Information and news on advocacy.

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New Center for Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan to be Established

Nuclear Medicine in UzbekistanCancer occurs in roughly 108 people per 100,000 people in Uzbekistan. Compared to the rest of the world, this rate is relatively low. However, Uzbekistan’s cancer mortality rate sits at around 67%, an alarmingly high number. Breast, stomach, and cervical cancers are the most common diagnoses. Luckily, Uzbekistan is working to change this.

New Nuclear Medicine Center in Uzbekistan

The Uzatom Agency, the Uzbek executive authority responsible for implementing state policy for atomic energy use, and the S. Berezin Medical Institute (MIBS) have formed a partnership to open a new medical center to introduce modernized nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan. This project was announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and will be supported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Founded in 2003, the S. Berezin Medical Institute established networks of diagnostic centers and providing new diagnostic technology and treatment methods. MIBS operates more than 80 centers across 60 cities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Annually, MIBS provides more than 1.5 million MRI and CT scans, as well as 4,000 examinations every day.

Focusing on Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan

The agreement between the Uzatom agency and MIBS aims to focus on implementing nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan as an integral part of improving and modernizing the country’s healthcare system, specifically its oncology care system.

The center will have new, state-of-the-art equipment for numerous procedures and services. It could have technology capable of performing positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and high-precision radiosurgery systems, like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. There are also plans to equip the center with a laboratory for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive drugs used for diagnostic imaging and treatment. Additionally, the center will provide radionuclide therapy and perform isotopic-based diagnostic research.

This new nuclear medicine center will improve upon Uzbekistan’s health care system by providing doctors with the technology to detect cancer earlier than previously possible, track metastases, and treat a patient’s tumors and complex diseases rather than defaulting to surgery and painful operations.

Improving Uzbekistan’s Health Care System

This project is part of Uzbekistan’s goal to modernize its health care system and to start rolling out reforms by 2026.

A series of reforms have already been established in the Syrdarya region of the country. As of September 2023, some achievements of these reforms include the establishment of a state health insurance fund, a more structured primary health care (PHC) system, new provider payments and contracts with health facilities, and advanced e-health information systems for pharmacies.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) specifically emphasizes the successes of the PHC reform in Syrdarya. It holds the following accomplishments in high regard: expanded roles and increased autonomy for nurses, greater capacity for family doctors to spend more time on complex cases, evidence-informed clinical guidelines and protocols, and stronger connections between PHC teams and community health organizations.

More Efficient and Organized

The successful execution of these reforms has laid a foundation for a more efficient and organized health care system beyond Syrdarya and across Uzbekistan. With the introduction of centers for nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan and other healthcare reforms in the works, the country is making great progress towards its goal of modernizing its health care system and creating a healthier country.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in Peru: The Fight for Indigenous Rights

women peruPeru’s flourishing mining industry has spurred economic development, but this has exacted a heavy toll on Indigenous communities, especially women. Indigenous women in Peru face heightened challenges due to extraction projects, including land loss, environmental degradation and gender-based violence. Nevertheless, their resilience and advocacy leadership have facilitated significant advancements for women’s rights in the country. Through legal actions and grassroots initiatives, Indigenous women are proactively safeguarding their lands and shaping policies. This article highlights their adversities and triumphs in conflicts such as the Conga Mine, Tía María, and oil spills in Loreto, while emphasizing the ongoing quest for justice.

Conga Mine: Máxima Acuña’s Stand for Land and Water

The Conga Mine, a gold and copper project in Cajamarca, posed a significant threat to four lakes that are essential for local water supplies. Máxima Acuña, a Quechua subsistence farmer, emerged as a symbol of resistance after she refused to cede her land to Newmont Mining. Despite facing violent eviction attempts, criminalization, and harassment, Acuña achieved a landmark court ruling in 2014 that halted the mine’s expansion. Her courage earned her the Goldman Environmental Prize and inspired a documentary.

Although the project remains on hold, her success underscores the potential for Indigenous women’s rights in Peru to prevail against corporate power. Grassroots organizations like GRUFIDES continue to back similar legal efforts, illustrating that local activism can have a global impact.

Loreto’s Oil Spills: Women Rise from Crisis to Leadership

In the Amazon, persistent oil spills from the state-owned Petroperú have contaminated rivers and severely impacted the Kukama Indigenous communities. Leaders like Flor de María Paraná have emerged as powerful advocates, establishing organizations to demand clean water, health care and remediation for the spills, ultimately securing a 2021 court order that mandated government action.

