There is a significant rise in elderly poverty in the U.K., particularly among ethnic minority groups. According to the 2021 Census, around 2.17 million ethnic minority people aged 50 and over in England live with an 80% poverty increase compared to the previous 10 years. These people are living under poor health, inadequate housing and deep poverty.
A report from Ageing Better’s State of Ageing, published in 2023, shows that a vast number of people from Bangladeshi (26%) and Pakistani (28%) backgrounds are living in impoverished conditions, twice as many as white British people. This indicates social and racial inequalities in the country.
Another report shows that there is currently 18% of elderly poverty in the U.K., and 30% of black ethnic minorities are at a high risk of poverty in their later life. Further statistics reveal that the lower income rates and lack of private pension facilities lead older ethnic minority groups to impoverished lives in the United Kingdom. For instance, while 61% of white older households receive occupational pensions, the percentage of black older households in the same case is 44%, who receive only £47 a week compared to the £169 that white households receive.
A report from the Charity Independent Age finds that 82% of people believe the British government should provide greater support and attention to address poverty among older people in Britain. The Charity Independent Age urges the U.K. Government to urgently implement policies to eradicate the financial hardship of older people.
Government Initiatives to Tackle Elderly Poverty in the UK
The British Government is concerned about the poverty rate in the country, especially financial hardship among elderly people. It has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting pensioners and ensuring the dignity and security they deserve. The Labour Government helped more than one million elderly people escape poverty. It also initiated the Pension Credit, which aimed to assist low-income households.
The Government also committed to increasing the State Pension by £31 billion, which plays a key role in supporting elderly people. It also showed an intention to spend approximately £174.9 billion on benefits for pensioners in the U.K. in 2025-2026, which equaled 5.8% of GDP.
The U.K. Government is also considering the future of pension systems. Therefore, it initiated Automatic Enrolment to facilitate eligible employees in saving for their workplace pension. However, there is an uncertainty about a part of future generations due to their lower income rate due to the unequal job system.
In July 2025, the British Government revives the landmark Pensions Commission to benefit millions of people with a more secure retirement. It also tried to bring all the right groups and pension industries together to allow the Commission to crack the pension crisis.
Alongside the British Government, multiple organizations such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Friends of the Elderly and Centre for Ageing Better worked to reduce elderly poverty in the U.K.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) conducted thorough research and developed a long-term strategy to address poverty issues in Britain. This strategy highlights a five-point plan, such as:
- Increase incomes and decrease spending
- Make a proper benefit system
- Develop education standards and strengthen skills
- Boost family and community bonding
- Serve a long-lasting financial growth for inclusive benefits
This research also suggests that national and local governments should take crucial initiatives to tackle elderly poverty in Britain. Through public policy, local and national governments in Westminster, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can create some opportunities that will strengthen community and family relations, enabling them to do the best for themselves.
This organization also runs fundraising campaigns to eradicate poverty in the U.K. regardless of race, ethnicity, age and gender. Its campaign maintains a strong voice, grounding a wide range of views and voices from multiple political and economic backgrounds.
Friends of the Elderly
Friends of the Elderly has been working for poverty reduction for elderly people in the U.K. since 1905. It supports the elderly in the U.K. with daycare and care home services. The day care services help older people who stay in their homes with daytime household activities. The care homes also give residential and nursing care.
This organization also provides grant services to older, impoverished people who struggle to make ends meet. The grants aim to cover essential living costs, such as purchasing necessary home items, gas and electricity expenses, paying unexpected bills, food and clothing to ensure their lives of dignity and comfort.
Centre for Ageing Better
The Centre for Ageing Better works to make homes, workplaces and communities inclusive with older people. The organization also aims for an Age-friendly Movement to highlight ageing as a positive and realistic way in society.
It aims to contribute to the improvement of three particular sectors, such as good health, financial security and fair respect. It focuses on Age-friendly movement, age-friendly homes and age-friendly employment. To achieve these three goals, this organization participates in different activities:
- It influences government policies and practices in order to ensure good jobs for everyone aged over 50 and 60, which is their citizenship right.
- It also acts to make sure that everyone has access to healthy homes and integrational communities.
- It also provides funding opportunities to impoverished elderly people in the U.K.
Looking Ahead
Elderly poverty has become a great concern in the U.K., especially among ethnic minority groups. The British Government has taken multiple initiatives to address the issue while providing good homes, health and livelihoods for pensioners. Apart from this, multiple organizations work to support impoverished people through financial assistance, home care services and advocacy for government policies. These activities fruitfully contributed to reducing elderly poverty in the U.K., which will hopefully bring the elderly poverty rate to 0% in the near future.
