Colombia is a resource-rich country in the north of South America that is diverse and full of contrasts. Considering their challenging history, the nation has grown to become more resilient in terms of democracy and culture. Colombia is the world’s 55th largest exporter, with about $41 billion in exports to foreign markets. However, diseases impacting Colombia continue to be a serious threat as a whole, mainly due to its tropical climate and low awareness of some diseases which play a role in making the country more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses.
Understanding the difference between communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial to comprehending the illnesses that most commonly impact Colombia. Diabetes and cancer are examples of NCDs, which have a tendency to spread slowly. On the other hand, communicable illnesses such as TB or measles are more contagious and easier to transmit.
NCDs
According to data from 2014, NCDs were responsible for 71% of Colombian deaths, with injuries and other incidents accounting for the remaining 17%. The three primary NCDs in Colombia as of 2014 were diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
In Colombia, 28% of all deaths were from cardiovascular diseases, with men dying at a higher rate than women. Furthermore, a report indicated that 35,000 Colombians lost their lives to cancer in 2014. By 2035, cancer-related mortality may rise by 31%, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Additionally, diabetes claimed the lives of almost 19,000 Colombians in 2015, making up 10% of all fatalities in the nation that year. One million more people in Colombia may have diabetes without a diagnosis, making it one of the most underdiagnosed conditions that are impacting Colombia.
NCDs were responsible for 22% of premature deaths among people under the age of 70. A report stated that Government health spending as a percentage of GDP rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2013, indicating that NCDs have apparently had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Furthermore, individual health expenditure has also increased from $133.59 in 2002 to $569.19 in 2015 as a result of the rise of NCDs within the country.
Communicable Diseases
Due to Colombia’s tropical environment and a lack of awareness about the seriousness of some diseases, communicable diseases impacting Colombia including malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are more common and transmit quickly among people.
According to Reports, in 2022 alone, TB affected 32 out of every 100,000 individuals, with a fatality rate of 2.4 per 100, 000. Within the same year, there were 25 HIV diagnoses for every 100, 000 people, resulting in a total 5.1 deaths per 100,000. However, one should note that in recent years, the HIV rate has dropped by 7.4%. This can be credited to Colombia’s strong and growing health sector. But due to its tropical climate, Colombia, like many other nations, the ever-increasing malaria sickness plagues it. Up until 2019, Colombia recorded between 60,000 to 80,000 cases of malaria annually for almost 10 years.
Despite being more contagious, communicable diseases typically have more treatments and medications available. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia Healthcare sector as the 22nd best in the world, ahead of the United States and Australia. The government allocates 20% of its budget on health care, increasing access to care for individuals from a variety of circumstances.
Unemployment and Poverty in Colombia
Unemployment and the expenditures of health care for both individuals and families are two important elements to take into account when examining how poverty in Colombia contributes to a higher rate of illness infection. One major contributing cause to poverty is unemployment with Colombia’s unemployment rate currently at 9.1% at the moment, but it has remained constant since 2023. Since 9.1% of the population is unemployed, the majority cannot afford the present health care costs, which as of 2022 total $558 per individual.
A report showed that 19 million Colombians lived on just $97,94 a month in that same year. Alongside this is undernourishment, which has been a growing problem in Colombia, especially for women and in 2019, 88% of unemployed people, or 8% of the population, were undernourished. Furthermore, since inadequate nutrition is known to affect or weaken immune systems, more people are vulnerable to illnesses with the bulk of the unemployed population undernourished. Eventually, it leads to high health care costs, which furthers poverty.
The Colombian Government’s Efforts
The Colombian government introduced a national strategy to accomplish the “eradication and elimination” of the most contagious communicable illnesses in May 2024. It is strategy to improve the efficiency of medical care and expand public health services for Colombians. By 2035, the goal is to eradicate 30 additional communicable diseases; the eradication plan includes diseases that are impacting Colombia, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. In order to accomplish its objectives, the Colombian government has established the “One Health” approach, which attempts to close the gap between communities and medicine. The Colombian government intends to pool medical resources in order to fully implement this policy, making it more efficient and providing services that benefit everybody. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection hopes that the one health strategy, which just originated in 2024, will yield benefits soon.