Their advocacy has transformed community leadership, with groups such as ONAMIAP pushing for policies that prioritize Indigenous women in environmental and health issues. These accomplishments illustrate how crises can catalyze progress in women’s rights in Peru.

A Path Forward for Women in Peru

In Peru, Indigenous women are transforming challenges into powerful advocacy, proving that grassroots initiatives can effectively address deep-rooted injustices. Despite persistent threats such as inadequate enforcement of prior consultations, gender-based violence, and demands for corporate accountability, their achievements serve as a model for meaningful change. As Peru strives to balance economic development with human rights, the leadership of Indigenous women is essential. Their struggle extends beyond issues of land and water; it envisions a future in which women’s rights in Peru are unequivocally upheld.

– Emilia Bartle

Emilia is based in Watford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Spain Leads Infant Health Breakthrough Against RSV Infections

rsv infectionsSpain has emerged as a global leader in protecting infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), launching a successful immunization campaign that dramatically reduced hospitalizations and intensive care admissions. According to Salut, the campaign cut ICU admissions by 90% and hospitalizations by 87%, while the overall number of RSV infections dropped by 68.9%.

In 2022, the European Union (EU) authorized the use of nirsevimab, the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to prevent lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV in newborns and infants during their first exposure to the virus. Carlos Rodrigo, clinical director of pediatrics at Germans Trias I Pujol Hospital in Badalona, praised the campaign’s acceptance rate. “The population’s acceptance rate was very high, as shown by the 87.7% coverage in Catalonia,” Rodrigo said. “If not surpassed, the expectations have been completely fulfilled.” Children under 6 months of age carry the highest risk and economic burden from RSV infections in Spain, making early prevention efforts especially critical.

Understanding RSV and Its Global Impact

RSV stands as one of the most common childhood infections and ranks as a leading cause of hospitalization in children under 5. Most children contract the virus by the age of 2. For infants and toddlers, RSV can cause serious symptoms, including breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels and dehydration. The virus plays a major role in global morbidity and mortality among children by driving epidemics of acute lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Recognizing this impact, Spain introduced its monoclonal antibody as a proactive measure to prevent severe RSV infections in infants and reduce strain on health care systems.

How Spain’s Monoclonal Antibody Strategy Works

Unlike vaccines that train the immune system over time, monoclonal antibodies like nirsevimab deliver immediate protection. This quality makes them especially useful during an infant’s first RSV season, when timely immunity matters most. Rodrigo emphasized the breakthrough: “The success of the measure is so evident that this year many other countries—such as the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and Italy—will surely adopt it. The antibody is very well tolerated and the results are among the most spectacular ever seen in medicine.” He likened Spain’s RSV antibody rollout to historic breakthroughs such as penicillin or the polio vaccine. “It’s a huge, spectacular success,” he added, “a saving of suffering for parents and babies and of very high costs for the health care system.”

Building a Blueprint for Global Infant Health

Spain’s RSV prevention campaign offers valuable lessons for health policymakers worldwide. To replicate its success, health systems may need to plan proactively, ensure supply chains and implement targeted infant immunization strategies. Monoclonal antibodies may become key tools for protecting vulnerable populations, not only in Spain but worldwide. By prioritizing infant health and embracing innovative tools, Spain has made a significant leap forward in health care. Its model shows that with foresight and coordination, countries could reduce hospitalizations, protect children and ease the financial strain on health care systems.

– Abirame Shanthakumar

Abirame is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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TB in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven Epidemic

TB Resilience in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven EpidemicRecently, India’s Tuberculosis (TB) control program has treated more than 19 million patients, yet the country still reports one of the highest TB burdens in the world. Tuberculosis remains the leading infectious disease in India and the growing threat of drug-resistant strains has intensified the challenge. Roughly 300 million Indians continue to live in extreme poverty, facing conditions that heighten their risk of infection, such as undernutrition, overcrowded housing and limited access to timely medical care. Despite these hurdles, a unified effort from the Indian government and global health partners is making measurable progress in reducing TB incidence and strengthening community resilience.

How Poverty Fuels Tuberculosis

India’s long-standing struggle with TB is closely tied to socioeconomic conditions. Families living in poverty often lack access to education, health services and basic sanitation. These ongoing challenges heighten the risk of infection and limit recovery. In recent decades, diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 have similarly exposed how poverty worsens public health outcomes. Although conditions have not improved overnight, recent data shows progress. Between 2017 and 2022, India’s life expectancy and public health infrastructure improved steadily. The government and international partners have worked to strengthen the country’s TB response through increased funding and better community outreach.

