Clean Water in the Dominican Republic

Clean Water in the Dominican Republic
Near the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic lies the poverty-stricken city of Independencia, where potable water is not a reality. Only 15% of inventoried water systems practiced chlorination in 2020, which has posed threats to human consumption. The poorest communities in the Dominican Republic rely on government-run faucets that provide a stream of contaminated water. When residents consume the bacteria-filled water, they increase their risk of contracting an illness.

Dominican residents frequently report water discoloration and odors which has led to an increase in bottled water consumption. Cholera and waterborne disease result from the lack of proper water treatment. Diarrhea is a common health complication that, left untreated, leads to the death of many island inhabitants. In 2017, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 13,803 suspected cholera cases on the island of Hispaniola. In poverty-striken areas such as Independencia, there seems to be no option but to drink contaminated water, even with the consequences in mind. However, some efforts exist to provide clean water in the Dominican Republic.

The Impact of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms that damage crops and destroy sewage systems have frequently ravaged the Dominican Republic. In 2017, Hurricane Maria affected much of the Caribbean, making recovery difficult due to a lack of resources. Damaged pipelines spread contaminated water, which left residents at risk of waterborne diseases. Natural disasters are the most significant contributor to the Dominican Republic’s water crisis, as bacteria destroy and corrupt pipelines. Feces and animal carcasses contaminate the water tanks, producing a toxic mixture of water, dirt, and animal materials that the community will likely ingest. Moreover, using polluted water for recreational purposes also infects the users.

Bottled Water

Because the poorest communities struggle to find clean water, they often turn to bottled water. Purified bottled water is beneficial for various tasks such as washing dishes, watering vegetation and brushing teeth. Consuming bottled water can better prevent infections. In the communities of the Dominican Republic, 40% of households spend roughly an eighth of their income on water. Unpurified water impacts those with weak immune systems the most. Children suffer from diarrhea and vomiting because of non-chlorinated water. In Batey Nueve, the community’s residents share water from the running free water tank. However, the water is not treated, which has led to widespread ingestion of contaminated water.

Civilians of the Dominican Republic find that their water is at unsafe levels causing acute health risks. Residents live in environments where people normalize waterborne diseases. With annual natural disasters damaging the sewage systems, more-and-more people are left with contaminated water that is actively impairing them. For many families, the only solution is to purchase bottled water. However, some do not have the income to consistently buy purified water, leading them to endanger their health by consuming tap water.

Efforts to Provide Clean Water in the Dominican Republic

Founded in 2008, the nonprofit Surge for Water invests in impoverished communities to help with water sanitation solutions. In 2016, Surge volunteers installed 45 water tanks, that improved water storage for almost 170 people in Baidoa. The organization subsequently provided 16 water filters which allowed 97% of their community to have purified water. Waterborne diseases such as cholera can be preventable when sanitation is prioritized.

Communities in the Dominican Republic are experiencing potable water scarcity, placing residents at risk of infection. Charities and organizations have implemented measures to provide clean water in the Dominican Republic and help Dominican residents prevent health complications. The CDC advises using treated or bottled water for consumption and recreational use when traveling to the Dominican Republic. With government efforts to keep sewage systems clean and to practice chlorination, communities will suffer fewer health complications due to water sanitation. A clean cup of water can be a life-changer for those that struggle to find it.

– Yv Maciel
Photo: Flickr

,

Dignity For Children Fights Child Poverty in Malaysia

Child Poverty in MalaysiaMalaysia, a country in Southeast Asia, has a population of over 33 million people with 639,000 households living in absolute poverty. Poverty rates are higher among households with children, creating a child poverty crisis in Malaysia that leaves children in hostile and dangerous situations. In response to child poverty in Malaysia, an NGO in Kuala Lumpur is actively trying to help. Dignity for Children works to educate Malaysian children to help them find a pathway out of poverty in the future.

