Information and news on advocacy.

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The State of Lebanon’s Medical System

The State of Lebanon’s Medical System Lebanon’s medical system faces immense strain as ongoing conflict with Israel has led to widespread damage to health care facilities and personnel. Israeli airstrikes across the country—particularly in southern Lebanon and Beirut—have severely impacted the health care sector, which continues to struggle to rebuild. Reports indicate that 63% of health transports and 26% of medical facilities have been affected. Previously regarded as one of the strongest health care systems in the Arab world, Lebanon’s medical infrastructure now faces severe limitations in providing adequate care.

Impact on Medical Infrastructure and Personnel

The conflict has resulted in repeated strikes on hospitals and medical centers across Lebanon. Between October 2023 and November 2024, 226 health workers and patients lost their lives, while another 199 suffered injuries. Although international humanitarian law protects medical facilities during armed conflicts, Lebanon’s health care workers have endured significant casualties and disruptions. The Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut, the city’s largest medical facility, sustained heavy damage from an airstrike. Reports indicate that 13 people were killed and more than 60 others injured, further diminishing Lebanon’s ability to provide critical medical care.

Health Care System Under Economic Strain

A weakened economy had already placed Lebanon’s health care system under significant pressure before the war escalated. As of May 2024, 44% of the population lived in poverty, with rates reaching 70% in Akkar, one of the country’s poorest regions. A prolonged liquidity crisis devalued the Lebanese pound, making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to purchase essential medicines, retain medical staff or maintain equipment. Many public hospitals struggle to function due to a lack of financial resources.

International Aid Organizations

Several international organizations continue to provide medical aid, transport and disease prevention programs, working to preserve access to health care across the country.

  • International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since 2006, the IOM has focused on medical and psychological support for Palestinian and Iraqi refugee communities in Lebanon. During the conflict, IOM facilitated medical transport for more than 4,000 people, assisted in rebuilding health facilities and launched telehealth programs to ensure continued patient access to care. A cholera prevention campaign was implemented in response to concerns about potential outbreaks due to deteriorating sanitation infrastructure.
  • International Medical Corps. Operating in Lebanon since 2006, the International Medical Corps supports a network of 50 health care clinics and dispensaries. The organization provides disease prevention programs, patient consultations and medical treatment for displaced and vulnerable populations. Health awareness initiatives have also been implemented to educate residents on preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières – MSF). The psychological toll of war remains a growing concern in Lebanon. Doctors Without Borders currently operates two mental health helplines, providing psychological support to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that two-thirds of Lebanese citizens are experiencing mental health disorders due to war-related trauma. The demand for psychiatric care and counseling services continues to rise, placing additional strain on an already fragile health care system.
  • KSrelief. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has played a crucial role in providing health care services to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. At the Akkar-Bebnine Health Care Center, 2,689 patients received medical treatment in December 2024 alone. KSrelief’s contributions have been essential in addressing the medical needs of displaced communities who otherwise have limited access to health care services.

Future Prospects

At the beginning of 2023, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health introduced Vision 2030, a long-term strategy aimed at revitalizing Lebanon’s medical system. However, the ongoing conflict has severely hindered its implementation, making immediate health care recovery efforts more urgent. International organizations and humanitarian groups continue to provide critical support, but Lebanon’s health care sector remains under immense strain. Rebuilding medical infrastructure, securing funding and addressing the long-term psychological and physical health consequences of the war remain significant challenges. Continued international aid, government intervention and economic recovery efforts could play a crucial role in determining the future of Lebanon’s medical system.

– Charley Dennis

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

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty: Barriers to Education and Health Care

Disability and Poverty: Barriers to Education and Health CareChildren with disabilities face significant barriers to education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in developing countries. Studies indicate that children with disabilities experience poverty at nearly three times the rate of their peers without disabilities. They are also 50% less likely to attend school and 25% less likely to receive medical care, making disability both a cause and consequence of poverty. These disparities highlight the urgent need for systemic solutions to ensure children with disabilities receive equal access to essential services.