Building Resilience Through Partnerships

Multiple global and domestic organizations have joined India’s fight against TB. These include the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and SHARE INDIA. Together, they launched targeted programs such as TB Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India) to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The CDC’s Expand ELEVATE  (E2) Project, for example, trained more than 3,000 data analysts in India. These professionals help health authorities track TB outbreaks and respond quickly. The project’s reach now includes more than 600 million people and plays a vital role in India’s health system resilience.

Innovation Driving Change

India has adopted new technologies to diagnose TB faster and monitor cases more effectively. These improvements allow health care workers to detect infections earlier, especially among HIV-positive patients, who face a higher risk and deliver treatment before complications arise. At the 2018 End TB Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to eliminating TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal at the time. Since then, the Indian government has increased investments in health care infrastructure and accelerated the rollout of new medical technologies.

Looking Forward

India’s TB response now serves as a model for other countries. The World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report predicts a 90–95% drop in TB mortality by 2035. Ongoing efforts to test, treat and prevent TB continue to save lives and reduce economic strain on vulnerable communities. By aligning policy, technology and community outreach, India shows that ending TB is within reach. With continued support from both national and international partners, the country moves closer to its goal of a TB-free future—one where poverty no longer determines health outcomes.

– Melody Aminian

Melody is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Clearer Future: Papua New Guinea Eradicated Trachoma

papua new guinea trachomaTrachoma is an infectious disease causing in-turning of the eyelids, visual impairment and often irreversible blindness. The disease is associated with crowded households and inadequate hygiene, access to water, and access to and use of sanitation, primarily affecting women and children within poor and rural regions. According to 2024 data, 103 million people worldwide live in trachoma endemic areas and are at risk of irreversible blindness. However, light is emerging from the dark. Following a 13-year-long struggle against the infectious disease, Papua New Guinea eradicated trachoma as a public health concern, as announced at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

About Trachoma

Trachoma is one of many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) ― complex conditions prevalent among impoverished tropical areas and often transmitted through vectors, making them major public health concerns. Almost absent from the global health agenda, NTDs do not get enough resources and attention, perpetuating cycles of poverty, stigma and social exclusion within neglected populations

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and is responsible for the visual impairment or blindness of more than 1.9 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis spreads through personal contact, such as sharing beds, clothing, and surfaces, and by flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected individual. The average immune system can overcome a single episode of infection but in endemic communities, infection re-occurs frequently, often leading to years of constant infection. If untreated, the infection can cause the eyelid to turn inward, resulting in pain, light intolerance, and eventually irreversible visual impairment or blindness.

Trachoma’s impact is especially harsh in remote and impoverished areas where access to care is limited. Prevalence rates are especially high among pre-school-aged children (as high as 60-90%), and due to greater contact with infected children, women experience trachoma blindness four times as often as men, WHO reports. Blindness and visual impairment cause significantly reduced productivity, the economic cost of which is estimated to be $8 billion per year

Global Elimination Strategies

As of October 21st 2024, 21 countries worldwide have successfully eradicated trachoma as a public health problem, including Cambodia, Ghana and Pakistan. These previously endemic countries implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which encompasses:

  1. Surgery to treat trachomatous trichiasis (the blinding stage of the disease)
  2. Antibiotics to clear the infection (specifically mass administration of azithromycin)
  3. Facial cleanliness
  4. Environmental improvement (especially enhancing access to sanitation and clean water)

Papua New Guinea Elimination Strategy

Foundational efforts to eliminate trachoma in Papua New Guinea began in 2012, with organizations including Collaborative Vision, The Brian Holden Vision Institute and The Global Trachoma Mapping Project contributing towards the effort. However, surveys in Papua New Guinea revealed that despite signs of active trachoma in children, there were very low levels of Chlamydia trachomatis and negligible levels of trachomatous trichiasis, suggesting that children were not progressing to severe stages of the disease.

As a result, Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Health organized a series of further assessments, surveys and investigations, building a comprehensive understanding of trachoma’s status in the country. This confirmed that community-wide interventions such as mass antibiotic distribution and large-scale surgery were not necessary. Unlike other countries where trachoma elimination required vast surgery campaigns, mass antibiotic administration and targeted improvements in access to water, hygiene and sanitation, Papua New Guinea’s success was fueled by vigorous disease surveillance.