– Rakib Hasan
Rakib is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
Local2030 Islands Network: SDGs in Developing Island States
The Local2030 Islands Network
To help address these issues, the Local2030 Islands Network was developed as the first island-to-island network dedicated to locally scaling up the SDGs in developing island states. This network emphasizes implementing goals in ways that reflect the realities of individual island communities. Launched in 2019, the network facilitates cooperation between island governments, organizations and local leaders to scale up sustainable development. As of 2025, 28 island states have joined the network, and many more have engaged in planning efforts and identifying localized solutions. The network serves as a platform where islands can share experiences and best practices, identify local priorities and develop actionable plans.
With the network’s support, island members commit to four key objectives to help execute development agendas. These commitments include advancing political leadership to support climate resilience, strengthening public-private partnerships, transparently measuring SDG progress and implementing concrete initiatives that address local goals. The network also includes “communities of practice” (CoP) that focus on priority island-related issues such as sustainable income generation and climate resilience. These CoP serve as digital platforms that bring together experts, civil society members, stakeholders and community representatives to utilize a combination of technical assistance, Indigenous knowledge and modern technology to address multiple challenges and areas of focus.
Guam Green Growth Initiative
One of the network’s recently implemented projects is taking shape in Guam, a United States (U.S.) territory located in the western Pacific Ocean. Known as the Guam Green Growth Initiative (G3), it is part of the island’s 10-year plan for scaling up local SDGs. This plan includes a framework for addressing local goals related to creating circular economies, expanding opportunities in green jobs and building food system resilience.
Recent assessments of Guam’s poverty rate suggest that one in five residents live below the poverty line, a figure that is double that of the U.S.
As part of G3, decision-makers are combining conservation and economic opportunity to address this issue with long-term solutions, with efforts underway to transition the island to a diversified, circular economy that offers greater financial opportunities for residents. This work includes multiple skills development and job preparation programs, as well as efforts to enhance local cottage industries. One skills development program, known as the Conservation Corps, offers paid training for individuals to learn a wide range of skills within the green jobs sector, supporting the island’s transition to a green economy.
Additional programs support the development of small businesses and cottage industries. The G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub facilitates cottage industry growth by providing local entrepreneurs and businesses with access to specialized tools, technologies and training for sustainable business practices.
G3 also strengthens partnerships with local organizations, including Guam Unique Merchandise and Art, a local nonprofit that provides small businesses with training and grants to help them grow. This support creates additional small-business employment opportunities and reduces reliance on imported products.
Strengthening Food Security and Local Resilience
G3 promotes social and economic protections by enhancing local food security. Guam imports a large portion of its food, resulting in high prices and increased vulnerability to global supply shocks. G3 addresses this issue by supporting local agriculture, aquaculture and community garden projects. The G3 community gardens offer cost-efficient and sustainable solutions that promote local food security, contribute to food banks and support food access for vulnerable populations facing homelessness and poverty.
A focus on agriculture, aquaculture and aquaponics also contributes to food sovereignty and security in Guam. Through partnerships with local nonprofits such as Guåhan Sustainable Culture, G3 provides workforce development and resources for small-scale farmers.
Additionally, five aquaculture and aquaponics projects have been implemented on the island, providing resources for sustainable, year-round crop and fish production. Through educational initiatives, community members learn to manage these systems, building capacity for the expansion of local aquafarms.
Looking Ahead
The Guam Green Growth Initiative demonstrates how locally driven approaches can advance the SDGs in developing island states. By integrating economic diversification and sustainable food systems, Guam moves toward a more resilient future. As challenges persist for island communities, the Local2030 Islands Network continues to support initiatives such as G3, which offer lessons for other islands to replicate and adapt. Continued collaboration and locally based solutions remain vital to building sustainable futures for island communities.
– Quinlan Bohannon
Photo: Pexels
Success of the China-Latam Youth Challenge To Alleviate Poverty
The China-Latam Youth Challenge To Alleviate Poverty
The China-Latam Youth Challenge to Alleviate Poverty was launched in collaboration with partner Universities across Latin America. The challenge further aimed to encourage cross-cultural communication and collaboration between Chinese and Latin American students. The competition was a major success, with more than 120 Chilean University students teaming up with peers from Tsinghua University and other partner institutions.
More than 200 students participated in total. Organisers held the finals in August 2025 with teams presenting their ideas in both Brazil and Chile. Twelve out of the total 102 teams made it to the final round. Many exciting projects and ideas were presented, with more than 27 universities from Brazil, Chile, Peru and China in attendance.
The competition featured many talented individuals and innovative solutions. Ideas focused on solving a wide range of issues, including unemployment, infrastructure, education, health and well-being. Not only did this challenge help develop solutions to global poverty, but it also raised awareness and educated young minds about the issue of global poverty. The China-Latam Youth Challenge to Alleviate Poverty acts as a great example of how global poverty innovation is possible when institutions make resources available.