Looking Ahead
The health landscape in Colombia is shaped by both communicable and NCDs, each posing significant challenges to the nation’s well-being. NCDs such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are leading causes of death and economic burden, contributing to premature mortality and escalating healthcare costs. At the same time, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV remain persistent threats, exacerbated by Colombia’s tropical climate and limited awareness in some areas. These diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially those living in poverty and facing unemployment, further straining the healthcare system.
However, the country’s resilient health sector and government initiatives, such as the “One Health” strategy, offer hope for tackling diseases impacting Colombia. By focusing on prevention, treatment, and greater accessibility to health care, Colombia aims to improve health outcomes and eradicate many infectious diseases in the coming decades. As the country continues to navigate these health complexities, effective policy interventions and improved public awareness will be key in reducing the impact of both communicable and NCDs on the Colombian population.
– Zacc Katusiime
Zacc is based in Kampala, Uganda and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality
Inequality in Namibia
Namibia experiences some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with a Gini Index of 59.1 in 2015, a measure of wealth distribution across the population. By 2024, Namibia ranked second globally for income inequality, behind only South Africa. This disparity disproportionately affects rural communities, women and children. Addressing these ongoing challenges requires strong and effective political action to drive meaningful change.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
At the time of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s birth in 1952, Namibia was known as South West Africa and was under South African occupation. According to the BBC, during her teenage years, she joined Swapo, a group resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule. While in high school, a crackdown on Swapo activities led to her arrest and prosecution. Following her release, Nandi-Ndaitwah decided to leave South West Africa and joined other Swapo activists in exile. She continued her activism in Zambia and Tanzania before moving to the United Kingdom (U.K.) to study International Relations. After Namibia gained independence in 1988, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and joined the then-Swapo-led government. Throughout her political career in Namibian politics, she has been a figurehead for women’s rights in Namibia.
A Vision for Reducing Inequality
Through her efforts, the Combating of Domestic Violence Act passed the National Assembly in 2002. She has steadily advanced in Namibia’s male-dominated political arena and, in February 2024, became the country’s vice president. By December 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president, securing more than 57% of the vote. Although she has yet to outline specific plans, the president-elect has promised significant change, stating, “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.” In her victory speech, according to Reuters, she highlighted the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and land reforms to address disparities between Namibia’s social groups.
Looking Forward
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic milestone for Namibian politics and its marginalized communities. Her leadership represents a long-awaited opportunity to tackle systemic poverty and inequality that have persisted since the era of white-minority rule.
As she prepares to take office, expectations are high for land reforms, equitable wealth distribution and improved access to education and health services. Her decades-long advocacy for women and vulnerable populations provides hope for actionable change.
While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election is cause for celebration, her success will ultimately be measured by her ability to transform promises into policies that address Namibia’s deepest inequalities and ensure that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to thrive.
– William Pickering
Photo: Flickr
Diseases Impacting Colombia
Understanding the difference between communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial to comprehending the illnesses that most commonly impact Colombia. Diabetes and cancer are examples of NCDs, which have a tendency to spread slowly. On the other hand, communicable illnesses such as TB or measles are more contagious and easier to transmit.
NCDs
According to data from 2014, NCDs were responsible for 71% of Colombian deaths, with injuries and other incidents accounting for the remaining 17%. The three primary NCDs in Colombia as of 2014 were diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
In Colombia, 28% of all deaths were from cardiovascular diseases, with men dying at a higher rate than women. Furthermore, a report indicated that 35,000 Colombians lost their lives to cancer in 2014. By 2035, cancer-related mortality may rise by 31%, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Additionally, diabetes claimed the lives of almost 19,000 Colombians in 2015, making up 10% of all fatalities in the nation that year. One million more people in Colombia may have diabetes without a diagnosis, making it one of the most underdiagnosed conditions that are impacting Colombia.
NCDs were responsible for 22% of premature deaths among people under the age of 70. A report stated that Government health spending as a percentage of GDP rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2013, indicating that NCDs have apparently had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Furthermore, individual health expenditure has also increased from $133.59 in 2002 to $569.19 in 2015 as a result of the rise of NCDs within the country.