How Disability and Poverty Intersect

Families caring for children with disabilities often face higher costs for medical treatment, assistive devices and specialized education. In low-income countries, where disability resources are limited, these families struggle to meet their children’s basic needs. The lack of accessible schools forces many disabled children into isolation, depriving them of an education and future employment opportunities. Estimates suggest that 10% of children with disabilities do not receive basic rights such as education, health care or legal protection. In many cases, government policies fail to address these needs, leaving families without adequate support. Without systemic intervention, these children remain trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to access opportunities that could improve their quality of life.

Global Efforts to Address Disability and Poverty

International organizations play a crucial role in advocating for children with disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) leads initiatives to educate the public on disability rights and push for policy changes that promote inclusion. WHO also supports the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), implemented in 2019, which provides a global framework for integrating disability rights into development efforts. In addition to global advocacy, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) address disability and poverty at a local level.

Accomplish Children’s Trust, a United Kingdom (U.K.)-based nonprofit, focuses on medical intervention, education access and income generation for children with disabilities in Uganda and Malawi. Many of these children previously lacked access to health care and schooling, but the organization works to integrate them into support systems that improve their long-term well-being.

The Role of NGOs in Reducing Disability Inequality

  • Community-based Approaches. Unlike large global institutions, NGOs often focus on local solutions tailored to community needs. By involving local leaders and residents, they create sustainable programs that continue without relying on long-term external aid. This grassroots approach helps address immediate challenges while fostering long-term systemic change.
  • Small-Scale, High-Impact Interventions. Smaller organizations, such as Accomplish Children’s Trust, have made measurable differences despite limited resources. The trust has facilitated physiotherapy and occupational therapy for 3,500 disabled children at Kyaninga Child Development Centre, provided epilepsy medication to 700 children and helped 356 children enroll in school—90% of whom had never attended school before. Additionally, 200 families receive financial support to care for their disabled children.
  • Targeting Key Risk Factors. Children with disabilities are at higher risk of malnutrition, disease and unemployment. Many NGOs address these risks by providing health care services, advocating for inclusive education policies and supporting vocational training programs. These efforts not only improve the quality of life for disabled children but also increase their future economic independence.

The Importance of Awareness and Policy Change

Governments and international organizations have begun increasing efforts to address the challenges faced by children with disabilities. While progress has been made, raising awareness remains critical to ensuring disability rights receive sustained attention. Increased public engagement could drive policy changes, secure funding and expand successful programs to reach more children in need. Addressing disability-related poverty requires coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs and the global community. Investments in accessible education, health care and employment programs could not only improve the lives of children with disabilities but also contribute to broader economic and social development.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb is based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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HIV/AIDS In Panama: Political Actions and Awareness

HIV/AIDS In Panama: Political Actions and AwarenessIn Panama, approximately 30,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS, with numbers increasing each year. The rise reflects improved testing and awareness, allowing more people to seek and receive the care they had long been without. However, poverty remains a major barrier, particularly among Indigenous communities, where extreme living conditions increase vulnerability to the disease.

Poverty in Panama

Poverty significantly influences both the spread of HIV and access to treatment. While Panama’s overall poverty rate stands at 22%, the impact is disproportionately severe in nonurban areas, where 76% of Indigenous people live in poverty. This stark contrast highlights the need for targeted support, as many Panamanians, particularly in remote regions, still lack essential resources.

The Intersection of Poverty and HIV/AIDS

Economic hardship often results in limited access to hygiene products, including affordable condoms, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. Those infected face further challenges in accessing life-saving medical treatment.  The adult HIV prevalence rate in Panama stands at 1.0% and the country reports nearly 1,000 AIDS-related deaths annually. In the Ngäbe-Buglé territory, AIDS is the leading cause of death, accounting for more than 7% of fatalities, according to Panama’s National Statistics Institute. This intersection of poverty and health disparities highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies, including targeted education, expanded health care access and culturally sensitive prevention efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Panama.