Fountain of Radiant Dreams
This project received the first-place Gold Award in China. The team proposed a three-pronged solution to address the needs of some of Chile’s most disadvantaged communities, focusing on community service, clean energy and financial support. The project included community initiatives, such as the installation of lighting systems powered by renewable energy in rural areas lacking electricity.
Sustainable Solar Lighting and Emergency Response for Brazilian Communities
This project received the Gold Award in Brazil. This team developed solutions to address infrastructure damage caused by extreme weather conditions in the most affected areas of Brazil. This includes the installation of solar-powered chargers to allow cellphone and technology use during severe blackouts, allowing rural communities to communicate during times of crisis.
Financial Loans for Small Enterprises
This team won the Silver Award in the finals in Chile. Their project focused on inclusive financial loan programs for small businesses in China. It also provided innovative financial solutions for small Chilean fishing enterprises. This project aims to support small businesses in growing, creating jobs, promoting sustainability and enhancing the role of women in the fishing industry.
Elquilabs
This team developed both a toolkit and a digital platform that works to transform rural areas into “Maker Spaces,” enabling learning and innovation. The project aims to bridge the gap in creativity and education between rural and urban areas. Diego Urzúa, a psychology graduate and team member, said the project focused on bringing together diverse perspectives—from countries such as Chile, China and Brazil—which added real value to the process.
Minova
The team received the Audience Choice Award. It was a collaboration between Tsinghua University, Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. The project aimed to repurpose mining waste into sustainable, affordable construction materials.
Looking Forward
The winning teams and award recipients will receive full funding for their projects and continue development at Tsinghua University in January 2026. The challenge’s success underscores the critical role of adequate funding and resource allocation in driving innovation to address global poverty. It also underscores the importance of educating young people about global poverty and sustainable development. Supporting these efforts is more urgent than ever.
Looking ahead, the China–LATAM Youth Challenge to Alleviate Poverty serves as a strong model for the future of global poverty innovation.
– Alys Gaze
Photo: Flickr
What Funding Cuts Mean for HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries
The organization attributes this decline to the 2025 funding crisis, driven by the White House’s cancellation of foreign aid for HIV/AIDS research and prevention, as well as the depletion of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is the U.S. government’s global HIV program established under President George W. Bush. The Guardian reports that PEPFAR is estimated to have prevented 25 million early HIV/AIDS-related deaths.
Nearly a year after the onset of the crisis, HIV/AIDS poses a greater threat to the global population than it has in recent years. The impact on HIV/AIDS in developing countries is especially severe, as they tend to rely most heavily on these resources.
A 75% Halt in Global HIV Funding
According to the UNAIDS’ 2025 World AIDS Day report, the U.S., the world’s largest economy, was the largest donor to the HIV/AIDS response, providing 75% of all international funding. This was until funding was halted earlier in the year, with other members of the international community, particularly European countries, caving to pressure from the White House to divert funding from foreign aid toward national defense spending, as reported by Reuters.
The report revealed that by the end of 2024, before the funding crisis began, the world was closer than ever to achieving SDG 3’s goal of eradicating AIDS worldwide by 2030. Of the 40.8 million people living with HIV, 31.6 million were receiving lifesaving treatment. Between 2010 and 2024, HIV prevention and treatment services contributed to a 40% decline in new infections and a 54% drop in AIDS-related deaths.
These improvements coincided with increases in funding during the same period, rising 28% domestically and 12% internationally. The 2025 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update reported that sub-Saharan Africa achieved a remarkable 56% decline in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2024. The report also highlighted that five countries, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa, are on track to reduce new infections by 90% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels.
HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries
According to the 2025 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, by the end of 2024, external funding supported nearly 80% of HIV prevention programs in sub-Saharan Africa, 66% in the Caribbean and 60% in the Middle East and North Africa—making these regions particularly vulnerable amid the funding crisis. The report also noted that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) had identified more than 60 countries at risk of losing assistance or having their grants reduced, including some that had recently been reclassified as upper-middle-income.
The 2025 UNAIDS World AIDS Day report notes that antiretroviral therapy programs are largely financed domestically outside of sub-Saharan Africa. However, they are particularly vulnerable to donor reductions in western and central Africa, where donors provide 90% of treatment-related funding—53% of which comes from the Global Fund. Some examples of how countries in these regions have been affected include:
What Needs To Change
Despite the challenges facing the global HIV response, UNAIDS executive Winnie Byanyima believes that AIDS can still be eliminated as a public health threat by 2030 through “urgency, unity and unwavering commitment.” The most impactful and simultaneously most challenging path forward is for the international community to help close the funding gap for HIV prevention. According to the 2025 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, achieving global targets in low- and middle-income countries would require an annual investment of $21.9 billion.
The report also highlights a financial incentive for action, noting that “if the world embraces new technologies, efficiencies and approaches, the annual cost of the HIV response could fall by around $7 billion.” Furthermore, the report notes that community-led organizations have been central to the HIV response for more than 40 years, providing information and support, driving advocacy and conducting critical research. Their impact has been significant enough that multiple countries now permit them to deliver treatment services and receive funding from the Global Fund for community-led and civil society initiatives.
Additionally, the World Health Organization supports expanding access to lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection and a recent advancement in prevention medication, offering hope, despite ongoing funding challenges, in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries.
– Luca Hanlon
Photo: Unsplash
Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge: Boosting Small Businesses
The Standards Maturity Model
The implementation of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge utilizes what experts refer to as a “maturity model.” Rather than imposing unreachable global mandates on small entrepreneurs, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) provides a tiered trajectory for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to progress incrementally. This approach first adapts international standards to suit local realities.
Then it aligns them with global markets as the institutions mature. The program begins with a gap assessment to benchmark current business practices against applicable standards. Following this, the RSB offers customized training and “handholding” support to help staff implement systems that promote consistent quality.
This hands-on guidance prepares businesses for a final assessment and the eventual initiation of the formal certification process. Through this supportive framework, the government ensures that small producers can match their technical ambition with their actual capacity.
Removing Financial Barriers To Growth
A significant political development occurred in January 2025, when the government announced that all quality services under Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge would be provided free of charge to MSMEs. These services include technical assistance, testing, calibration and certification. By removing these costs, the state eliminated a significant financial barrier for low-income entrepreneurs, particularly those without access to funding from external development partners or nongovernmental organizations.
Quantifiable Impact on Local Industries
The measurable success of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge is evident in the diverse range of businesses it has supported. By June 2025, the program reached approximately 988 MSMEs and cooperatives. This group comprises 368 enterprises operating in food value chains and 226 businesses in the chemical industry, producing essential items such as soaps and detergents.
The program also supported 94 businesses in the textile and leather sectors and trained 33 cooperatives in transparent grant management practices. Sector-specific results highlight the practical outcomes of these certifications. For instance, the RSB has successfully certified 14 honey products from 12 different companies against international food safety management systems.
These certifications allow Rwandan honey to access wider regional and global markets, increasing the income of rural beekeepers. Similarly, the certification of locally made machinery and mechanical tools reduces field failure rates. It provides a powerful marketing tool for exports.
Fostering an Inclusive Quality Culture
The long-term impact of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge extends beyond technical compliance to social empowerment. The program specifically focuses on MSMEs established by women, young people and individuals with disabilities. By equipping these marginalized groups with the skills to produce high-quality goods, the initiative fosters a culture of self-sufficiency.
Residents in areas like Cyanika have noted that the availability of affordable, quality local products reduces the need for community members to seek supplies across borders.
A Regional Leadership Strategy
Rwanda’s hosting of the ISO Annual Meeting 2025, themed “United for Impact,” reflects its position as a regional hub for innovation and trade. The country has developed and adopted more than 2,250 international standards to date, which support socioeconomic activities and open doors for Rwandan products in global markets. The global community recognizes this commitment to quality infrastructure as a “hidden foundation of prosperity” that helps developing nations escape the cycle of low-quality production.
The future of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge appears promising as it continues to integrate local businesses into the formal economy. Indeed, by prioritizing standards as a tool of industrial policy, Rwanda is demonstrating how technical excellence can drive sustainable development and poverty reduction. As more MSMEs achieve certification, the nation moves closer to its goal of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness, proving that standards serve as a springboard for inclusive growth.
– Elena Cárdenas
Photo: Flickr
Pakistan’s HPV Vaccine Rollout: Protecting 13 Million Girls
A Phased Strategy for National Coverage
Central to the success of Pakistan’s HPV Vaccine Rollout is a strategic, phased implementation plan supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The first phase of the campaign focuses on Punjab, Sindh, the Islamabad Capital Territory and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following this initial push, the government plans to expand the program to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, with Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan scheduled for 2027.
By the end of this period, the program aims to reach more than 17 million girls nationwide. The campaign utilizes the Cecolin bivalent vaccine, which the WHO pre-qualifies for use in immunizing against HPV types 16 and 18. These two strains are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases globally.
To make the program sustainable, Gavi provided 67% of the initial funding, while the Pakistani government committed to a 33% co-financing share. This financial arrangement ensures that the vaccine remains free of charge for all eligible girls. This, thereby, removes the economic barriers that often hinder access to health care for impoverished families.
Overcoming Stigma Through Community Leadership
Since the HPV vaccine is administered to adolescent girls, health officials anticipated challenges regarding social stigma and vaccine hesitancy. To address these concerns, Pakistan’s HPV Vaccine Rollout adopted a “whole-of-society” approach. The government collaborated with local civil society organizations and influential Islamic scholars to build community trust.