Communicable Diseases
Due to Colombia’s tropical environment and a lack of awareness about the seriousness of some diseases, communicable diseases impacting Colombia including malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are more common and transmit quickly among people.
According to Reports, in 2022 alone, TB affected 32 out of every 100,000 individuals, with a fatality rate of 2.4 per 100, 000. Within the same year, there were 25 HIV diagnoses for every 100, 000 people, resulting in a total 5.1 deaths per 100,000. However, one should note that in recent years, the HIV rate has dropped by 7.4%. This can be credited to Colombia’s strong and growing health sector. But due to its tropical climate, Colombia, like many other nations, the ever-increasing malaria sickness plagues it. Up until 2019, Colombia recorded between 60,000 to 80,000 cases of malaria annually for almost 10 years.
Despite being more contagious, communicable diseases typically have more treatments and medications available. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia Healthcare sector as the 22nd best in the world, ahead of the United States and Australia. The government allocates 20% of its budget on health care, increasing access to care for individuals from a variety of circumstances.
Unemployment and Poverty in Colombia
Unemployment and the expenditures of health care for both individuals and families are two important elements to take into account when examining how poverty in Colombia contributes to a higher rate of illness infection. One major contributing cause to poverty is unemployment with Colombia’s unemployment rate currently at 9.1% at the moment, but it has remained constant since 2023. Since 9.1% of the population is unemployed, the majority cannot afford the present health care costs, which as of 2022 total $558 per individual.
A report showed that 19 million Colombians lived on just $97,94 a month in that same year. Alongside this is undernourishment, which has been a growing problem in Colombia, especially for women and in 2019, 88% of unemployed people, or 8% of the population, were undernourished. Furthermore, since inadequate nutrition is known to affect or weaken immune systems, more people are vulnerable to illnesses with the bulk of the unemployed population undernourished. Eventually, it leads to high health care costs, which furthers poverty.
The Colombian Government’s Efforts
The Colombian government introduced a national strategy to accomplish the “eradication and elimination” of the most contagious communicable illnesses in May 2024. It is strategy to improve the efficiency of medical care and expand public health services for Colombians. By 2035, the goal is to eradicate 30 additional communicable diseases; the eradication plan includes diseases that are impacting Colombia, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. In order to accomplish its objectives, the Colombian government has established the “One Health” approach, which attempts to close the gap between communities and medicine. The Colombian government intends to pool medical resources in order to fully implement this policy, making it more efficient and providing services that benefit everybody. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection hopes that the one health strategy, which just originated in 2024, will yield benefits soon.
Looking Ahead
The health landscape in Colombia is shaped by both communicable and NCDs, each posing significant challenges to the nation’s well-being. NCDs such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are leading causes of death and economic burden, contributing to premature mortality and escalating healthcare costs. At the same time, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV remain persistent threats, exacerbated by Colombia’s tropical climate and limited awareness in some areas. These diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially those living in poverty and facing unemployment, further straining the healthcare system.
However, the country’s resilient health sector and government initiatives, such as the “One Health” strategy, offer hope for tackling diseases impacting Colombia. By focusing on prevention, treatment, and greater accessibility to health care, Colombia aims to improve health outcomes and eradicate many infectious diseases in the coming decades. As the country continues to navigate these health complexities, effective policy interventions and improved public awareness will be key in reducing the impact of both communicable and NCDs on the Colombian population.
– Zacc Katusiime
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know About Women’s Rights in Kiribati
Within the Law
Women have always had the right to vote in Kiribati, as that was codified when the country was first granted independence. Despite this strong foundation for women’s rights, women only make up 6.67% of representation in national parliament in Kiribati, compared to a global average of 25.09%.
The Kiribati constitution does not protect individuals from discrimination based on gender. However, certain protections for women have recently been passed. Violence against women, namely sexual assault, is treated as a crime and prosecuted accordingly. The punishment for this includes a maximum life sentence of life in prison for rape specifically, though the mean amount of jail time rests around four years.
In 2018, the Kiribati Women and Children’s Support Center was opened and launched a 24-hour hotline for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. This marked a turning point for women’s rights in Kiribati, and contributed to broader efforts of spreading awareness about sexual assault in the region.
Inside the Schools
Literacy rates for women are above average at 98.61% ( the world average is 82.03%). One can attribute this to the universal education for youth Kiribati provides. Girls are actually more likely to complete their primary education than boys, and this emphasis of literacy and education allows for women in Kiribati to attain economic empowerment. Furthermore, the Education Act of 2013 solidified education for all by codifying protections against women and girls by outlawing refusal of enrollment based on sex.
Unfortunately, girls’ attendance in school drops exponentially after primary education. Only 87% of girls go on to complete junior secondary education, and then just 63% complete senior secondary education. This is for a variety of factors, but poverty is the main reason. Often, parents will pull their children out of school following primary or junior secondary school in order for them to help earn enough money to put food on the table. The wealthiest children in Kiribati have a 71% chance of completing their education, while the poorest have only a 35% chance.
Women and Poverty
While women in Kiribati tend to have more education than men on average, this does not necessarily mean that their quality of life or financial standing is any better. In fact, the unemployment rate for women in Kiribati was up to 12.4% in 2020, almost 2% more than men. The labor force participation rates contain similar disparities, with men having a 54.4% labor force participation rate, and women only reaching 40.5%. There are a variety of factors behind this, but gender gaps and a lack of supportive policies to help combat unfair hiring practices are often cited as main reasons. Due to this, women in Kiribati are at a higher likelihood of living in poverty.
Despite this, there are concerted efforts from various organizations within Kiribati to help women and girls fight poverty. One of the most prominent organizations in the area is called Teitoiningaina, which is the National Catholic Women’s Association of Kiribati. This organization focuses on improving the lives of women in Kiribati by offering family health care, offering programs to help women in Kiribati get an education and providing classes on business.
Looking Ahead
Although the rate of violence against women in Kiribati is proportionally high, new government programs help provide support to survivors and further criminalize violence against women. Not only that, but the rate of literacy for women exceeds the standard for the region by far and gives women the opportunity to have more economic power and autonomy than they otherwise might not have. While there is still work to be done for women’s rights in Kiribati, the region is on the path to success.
– Mackenzie Scott
Photo: Flickr
Gender Wage Gap in Tunisia: Challenges and Ongoing Solutions
Although the country has made significant improvements since 2023, Tunisia has stalled in closing the gender wage gap. Tunisia is among the five countries with the largest gender pay gaps, alongside Sudan (82%), Algeria (81%), Egypt (79%) and Morocco (77%). As neighboring nations tackle similar issues, Tunisia risks falling further behind unless it takes bold action to address the root causes of wage inequality.
The Gender Wage Gap: A Persistent Issue
In Tunisia, as in many other countries, the gender wage gap is not simply a result of educational differences. Women in Tunisia are well-represented in education, particularly in higher education, with more women graduating than men in many fields.
Despite higher literacy rates for females (79%) compared to males (72.2%), women remain underrepresented in higher-paying sectors.
Women often work in traditionally lower-paying fields like teaching, health care and administrative roles, while men dominate more lucrative areas such as engineering and finance.
This occupational segregation results in women earning less than men in some sectors, even with similar qualifications, and being less likely to be hired. For instance, in the IT sector, women with the same credentials as their male counterparts are 15 % less likely to receive a callback from employers.
Limited Leadership Opportunities
According to the World Bank, the country also faces a high degree of informal employment, Informal jobs tend to lack legal protections and social security benefits, intensifying economic insecurity for many women. Furthermore, women in Tunisia are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions, with only 26% of women holding middle and senior management roles.
A combination of cultural norms, economic segregation and insufficient policies has influenced this, hindering women’s equal participation in the workforce. Tunisia also falls significantly behind in Political Empowerment scoring 0.216, reflecting a gender gap in political representation and leadership roles.
Women in Tunisia also face higher unemployment rates than men, with 20.61% of women unemployed compared to 13.6% of men. This is partly attributed to family and cultural pressures, especially in rural areas, where women are less likely to seek or pursue employment. As highlighted by the UN, women aged 15 and above spend 21.9% of their time on unpaid care and domestic work, compared to just 2.7% for men.
Solutions
Several organizations and initiatives in Tunisia, such as UN Women, are actively working to address the gender pay gap and promote women’s economic empowerment. The UN Women office in Tunisia focuses on advocating for gender-sensitive policies and implementing programs to close the gender gap in education and employment. The UN Women: Strategic Note 2022–2025 focuses on three main pillars:
Key achievements in 2022 include:
One initiative focuses on providing rural women with skills to enhance their participation in the labor market. The program addresses barriers like unsafe transportation, limited childcare and inadequate workplace safety, enabling women to access better opportunities.
The program, part of a broader UN effort to close gender gaps under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), worked closely with national and local governments to advocate for safer and more equitable workplaces fostering policy advocacy and community engagement.
While detailed numbers of beneficiaries are not yet available, the approach emphasizes systemic change by integrating gender equality into national policy and budgeting.
Looking Ahead
Tunisia has made progress in education and health, but women continue to face significant challenges, including wage disparities, higher unemployment rates, and disproportionate time spent on unpaid labor. Initiatives like the UN Women Strategic Note 2022–2025 tackle these issues by promoting economic opportunities, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and addressing key barriers such as unsafe transportation and childcare. These efforts, combined with policy reforms, aim to close the gender gap and ensure women achieve greater empowerment in Tunisia.
– Arianna Distefano
Photo: Flickr
UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box
Before 2020 – The Situation
As of 2018, pneumonia was responsible for 16% of child deaths, with the majority amongst children below the age of 2. It killed more children than diarrhea and malaria combined. Almost all cases of pneumonia can be prevented through early diagnosis and access to antibiotics and oxygen treatment. The problem lay and continues to lie with access to this healthcare.
Pneumonia does not have a single cause, it is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs, developing from either viruses or bacteria in the air. Once infected lungs become inflamed which causes difficulty breathing. The most common symptoms are coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.
The Role of Oxygen
When pneumonia develops, inflammation of the lungs stops enough oxygen from entering the bloodstream and circulating through the body. Access to oxygen in these cases becomes lifesaving. However, it has previously been unavailable to those in countries without strong health systems, only available in higher-level facilities and hospitals.
As the leading cause of preventable child deaths, pneumonia is more deadly to children in 124 low to middle-income countries who have limited or no access to health care. It leaves around 4.2 million children under 5 with dangerously low oxygen levels. This group is more vulnerable due to exposure to polluted air and higher rates of malnutrition and diarrhea, which leaves immune systems weaker.
UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF and partners have worked to improve basic oxygen access, coming up with their innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project. The Oxygen-Plant in a box produces enough oxygen to treat up to 100 children with severe pneumonia. The package contains everything necessary to install and operate a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant which is fully functional within days of being implemented at a health facility.
By December 2021, over 16 countries had ordered this product and were on the path to developing stronger health care systems. That month patients at the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda were the first to receive life-saving oxygen from this project.
More about the Box
The package includes everything to produce large volumes of medical-grade oxygen for patients, with each plant holding the capacity to produce up to 720,000 litres of oxygen each day. These packages aim to support medium to large health facilities.
Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, Chief of Product Innovation at UNICEF Supply Division, stated these plants could take up to six months to design and order, so they developed the pre-designed plants making the product cheaper and faster to manufacture and arrive, saving lives in the process.
Real Life Implementation
In Uganda, 6-month-old Constance suffered from a cough, fever and difficulty breathing. She went to her local hospital where they diagnosed her with pneumonia. Here, she was immediately provided with antibiotics and oxygen. UNICEF reports.
A few months prior this would not have been the case. Due to a deteriorating infrastructure, the Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital held very limited access to oxygen therefore constricting its ability to treat the increasing numbers of pneumonia cases in children. Now, with the Oxygen Pant-in-a-Box running, Constance is one of hundreds of children supplied with the proper medical care. The new plant covers an area of 2.8 million people, according to UNICEF.