Political Action Driving Change

Panama began addressing the HIV epidemic in 1985 by offering testing and treatment services. In the early 2000s, the government passed legislation requiring agencies to provide both material and financial support to combat HIV/AIDS. Initially, the national budget focused solely on treatment medication. However, in response to the evolving epidemic, Panama expanded its funding to include public education initiatives. The passing of General Law 3 on STIs in 2000 marked a significant step forward, aiming to prevent discrimination and ensure equitable access to HIV-related services. By 2005, Panama had allocated approximately $10 million from the federal budget toward HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and awareness campaigns.

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma

While increased funding has improved access to treatment, stigma remains a significant obstacle, particularly within Indigenous communities. Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS continue to fuel discrimination, preventing many from seeking testing and care. Public education campaigns have played a crucial role in dispelling myths and fostering a more informed society. These initiatives not only teach people how HIV spreads but also promote understanding and compassion for those affected by the virus. Expanding educational resources to Indigenous regions remains a priority, as these communities face the highest rates of both poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Looking Ahead

The combination of political action, increased awareness and targeted support has allowed Panama to make meaningful progress in addressing HIV/AIDS. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that vulnerable populations—particularly Indigenous communities—have equitable access to education, prevention tools and medical care. By prioritizing both policy-driven solutions and grassroots awareness initiatives, Panama can continue to bridge the gap between poverty and health, creating a safer, healthier future for all its citizens.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb s based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Eco-Friendly Search Engines Fight Poverty and Pollution

Eco-Friendly Search Engines Fight Poverty and PollutionThe internet has revolutionized communication and access to information, but its environmental impact is often overlooked. According to the International Energy Agency, global data centers consumed around 200 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2022—equivalent to the energy use of some mid-sized countries. Search engines contribute to this consumption, with each Google search generating an estimated 0.2 to 7 grams of CO₂, depending on the device used. This environmental strain disproportionately affects low-income communities, where pollution, waste and water scarcity worsen poverty. To address these challenges, eco-friendly search engines like Ecosia, Ekoru and GiveWater have emerged, transforming everyday internet use into a force for environmental restoration and community support.

Ecosia

Ecosia, an eco-friendly search engine with the same functionality as Google, offers users a greener alternative. Its tagline, “familiar search, greener impact,” reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability. Ecosia has planted more than 225 million trees and dedicated approximately €92 million to climate action.

The Ecosia team channels 100% of its profits into climate initiatives, with a significant portion supporting its global tree-planting program. Working with local organizations in more than 35 countries, Ecosia’s efforts yield widespread benefits. In Brazil, reforestation protects endangered species, while in Senegal, it restores land fertility.

In Senegal, Ecosia collaborates with Trees for the Future to establish forest gardens, where trees and shrubs grow alongside fruits and vegetables. These gardens improve soil water retention, increase crop diversity and create new income opportunities for small farmers. As a result, farmers can cultivate produce previously unsuited to dry soil while expanding their agricultural capacity. This initiative generates sustainable income for low-income rural communities. Since 2018, Ecosia has planted more than 17 million trees and restored 5,909 hectares of land across Senegal.

Ekoru

Ekoru operates as an eco-friendly search engine that generates revenue through clicks. Unlike traditional platforms, each click on a sponsored link supports ocean restoration efforts. Founders Ati Bakush and Alison Lee allocate 60% of Ekoru’s profits to initiatives like Big Blue Ocean Cleanup and Operation Posidonia. These organizations possess the labor and resources needed to advance Ekoru’s mission of restoring ocean health.

Ekoru’s impact extends across its partnerships, facilitating beach cleanups and microplastic research. Plastic waste and nonrecyclable materials pose significant threats to low-income countries, where limited infrastructure prevents proper disposal. When plastic washes ashore, it disrupts local ecosystems and undermines fishing enterprises.

Recognizing the potential for change, Ekoru aims to counteract ocean pollution and broader environmental harm. The platform operates on hydroelectric power, while its data centers rely on convection cooling instead of traditional air conditioning. This approach ensures that every Ekoru search promotes sustainability from the outset.