These religious leaders played a vital role by publicly endorsing the vaccine, emphasizing that protecting life and preventing disease are core values that align with religious teachings. This communication strategy also utilized the powerful slogan “Sayhat Mand beti Sayhat Mand Gharna,” which translates to “Healthy daughter, healthy family.” By framing the vaccine as an investment in the prosperity of the entire household, the campaign successfully shifted public perception.
Data from the first phase of the rollout indicate a significant decline in vaccine refusals. At the start of the campaign, approximately 300,000 families expressed hesitation. However, through targeted counseling and outreach, this number dropped to 90,000, allowing the campaign to achieve more than 72% coverage in its early stages.
Mobile Outreach for Marginalized Groups
A critical component of the rollout is its ability to reach marginalized and underserved populations, including the 50% of eligible girls who are currently out of school. To ensure no girl is left behind, the government deployed a multi-pronged delivery system. While schools and fixed health facilities serve as primary vaccination sites, mobile teams and special outreach units travel to remote villages and high-risk urban areas to administer vaccinations.
This approach brings the vaccine directly to those who face the greatest geographic and social barriers to care. To support this massive logistical effort, the WHO trained more than 49,000 health workers in vaccine administration, cold chain management and community engagement. These workers are also part of a new digitization project that integrates training manuals into a unified digital learning system.
This technological advancement enables frontline vaccinators to access updated information and report data in real-time, thereby strengthening the overall resilience of Pakistan’s immunization infrastructure.
Building a Sustainable Future for Women’s Health
The long-term success of Pakistan’s HPV Vaccine Rollout will depend on its transition from a campaign-style initiative to a routine part of the national health system. Starting in the second year, the government intends to integrate HPV vaccination into routine immunization schedules for all 9-year-old girls. This integration will ensure that every new cohort of adolescent girls receives protection as a standard part of their primary health care.
By prioritizing evidence-based solutions and fostering international partnerships, Pakistan is moving closer to the World Health Assembly’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030. The progress made in 2025 demonstrates that even in complex social environments, determined political leadership and community-focused strategies can overcome obstacles to save thousands of lives. This rollout stands as a powerful example of how targeted health interventions can break the cycle of illness and poverty, securing a brighter and healthier future for the next generation of Pakistani women.
– Elena Cárdenas
Photo: Flickr
Tackling Elderly Poverty in the UK Among Ethnic Minority Groups
A report from Ageing Better’s State of Ageing, published in 2023, shows that a vast number of people from Bangladeshi (26%) and Pakistani (28%) backgrounds are living in impoverished conditions, twice as many as white British people. This indicates social and racial inequalities in the country.
Another report shows that there is currently 18% of elderly poverty in the U.K., and 30% of black ethnic minorities are at a high risk of poverty in their later life. Further statistics reveal that the lower income rates and lack of private pension facilities lead older ethnic minority groups to impoverished lives in the United Kingdom. For instance, while 61% of white older households receive occupational pensions, the percentage of black older households in the same case is 44%, who receive only £47 a week compared to the £169 that white households receive.
A report from the Charity Independent Age finds that 82% of people believe the British government should provide greater support and attention to address poverty among older people in Britain. The Charity Independent Age urges the U.K. Government to urgently implement policies to eradicate the financial hardship of older people.
Government Initiatives to Tackle Elderly Poverty in the UK
The British Government is concerned about the poverty rate in the country, especially financial hardship among elderly people. It has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting pensioners and ensuring the dignity and security they deserve. The Labour Government helped more than one million elderly people escape poverty. It also initiated the Pension Credit, which aimed to assist low-income households.
The Government also committed to increasing the State Pension by £31 billion, which plays a key role in supporting elderly people. It also showed an intention to spend approximately £174.9 billion on benefits for pensioners in the U.K. in 2025-2026, which equaled 5.8% of GDP.
The U.K. Government is also considering the future of pension systems. Therefore, it initiated Automatic Enrolment to facilitate eligible employees in saving for their workplace pension. However, there is an uncertainty about a part of future generations due to their lower income rate due to the unequal job system.
In July 2025, the British Government revives the landmark Pensions Commission to benefit millions of people with a more secure retirement. It also tried to bring all the right groups and pension industries together to allow the Commission to crack the pension crisis.
Alongside the British Government, multiple organizations such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Friends of the Elderly and Centre for Ageing Better worked to reduce elderly poverty in the U.K.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) conducted thorough research and developed a long-term strategy to address poverty issues in Britain. This strategy highlights a five-point plan, such as:
This research also suggests that national and local governments should take crucial initiatives to tackle elderly poverty in Britain. Through public policy, local and national governments in Westminster, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can create some opportunities that will strengthen community and family relations, enabling them to do the best for themselves.
This organization also runs fundraising campaigns to eradicate poverty in the U.K. regardless of race, ethnicity, age and gender. Its campaign maintains a strong voice, grounding a wide range of views and voices from multiple political and economic backgrounds.
Friends of the Elderly
Friends of the Elderly has been working for poverty reduction for elderly people in the U.K. since 1905. It supports the elderly in the U.K. with daycare and care home services. The day care services help older people who stay in their homes with daytime household activities. The care homes also give residential and nursing care.
This organization also provides grant services to older, impoverished people who struggle to make ends meet. The grants aim to cover essential living costs, such as purchasing necessary home items, gas and electricity expenses, paying unexpected bills, food and clothing to ensure their lives of dignity and comfort.
Centre for Ageing Better
The Centre for Ageing Better works to make homes, workplaces and communities inclusive with older people. The organization also aims for an Age-friendly Movement to highlight ageing as a positive and realistic way in society.
It aims to contribute to the improvement of three particular sectors, such as good health, financial security and fair respect. It focuses on Age-friendly movement, age-friendly homes and age-friendly employment. To achieve these three goals, this organization participates in different activities:
Looking Ahead
Elderly poverty has become a great concern in the U.K., especially among ethnic minority groups. The British Government has taken multiple initiatives to address the issue while providing good homes, health and livelihoods for pensioners. Apart from this, multiple organizations work to support impoverished people through financial assistance, home care services and advocacy for government policies. These activities fruitfully contributed to reducing elderly poverty in the U.K., which will hopefully bring the elderly poverty rate to 0% in the near future.
– Rakib Hasan
Photo: Unsplash
HIV/AIDS in Tunisia
Recent studies show that HIV/AIDS in Tunisia is shifting with new infections and AIDS-related deaths rising in recent years. In 2024, researchers estimated that 9,750 people were living with HIV in the country with more than 1,000 new cases recorded. Although national prevalence remains low, the epidemic is concentrated among key populations who face higher risks and significant barriers to care.
The Current Situation in Tunisia
Tunisia’s HIV epidemic remains relatively small, but recent data shows a worrying upward trend. In 2024, an estimated 9,750 people were living with HIV, and more than 1,030 new infections were reported. AIDS-related deaths also reached around 485 people, highlighting gaps in early detection and consistent treatment.
The epidemic is concentrated among key populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who inject drugs—groups that face high stigma and limited legal protection. According to UNDP, only about 20% of people living with HIV in Tunisia know their status and receive treatment, meaning many individuals remain undiagnosed and at risk of developing severe illness. Although overall national prevalence is still low at 0.1%, according to the World Bank, the increase in new infections shows that Tunisia needs stronger prevention, testing and community-based support systems.
Barriers and Challenges
Despite progress in health care, Tunisia still faces several challenges that make it difficult to control the HIV epidemic. One of the biggest issues is stigma and discrimination, especially toward key populations such as men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who inject drugs. UNDP reports that gaps in anti-discrimination laws leave these groups unprotected, making many afraid to seek testing or treatment.
Another major challenge is low testing and awareness. Only around 20% of people living with HIV know their status, which means thousands remain undiagnosed. Without early detection, individuals cannot begin treatment, increasing the risk of AIDS-related complications.
Poverty and Barriers To Accessing HIV Care
For many people living in poverty in Tunisia, getting consistent HIV care is still a major challenge, especially when transportation costs, lack of insurance and financial barriers limit access to clinics.
Treatment services are unevenly distributed across the country — most specialized HIV centers are located in Greater Tunis, Sousse, Monastir and Sfax — leaving the entire western region without coverage, which forces low-income patients to travel long distances they often cannot afford. Limited access contributes to poor treatment adherence, and Tunisia continues to fall behind global HIV goals, with only 32% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy despite years of international commitments.
NGOs in Tunisia report increasing drug resistance and worsening health outcomes among patients who struggle to stay in care, underscoring the need for better support for vulnerable and poor communities.
Promising Efforts and Progress
Even with these challenges, Tunisia is taking important steps to strengthen its response to HIV. UNAIDS highlights the country’s leadership role in the region, noting its commitment to rights-based health policies and stronger engagement with young people.
Tunisian youth organizations have partnered with UNAIDS to push for better education, more inclusive services and meaningful participation in decision-making. UNDP is also supporting national efforts to update Tunisia’s HIV Strategic Plan, focusing on human rights, gender equality and better protection for key populations. This includes reviewing laws that limit access to services and working with local groups to improve outreach.
Broader health reforms are helping too. According to WHO and UNICEF, Tunisia is expanding community-based health programs and investing in stronger primary care. These reforms improve access to prevention, testing and counseling, especially for people in underserved areas. Together, these initiatives show that Tunisia is not only aware of the challenges, but actively working toward a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable HIV response.
Conclusion
HIV/AIDS in Tunisia continues to present real challenges, but ongoing reforms and community-led efforts show that progress is possible. With stronger prevention programs, better legal protection and wider access to testing and treatment, Tunisia can reduce new infections and support more people living with HIV. Continued collaboration between the government, NGOs and youth organizations will be essential to building a healthier and more inclusive future.
– Aila Alsakka
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Addressing Elderly Poverty in Equatorial Guinea
Elderly Poverty in Equatorial Guinea
The elderly population individuals aged 65 or older accounts for an estimated 4.94% of the nation’s population, according to demographic data. While specific data on income levels and employment for older adults are limited, national poverty figures suggest that many senior citizens are vulnerable due to limited financial resources and low social nets.
Public spending on health, education and social protections remains low in Equatorial Guinea, at approximately 2% of GDP, which gives access to essential services for vulnerable groups, including older adults. This limited investment in public services can make it difficult for elderly citizens to secure regular income, manage health conditions or find a good amount of social support.
Access to health care remains limited for much of Equatorial Guinea’s population. According to the World Bank, the country continues to face challenges related to health system capacity and overall access to essential services. These limitations can be especially difficult for older adults, who are more likely to require ongoing medical care due to age- related health conditions.
Poverty can also limit access to adequate food and shelter. Reports on living conditions note that food insecurity and struggles to afford necessities affect many households in Equatorial Guinea. Older adults living in low income families may be particularly at risk, as they often depend on family members or community support to meet the basic needs.
Government Initiative: Social Assistance
To address the needs of vulnerable populations, the Ministry of Social affairs and Gender Equality launched an initiative in 2015 to establish social assistance centers for elderly citizens. These centers were designed to reduce social isolation by providing communal spaces where seniors do not lack in areas of social activities, basic health support and community services.
While these centers aim to improve the wellbeing of elderly adults, publicly available data on the number of individuals served and specific outcomes remain limited. Most centers are concentrated in urban areas, which may leave rural older adults without access to similar services.
In addition, inadequate social protection systems can place extra strain on families who care for elderly relatives while also trying to meet their own economic needs. Strengthening support for older citizens can help improve quality of life and reduce the long term effects of poverty in later life.
Conclusion
Elderly poverty in Equatorial Guinea reflects broader social and economic inequalities within the country. Despite oil wealth, limited investment in public services and social protection has left many older citizens vulnerable. Programs such as social assistance centers for elderly people, partnerships with international health agencies and efforts to improve food security represent steps toward improving conditions for vulnerable populations. However, sustained and expanded support is essential to ensuring that older adults can live with dignity, secure basic needs and participate fully in society.
– Nishanth Pothapragada
Photo: Pixabay
Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Russia
Innovations in poverty eradication in Russia have become a key policy focus as the government seeks more efficient ways to reach low-income households. Digital systems, targeted social benefits and partnerships with nonprofits and social enterprises now play a central role in improving access to assistance and stabilizing incomes for vulnerable populations.
Digital Systems Expand Access to Social Support
One major example of an innovation in poverty eradication in Russia is the expansion of digital public services. In 2020, the Russian government centralized access to social benefits through the Gosuslugi platform, allowing citizens to apply online for child payments, unemployment support and housing assistance. The system significantly reduced paperwork and eliminated the need for repeated in-person visits.
According to a World Bank feature examining Russia’s social protection reforms, digital delivery of benefits helped increase enrollment among families who previously struggled to access aid due to distance, cost or administrative barriers.
Financial Inclusion Reaches Rural Communities
Russia has also expanded financial inclusion through biometric identification technology. The Unified Biometric System allows banks to verify identities remotely so individuals in rural or remote areas can open accounts and receive government payments without traveling. The International Telecommunication Union documents the system’s development and purpose in its official project profile.
The Central Bank of Russia formally announced expanded use of biometric identification for financial services, highlighting its role in improving access to banking and state payments. By allowing more people to safely receive income and benefits, financial inclusion reduces long-term poverty risks and strengthens household stability.
Targeted Child Benefits Support Low-Income Families
Families with children are among the groups most affected by poverty in Russia. To address this, the government introduced income-tested monthly child benefits in 2021 for families with children ages 8 to 17. These payments are designed to reach households below a defined income threshold, ensuring assistance is targeted to those most in need.
World Bank analysis shows that targeted cash transfers helped stabilize household consumption during economic downturns, particularly during the COVID-19 period. These payments allowed families to maintain food budgets and cover essential costs despite rising prices, demonstrating how data-driven targeting can strengthen household resilience.
Social Entrepreneurship Creates Employment Opportunities
Another innovation in poverty eradication in Russia is the expansion of social entrepreneurship. In 2019, Russia passed legislation formally recognizing social enterprises and offering tax incentives and grant support. The BEARR Trust provided a detailed overview of the law and its scope.
One example is Delai Dobro, a social enterprise that trains people with disabilities in digital and remote-work skills. The organization then connects participants with online employment opportunities. Program details and participation data are available through the Dobro platform. By creating accessible employment pathways, social enterprises help marginalized groups earn steady income and reduce dependence on long-term assistance.