Effects of Child Poverty in Malaysia

The coronavirus pandemic tripled the number of households living in extreme poverty in Malaysia, worsening the child poverty crisis. Currently, more than 70,000 children live in poor conditions with no access to public school with those living in rural areas being worse off. The impact of child poverty in Malaysia also has the following ripple effects:

  • Higher child marriage rates, with a minimum marriage age of 16 for girls
  • Rising HIV/AIDS rates in child orphans
  • Sexual exploitation in rural areas
  • Higher instances of child labor or trafficking
  • Rising youth employment as the youth employment rate in Malaysia is 12.4%
  • Extreme malnutrition

Dignity For Children

Dignity for Children, founded in 1998, currently educates more than 1,700 children. This is accomplished through the use of quality, hands-on education. The program uses the Montessori or the “follow-the-child” philosophy. This contrasts with the country’s education mandate, which only applies to children between the ages of 6 and 11. The program provides education for children between the ages of 2-18 through a wide range of schools such as vocational institutions, private-learning centers, international schools and religious schools.

Through its transformational enterprises, Dignity creates well-rounded schooling by combining the classroom with real-world experiences. These transformational enterprises consist of five categories: hairdressing, sewing, eateries, art and wellness. Over six months, teenagers develop their skills in the program of their choice as they work alongside experienced professionals. These children not only gain experience in their desired field, but they also learn how to become self-sufficient and run a business. The program equips students so they graduate from secondary school with an array of skills in their arson. This can be beneficial to securing a job in the future.

Moving Forward

Dignity For Children fights child poverty in Malaysia by using hands-on education to break cycles of poverty and prepare children for a prosperous future. The center continues to operate in Sentul Kuala Lumpur and other poverty-stricken schools in South East Asia to create teacher training programs and further their students’ education. As the organization gains more students, Dignity For Children continues to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

– Blanly Rodriguez
Photo: Flickr

,

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in The Gambia

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in The Gambia
The Gambia is a small country in West Africa with a population of only 2.4 million people. The most recent statistics from the World Bank have indicated that as of 2015, 10.3% of the population was living below the poverty line. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on The Gambia, both in terms of its people and the country’s economic stability.

The U.N. has been working with the Gambian government, development partners and other stakeholders to nurture a comprehensive partnership to build back for the better. This is part of a global effort to ensure that the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic caused does not lead to more challenges than the virus itself.

The Impact on Employment in The Gambia

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on employment in The Gambia. For example, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has predicted that unemployment rates increased from 9.5% to 11.2% from 2019 to 2021. This is because many businesses had to close or reduce operations in response to the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia has led to a reduction in economic activity since people’s incomes have decreased and the prices of goods and services have increased.

Additionally, COVID-19 in The Gambia has led to the decline of many economic sectors including the tourism industry. For example, the number of tourists in the country dropped to 53.7% from February to March 2020. According to the Gambian Bureau of Statistics, out of 266 formal tourism establishments, 167 had to reduce their trained staff while the other 65 establishments reduced the pay of their staff.

The Economic Impacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on poverty in The Gambia. The country was already struggling with high levels of poverty, and the pandemic has made it even harder for people to make ends meet.

The impact of COVID-19 on poverty in The Gambia has led to slower economic growth in the country. The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs indicated that the economic impact of COVID-19 would lead to a loss of 2.5 million Gambian dalasis equivalent to almost $50,000. As a result, the economy would shrink from 6.3% in 2020 to 3.3%.

Solutions

The government of The Gambia has responded to the outbreak by implementing a number of measures to support those the pandemic has affected. These include providing financial assistance to households impacted by job losses, increasing food production and expanding access to health care.

In April 2020, the government started a food relief program to help almost 84% of the population, providing them with 50 kg of rice, cooking oil and sugar. Additionally, The Gambia provided loans to small and medium Enterprises (SME) so that they do not lay off their staff members and can boost their business.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic socio-economic impact on poverty in The Gambia. This is mainly due to the fact that the pandemic has caused a decline in economic activity. However, with the help and support from the government, The Gambia was able to stabilize after the pandemic also with the help from donors such as WHO who were able to provide masks and vaccines to people and also aid from USAID that helped improve the livelihood of people from The Gambia.

Without this support, many more people would live in poverty in the Gambia. While the pandemic has been a tragedy for so many, it is heartening to see that there are some people and organizations who are working to make a difference.

– Frida Sendoro
Photo: Flickr

5 Facts About Homelessness in Uruguay

Homelessness in UruguayUruguay is located on the eastern coast of South America and is known for being one of the most democratic and financially prosperous countries in the region. While Uruguay has made great economic progress since the early 2000s — which has significantly reduced poverty — the country continues to struggle with homelessness. With this in mind, many NGOs and institutions are working to combat this issue. This article will present five facts about homelessness in Uruguay’s capital city and how this issue is being combated.

5 Facts About Homelessness in Uruguay

  1. Homelessness is concentrated in urban areas. Homelessness in Uruguay is concentrated within the country’s larger cities, notably in Montevideo, which is the capital and largest city.

  2. The homeless population in Montevideo is increasing. According to a 2020 survey by the Ministry of Social Development, 2,553 people in Montevideo experienced homelessness. The data found that an estimated 885 people were living outdoors, while 1,668 were in shelters. Compared to data from 2019, there was a 25% increase in unsheltered individuals.

  3. The Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) is working to combat homelessness. Known in Spanish as Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de Uruguay, MIDES has been paying attention to the issue of homelessness in Uruguay. One way they addressed the issue was by creating the Homelessness Attention Programme. This program focuses on improving homeless shelters and connecting people living outdoors with the shelter system. There are roughly 36 designated homeless centers for adults in Montevideo. These centers often offer dinner, breakfast and an area for washing clothes.

  4.  Montevideo’s local government is turning abandoned houses into shelters. Along with various institutions operating throughout the nation, Montevideo’s local government has also taken steps to combat homelessness. In 2019, the government implemented a plan to restore and convert abandoned houses into social care centers. These centers focus on women who are victims of domestic violence along with individuals who suffer from substance abuse issues. Since domestic violence and drug abuse are among the top causes of homelessness, these centers have contributed greatly to addressing homelessness’s roots.

  5. The citizens of Montevideo are also working to combat homelessness. Every night in Montevideo — particularly during the colder season — an estimated 16 groups from various universities and churches take to the streets and pass out meals to the people living outdoors. Roughly 500 people participate every night to hand out more than 1,900 meals. Volunteers use donated goods from churches and businesses to cook the food that is subsequently distributed.

Homelessness in Uruguay is an issue that continues to affect the most vulnerable groups. Nonetheless, governments and citizens alike have taken important steps in identifying and tackling the issue.

– Timothy Ginter Photo: Flickr

Fragility of Rule of Law in Honduras

Fragility of Rule of Law in Honduras
Government corruption, drug-related crimes and poverty are three factors that reinforce each other and perpetuate the fragility of rule of law in Honduras. Poverty in Honduras remains a major concern, as around 48% of its population (more than 4.3 million people) live below the national poverty line, according to the World Bank. Meanwhile, the country is also a key transit point for drugs bound to the United States from South America, said the U.S. State Department in its 2022 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. A culture of impunity also prevails, with corruption and abuse marring the country’s judiciary and police, according to the 2022 World Report by Human Rights Watch.

The good news is that while these problems continue to plague the scenic Central American country, several local and U.S. institutions are working together to develop strategies aimed at improving the rule of law in Honduras.

Factors Undermining the Rule of Law in Honduras

In Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the Honduran government received a transparency score of 24 out of 100. A score of zero means highly corrupt and 100 is very transparent.

Misconduct, common among police officers and other low-ranking officials, reaches the country’s highest level of government as well. For instance, in 2022, the U.S. government extradited Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez for drug and weapons trafficking charges.

Corruption plays a part in continual poverty by misappropriating the funds intended for the delivery of essential services for the citizens of Honduras. Notably, in 2018, corruption in Honduras was more than $2 billion, or 12.5% of the nation’s GDP.

The Association for a More Just Society says that without a strong government to enforce the rule of law in Honduras, criminal organizations grow in power and influence. As a result, corruption and poverty keep deepening.  

Efforts to Uphold Rule of Law in Honduras

In response to a $300 million embezzlement scandal from 2014, the Honduran public called for the president’s resignation. They also demanded the creation of a national anti-corruption agency.

To address the public outrage, the Honduran government collaborated with the Organization of American States (OAS). This collaboration led to the creation of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH).

The MACCIH began operations in 2016 and was fairly successful. It arrested and convicted many high-ranking government officials implicated in the embezzlement scandal. It also fired 40% of the police force under suspicion of corruption. However, after four years, the MACCIH’s mandate ended following a disagreement between the Honduran government and the OAS.

The MACCIH’s shutdown also led to the end of the Special Prosecutor’s Unit against Impunity and Corruption (Unidad Fiscal Especial contra la Impunidad y la Corrupción) or UFECIC. UFECIC and the MACCIH were working closely in investigating corrupt networks.

Replacing UFECIC was the Special Prosecutor’s Unit against Corruption Networks (Unidad Fiscal Especializada Contra Redes de Corrupción) or UFERCO. However, UFERCO receives insufficient resources and support from national and international institutions. UFERCO’s situation debilitates efforts to uphold the rule of law in Honduras.

An additional complication to addressing the fragility of rule of law in Honduras is a new penal code, the Washington Office on Latin America said. The new code reduces sentences for corruption and drug trafficking-related crimes. 

Indeed, the controversial new code led to the acquittal of 14 officials implicated in the 2014 embezzlement case. Beneficiaries of the controversial code also include those convicted of misusing government money. Under the new code, those sentenced to less than five years have the possibility to reduce their sentence if they can repay the stolen funds. The new penal code went into effect in June 2020.

Onward and Forward: The Path to Strengthening the Rule of Law in Honduras

Despite the setbacks, several activities aimed at reducing the fragility of rule of law in Honduras persist. One such initiative is the Justice, Human Rights and Security Strengthening Activity (Unidos por la Justicia). This project, which USAID launched in 2016, operates to: instigate institutional reform, increase access to justice and civil society, increase policing and empower women to combat gender-based violence.

Additionally, the Biden Administration has pledged $4 billion over four years to address crime, poverty and corruption in Honduras and its neighboring states El Salvador and Guatemala. The move is part of the “U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Cause of Migration in Central America” plan.

This funding led to the founding of the Effective Justice to Combat Criminality and Corruption Project (JECCC), a U.S.-backed project seeking to collaborate with and expand on the efforts of Unidos por la Justicia.

In the past, the United States gave funds directly to the central government and Honduran law enforcement. However, to avoid funneling money into corrupt institutions, the new protocol prioritizes NGOs working toward improved education, agriculture and women’s rights.

– Xander Heiple
Photo: Flickr

,

Human Trafficking in Chad

Human Trafficking in Chad
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.” Incidents of human trafficking are more prevalent in areas enduring high rates of poverty as poverty makes people more susceptible to the lure of trafficking. Human trafficking in Chad, in particular, is a cause of concern due to Chad’s ranking as a Tier 2 Watch List country.

Human Trafficking in Chad

The U.S. Department of State ranks Chad as a Tier 2 Watch List country in 2021 as the nation “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.” Due to conflict and instability in surrounding countries, the Department of State said that Chad hosted “approximately 930,000 refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees and asylum seekers as of February 2021.” These groups are particularly susceptible to becoming trafficking victims “based on their economic instability and lack of access to support systems.”

Human trafficking in Chad disproportionately affects women and children. Girls are the most susceptible as some girls are “forced to marry against their will,” making them vulnerable to situations of sexual abuse and “exploitative domestic work.” Human trafficking commonly affects most children in the form of child labor despite government policies attempting to restrict this practice. Based on data from 2019, the Bureau of International Labor Affairs recorded that approximately 45.8% of children ages 5 to 14 engage in child labor in Chad.

Efforts to End Human Trafficking

In 2020, Chad made advancements to end the worst forms of human trafficking. The Government of Chad created a country-wide anti-human trafficking committee to prioritize human trafficking cases. To raise awareness of the issue, the government utilized social media and radio campaigns. The Ministry of Women, Family and National Solidarity, in collaboration with local organizations and a global group, ran “transit centers that served as temporary shelters throughout the country.” These temporary shelters gave “housing, food and education to victims of gender-based violence and other crimes, including potential victims of trafficking,” the Department of State reported.

However, the U.S. State Department reports that the Chadian government “did not report investigating, prosecuting or convicting any confirmed trafficking cases.” The government also did not designate members of the national anti-trafficking committee, leaving the group potentially without authority.

Existing Solutions

Because there are links between human trafficking and poverty, the prevalence of human trafficking in Chad could reduce with efforts to minimize the country’s poverty rate. According to the World Bank, about 43% of Chad’s population lived under the national poverty line in 2018.

Despite a lack of advocacy-based organizations and NGOs, Chad has developed legislation to eliminate human trafficking. The U.S. Department of State reported that “Law 006/PR/2018 on Combatting Trafficking in Persons criminalized sex trafficking and labor trafficking.” Furthermore, “Article 7 of Law 006/PR/2018 prescribed penalties of four to [30]years imprisonment and a fine of 250,000 to 5 million Central African francs.”

Looking Ahead

Chad, weakened by poverty and ineffective government policies, is facing several difficulties when attempting to reduce the presence of human trafficking. Despite this, there is still hope. Through international funding, the government of Chad can receive assistance to take action against human trafficking violations and develop an effective refugee camp system. Overall, Chad has the ability to fight against poverty and human trafficking.

– Sania Patel
Photo: Flickr

How the MySDG Foundation and Trust Fund are Leading Malaysia Out of Poverty

MySDG Foundation
The United Nations in Malaysia and the Malaysian government have launched the MySDG Foundation and MySDG Trust Fund to combat poverty and further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Poverty in Malaysia

The need for the government and other agencies to step up against poverty may be because of the step back Malaysia faced recently. This need is not only from normal obstacles that tend to cause economic hardship. The COVID-19 pandemic has also been one of the main struggles for Malaysia recently.

In 2019, the incidence of absolute poverty in Malaysia was 5.6%, recovering from 7.6% in 2016. However, the devastation and hardship from the pandemic caused it to increase to 8.4% in 2020.

Malaysia’s Partnership

Malaysia’s partnership with MySDG Foundation and MySDG Trust Fund has shown its commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 which is stated as a “collective blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” The SDG agenda could also be a strategy that changes or helps many different sectors. The agenda aims to work towards improving health care, education, security and many other topics, while also improving the environment and promoting eco-friendliness.

This new coordination showcases the “whole-of-nation,” approach among the U.N.’s great contributions to many countries and their work toward sustainable development for them. The global goal for the U.N. is for people everywhere to have peace and for poverty to end while still protecting the earth’s environment.

The Malaysian government’s work with the MySDG Foundation and other groups to combat poverty shows how cooperation and partnerships can go a long way to resolving issues. 

The Formation of the MySDG Foundation and MySDG Trust Fund

Because of the need to further the agenda, the government formed the MySDG Foundation. The aim was for the Foundation was to help the government work on improving the economy and preserving the environment and the sustainability of Malaysia’s people.

One way the MySDG Foundation aims to provide aid is through the MySDG Trust Fund. Funds will go through the Trust Fund and then undergo dispersal between the government’s SDG projects/programs. The money will also go to other participating nonprofits, civil society organizations and U.N. agencies, which also have the same SDG agenda or partnerships as the Malaysian government.

The starting funds were RM 20 Million ($4,319,187.99), kicking off this cooperation in 2021. However, the initial start date of the foundation was January 27 and listed the founder as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Summarized Goals by the Ministry of Finance

The Malaysian Ministry of Finance was able to summarize the objectives of the fund as targeting struggling sectors first. The Ministry stated that “It also aims to fulfill financing gaps and facilitate joint initiatives by various stakeholders to translate SDG aspirations into practical actions through effective multi-stakeholder collaboration.” The Ministry also commented on supporting the SDG agenda and not making decisions until having consultations from many levels and parts of different sectors that they are working on.

The official portal of Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance also lists those involved with the project like the Board of Trustees, explanations about the experts for the different sectors, the founders, the U.N. agency segments in the collaboration, the committees and a donation fund link that is coming soon.  

Future Outlook

The ultimate goal is to revive the Malaysian economy by having the MySDG Foundation and funds to combat poverty. The showcase of the U.N. collaboration and the opportunity for other private and public companies to help towards a common good radiates hope for the people of Malaysia and elsewhere. The sustainability the workers of this fund want for the Malaysian people will bring them out of poverty but they hope that they will be able to continue to protect the earth’s environment too.

– Marynette Holmes
Photo: Unsplash

Priyanka Chopra’s Activism in Kenya

Priyanka Chopra's ActivismPriyanka Chopra’s activism in Kenya sparked interest on social media, where the actress documented her trip and appealed to her followers to support UNICEF’s efforts against Kenya’s hunger crisis. The “Matrix Resurrections” star is an established goodwill ambassador of UNICEF and has traveled to the country to help its children and people to obtain the funds and resources for food and other basic necessities.

What is Happening in Kenya

Kenya is currently experiencing the worst drought in 40 years. Four consecutive seasons of inadequate rain have plagued areas of the country.

In addition, it is estimated that nearly 900,000 children under the age of 5 suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition and are in need of treatment. To help drought-affected families in the Horn of Africa, UNICEF provides emergency WASH kits and rehabilitates and upgrades non-functional boreholes in schools, villages, and health centers.

Besides, with the support of UNICEF and USAID, the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Red Cross Society conducted an outreach clinic to assess children under 5 for malnutrition and immunize them.

Since the shortage of supply – one of the longest and most severe in recent history – is said to persist into the forthcoming year, humanitarians are urging greater support to prevent famine in the Horn of Africa. At the same time, they must prepare to continue their life-saving work in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

Chopra’s Activism

Priyanka Chopra’s activism in Kenya included a trip to Turkana County, one of the 15 areas affected by the droughts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, where one out of three children suffers from severe malnutrition.

“In the Horn of Africa children are starving to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation right now. Most of the families I met are living on less than $1 a day, and some had not eaten for three days,” Chopra said to UNICEF. “UNICEF’s life-saving efforts on the ground are helping to curb this hunger crisis, which includes distribution of nutrient-packed therapeutic foods that can save a child’s life,” continued Chopra.

As part of her visit, the actress spoke with members of the Sopel Village community suffering from the drought, including some who have migrated for water and pasture for their animals. Now that a solar-powered borehole has been constructed in Sopel, residents and students at the local health facility and primary school have reliable and safe access to water, UNICEF reports.

Raising Awareness

The actress has also documented her visit to the Lodwar Pediatric Stabilization Center where health workers treat most severe cases of malnutrition in children. In her post, Chopra said she hoped she would never have to do such a thing again but knows she will and encouraged her followers to donate to help solve the crisis.

The videos of encouragement and report shared on her Instagram pages have gained reactions from hundreds of thousands of individuals, raising awareness of the harsh situation that Kenya and its people are currently going through.

Following the birth of her first child, the celebrity said that this situation affected her differently. “What I especially saw when I went to the Ghana region was that it was very difficult for me especially as a new mother to see so many children suffering the way they were,” said Chopra. “To see those women standing by their children and not eating for days to make sure their children eat just goes to show that there is so much strength in human beings and especially in women,” she added.

Priyanka Chopra’s activism in Kenya comes immediately after another of her humanitarian works. The Matrix Resurrection star has recently made the news for her support of Iranian women who have been protesting the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, praising their courage in fighting to defend their rights, Outlook India reports.

Priyanka Chopra’s activism in Kenya is a source of hope, as demonstrated on her Instagram account, where the actress has expressed faith that, with the money, resources, and help required, Kenya will see a better future. “What you think is small, is the small that I don’t have,” the actress wrote quoting a teacher struggling to fund the school he runs in Sopel village with UNICEF. She concluded her post by encouraging the public to donate.

– Caterina Rossi
Photo: Flickr

,

Poverty Reduction in Latvia

Poverty Reduction in Latvia
The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have presented challenges to poverty reduction in Latvia. Due to these factors, Latvia suffered from a high unemployment rate in 2020 and an increasing inflation rate in 2022. Because of this, growth in the Latvian economy has slowed, prompting the government and organizations to take action to ensure Latvia is still on track to meet the 2030 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Impacts of the Pandemic

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate in Latvia had significantly lowered, standing at 6.3% in 2019, the lowest percentage visible over a decade. After the onset of the pandemic, the unemployment rate increased to 8.1% in 2020. Women faced the disproportionate impacts of unemployment at the onset of the pandemic. In 2020, Latvia’s GDP saw contracted by 3.9% but expanded by 4.5% in 2021, according to the World Bank. The World Bank reports that the number of people in Latvia living under the national poverty line stood at 21.6% in 2019 but increased rapidly to 23.4% by 2020.

Growing Inflation Due to the Russia-Ukraine War

Another economic instability happened when the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war touched international trade in Europe. In Latvia, inflation became an issue. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “food, energy, and other raw material” costs have risen. Inflation in Latvia rose beyond 10%, the highest rate visible since 2008.

By March 2022, inflation in Latvia reached 11.5%. “Housing-related goods and services” rose by 14.5% on average while “transport-related goods and services increased by 22.9%, driven by a 43.3% increase in fuel prices,” according to the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia.

The growing inflation rates are most harshly affecting impoverished families, but pensioners are most at risk of poverty amid the rising prices, with many unable to afford their heating bills.

Efforts Toward Poverty Reduction in Latvia

In May 2022 the Latvian government adopted the second Voluntary National Review (VNR), which “evaluates progress, challenges and presents new initiatives to accelerate the achievement” of the SDGs, according to the U.N. These SDGs include No Poverty (SDG 1) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).

In a 2022 report assessing Latvia’s SDG progress, Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said that “We are helping those most in need and promoting equal opportunities for all in Latvia.” He explained further that the government is prioritizing housing and mobility initiatives to expand economic growth and promote decent work out of Riga, Latvia’s capital city. Furthermore, Latvia is “improving access to health care, including significantly increasing salaries for the lowest paid medical practitioners.” The government is also raising the minimum income threshold for individuals most vulnerable to poverty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Latvian government provided support to people and businesses impacted by economic stagnation and lockdowns.

The Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS) came about in 2004 to bring Latvian non-governmental organizations together in order to promote development in Latvia. LAPAS works toward the achievement of the U.N. SDGs through advocacy efforts, global education priorities, the promotion of local organizations and educating and updating the public on developmental issues via workshops, social media, lectures and more.

Through ongoing commitments toward achieving the U.N. SDGs, the Latvian government and organizations can reduce poverty in Latvia while igniting economic growth and improving the quality of life in Latvia overall.

– Olga Petrovska
Photo: Unsplash

Mental Health in Jordan

Mental Health in Jordan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined Jordan’s mental health system needs significant restructuring, estimating that more than 25% of Jordanians experience mental health symptoms. Increased poverty rates due to conflicts in neighboring countries impacting the social climate have affected Jordan’s ability to cope with mental health in Jordan. Out of 100,000, only 305 Jordanians seek help for mental health symptoms, a problem needing a resolution.

The Current State of Mental Health in Jordan

When discussing the challenges the Jordanian government must address, there are preexisting strengths to build on. The fact that the Jordanian government has acknowledged the problem is a small leap in the right direction, especially in a predominantly Muslim country.

As of 2020, the WHO observed that Jordan’s mental health care system had a solid psychiatry program, a community that wants reform and affordable mental health that is free or inexpensive. The Jordanian Ministry of Health supports implementing the WHO’s mental health action program (mhGAP).

Aside from programs and affordability, mental health in Jordan has a low budget designated for facilitating mental health programs. In 2021, the annual budget reserved 6.1% for health services, and there needs to be more information on how that funding impacts mental health care. Known usages of Jordan’s health funding supported long-stay psychiatric facilities.

Psychiatrists and medication availability are scarce. Before the expansion of mental health in Jordan, there was less than one psychiatrist per 100,000 Jordanians, an unbalanced ratio showing a shortage of resources. In addition, medications, even for common disorders such as depression and anxiety, are sparse, and regulations make it harder to receive medication if available.

Possible Setbacks

The coronavirus pandemic has increased stress levels and poor mental health among adolescents, especially those living in poverty. In an international survey that UNICEF conducted, one in five young people between 15-24 said they had feelings of depression. Therefore, creating an environment where youth can learn about mental health and feel comfortable seeking help is vital.

Many Syrian refugees are in Jordan, with 86% living below the poverty line. Amman, Irbid and Zarqa are the governorates with high refugee populations most vulnerable to poverty, mental health issues and lack of resources.

The traumatic and stressful experiences endured when escaping from a country with political or social instability put many Syrians at risk of contracting mental health conditions. Including Syrians in the conversation is essential to ensure all Jordanians and its refugees have access to effective mental health care. 

Potential Progress with the mhGAP Program

Jordan is the first of six countries that the WHO chose to participate in the mental health action program. The mhGAP program works to introduce mental health care into public health care. The introduction would strengthen early detection, diagnosis, pharmaceutical treatment, therapist interventions and recurring follow-ups.

Eighty new primary healthcare clinics and centers are necessary to meet the goal of improving the state of mental health in Jordan. The country has also introduced new small-scale mental health inpatient units in general hospitals and universities, further increasing accessibility to resources.

In Amman, Irbid and Zarqa, three of the most vulnerable, impoverished areas in Jordan, healthcare practitioners received training and supervision on proper mental healthcare procedures. As a result, three new outpatient centers focused on mental health in Jordan have opened in Amman, Irbid and Zarqa to ensure bountiful resources are available to the public.

The Jordanian Ministry of Health must rework the National Mental Health and Substance Use Action Plan for 2022 to 2025 to ensure the government makes life-saving changes. Developing and finalizing mhGAP plans for mental health in Jordan are the next steps to creating a well-rounded healthcare system.

– Mikada Green
Photo: Flickr