Give Water

GiveWater offers a search engine alternative designed to improve global health by expanding access to clean water. The platform tackles the impact of drought and environmental challenges that limit water availability. Safe, clean water not only provides hydration but also supports sanitation and hygiene. According to GiveWater, 844 million people lack access to clean water, exposing communities to illness and even death. In many remote villages, families must travel long distances to fetch water, wasting time and facing health risks that deepen poverty in low-income areas.

GiveWater channels a portion of its profits from sponsored clicks to partners like Water.org and Living Water International. Water.org bridges the financial gap for impoverished families lacking access to safe drinking water. Living Water International installs water systems tailored to community needs, guided by regional experts who understand local cultures and landscapes.

Janaki, a South Asian resident, highlighted the impact of these ongoing efforts, explaining how a nearby water source has transformed her community’s outlook. The convenience allows more time for school and work, eliminating the need for long journeys to secure basic needs. This increased access to water fosters educational and professional advancement, reducing poverty in vulnerable communities.

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

By choosing eco-friendly search engines, internet users could transform routine web browsing into meaningful action. These platforms fund tree planting, ocean cleanup and clean water initiatives, tackling both environmental degradation and poverty. As digital consumption continues to rise, such innovations reveal that small changes in technology use can potentially drive sustainable development and improve lives worldwide.

– Sarah Lang

Sarah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Ebola in Uganda: Strengthening Response and Prevention

Ebola in Uganda: Strengthening Response and Prevention
Since the initial discovery of orthoebolavirus during the 1976 disease outbreaks in Zaire and Sudan, nearly 40 additional incidences have occurred. While these Ebola disease (EBOD) episodes have been reported globally, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for most of them. Countries such as Sierra Leone, Guinea and Uganda have all experienced EBOD outbreaks. In fact, Uganda itself has had several different episodes over the last 20 years. While these disease outbreaks cause harm and disruptiveness to many communities, they also provide valuable learning opportunities. Additionally, information that medical professionals glean from previous events can be useful for addressing future epidemics. To successfully control emerging outbreaks of Ebola disease in Uganda, medical professionals should heed lessons they learned from past orthoebolavirus outbreaks.

Knowledge Gains

Lessons learned from past orthoebolavirus outbreaks are plentiful and many partnerships between the country’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and global agencies have led to positive improvements for addressing Ebola disease in Uganda. These include:

Additionally, lessons learned from past orthoebolavirus outbreaks in Uganda involves supporting culturally appropriate burial processes. For this, the MOH is working closely with Uganda’s Red Cross teams. These teams include individuals from the community who understand the culture and who can work directly with those who have lost loved ones due to EBOD. Team members receive training in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following rigid universal precaution requirements. This is especially important when addressing orthoebolavirus outbreaks.

Ongoing Challenges

While progress has occurred in addressing Ebola disease in Uganda, communication remains a challenge. Even though the government shares disease information about orthoebolavirus outbreaks, people do not always trust it and are hesitant about vaccines.

Because of the current Ebola disease in Uganda, many countries have implemented travel bans and advisories. Those in the tourist industry believe that the lack of clear communication from the government is causing a decrease in their revenue. This is significant for an industry that gained more than $1 billion in revenue during 2023. This is of great concern for the more than 42% of the people living in poverty.

Lessons learned from past othoebolavirus outbreaks also revealed the depth of distrust and culturally embedded conspiracy theories developed from previous Ebola disease in Uganda events. Some believe the outbreaks are a way for the government to remove certain populations or cover up the selling of people. They also believe that those infected with EBOD have had a hex cast upon them.

To remove communication barriers, more engagement with local communities needs to occur. Besides clear information, people also need increased education regarding Ebola disease in Uganda, especially as the country tries to initiate a new vaccine trial to fight the EBOD outbreak of 2025.

Summary

Uganda is located in East-Central Africa. It is home to six major lakes including Lake Victoria, which is the second-largest inland freshwater lake in the world. The country has a population of more than 48 million people of which almost 75% live in rural communities along Lake Victoria, roughly 72% of the rural population does not have access to improved sanitation facilities and nearly 20% of the rural population does not have access to clean drinking water.