Nonprofits Strengthen Community-Level Support
Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in supporting low-income families, particularly in areas where government services are limited. The Help Needed Foundation operates nationwide, funding smaller charities and providing food assistance, counseling and emergency aid. Its 2022 impact report shows that its programs reached more than 500,000 people.
The foundation also trains social workers to help families access benefits, manage debt and navigate social services. Improved outreach ensures that vulnerable households receive timely and effective support.
Looking Ahead
Innovations in poverty eradication in Russia depend on practical tools that reach vulnerable households efficiently. Digital platforms improve access to benefits, targeted child payments help families meet essential needs and social enterprises create new income opportunities for marginalized groups. Combined with nonprofit partnerships and regional development programs, these efforts strengthen economic stability and reduce poverty across the country.
– Aiden Moriarty
Photo: Unsplash
The Limitations of the Health Care System in North Korea
Initially, North Korea’s health care system operated effectively. However, it began to break down in the mid-to-late ’90s due to the Arduous March. The collapse of the Soviet Union, natural disasters and economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and U.N. severely affected North Korea’s socioeconomic progress and public health. It led to widespread malnutrition and high mortality rates from communicable diseases.
The health care system deteriorated steadily and was unable to provide even basic services, largely because it relied entirely on government support under the socialist model.
The State of the Health Care System in North Korea
North Korea ranks lowest in East Asia and 193rd out of 195 countries worldwide. It also ranks 187th out of 195 for health care access, indicating that reasonable health care is difficult to obtain. In North Korea, the leading causes of death are stroke and ischemic heart disease.
In 2021, noncommunicable diseases accounted for the highest number of deaths. North Korea’s leader closed the country’s borders after COVID-19 emerged. Although the government officially claimed there were no recorded infections, media outlets citing sources inside the country reported COVID-19–like symptoms among soldiers.
North Korean authorities also tightly censor and control all media. While the number of articles mentioning the UFHCS remained stable between 2015 and 2018, ranging from 53 to 63 per year, the figure dropped sharply after 2019. By 2024, Rodong Sinmun no longer mentioned the UFHCS at all. Notably, the word “Inmin” (meaning “people”) also disappeared from articles.
Although hospitals in North Korea historically preserved this term, its removal signals that citizens’ inherent right to health care is no longer explicitly recognized in official discourse.
The Realities Behind North Korea’s Health Care System
According to an Amnesty International publication, despite the government’s claim of a free health care system, citizens were required to pay for medical services during the ’90s. In many cases, patients paid with cigarettes, alcohol or food even for the most basic consultations. As a result, many people avoided visiting doctors and instead went directly to markets to buy medicine.
It became especially common for North Koreans to self-medicate with addictive narcotic painkillers for minor illnesses such as the common cold. After the collapse of North Korea’s rationing system, informal markets known as jangmadang emerged as the core of the unofficial economy. However, following Kim Jong-un’s rise to power in 2012 and the outbreak of COVID-19, authorities closed borders and began shutting down these markets.
As border controls tightened and medicine shortages worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korean authorities expanded domestic production of so-called Koryo medicine, a form of traditional medicine. However, this approach proved harmful due to serious side effects. According to Daily NK, out of 163 reported medical incidents in health facilities, 130 involved drug abuse or misuse and 93 were linked specifically to side effects from Koryo medicine.
Many North Koreans were already aware of these risks. However, they continued to rely on such treatments because of severe medicine shortages. While the government attempted to address supply gaps, it created additional problems by failing to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Koryo medicine systematically.
Aids From Nonprofits
During COVID-19, most international aid workers left North Korea after the government closed its borders and tightened import controls. This led to severe shortages of medicines and vaccines. In 2023, following a vote by the WHO’s Executive Board in favor of North Korea, U.N. agencies and NGOs sent more than four million vaccine doses to Pyongyang.
These included vaccines for hepatitis B, measles and tetanus. The primary targets were children and pregnant women who had missed life-saving vaccinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination drive was the result of an extended collaboration among UNICEF, Gavi and the WHO.
Roland Kupka, the then-UNICEF Acting Representative in the DPRK, stated that the return of vital vaccines marked a significant step toward protecting children’s health and survival in the country. In addition, UNICEF provided new freezers and temperature taggers to ensure vaccines could be stored safely, even in the most remote areas. Kupka also noted that, to sustain progress in restoring pre-pandemic vaccination levels and ensure every child receives vital, life-saving vaccines, DPRK authorities should allow the return of UNICEF and U.N. international staff to the country.
Final Remarks
The limitations of North Korea’s health care system are increasingly evident. Although authorities continue to claim that health care is free, shortages of food and medicine worsened after COVID-19. To cope, people relied on unofficial street markets, but these were also shut down due to government policy.
While international attention and cooperative engagement have increased, they must be matched by meaningful domestic policy efforts.
– Yunjaelee
Photo: Flickr