Pneumonia is still the biggest infectious killer of children, with millions of children still contracting the infection. However, local and sustainable solutions will continue to be found to prevent more deaths from pneumonia. The Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project contributes to this goal, supplying oxygen to healthcare facilities and treatment to those who need it.
– Amelia Short
Photo: Flickr
Reducing Energy Poverty: Vietnam’s Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Expansion
Vietnam has emerged as a leader in renewable energy within Southeast Asia, with wind and solar capacity reaching 16.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2021, up from 7.4 GW in 2020, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). PDP8 aims to increase renewable energy capacity to more than 30 GW by 2030, accounting for 47% of the total electricity supply. This shift reduces Vietnam’s reliance on fossil fuels, which supply about 50% of the country’s power in recent years and makes energy more affordable for low-income households. Renewable energy projects are also driving job creation.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that renewable energy development in Vietnam could create 139 million jobs by 2030, particularly in installation, maintenance and manufacturing—industries vital for rural communities. By encouraging economic diversification, these opportunities give rural regions a sustainable path out of poverty. Reliable, affordable energy also lowers operational costs for small businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and regional development.
Rural Electrification and Improved Livelihoods
PDP8 prioritizes rural areas and remote regions, addressing energy poverty in communities like the Mekong Delta, where 85% of the population depends on agriculture. Expanding electricity access to these areas has far-reaching effects. According to the World Bank, rural electrification programs can increase household incomes through improved agricultural productivity. For example, access to electricity enables farmers to run irrigation systems, store perishable crops and process agricultural products.
In the Quang Tri and Kien Giang provinces, where electrification efforts are concentrated, such improvements could directly enhance farming efficiency and income stability. Reliable electricity also improves living standards, providing lighting, heating and connectivity that support education and small businesses. In Vietnam, where nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, these advancements play a critical role in poverty reduction.
Innovations in Energy Storage and Research
To address the challenges of renewable energy intermittency, PDP8 includes the development of energy storage solutions, such as large-scale battery systems. These systems ensure consistent electricity supply, even in remote areas, where disruptions are more common.
Additionally, Vietnam is investing in renewable energy research hubs, which foster innovation and skills development. These hubs contribute to Vietnam’s green transition by advancing technology and training workers for jobs in renewable energy. According to McKinsey and Company, investments in green technologies could boost Vietnam’s GDP.
A Sustainable Path to Economic Resilience
Vietnam’s PDP8 aims to strengthen the economy by creating a robust renewable energy ecosystem. Affordable, reliable electricity shields communities from external shocks, such as fluctuating fossil fuel prices, while lowering costs for small businesses. The World Bank reports that improving energy access can reduce poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and expanding employment opportunities.
PDP8 is more than an energy strategy—it is a transformative plan for inclusive, sustainable development. By expanding renewable energy, promoting rural electrification and driving innovation, Vietnam aims to set an example for other developing nations seeking to reduce both energy poverty and economic inequalities.
– Edzhe Miteva
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Challenges in Higher Education in Nepal
Higher education is crucial for the overall development of Nepal as it cultivates human resources essential for managing the country’s remaining resources. Yet, Nepalese educational institutions face several significant challenges that drive students to seek opportunities abroad rather than studying at local universities. The university education system in Nepal is engendering deep distrust in academics and thus prompting a critical examination of its effectiveness. This essay is going to introduce five critical issues that hinder the effectiveness of higher education in Nepal.
Over Rapid Expansion of Enrolment
The rapid increase in student enrollment has outpaced the capacity of educational institutions, leading to overcrowded classrooms and strained resources. Many Nepalese educational institutions suffer from inadequate physical and educational facilities, including a lack of well-equipped libraries, classrooms and even basic amenities like toilets.
This exacerbates the challenges that educators face, as high student-to-teacher ratios make it difficult for teachers to tailor their methods to meet individual student needs. As a result, insufficient resources limit students’ opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and apply their knowledge practically.
Under-Funding and Outdated Courses
Financial constraints significantly impact the quality of higher education in Nepal. Nepal spends only about 3.5% of its GDP on education, with a mere fraction allocated to higher education in Nepal. The majority of funding goes to a single institution, Tribhuvan University, leaving many other institutions under-resourced and unable to provide quality education.
This chronic underfunding affects the availability of modern teaching materials, research facilities and even the maintenance of existing infrastructure. As a result, students often find themselves in environments that do not support their academic and professional development, prompting them to seek education abroad where funding and resources are more robust.
The educational landscape often features outdated courses that do not align with the global job market’s demands. A lack of specialized programs, particularly in the field of technology and science, hampers students’ specific career aspirations. Additionally, administrative challenges lead to delays in conducting examinations and publishing results, further complicating the educational experience. These inefficiencies create an environment of uncertainty for students, who may find it difficult to plan their academic and career paths. The need for effective management and timely administrative processes is critical in ensuring that students receive the education they deserve.
Irrational Structure of the System
The design of courses and curricula often lacks coherence and modern relevance. Higher education in Nepal exhibits a notable emphasis on theoretical instruction at the expense of practical knowledge. Graduates may find themselves lacking hands-on experience and practical skills that are crucial in the professional realm. This disconnection between education and the job market likely further exacerbates the challenges that the graduates may have when they are seeking employment.
Quality Erosion
The expansion of educational institutions following the restoration of democracy has not been matched by a corresponding increase in quality. This decline in standards leads to a lack of trust in the academic system. Many prospective students are now questioning the value of a local degree, prompting them to explore educational opportunities abroad. The erosion of quality in higher education in Nepal not only affects individual students but also has broader implications for the country’s development, as it undermines the very foundation of human resource cultivation.
Impact of Poverty on Access of Higher Education
Low income remains a significant barrier to accessing higher education in Nepal. Many families cannot afford tuition fees, textbooks and other educational expenses, and this forces the students to abandon their academic dreams. The financial strain often compels students from low-income backgrounds to prioritize immediate employment over education and thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
Additionally, rural students face even greater challenges, including the costs associated with travel and accommodation in urban centers where most universities are located.
The government of Nepal with the assistance from the International Development Association (IDA)/World Bank, initiated the Second Higher Education Project (SHEP) in 2015 to tackle these challenges:
Transformative Government Initiatives to Elevate Education Quality
The Nepalese government has actively tackled the challenges in its education system by launching several targeted initiatives. These don’t all relate to higher education in Nepal specifically but improvements on Nepal’s overall education system may be a good starting point for Nepal to improve its higher education system as well.
Looking Ahead
Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Nepalese higher education. By investing in infrastructure, updating curricula, and ensuring quality faculty, Nepal may be able to create an educational ecosystem that retains local talent. Furthermore, there is the potential to attract international students, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
– Hoi Ieng Chao
Photo: Flickr
Global HIV Infections and Deaths Are Declining
Progress Through Antiretroviral Treatment
Antiretroviral (ART) drugs treat HIV by preventing the virus from replicating, which lowers the virus to undetectable levels and significantly reduces the risk of transmission to partners or unborn children. Since 2010, new infections have dropped by 39% and AIDS-related deaths have declined by 51%.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. In 2023, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, far from the United Nations (U.N.) target of fewer than 250,000 deaths by 2025. Over the past decade, new initiatives have expanded access to treatment in resource-limited countries, leading to significant improvements. However, barriers like HIV-related stigma, discrimination, social inequalities, national instability and conflict continue to hinder efforts to combat the epidemic.
Countries Leading the Fight
Countries Facing Significant Challenges
Looking Forward
Global progress in the fight against the epidemic has led to a decline in new HIV infections and deaths, but challenges remain in several countries. While nations like South Africa and Eswatini have made significant strides, others, including South Sudan, Nigeria and the Philippines, continue to face barriers such as health care gaps and stigma. Efforts from international organizations and local charities are crucial in addressing these ongoing issues and advancing treatment and prevention globally.
– Georgia de Gidlow
Photo: Flickr
Rwanda Leverages Technology to Become Africa’s Innovation Hub
Kigali Innovation City: A Catalyst for Growth
Kigali Innovation City lies at the center of Rwanda’s digital transformation. The city serves as a flagship project under the Smart Rwanda Master Plan. It drives the nation’s efforts to position itself as Africa’s hub for innovation. The City integrates university campuses, research and development facilities and business hotels to accelerate the digital transformation to stimulate regional economic growth. President Paul Kagame’s administration has led advancements in ICT infrastructure, laying the groundwork for Rwanda’s digital revolution.
Startups like Zipline and SafeMotos have become key players in Rwanda’s growing tech hub, revolutionizing health care and transportation. SafeMotos, a ride-hailing platform, provides safe and reliable motorcycle taxi services in Kigali. The startup is improving road safety and transportation efficiency while offering affordable mobility solutions to underserved communities. Zipline, a drone technology company, delivers life-saving blood and medical supplies to remote areas, addressing health care gaps worsened by poverty. These innovations highlight the role of technology in solving societal challenges and improving living standards, revealing Rwanda’s success in becoming a hub for innovation in Africa.
Technology’s Role in Poverty Reduction
The rapid growth of Rwanda’s ICT sector has had profound impacts on poverty alleviation, with tangible benefits across multiple areas:
A Model for Africa and Beyond
Rwanda’s transformation demonstrates how technology and strategic planning can potentially drive sustainable development and economic resilience. Indeed, by investing in innovation and digital infrastructure, the country has created solutions to address health care gaps, improve transportation and diversify its economy. This success positions Rwanda as a model for other nations seeking to reduce poverty and stimulate growth through technology. Furthermore, its journey highlights the potential for strategic leadership and innovation to create lasting progress across Africa and beyond.
– Edzhe Miteva
Photo: Flickr
The Recent Poverty Spike in Argentina
Poverty Spike in Argentina
Argentina is now grappling with an alarming surge in poverty, which has risen to levels not seen in over 20 years. As of mid-2024, more than 50% of the population is living below the poverty line, with 27 million people affected. The poverty spike in Argentina correlates to current economic instabilities. President Javier Milei has established particular austerity measures recently, primarily implementing a significant reduction in spending, that exists as a major factor in the South American nation’s monetary issues.
Milei, a staunch libertarian, came into power in late 2023 and proposed methods aimed at stabilizing an otherwise fluctuating economy. He focuses on three main areas: cutting funding to social assistance programs; layoffs in the public sector and freezing public investment. In the end; however, each inadvertently ended up doing more bad than good. For example, the government’s layoffs in the public sector have led to thousands losing their jobs, thus exacerbating unemployment, according to The Guardian.
Inflation and Purchasing Power
A spike in poverty like this is often the result of years of build-up, and for Argentina, it can be seen through its long-lasting fight with inflation. Annual inflation in Argentina sits at one of the highest on the globe at over 230%, The Guardian reports.
Such rampant inflation has drastically eroded purchasing power, leaving necessities like food out of reach for many. The cost of staple goods has soared, making daily survival a challenge for millions. A further damning scenario occurred in May 2024, with subway fares in Buenos Aires tripling, rising from 125 pesos (14 cents) to 574 pesos (64 cents).
Unsurprisingly, all of the recent living difficulties have been met with protests in response. In June 2024, anti-government protestors clashed with police forces in Buenos Aires in retaliation to the Argentine Senate passing Milei’s reforms. In spite of all this, Milei’s government has defended the situation, deferring away from the negative effects of his policies, instead “celebrat[ing] the fact that his administration had managed to lower spending to a level below tax income for the first time since 2008.”
NGOs Helping
There are efforts underway, working to address the challenging circumstances in Argentina, with several organizations actively working to alleviate the impacts of poverty and inflation. NGOs are playing a key role in supporting vulnerable populations by providing essential resources and services. For instance, organizations like the Red Cross are distributing food, offering shelter and facilitating access to health care.
Additionally, programs such as Project Noemi focus on promoting job training and small business development are helping individuals gain economic stability, contributing to longer-term solutions for affected communities.
Overall, the surge in poverty in Argentina is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between economic reforms and social equity. While the Milei administration’s austerity measures may have been established with positive intentions, aimed at stabilizing Argentina’s finances, their immediate impact has plunged millions into hardship. Navigating a path out of this crisis will require not only bold economic decisions but also a commitment to social justice and inclusion.
– Joe Lockett
Photo: Unsplash