These are significant aspects to consider when managing any orthoebolavirus outbreak. As Peter Piot, (the Belgium-British microbiologist involved with identifying Ebola) states, “We shouldn’t forget that this is a disease of poverty, of health systems and of distrust.” But with the lessons learned from past orthoebolavirus outbreaks and ongoing global support, efforts to contain future outbreaks of Ebola disease in Uganda will prevail.

– Kelly Chalupnik

Kelly is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Jordan Becomes the First Leprosy-Free Country

jordan leprosy-freeJordan, officially named the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, hosts the fifth largest number of refugees per capita. Jordan regularly welcomes refugees from its neighboring countries and has taken in more than 640,000 Syrian refugees since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Despite Jordan’s cultural significance and international recognition, 24.1% of its population lives below the poverty line. Jordan continues to face challenges such as water scarcity and lack of arable land, while also hosting a large number of refugees, which are an economic challenge for the country. Despite these challenges, Jordan has just celebrated a major success by becoming the first leprosy-free country in the world.

Jordan: First Leprosy-Free Country

In September 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) awarded Jordan with a verification of becoming Leprosy-free. Jordan has not reported any Leprosy infections from within its borders in more than two decades and became the first country in the world to receive this verification by the WHO.

This success is in line with the WHO’s mission to eradicate leprosy. The WHO has launched the Towards zero leprosy Strategy 2021–2030, which works together with countries to achieve zero leprosy in the World. The WHO is working towards “zero infection and disease, zero disability, zero stigma and discrimination and the elimination of leprosy,”

There are still more than 200,000 new infections recorded worldwide, with more than half recorded in India. Leprosy is an infectious chronic disease caused by the Mycobacterium leprae. It is spread through droplets in the mouth and nose. Leprosy is transmitted by prolonged close contact with the infected. Once treatment is started people living with leprosy are no longer infectious. Left untreated, leprosy affects the skin, upper respiratory tract, and eyes and can lead to physical deformity. Leprosy is curable and treatable, and if treated early physical deformities can be avoided entirely. The treatment is a combination of three different antibiotics, namely dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.

Stigma

Unfortunately, those affected by the disease not only suffer from the physical effects of leprosy but regularly suffer from stigmatization. These range from social isolation to financial hardship, as people who have visible deformations are often rejected by the job market. In some parts of the world, leprosy is regarded as divine punishment. It can also be used as grounds for a divorce.

WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed congratulated Jordan for this major public health achievement: “Jordan’s elimination of this age-old disease is a historic milestone in public health and a huge success for efforts to eliminate leprosy globally. The fight against leprosy around the world is more than a fight against a disease. It is also a fight against stigma and a fight against psychological and socio-economic harm. I congratulate Jordan on its achievement.”

Jordan’s historic achievement highlights how closely collaborating with the WHO and following the guidelines as outlined by the WHO’s Towards Zero Leprosy strategy is the key to success in the fight against Leprosy. Such news inspires hope that other countries still affected by leprosy can have similar success.

– Salome von Stolzmann

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

Photo: Flickr

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Sierra Leone Launches Successful Ebola Vaccination Campaign

Ebola Vaccination CampaignSierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide preventive Ebola vaccination campaign. Starting on Dec. 5, 2024, the three-week effort aimed at protecting 20,000 frontline workers against the Ebola virus. While similar higher-coverage campaigns were conducted in Guinea-Bissau (2021), Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2022), this initiative is the first of its kind in West Africa. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provided a single dose of the Ervebo vaccine to frontline workers, with training, technical assistance and logistical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Francisco Luquero, Gavi’s Head of High-Impact Outbreaks, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “The campaign’s impact will be significant to strengthen the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks by protecting frontline workers.”

Campaign Successes

The nationwide campaign targeted various at-risk communities, including health care professionals and first responders such as ambulance and motorcycle drivers. Village hunters were also vaccinated to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus from animals to humans. Luquero told The Borgen Project that Gavi achieved 94% coverage among the target group of 20,000 frontline workers. 