This is a powerful testament to the country’s ability to adjust its health strategies to the realities of local communities, ensuring the safety of its population whilst reducing unnecessary resource use. Dr Ana Campa, Trachoma Coordinator of the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand, stated that “Trachoma in Papua New Guinea is complex and presents atypically. Additional research and ancillary surveys … [were] crucial in understanding the picture of trachoma in the country and ultimately moving the country into drafting its dossier.”

A Clearer Future

To date, 56 countries globally have eliminated at least one NTD, including 22 that have eliminated trachoma as a public health issue. Papua New Guinea eradicated trachoma not only as a medical milestone, but as a demonstration of how context-specific strategies can achieve lasting health improvements. With the list of countries eliminating NTDs rapidly growing, we are gaining considerable momentum towards a world where NTDs are no longer a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

WHO and its partners remain dedicated to helping countries like Papua New Guinea protect their progress against trachoma and move closer to eradicating more NTDs, protecting the world’s poor.

While WHO’s SAFE strategy remains vital to tackling trachoma, Papua New Guinea’s success in eradicating the fatal disease provides a clear example of how innovative strategies rooted in distinct local realities can lead to sustainable health victories.

– Holly McArthur

Holly is based in Somerset, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Youth Mental Health in Nepal: A Collaborative Push for Support

Youth Mental Health in NepalAmong the 29.7 million people who live in Nepal, 340,000 adolescents have made suicide attempts. Furthermore, in 2020, UNICEF reported that 470,000 teens had contemplated suicide. These figures position Nepal as having the second-highest youth suicide rate in South Asia, indicating a pressing crisis in youth mental health in Nepal that necessitates immediate intervention.

Background

The 2015 earthquake had a profound impact on Nepal, exposing children to severe psychological stress and long-term emotional strain. It added another layer of trauma to a nation already struggling with poverty and inadequate mental health care. Anxiety, grief and other forms of distress were among the many mental health challenges children faced in the aftermath.

A large-scale epidemiological study reported a prevalence of 19.1% for emotional and behavioral problems in children, indicating that it approximately affects one in every five children in Nepal.

The 2020 National Mental Health Survey indicated a 5.2% prevalence of diagnosable mental disorders among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Nepal, with 2.8% attributed to neurotic and stress-related conditions.

Availability of Services

The pervasive stigma and insufficient comprehension of mental health are resulting in a high percentage of children and adolescents, particularly in remote locations, being unable to access essential care.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) unit at Kanti Children’s Hospital has remained Nepal’s only full-time outpatient clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry up until 2020.

As of 2022, Nepal had just three outpatient mental health facilities dedicated to children and adolescents, and no inpatient units in the public sector. Additionally, the country’s mental health workforce included approximately 144 psychiatrists, of whom only three specialized in child psychiatry.

When children needed hospitalization for psychiatric issues, they had to go to adult psychiatric facilities, which represents a breach of children’s rights and failed to meet international standards.

Collaborating for Change

In response to these pressing needs following the 2015 earthquake, UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, and Plan International initiated a collaborative initiative to enhance children and adolescents’ mental health.

Following the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, their efforts concentrated on establishing secure and uniform environments for children to initiate emotional recovery, UNICEF reports.

The initiative established child-friendly spaces, and trained 512 community members to facilitate children’s emotional expression through play, routine, and peer contact. Through receiving training in psychological first aid, 3,395 educators and 20,000 community members learned to identify signs of distress and provide basic support, according to UNICEF.

Youth activities had a goal for adolescents to restore confidence and foster connections, while instituting support programs to enhance caregivers’ capacity to care for their children under significant demand.

Jo Malone London and UNICEF

Jo Malone London, in partnership with UNICEF and the Government of Nepal, is undertaking initiatives to improve youth mental health in Nepal by teaching health professionals to better comprehend and treat the mental health requirements of adolescents. The objectives of these trainings are to identify mental health issues, offer counselling, and link patients with specialized care via tele-mental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu, UNICEF reports.

This partnership is a component of UNICEF’s overarching strategy to strengthen mental health systems in marginalized regions by addressing challenges such as stigma, awareness, and the scarcity of mental health professionals in rural areas. This ensures that children and adolescents receive the necessary care they need.

UNICEF–Z Zurich Initiative

UNICEF combined global best practices with locally adapted approaches to promote the mental health of Nepal’s adolescents and their caregivers through socio-emotional learning (SEL) tools, with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation. Karnali Province, one of the most disadvantaged regions in the nation, was the primary focus of this initiative. The resources, which include stress management techniques and feelings charts, aim to assist students in identifying their emotions and coping with challenges.

The impact of the UNICEF–Z Zurich Foundation helps students increase comfort in expressing their emotions and their growing willingness to seek help across Western Nepal.

Youth Mental Health in Nepal

The youth of Nepal are starting to articulate what was previously concealed. From classrooms in Karnali to clinics in Kathmandu, transformation is occurring via skilled health professionals, emotional learning resources, and programs founded on trust. The upcoming difficulty is scalability. With sustained dedication, these initial advancements can evolve into enduring advocacy for youth mental health in Nepal, ensuring no child is left unheard.

– Imge Tekniker

Imge is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tyla Supports South African Women’s Education Through Charity

Tyla Supports South African Women’s Education Through CharityTyla Laura Seethal, born in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, continues to celebrate her African identity through music and performance. Her 2023 single “Water” went viral on TikTok and earned a Grammy Award in 2024 for Best African Musical Performance. Despite global success, Tyla remains rooted in her home country and recently launched an initiative to support young women’s education in South Africa.

Barriers to Women’s Education

Women in South Africa often face gender-based obstacles in pursuing education and professional advancement. Cultural expectations and unequal domestic responsibilities limit their ability to attain higher education. Although the South African Constitution prohibits discrimination, persistent stereotypes suggest men are better suited for leadership roles. A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic at a University of Technology in the Free State Province revealed the structural barriers women face in higher education. Female staff reported challenges including harassment, stereotyping, maternity leave concerns and doubts about their qualifications. These findings highlight the need for gender-responsive reforms to promote economic and social development through inclusive education.

Tyla’s ‘Bliss Smoothie’ Initiative

In April 2025, Tyla partnered with U.S.-based health food store Erewhon to launch the “Bliss Smoothie.” Proceeds from smoothie sales support 18twenty8, a South African nonprofit focused on women’s education and personal development. Tyla selected 18twenty8 because of its long-standing mission to empower women through education, recognizing that access to schooling plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization received renewed attention following the donation, which founder Refiloe Seseane called “a motivator to continue the work that [they] have been doing.”

18twenty8’s Impact

Since registering in 2011, 18twenty8 has supported women ages 18 to 28 through life skills workshops, financial assistance, leadership camps and peer mentorship. The organization aims to build women’s confidence and equip them with tools for success. Graduates featured on the organization’s website have shared stories of how tuition assistance and mentorship enabled them to pursue their degrees and long-term goals. Tyla’s contribution may help more women access higher education and challenge the cultural norms that have historically limited their potential.

Expanding Opportunities Through the ‘Big Sister Network’

In addition to its core programs, 18twenty8 operates the Big Sister Network, a mentorship initiative that pairs young women with professional female mentors. This program provides guidance, career exposure and support, addressing the lack of positive female role models and academic mentors in many communities. Through these relationships, participants gain insights into various career paths and develop the confidence to pursue their goals. The ‘Big Sister Network’ exemplifies 18twenty8’s commitment to holistic empowerment, fostering a supportive environment where young women can thrive.

Looking Ahead

As Tyla continues to expand her influence, initiatives like the Bliss Smoothie partnership aim to open new avenues for global engagement in gender-focused development. Sustained support for organizations like 18twenty8 could strengthen the pipeline of South African women’s education and skilled professions in South Africa. Future collaborations with public institutions and the private sector could also help scale impact through scholarships, digital learning tools and mentorship infrastructure. According to UNESCO, each additional year of secondary education for a girl can increase her future earnings by up to 20%, highlighting the long-term benefits of educational access. By investing in women’s development early, communities may see improved health, reduced poverty and higher levels of civic participation.

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TB in the Philippines: A Persistent Public Health Crisis

TB in the PhilippinesTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that about 10 million people contract the illness each year. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause TB, is currently latent in an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, more than 25% of the global population. While TB affects people globally, the disease has an outsized impact on lower-middle-income countries like the Philippines, where socioeconomic challenges hinder access to treatment and prevention.

The Burden in the Philippines

The Philippines has one of the highest TB incidence rates in Southeast Asia. In 2023, approximately 37,000 people in the country died from TB out of the 739,000 who were diagnosed. This places the national incidence rate more than six times the regional average. The WHO classifies the Philippines as a “high burden” country for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and TB/HIV co-infection. Despite recent economic growth, the Philippines remains classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank, with a poverty rate of 15.5% in 2023. TB-related mortality and infection remain elevated, particularly in urban slums, prisons and overcrowded housing environments that allow the bacteria to spread quickly through close human contact.

Link Between Poverty and Infection

TB transmission in the Philippines is not strongly correlated with national wealth, as countries with smaller economies like Cambodia and Laos report fewer cases. Instead, population density, limited health infrastructure and barriers to treatment access help explain the high infection rate. Many patients cannot afford to miss work to complete the full six-month treatment regimen. A 2016–2017 national survey found that 42.4% of TB-affected households spent more than 20% of their annual income on treatment. TB is preventable and curable, but treatment gaps continue to affect the poorest populations most. Patients who cannot access affordable health care risk worsening infections and higher transmission rates. The burden is particularly severe for those with MDR-TB, which requires longer, more expensive treatment courses. TB/HIV co-infection further complicates recovery, especially in vulnerable communities.

Addressing Social Determinants

According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “TB is the definitive disease of deprivation.” In this context, tackling TB in the Philippines means improving access to nutrition, housing, education and affordable health care—factors that directly influence disease outcomes.

The Filipino government provides public TB treatment programs, but implementation remains challenging. Many affected individuals cannot afford to complete treatment. In 2024, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) committed $10 million to TB testing and prevention efforts in the Philippines. NGOs like the Global Fund and Doctors Without Borders continue to support screening, awareness and treatment in high-risk communities.

Drug Resistance and the Need for Global Action

Treatment success rates in the Philippines remain below 60%, largely due to the rising prevalence of drug-resistant TB. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, emerging TB strains that resist standard antibiotics threaten to undo decades of progress in global TB control. Without sustained investment, the spread of MDR-TB could escalate, placing additional pressure on health care systems.

Looking Ahead

Addressing tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines necessitates a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes early detection, affordable treatment and community-based care. Enhancing surveillance systems, deploying mobile clinics and integrating TB programs into primary health care networks could improve treatment adherence. Expanding support for individuals living in poverty is also crucial.

According to the World Bank, the treatment success rate for new and relapse TB cases in the Philippines was 78% in 2022, which is below the global average of 88% reported by the World Health Organization. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment outcomes.

International partnerships, combined with sustained political commitment, offer an opportunity to reduce TB-related deaths and transmission in the Philippines. While challenges remain, comprehensive efforts focused on health care and poverty reduction could improve outcomes for thousands of Filipinos each year.

– Maxwell Marcello

Maxwell is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Prevention Strategies: Malaria in Africa

Fighting Malaria: Prevention Strategies in AfricaMalaria remains a major global health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths from the disease. More than 95% of all infections occurred in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for scalable, long-term prevention strategies. Despite challenges, innovative approaches are helping reduce malaria rates and protect vulnerable communities from both illness and poverty.

Geographic Burden and Progress

Countries near the equator, such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Mozambique, face the highest malaria burden. Nigeria alone recorded about 68 million infections. However, prevention efforts across the continent have prevented an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths globally, with most of those malaria cases projected to occur in Africa. Some countries have made significant progress. In Rwanda, for example, malaria cases dropped from 4.9 million in 2019 to 749,000 in 2023. Rwanda’s success stems from its focus on high-risk areas, expanded access to free treatment for adults and vaccination programs for children.

Poverty and Risk Factors

Beyond humid weather conditions, poverty plays a major role in malaria transmission. In Nigeria, many families lack access to mosquito nets, insect repellents or screened housing. Poor working conditions also increase exposure. More than 60% of Nigerians work in agriculture and another 9% in trade, professions that require early morning and evening hours outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. Educational barriers further exacerbate the problem. People without formal schooling are less likely to understand malaria transmission or prevention, making them more vulnerable. If left unchecked, malaria disrupts livelihoods, increases health care costs and perpetuates the poverty cycle.

Vaccination and Treatment Strategies

In 2021, the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine became the first to receive a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for widespread use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported this rollout, citing the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing malaria incidence and child mortality. In pilot programs, the vaccine decreased malaria in children by 30% and reduced overall mortality by 13%, even in areas with high usage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).

Alongside vaccination, the CDC also promotes LLINs as an effective physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes. These nets remain a cornerstone of malaria prevention, especially in rural and high-risk regions. For those already infected, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) offer a fast-acting solution. Derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisinin targets the malaria parasite in its blood phase, often clearing the infection within hours when administered intravenously. While not preventative, it remains critical for reducing symptoms and preventing severe illness.

Controlling the Source

Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito species resistant to insecticides and active during daylight, has spread to countries like Djibouti. After nearly eradicating malaria in 2012, Djibouti saw a resurgence of 73,000 cases by 2020 due to the insect’s rapid spread. To counter this, the United States (U.S.)-based company Oxitec released tens of thousands genetically modified (GM) male mosquitoes in Djibouti in 2025. These mosquitoes cannot bite or transmit disease. When they mate with wild females, the female dies shortly after, reducing the mosquito population. Although still in early stages, this approach could offer long-term benefits for vector control across East Africa.

A Path Forward

Malaria prevention has evolved through vaccines, targeted treatment, insecticide-treated nets and now genetic engineering. However, continued investment in education, infrastructure and health care access remains crucial. By tackling malaria transmission and its root causes, public health strategies not only save lives but also create pathways out of poverty for millions across Africa.

– Abegail Buchan

Abegail is based in Johnstown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Rise of Mpox in Sierra Leone: Assistance and Vaccination

Mpox Sierra LeoneFrom 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone faced a devastating civil war that left the economy, government, and infrastructure in shambles. The country has made substantial progress in rebuilding itself and has seen significant economic growth within the last few years, but the effects of the civil war and health outbreaks such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Mpox have kept it a low-income country in need of health care assistance.

About Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus family, first discovered in 1958 with an outbreak of infected monkeys in an animal facility in Denmark. In 1970, the first known human case of mpox was a 9-month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since then, countries worldwide have reported mpox, majority being in Africa.

Mpox causes painful skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes and high fever. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal. In fact, 1-10% of cases result in death, a large percentage of which are young adults and children.

Mpox can cause further health complications when not properly treated, such as infected lesions, pneumonia, corneal infection with loss of vision, and even sepsis. In cases of pregnancy, mpox can reach the fetus and lead to birth complications.

The virus spreads from person to person primarily through sexual activity. However, it can be contracted when close to a person with mpox, through infectious respiratory particles. It is considered contagious until all lesions have healed and are covered by a new layer of skin. However, not all infected individuals develop symptoms, which can make the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone difficult to trace. There is only a  0.001% chance that a person will contract mpox for a second time. Further, for the rare few who do get mpox again, the symptoms are much milder than the first time.

Mpox in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has seen an influx of mpox infections within the last two years. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared its highest level of alert regarding the rise in cases. The situation has only worsened, with 2025 alone accounting for 1,140 cases of mpox and nine mpox-related deaths in Sierra Leone.

Resulting from its low-income status, Sierra Leone faces many difficulties in providing health care services to those infected because of a lack of supplies and a limited number of health care workers and medical facilities. However, as foreign assistance and health care agencies have stepped in to help Sierra Leone tackle the current mpox outbreak, there is hope that cases will become manageable.

Assistance in Mpox Prevention and Care

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working with Sierra Leone to implement mpox preventive measures such as promoting hand washing and the use of facemasks. The National Public Health Agency, along with the WHO, is also assisting the country by increasing disease surveillance protocols to detect the virus faster, allowing for early-stage treatment and quarantine to lessen the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone.

The WHO is also supporting Sierra Leone in the education of health care workers, providing 160 individuals with training in infection prevention, laboratory protocols, and community risk awareness. The organization provided the country $38,000 worth of laboratory supplies, such as testing kits and safety equipment, including medical gloves, gowns, biohazard waste bags and infrared thermometers, according to its website.

Mpox Vaccine

At the beginning of April, Sierra Leone received 61,300 doses of the mpox vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Republic of Ireland, as well as immunization assistance from the HO, the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF, Gavi reports.

The country has begun the process of nationwide vaccination, beginning with exposed health care workers, those at higher risk of infection and children 12 and up, according to Barron’s. It requires two doses, the second administered four weeks after the first. As of May 8, 2025, 24,000 people have received full vaccination for mpox in Sierra Leone.

With the mpox vaccine and aid from health agencies such as the WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sierra Leone has the resources it needs to curtail the rising number of mpox cases.

– Amelia Dutch Player

Amelia is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr