend. The UN’s annual report on SDG progress revealed that Brazil experienced a rise in poverty levels since the adoption of SDGs in 2015. The estimated percentage of the Brazilian population living below the poverty threshold, which is less than USD 2.15 a day, reached 6.28% in 2018. However, following years of an increase in extreme poverty from the 2014 figure of 4.02%, during the pandemic, Brazil recorded a significant decline in poverty. The proportion of Brazilians living below the poverty threshold dropped from 6.18% in 2019 to only 2.41% in 2020 and indicators for SDG 1 in Brazil continued to show a slight but continued decrease up to 2023.
Explaining the Numbers
The year 2014 marked the beginning of Brazil’s longest and most severe recession. The indicator for SDG 1 in Brazil, measuring the poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day, reached its all-time low of the decade at 4.02. Political turmoil resulting from domestic macroeconomic mismanagement and corruption scandals exacerbated the crisis. In an effort to reduce the state budget deficit, the government implemented cuts in public expenditure on education and health care, which, in turn, led to a contracting GDP and real incomes, and a significant rise in unemployment and inflation rates. Although exact figures are uncertain, estimates suggest that extreme poverty increased from 5.2 million to 11.9 million between 2014 and 2017.
However, Brazil’s recovery in the subsequent years involved significant multifaceted reforms, including enhanced fiscal discipline, tax reform, improved labor rights and renewed spending on social assistance programs. A notable social initiative during this time was Bolsa Família, the world’s largest program providing cash payments to low-income individuals and families. Bolsa Família aims to reduce poverty, hunger and inequality, serving both as a layer of social security for the most vulnerable as well as a tool of wealth redistribution. The program annually benefits more than 46 million people directly, monitoring the health condition of nearly 10 million and the education of 15 million individuals. Estimates suggest that extreme poverty rates would have been one-third higher without Bolsa Família and it is credited with reducing the Gini coefficient by 15%.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil faced the second-highest death toll, as concluded by the IMF. However, the country responded with a swift vaccination campaign and resilience in the face of accompanying economic shocks. Alongside a more robust social and macroeconomic framework established after 2016, Brazil boasts one of the strongest health care systems in Latin America, allowing it to maintain an improving figure on SDG 1 indicators despite the existing challenges. Additionally, the government’s pandemic policies focused on improving conditions for vulnerable segments through the expansion of Bolsa Família and the introduction of emergency aid for self-employed and unemployed workers.
What Brazil’s Experience Says About Poverty
Since 2018, Brazil has been incorporating SDGs into its sectoral action plans, including initiatives targeting education and health care, as well as efforts to enhance economic management. In 2023, the concerned U.N. authorities awarded Brazil an overall score of 73 out of 100 on the SDG index.
Brazil’s experience underscores the complex nature of poverty, shaped by a blend of economic, social and political factors. Consequently, the adoption of SDGs to address different aspects of a nation’s development and their promotion as a comprehensive set of measures appears to be vital in confronting the interrelated factors contributing to the endurance of poverty.
– Nadia Asaad
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