“Health care workers expressed satisfaction with the campaign, recognizing its importance in protecting themselves and their communities from future outbreaks,” says Luquero. He also stated that vaccine confidence and awareness also improved due to information provided about the vaccine’s benefits and side effects, as well as guidance on what to do in case of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). Gavi noted that these information dissemination efforts, along with “robust logistical support” from WHO and UNICEF, were crucial to the campaign’s successful rollout.

Ebola 2014 – 2016 Outbreak

The 2014 Ebola virus epidemic began in Guinea. It spread to at least 10 other countries, firstly through neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone. With no vaccine available at the time of the outbreak, health care workers were limited in their response capacities. The epidemic resulted in 28,000 confirmed infections and approximately 11,000 deaths, making the outbreak “the deadliest in history.” Sierra Leone was the hardest-hit country, accounting for an estimated 36% of recorded deaths and losing 7% of its medical personnel.

Ebola Vaccinations

Gavi funded a stockpile of half a million doses of Ervebo in 2021, just three years after WHO and the European Medicines Agency approved the vaccine. The majority of the vaccines are allocated for preventive Ebola vaccination campaigns similar to the one in Sierra Leone, targeting at-risk communities. About 5% of the remaining stockpile is reserved for emergency outbreaks. This distribution is due to Ebola outbreaks being relatively uncommon and not having a large enough stockpile to cover entire populations.

WHO defines at-risk persons through a ring vaccination strategy, which “captures a social network of individuals and locations” comprising around 150 people per vaccination ring. To be included in a preventive Ebola vaccination campaign, one must either be a frontline worker or have in the last 21 days:

  • Lived in the same household or been in close contact with an infected person displaying symptoms of the virus,
  • Had physical contact with an infected person’s “body, body fluids, linen or clothes.”
  • Being a neighbor or family member (including extended family) “at the closest geographic boundary of all contacts.”
  • Or lived in the same residence as anyone else included within the vaccination circle.

For the Future

Following the campaign in Sierra Leone, Luquero shared that Gavi plans to improve several aspects of its vaccination efforts. “Key lessons include enhancing vaccine confidence, strengthening case management protocols for adverse events, and improving supply chain and data management.” Indeed, a total of 18 countries are eligible for a preventive Ebola vaccination campaign, with the Central African Republic expected to be the next to participate.

Although the likelihood of Ebola epidemics is low, vaccinated persons must continue to take precautions to protect themselves from infection. This includes avoiding direct contact with the bodies, bodily fluids and clothing of infected individuals. Additionally, Sierra Leone would also need to improve its population’s access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to help mitigate the risk of the virus spreading.

While the vaccine does not eliminate the threat of an Ebola virus outbreak, these preventive vaccination campaigns can fortify health care systems and enhance community preparedness in case the virus spreads in endemic regions.

– Nesreen Yousfi

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

Photo: Flickr

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Changing the Stigma Around HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia

HIV/AIDS in Saudi ArabiaStudies conducted in Saudi Arabia have found that a big portion of HIV/AIDS cases are going unreported. The reason for this has been attributed to a stigma surrounding HIV, which causes fewer people to seek treatment. When cases go unreported it’s hard to understand how big the issue is. This has created a need for better education on what HIV is to change the stigma surrounding it.

History of HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia

The first case of HIV was described in the 1980s, however, reporting in Saudi Arabia did not start until 2004. Stigma has formed because people are unaware of how long this disease has been around and who it is affecting. Improvement in reporting has allowed the government and private companies to create programs to help people with HIV and in the process remove any stigma. Despite people being considerably more educated, there is still a large portion of people who feel negatively towards individuals with HIV.

Changing the Stigma

The Saudi government funded a blood screening program as early as 1984. This was a new technique at the time that helped track and diagnose the disease as it spread. In 1994, it founded the Saudi National Aids Program. Since then the government has also made treatment free for individuals diagnosed with HIV. Efforts have been made to improve public knowledge about the disease and how to get tested.

Founded as a countermeasure to the HIV epidemic, the purpose of the Saudi National Aids program is to provide education and treatment to the public. The Program has created amendments to the treatment guidelines for HIV that have allowed for more people to access care. The program claims to be responsible for improving treatment so much so that in 2018 about 93% of reported cases were currently receiving treatment.

Public awareness campaigns create awareness that the government cannot. Progress begins when citizens can support each other through difficult times. Evidence of this was found in a survey that showed that the majority of people felt that they would still be friends with someone if they had HIV/AIDS. Improvement in the resources available for communities is another way awareness is being built. The Saudi Government has released informational brochures that allow community members to educate themselves.

Making Improvements

Since the start of the 2000s, the Saudi people have worked hard to create awareness around HIV/AIDS. In that time, studies have shown improvements in public knowledge and an improvement in attitude towards the disease. The reason public awareness is so important is that it creates a safe environment for people to talk about their health issues. The improved stigma around HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia has led to an increase in diagnoses among men. The Saudi Arabian people have shown that they want to improve the quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS, and as public awareness rises so will the amount of people helped.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb is based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Energy Crisis in the Andes

Energy Crisis in the Andes The Andes, a breathtaking mountain range spanning the western coast of South America, is the longest in the world. Stretching more than 4,000 kilometers from Colombia to Chile, the region holds immense historical significance as the homeland of the ancient Inca civilization. Despite their beauty and rich history, the Andes are home to many rural communities struggling to adapt to modern times, particularly in accessing electricity and reliable energy. In high Andean rural regions in Peru, more than 30% of households lack access to electricity, highlighting the disparity between urban and rural energy access. Some of these communities have fought for access to electricity for more than a decade without success, highlighting a growing energy crisis in the Andes.

Challenges in Kewinal, Bolivia

Kewinal, Bolivia, is home to the Ragaypampa, an indigenous ethnic group, this remote community has petitioned for electricity for 15 years. Despite these ongoing efforts, Kewinal’s geographic isolation poses significant challenges. Electricity could drastically improve life in Kewinal. Without it, households rely on candles and kerosene lamps, increasing the risk of house fires. Schools lack projectors, computers and printers, leaving students ill-prepared for modern careers. Many young people leave the community in search of opportunities, while those who stay hope for progress. Health care facilities in Kewinal also suffer due to the absence of electricity. Medical centers cannot implement digital record-keeping systems, making it difficult to manage chronic illnesses. Additionally, local artisans, including woodworkers and potters, could double their incomes with access to electricity, providing economic stability and discouraging migration.

Water Scarcity in the Peruvian Andes

In Peru, water scarcity exacerbates energy challenges. Hydropower serves as a critical energy source in the Peruvian Andean-Amazonian basin, but farmers and hydropower plants compete for limited water resources. Droughts, worsened by global warming, have intensified this competition, leaving both sectors at a loss. Furthermore, irrigation for farming diverts water away from hydropower plants, reducing energy output and affecting surrounding areas. Research from the Natural Capital Project suggests collaborative strategies to balance agricultural and hydropower needs, promoting sustainable water usage and reducing conflicts.

Colombia and Ecuador

Communities in Colombia and Ecuador face similar crises, with drought and environmental degradation threatening energy production. High-altitude wetlands, known as paramos, play a critical role in water storage and distribution but have been degraded by deforestation, climate change and soil erosion. The energy crisis extends beyond rural areas, impacting urban centers like Bogotá, Colombia. Water shortages disrupt hydroelectric power, leading to rationing and the suspension of electricity exports. Conservation efforts aim to address these issues and restore balance.

Collaborative Efforts and Conservation Initiatives

Bolivia’s Electrification Program, supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, seeks to bring green energy to 56,000 rural households. Approved in 2023, the program focuses on delivering sustainable solutions to remote communities like Kewinal. “As we race to address the largest challenge of our time, the world’s most vulnerable must be prioritized. We cannot afford to leave the people of Kewinal – or anyone – behind,” says Ashvin Dayal, Senior Vice President at Power the Rockefeller Foundation.

In Ecuador and Colombia, conservation efforts led by organizations like the Fund for Protecting Water (FONAG) aim to revitalize ecosystems critical to water and energy production. FONAG has planted 40,000 water-storing paper trees and is cultivating an additional 100,000, demonstrating the potential for nature-based solutions to alleviate the energy crisis.

Looking Ahead

The energy crisis in the Andes represents a broader challenge of energy inequality and environmental degradation affecting vulnerable communities worldwide. Progress in electrification and ecosystem restoration offers hope, but significant challenges remain in reaching remote areas and addressing environmental damage. Indeed, efforts across the Andes highlight the importance of innovative, community-driven solutions and sustainable development. By prioritizing collaboration and conservation, stakeholders can potentially improve living conditions for rural populations and create a more equitable energy future.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburport, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box

Oxygen Plant-in-a-BoxPneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease. Each year, more than 7 million children under 5 require oxygen as a means of treatment for this. In 2020, UNICEF launched its Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project. This cost-effective project supplies hospitals with life-saving gas, a means of preventing millions of deaths from pneumonia.

Before 2020 – The Situation

As of 2018, pneumonia was responsible for 16% of child deaths, with the majority amongst children below the age of 2. It killed more children than diarrhea and malaria combined. Almost all cases of pneumonia can be prevented through early diagnosis and access to antibiotics and oxygen treatment. The problem lay and continues to lie with access to this healthcare.

Pneumonia does not have a single cause, it is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs, developing from either viruses or bacteria in the air. Once infected lungs become inflamed which causes difficulty breathing. The most common symptoms are coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.

The Role of Oxygen

When pneumonia develops, inflammation of the lungs stops enough oxygen from entering the bloodstream and circulating through the body. Access to oxygen in these cases becomes lifesaving. However, it has previously been unavailable to those in countries without strong health systems, only available in higher-level facilities and hospitals.

As the leading cause of preventable child deaths, pneumonia is more deadly to children in 124 low to middle-income countries who have limited or no access to health care. It leaves around 4.2 million children under 5 with dangerously low oxygen levels. This group is more vulnerable due to exposure to polluted air and higher rates of malnutrition and diarrhea, which leaves immune systems weaker.

UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF and partners have worked to improve basic oxygen access, coming up with their innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project. The Oxygen-Plant in a box produces enough oxygen to treat up to 100 children with severe pneumonia. The package contains everything necessary to install and operate a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant which is fully functional within days of being implemented at a health facility.

By December 2021, over 16 countries had ordered this product and were on the path to developing stronger health care systems. That month patients at the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda were the first to receive life-saving oxygen from this project.

More about the Box

The package includes everything to produce large volumes of medical-grade oxygen for patients, with each plant holding the capacity to produce up to 720,000 litres of oxygen each day. These packages aim to support medium to large health facilities.

Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, Chief of Product Innovation at UNICEF Supply Division, stated these plants could take up to six months to design and order, so they developed the pre-designed plants making the product cheaper and faster to manufacture and arrive, saving lives in the process.

Real Life Implementation

In Uganda, 6-month-old Constance suffered from a cough, fever and difficulty breathing. She went to her local hospital where they diagnosed her with pneumonia. Here, she was immediately provided with antibiotics and oxygen. UNICEF reports.

A few months prior this would not have been the case. Due to a deteriorating infrastructure, the Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital held very limited access to oxygen therefore constricting its ability to treat the increasing numbers of pneumonia cases in children. Now, with the Oxygen Pant-in-a-Box running, Constance is one of hundreds of children supplied with the proper medical care. The new plant covers an area of 2.8 million people, according to UNICEF.

Pneumonia is still the biggest infectious killer of children, with millions of children still contracting the infection. However, local and sustainable solutions will continue to be found to prevent more deaths from pneumonia. The Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project contributes to this goal, supplying oxygen to healthcare facilities and treatment to those who need it.

– Amelia Short

Amelia is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr