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Causes of Mental Health in Estonia

Mental Health in EstoniaThe people of Estonia have been grappling with mental illness for years. With a population of 1.3 million, approximately 20% are affected by anxiety and depressive disorders. Several factors contribute to the high rate of mental illness in the country, including gender, economic status and the impact of COVID-19. However, a significant factor is the existing policies regarding mental health.

Gender Differences

Worldwide, women are at a higher risk for certain mental illnesses than men. Women are more likely to have mental distress like anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more. At the same time, men are more likely to have Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

A 2021 post-COVID-19 survey in Estonia revealed that 31% of women in the study had developed depression, 25% had anxiety and 44% experienced sleep disorders. While women showed higher rates of certain mental disorders, men had a significantly higher rate of alcohol addiction at 34%, compared to 17% among women.

The Effects of Socioeconomic Status

The economic status of certain demographic groups in Estonia also correlates with higher levels of mental distress. According to the National Library of Medicine, “lower personal income was associated with higher rates of all mental health complaints (stress, depressiveness, overtiredness and suicidal thoughts) among employed adults in Estonia.” Economic status is not the only socioeconomic factor contributing to the rise in mental distress in Estonia.

Education has also been identified as a high-risk factor for mental health disorders. “The mental health of Estonian students has never been as critical as today.” Compared to other European countries, Estonia’s student population has twice as many reported mental health 0issues. In 2021, 5% of students across Europe were admitted to university with mental health problems, while Estonia’s rate was 9%.

COVID-19

COVID-19 significantly contributed to a global increase in mental distress and Estonia is no exception. The country continues to feel the effects of the mental strain left by the pandemic. According to the Health Systems and Policy Monitor, a 2022 study revealed that one in four adults in Estonia is at risk of developing depression in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Furthermore, a survey conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that elite athletes in Estonia experienced high levels of mental distress when COVID-19 hit. Female athletes showed higher distress levels than their male counterparts. With competitions canceled, training facilities closed and face-to-face coaching suspended, stress levels among athletes soared.

Policies

Estonia’s mental health services have improved in recent years due to continuous policy changes. Initially, the country had only drafts of policy documents for mental health services. However, as mental distress increased among its citizens, Estonia updated and strengthened its policies to address the growing need.

The Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM) Network has provided an update on future policy changes aimed at improving mental health in Estonia. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the rise in mental illness among low-income groups, policymakers have made mental health initiatives a top priority. A new “Mental Health Action Plan” is set to take effect from 2023 to 2026.

The Mental Health Action Plan details anticipated changes in the field of mental health. The plan emphasizes the Ministry of Social Affairs’ (MoSA) role in implementing these changes. It recognizes that addressing issues in mental health will require additional actions beyond what is currently outlined and achievable within the plan’s timeframe.

Conclusion

Mental distress can affect individuals regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, highlighting a widespread issue. However, positive strides have been shown, as evidenced by the significant improvements in Estonia’s mental health services in the past 10-15 years.

– Ashley Diaz

Ashley is based in Homestead, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Poverty in Grenada

Youth Poverty in GrenadaGrenada, an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, consists of one large island and several smaller ones. Despite its vibrant tropical setting, poverty is a significant issue. Grenada has the highest poverty rate among Eastern Caribbean countries, with youth being the most affected. Half of all children aged 0-17 live in poverty, a rate much higher than the 30% of adults aged 18 and older who face similar conditions. Many youth struggle with unemployment, lack of education and food insecurity, leading them to a state of poverty. However, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is working with the Grenada government to diminish youth poverty.

Youth Unemployment

COVID-19 had a devastating impact on Grenadian society. The pandemic led to nearly half of the population becoming unemployed and pushed the extreme poverty rate from 2.4% to 18.4%. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) also declined due to a drop in tourism. Youth, who comprise about 22% of Grenada’s population, were hit particularly hard. Even before the pandemic, around 26% of young people were unemployed. As of June 2023, more than 36% of Grenada’s youth were unemployed, a situation heavily influenced by the pandemic. With the rise of unemployment, more youth are succumbing to poverty.

Food Insecurity

COVID-19 also led to significant food insecurity in Grenada, with food prices soaring and nearly 40% of the population reducing their food intake. The pandemic further weakened the country’s agricultural economy, struggling to recover from abnormal weather patterns and two hurricanes in 2018. The combined impact of COVID-19 and the 2018 weather events has exacerbated food insecurity among Grenada’s youth, driving many into extreme poverty.

Solutions

Despite the extreme poverty faced by Grenada’s youth, assistance is being provided. In March 2023, USAID funded three new programs to support the country’s young people. The first program, Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment (Y-RIE), focuses on strengthening government-provided social services and enhancing educational opportunities in schools and the workforce.

The second program, Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making for Citizen Security 2.0 (CariSECURE 2.0), will provide resources and technical assistance to build the capacity of youth-serving institutions to collect and analyze data to support youth crime prevention and response. Lastly, the third program, Opportunities to Advance and Support Youth for Success (OASYS) will focus on increasing the diversion of youth away from custodial sentences.

The organization also signed a $30 million Development Policy Credit (DPC) to support Grenada’s economic recovery and enhance its resilience to adverse climatic conditions after the COVID-19 crisis. USAID is working to create a better life and future for the youth of Grenada.

Final Note

COVID-19 increased Grenada’s youth unemployment, food insecurity and poverty rates. However, USAID has implemented three programs to curb the situation and help the country rebuild its economy. With sustained effort, these initiatives could significantly improve the lives of Grenada’s youth and contribute to long-term economic recovery.

– Ellie Buss

Ellie is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Foreign Aid Fueled Zambia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Success

Zambia's COVID-19 VaccinationZambia is a landlocked country in South-Central Africa. The nation has a reputation for political stability, avoiding the war and disruption that has dominated much of Africa’s post-colonial history. Despite economic growth, the daily lives of most Zambians have not improved in the last decade, with two-thirds of the population still living in poverty. Like every country across the globe, Zambia faced instability in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country’s vaccination program exhibits the effectiveness and importance of international cooperation and donations when it comes to prioritizing global health.

Launch of Zambia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

In April 2021, Dr. Jonas Chanda, the Honourable Minister of Health for Zambia, launched the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The United States Charge d’Affaires, at the United States (U.S.) Embassy, David Young, stated that the U.S. provided $2 billion to the Vaccine Alliance to support the COVAX. The Swedish Ambassador Anna Maj Huktgård congratulated the Government of the Republic of Zambia for achieving an important milestone in the response against COVID-19. She also took this as an opportunity to announce that the Swedish government was allocating a total of $259 million to support the COVAX program. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) worked in collaboration with other partners to support Zambia’s government in implementing the COVID-19 vaccination program.

International Contributions to Zambia’s Vaccination Efforts

In August 2021, the United Kingdom (U.K.) also donated 119,000 vaccine doses to Zambia through COVAX which arrived in Lusaka, as reported by UNICEF and the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In March 2022, the government of Japan, under an emergency partnership with UNICEF, officially handed over equipment aimed to strengthen the long-term capacity of the health system in Zambia, including the delivery of life-saving vaccines for COVID-19. This support included 82 solar-powered fridge freezers, 25 ‘on grid’ combo vaccine freezers, 120 large vaccine cold boxes and 200 vaccine carriers. This initiative was made possible through the COVAX facility, an international mechanism led by GAVI, CEPI, the World Health Organization and UNICEF to ensure equitable access to vaccines across the developing world. 

National Vaccination Campaign and Foreign Aid

Later that year, in October, the Government of the Republic of Zambia and partners, including the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), WHO and UNICEF, launched a 10-day national COVID-19 vaccination campaign targeting children aged 12 to 17 and adults 18 and above across the country. The nation had had clear goals in its fight against COVID-19, which foreign aid undeniably made possible.

Achievements and Continued Support

In November 2022, the Zambian government celebrated the nation’s achievement of vaccinating 70% of the eligible Zambian population. The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S Department of Defense have since provided nearly 1.9 billion kwacha ($120 million) to respond, prevent the spread of and recover from the toll of COVID-19 in Zambia. The U.S. government also supported integrating COVID-19 vaccination into HIV treatment centers to protect those living with HIV against COVID-19. 

Looking Ahead

Zambia’s successful vaccination program is a testament to the power of global cooperation. The generous foreign aid donations strengthened international relations and a shared commitment to prioritizing global health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals what can potentially be achieved when the world unites for a common cause.

– Nia Willis

Nia is based in Carmarthenshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Deep Dive Into the Health Care System in Ethiopia

A Deep Dive Into Ethiopia’s Health Care System According to a National Library of Medicine study, health care systems in low-income countries remain as fragile as ever. The COVID-19 pandemic put such these systems under immense pressure. An example of this is the health care system in Ethiopia. 

COVID-19 and Health Care Infrastructure

The pandemic highlighted many flaws and shortcomings in the health care infrastructure. Global leaders underestimated the need for health care reform and it was only after the pandemic claimed millions of lives that such leaders recognized the need for reorganization and restructuring to ensure adequate procedures and the anticipation of failures.

A 2022 study reviewed measures taken during the pandemic, offering an alternative means of control based on analysis. Researchers provided a more efficient model for managing deadly diseases and outbreaks, reformulating emergency response measures based on management, protection and containment via control and suppression of transmission, information and support.

The Impact on Ethiopia

Deadly diseases significantly impact global health security. Researchers have found that in countries with limited access to health care services, high poverty rates, and prevalent comorbid diseases, the effects of the pandemic intensified. From early March 2020 to July 2022, Ethiopia reported a total of 491,917 COVID-19 cases and 7,568 deaths, figures that are partly attributable to ongoing poverty-related conditions. Additionally, families experienced significant economic impacts, with about 8.4% of households reporting job losses between March and Oct. of 2020.

Ethiopia’s Response

Following the policymakers’ decision in Ethiopia, the government did not implement a pandemic lockdown like many other countries. Instead, it instated pandemic-preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus. While somewhat successful, such an approach posed obstacles in implementing community-based services and initiatives to provide additional support to communities. Researchers proposed scaling up community-based resources and approaches as essential support elements.

Like some other low-income countries, Ethiopia could not initiate a country-wide lockdown. Instead, it immediately implemented measures such as thermal screening, contract tracing and isolation, which proved successful. Authorities tailored these measures specifically to the health care system in Ethiopia, weighing the pros and cons. The government demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the shortage of essential medicines, effectively utilizing resources to produce critical medicine and prioritizing medicinal efforts.

Financing for Health Measures in Ethiopia

Financing is critical to supportive measures enacted to assist countries affected by health crises. It was found that funding for health initiatives and measures in Ethiopia had increased only after the pandemic. Such financial constraints the government of Ethiopia faced during the pandemic led to unprecedented circumstances, such as a shortage of protective equipment. 

According to the Institute of Medicine Committee on the United States (U.S.) Commitment to Global Health, low-income country revenues amount to only 18% of their gross domestic product (GDP), which limits their ability to finance health services, proving consequential in the face of severe health crises. Studies have shown that the level of investment needed to deliver extensive care and improve health care systems requires significant and sustained investment by outside agencies and sources. Additional aid from other organizations is therefore essential. 

Launch of the Response Project in Ethiopia

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Jan. 2024, the Ethiopian government launched the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project. This extensive project aims to address pandemic-related response measures and preparedness. Such analysis is specific to Ethiopia’s specific socioeconomic landscape. In addition, the project will also examine factors like communication and alerts, enhancing the surveillance of outbreaks in some regions of the country.

Dr. Dlamini Nonhlanhla, WHO’s Ethiopia Representative, discussed the initiatives, noting, “The key components and project activities are aligned with the national plans, including Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute’s Strategic Plan, the Ethiopian National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and the Ethiopian Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan.” Additionally, Nonhlanhla explained that funding would strengthen Ethiopia’s health care systems and other government structures crucial to public health protection. “This fund will enable us to mobilize resources, strengthen health systems and support critical sectors such as agriculture, environment, antimicrobial resistance and animal health, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding public health,” Nonhlanhla added.

Role of Government Leadership and Foreign Aid

Since July 2021, the U.S. has donated 10,095,170 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the citizens of Ethiopia, increasing aid to a severely affected country. In a public health crisis, government leadership, as well as foreign aid, is especially critical in mitigating both the economic, health and social consequences of a deadly viral outbreak, proving essential in assisting countries with poorly structured health care systems.

Looking Ahead

The Ethiopian government, with support from international organizations, has taken significant steps to strengthen the health care system in Ethiopia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project marks a critical move toward improving the country’s ability to manage future health crises. With continued investment in health systems and targeted foreign aid, Ethiopia aims to enhance its pandemic preparedness and safeguard public health.

– Dominic Samaniego

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

Photo: Flickr

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COVID-19: The Success of Sierra Leone’s Vaccine Initiative

Sierra Leone’s Vaccine InitiativeSierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative has produced a cost-effective and accessible strategy to reduce vaccine inequity in the country and protect the most vulnerable of the population against new strains of the virus. This groundbreaking initiative underscores a new approach to vaccination processes in developing nations by mobilizing vaccine centers and reducing treatment costs.

Vaccine Inequity in Sierra Leone

As of March 2022, only 15% of the population of low-income countries had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 80% of those in high-income countries. In Sierra Leone specifically, factors such as geographical isolation and poverty have acted as barriers to receiving vaccination for the virus. On average, a Sierra Leonean would have to undertake a three-and-a-half-hour round journey to receive a vaccine, costing them more than one week’s wages.

The low vaccination rates in Sierra Leone leave the population vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, even after the height of the pandemic. The risk of disease recurrence and new virus variants threatens those who have yet to receive their first vaccine. Due to the low vaccination rate, these resurgences could result in further lockdowns, affecting the country’s economy’s growth and threatening individuals’ livelihoods.

The Aims of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative

In 2022, as a result of the low vaccination rates in the country, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MoHS) and the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Concern Worldwide developed a new model to allow widespread access to the vaccine. Their primary aim was to tackle the geographical and economic barriers preventing the population from receiving vaccination for the virus.

By mobilizing vaccine doses and nurses within the country, the strategy can reach the most remote rural communities in Sierra Leone who would otherwise be unable to access the treatment. This alleviates the long and costly travel to medical centers to receive the vaccine.

In addition, the initiative vastly reduced the costs involved with administering a dose of the vaccine. Similar strategies implemented across other developing countries saw an average price of $80 a dose; by comparison, Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative has lowered the price to around $33.

To maximize the cooperation of communities with the initiative, the strategy engaged in educating cultural and village leaders before the vaccine administration. Information was given on the safety, effects and importance of the vaccination in each village involved in the initiative.

The Results of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative

The strategy proved a huge success in reducing vaccine inequity in Sierra Leone and improving immunization rates among the population. By December 2022, Sierra Leone had immunized 70% of its adult population, achieving the target the World Health Organization (WHO) set. Furthermore, as of March 2023, the strategy resulted in almost eight million vaccine doses being administered to the population.

During the implementation of the strategy, new methods were discovered to render the process even more cost-effective. Due to the high cost of the initiative being made up of transportation fees for medical equipment and professionals, bundling other vaccines saw a further reduction in this cost. As proposed by the Ministry of Health, a combination of the COVID-19 vaccine, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 10-12 and routine immunizations for children aged 0-6 at these mobile vaccine sites could simultaneously improve the cost-effectiveness of the program and give more people access to life saving treatments.

Looking Forward

The success of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative underscores a pivotal moment in reducing vaccine inequity and improving access to immunization in developing nations. Mobilizing health care workers and facilities to the most isolated communities removes the barriers preventing population members from receiving vaccinations and the most vulnerable members of society can access treatments for preventative diseases.

This initiative provides a holistic model through which many other vaccinations can be administered more widely than ever before. By immunizing the population against these preventative diseases, the country can see more stable economic growth through a healthy workforce and reduced risks of virus resurgences or lockdowns.

– Ben Kane

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

Photo: Flickr

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COVID-19’s Impact on NGOs in India

COVID-19's Impact on NGOs in IndiaThe global impact of COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of billions worldwide. This has resulted in widespread job and life losses, economic crises and societal turmoil. Amid these unprecedented challenges, the nonprofit sector has emerged as a crucial force. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) are actively contributing in areas such as humanitarian aid, diplomacy, advocacy and global governance. While the world has recognized the pivotal roles played by NGOs during the pandemic, one notable aspect is COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs in India. The Borgen Project interviewed NGO Leader Sri Gopalakrishnan, the founder of KindKart, to gather insights about the state and growth of NGOs in India.

Lack of Funds and Infrastructure – The Biggest Challenge for the NGOs in India

The pandemic severely impacted India’s social sector, redirecting funds to emergency relief and causing financial challenges for NGOs. About 33% of Indian NGOs faced a six-month survival crisis due to inadequate funds. As rightly pointed out by Sri Gopalakrishnan, although the specific needs of the NGOs may have evolved, addressing the basic needs continues to be the main driver for several local charities in India as COVID-19’s virulence continues to morph since the onset.

Lack of government support and unethical practices by some of the unregistered NGOs usually result in investors and the public losing trust and turning away from donating, exacerbating COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs in India. Moreover, public fundraising activities shifted to online events and social media campaigns due to COVID-19, compelling NGOs to scale back their operations.

Loss of Jobs & Disruption at Schools Impact the NGOs

The closure of schools, businesses and workplaces led to the loss of jobs and income for employed individuals and disruption for children. About 10 million Indians lost their jobs during the second wave of the pandemic. COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs forced them to shift to remote work, impacting operations and creating challenges in balancing fieldwork and digital tasks.

The global unemployment rate hit 6.5% as an additional 33 million people lost their employment in 2020, bringing the total number of unemployed individuals worldwide to 220 million. The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic constrained donors’ capacity, resulting in NGOs facing a decline in voluntary income.

Collaboration Enables Chartering the Course for the NGOs

In 2021, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) program instituted by the prime minister of India, the World Bank approved $500M to improve response to social protection. This enabled the state and the central government organizations to define a more adaptive social protection system, reaching more groups based on individual needs.

As of current data, there are more than 190,000 registered NGOs in India, according to information from the NGO Darpan portal, a platform that provides space for collaboration between NGOs and key government ministries and departments.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Influence of Technology

Amid the crisis, there is an opportunity to reshape relationships between the social sector, businesses and government, with CSR playing a key role. The government mandates companies to allocate 2% of their profits to CSR projects. Increasing CSR commitments and leveraging technology through socio-tech ventures can bring about impactful change in addressing India’s vast socio-economic challenges for nonprofits.

Policy Changes, Governance and Technology Mark the Future

Several reports, including the Center for Monitoring of the Indian Economy (CMIE) statistics, revealed 10 million job losses during the second wave of the pandemic. Therefore, the government requires support from India’s social sector to achieve significant positive change in health, economy and society.

Over the past decade, the World Bank partnered with tech providers, foundations, think tanks and Indian agencies to develop social protection systems. This initiative engaged experts to enhance India’s social protection architecture. To avoid falling into the trap of the global economic crisis, the Government of India must strategize its objectives, introduce many policy changes and enhance the country’s stature in international relations.

– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Unsplash

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Being Poor in the Canary Islands

Being Poor in the Canary IslandsMany associate the Canary Islands with year-long sunshine and summer weather, a resort holiday destination for many within Europe. What many visitors might not know is that being poor in the Canary Islands is a reality for many; an issue that has worsened after the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article will discuss the current situation of poverty in the archipelago, the reality of being poor in the Canary Islands and the work of local NGOs.

The Current Situation

The Canary Islands is the second poorest region of Spain. In 2023, 36% of the population live at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Even those employed face the risk of poverty due to rising rents and prices undermining their ability to have savings, this year 57% of all Canarians reported they cannot afford unexpected expenses. Being poor in the Canary Islands is also a gendered issue. Poverty in this region affects women more than men and poverty also particularly affects children.

The situation has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is of great importance to the economy of the Canary Islands. In 2019, it accounted for 32.9% of the GDP of the islands and 36.3% of all jobs. As of 2021 (the last year there are figures for), those numbers were much lower at 22.6% and 25.7% respectively. The Spanish government has approved 30 million euros for use in 2023 to tackle this issue. One must note that this is a smaller budget than last year despite poverty figures worsening.

Rescate Canarias

There are several NGOs active in the archipelago fighting against poverty, one of which is Rescate Canarias. The hardest part of being poor in the Canary Islands is the lack of access to food and the growing digital gap, as those poverty in the Canary Islands most affects do not always have access to computers or the internet and now the government’s system to help the poor is fully digital. Founded in 2005, Rescate Canarias has helped Gran Canaria’s poor and most vulnerable for 18 years. Rescate Canarias provides hot meals once a day to 600 people in Gran Canaria from Monday to Friday. The organization also gives out food and clothes, provides showers for people to meet their basic hygiene needs and even runs a charitable hairdressing service.

Although hairdressing may not cross one’s mind as an essential service for the poor, it serves an important purpose. It allows those most vulnerable to still feel part of society, to be able to present themselves as they want and prevents certain issues such as lice, which can be shameful and make entering the job market hard. Another key service it provides to those who live in poverty or are at risk of it is help finding and securing a job.

The COVID-19 pandemic also affected Rescate Canarias, meaning it can no longer offer a hot meal at night, something it is trying to start doing again soon. Despite the setbacks from the pandemic and the limited funds, Rescate Canarias is actively fighting poverty in the archipelago. Recently, it organized an event to collect toys and Christmas gifts that for children at risk of poverty in the islands.

Being Poor in the Canary Islands

Despite the growing poverty figures in the Canary Islands the poor in the archipelago are not forgotten and many NGOs as well as the government, both at the national and local level, work tirelessly to lift people out of poverty and to help those who poverty most affects.

– Sara del Carmen Navarro Galvan
Photo: Flickr

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UNICEF’s Plan to Address Poverty in Suriname

Poverty in SurinameThe South American nation of Suriname is an incredibly unique place with a special history. Suriname gained its independence almost a half decade ago. The most common language spoken in the country is Dutch but the nation is extremely diverse. People with roots in parts of Asia, Europe and Africa make up the population of Suriname today. Suriname has always been a place that is rich with natural resources. The mining industry has always been a critical aspect of the national economy and plays a large role in the overall success of Suriname as a whole. Unfortunately, over the last 8 years economic struggles have plagued the nation and poverty in Suriname has become an extremely serious issue. 

About Poverty in Suriname

The COVID-19 pandemic made an already difficult economic situation much worse and as a result about one of every four people is living in poverty in Suriname. There have been small signs of hope over the last few years, but inflation has made continued progress difficult to achieve. 

As is the case in many developing nations, children and teenagers feel poverty in Suriname extremely hard. According to Humanium.org, the youth throughout the nation are facing a wide variety of challenges as a result of poverty. Exploitation of child labor and poor education systems have contributed to a low quality of life for young people throughout Suriname. 

Another serious issue in the area is the poor health of children. Malnutrition has become a challenge that is very common in Suriname and as a result, a large number of young children are contracting anemia and other diseases. In some of the less densely populated areas of Suriname, access to health care services is very limited. A study occurred in these areas and more than six out of every 10 children in the study were anemic. 

UNICEF’s Efforts

Luckily, in 2022, UNICEF laid out an elaborate plan for the nations of Suriname and Guyana on how to improve the unfortunate circumstances facing these nations, specifically for children. The plan that UNICEF assembled is elaborate and will tackle several aspects of poverty in Suriname through numerous channels. UNICEF has several partnerships in place with various organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank and many others to improve access to health care, quality education and other services to help young children move out of poverty. UNICEF has been able to allocate $18.3 million for its objectives in Suriname. 

Another very critical aspect of the plan that UNICEF put out in 2022 is the agreements it has with organizations that will be able to gather updated and accurate data in regards to poverty in Suriname. UNICEF has developed different data analysis tools to measure the progress in each issue area laid out in the plan. These tools will allow UNICEF to accurately measure the success of each part of the plan. The various surveys conducted and data collected will be shared with leaders and government agencies. 

The goal that UNICEF has outlined is for the government to use this information to develop policies that address the current state of the nation and not an outdated perspective which UNICEF will also analyze to make sure they are robust enough to make a significant impact. This plan has outlined a bright future for Suriname due to the fact that it outlines how to keep its citizens, especially children, healthy, educated and safe.

Looking Ahead

Suriname is clearly struggling, but the plan that UNICEF has implemented coupled with the partnerships they have developed is a massive step in the right direction. The measures that UNICEF is taking as described in the plan address so many issues and the hope is that each problem can be overcome. If the plan undergoes proper execution, Suriname will be on a path toward a better future and away from poverty. 

– Dylan Lyons
Photo: Flickr

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Bhutan Is No Longer One of the Poorest Countries

Poorest CountriesIt can be challenging for a developing country to amend its issues. However, Bhutan has managed to achieve an incredible feat. UNCTAD has announced that Bhutan will be the seventh country to graduate from the list of least developed countries. This task is arduous, especially for a country that has just faced COVID-19. This article will answer one question: how is Bhutan no longer one of the poorest countries in the world?

The Origins of Poverty

Bhutan is a rather old country with a deep connection to Buddhism. While many believe that human life is suffering, children in Bhutan have learned to focus on happiness and the government has always prioritized happiness above all. The University of Oxford found that 93.6% of all citizens were happy on some level. 

Unfortunately, despite this high happiness rate, poverty has continued to be a problem in the nation. 

One hindrance is the country’s location. Natural disasters are common in Bhutan due to a mountain nearby, the Himalayas. Communities are wiped out because of extreme floods originating from the melting glaciers. Farmers have difficulty making cash because crops are hard to maintain from the floods. The fact that education is hard to access does not help this struggle, being a two to three-hour walk for those living in rural areas. The country has been hoping to remove these issues, which is why it launched several programs to change Bhutan for the better. 

The Strategies 

Each plan aims to accomplish something over five years. These plans usually have programs connected, such as the Rural Economy Advancement Program of The Common Minimum Program. These programs support citizens in rural areas with necessities to boost their income or resources. This program has helped connect these societies to those more affluent in their profit, with schools and shops now present. The government has had the money to support such causes thanks to its tourism, which has grown over the years. Around $120 million worth of sales were achieved in 2019. 

One constant supporter of Bhutan has been India, who is close to the country. Not only have they proven to be a source of foreign aid, but they have traded resources for each other. India has provided Bhutan with a better power supply in the form of hydropower, allowing the production of crops to be improved. These strategies seemed to push the country in the right direction. In 2014, it was found that some of the poorest households now had access to amenities such as phones and electricity. The switch to hydropower led to 8% annual growth in crop production per 100 acres. The poverty rate went from 12% in 2012 to 8.% in 2017, with a total reduction of 23.5% from 2005 to 2018. 

COVID-19

One of Bhutan’s most impressive feats was during the COVID-19 era. At first, it seemed like Butan would falter, just like every other country. Bhutan was particularly vulnerable, as the country’s border connected to India and China. The country’s tourist-focused approach meant many people would move across the border, increasing risk. Bhutan decided to do all it could to prevent the virus from spreading. When just one person tested positive for COVID-19, a three-week national lockdown took place. The country was very open with news regarding the virus, always keeping people posted on the virus. This openness led to more community action, with various businesses offering their spaces as quarantine zones, with free products for those in need. 

Unfortunately, drastic measures were necessary with the biggest being the closing of the borders. With Bhutan’s reliance on imports, this proved a hindrance. However, the government was dedicated to stopping the virus. The Buddhist values of the country remained stronger than ever, with resilience and flexibility being the common mindset among most citizens. This urgent action paid off, as the country never became overloaded with cases. Thanks to the engagement of the country’s leaders, Bhutan has managed to come out of the COVID-19 era with only 21 deaths. 

The Outcome

Bhutan’s success in handling COVID-19 is critical to its success in no longer being among the poorest countries in the world. The virus’s impact on the war against poverty is immeasurable. The World Bank Blog reported, “In 2021, the average incomes of people in the bottom 40% of the global income distribution are 6.7% higher than their pre-pandemic projection, while those of people in the top 40% are down 2.8%.”

After COVID-19, Bhutan continued to make steady progress. Tourism again proved valuable, and the increase in that area led to more jobs. The country also saw increased work in more industries, such as construction and manufacturing. The country has always been vulnerable to changing weather patterns. However, things appear to be looking better, thanks to the development of a $2.9 million National Adaptation Plan, which further expanded the country’s focus on protecting itself from the effects of changing weather patterns.

Conclusion 

Bhutan still faces several challenges before poverty is defeated, but the country is growing. Once the country graduates on December 13th, Bhutan will have many benefits from no longer being one of the poorest countries in the world. Alongside increased access to outside resources, the increase in reputation will lead to more tourists. It will be exciting to see how Bhutan evolves now that it is no longer among the poorest countries.

– Uzair Khan
Photo: Flickr

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Increased Air Travel: Next Stop Economic Improvement 

Air TravelIn the summer of 2019, one could have described a stroll through the streets of Istanbul or along the coast in Santorini as bustling. There would have been a great mix of cultures, languages and people around. Fast forward to 2020, and those same destinations were likely eerily empty, echoing the silence of the global tourism industry grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2023 presented a glimmer of hope. Air travel has made a remarkable comeback, with weekly numbers poised to surpass pre-pandemic 2019 levels for the first time in four years. Although annual figures have not fully recovered, the weekly trends of increased air travel are promising, highlighting the vital role of international tourism in the resurgence of developing economies.

Importance of International Tourism to Developing Economies

One can characterize many developing economies as “tourism-dependent.” These countries are usually small or  isolated, such as Jamaica, Aruba or the Dominican Republic. Other larger countries, with still developing economies can be classified as heavily reliant on tourism, including Thailand, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Mexico. These countries, having limited diversified economic streams, are prone to higher poverty levels and were hit particularly hard by the pandemic’s impact on the tourism industry. The percentage of the population classified as ‘the working poor’ is significantly higher in these countries, and the removal of a prominent economic stream exacerbated their challenges.

COVID-19’s Impact on International Tourism

The pandemic caused international tourism to plummet by a staggering 83% in 2020, with 2.40 billion tourists worldwide. This was an abrupt disruption for tourism-dependent economies, whose average net international tourism revenues were a significant portion of GDP in the years preceding 2020. Examples include the following nations and tourism’s contribution to their GDP: 

  • Croatia, 15%
  • The Dominican Republic, 8%
  • Thailand, 8%
  • Greece, 7%

For the countries where economies are still developing and tourism makes up a significant part of the GDP, the sudden lack of tourism diminished revenue streams and removed jobs, which increased unemployment and negatively impacted the “working poor” the most, compounding poverty and its subsequent issues. A specific example of this is Santorini, where it is estimated that nearly 75% of the population depends on tourism for income. 

COVID-19 Relief Initiatives and Their Impact on Tourism Industries

It is important to mention initiatives that were instituted to help combat the negative impacts of decreased tourism in these countries. In Greece, the government implemented a fiscal package of measures totaling about 13.7% of GDP in 2020, including loan guarantees, health spending, temporary financial support to vulnerable individuals, extension of unemployment benefits, support for short-term employment, subsidies to households and fiscal support to hard hit businesses, including the travel and tourism industry. The measures helped support those the lack of tourism impacted, as well as individuals living in poverty in the country.

Another example is Thailand, where a fiscal package amounting to at least 9.6% of GDP was instated, covering health-related spending, assistance for workers, farmers and entrepreneurs that COVID-19 affected, support for individuals and businesses through loans and tax relief, reduced water and electricity bills and measures to support local tourism. Specifically, this goal was to support travel and tourism industries through domestic travel, to mitigate the lack of international travel. From July 15 until October 2020, there was a tourism subsidy package, “We Travel Together,” covering up to 40% of travel costs for 5 million domestic tourists. 

Despite these government issues, examination of tourism data, and GDP contracts indicate that support packages were not enough to compensate for the lack for international travel.

A Look at the Numbers

A comparison between 2019, 2020 and 2023 tourism numbers reveals the resilience and importance of developing economies. These countries saw the following changes in inbound tourism, for the listed years, respectively:

All figures represent international arrivals in the country and are in millions:

  • Croatia: 19.6, 7, 16.2
  • Greece: 34, 7.4, 17.4
  • Mexico: 45, 24.3, 31.9
  • Thailand: 39.8, 6.7, 19
  • Turkey: 51.8, 15.9, 29.9

Evidently, in 2019, countries including Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey were prominent tourist destinations. Remarkably, they continue to rank highly in 2023. The countries are developing economies heavily reliant on inbound tourism. Increased air travel foreign arrivals to the nations is a promising sign of economic recovery. 

Why it Matters

The pandemic caused an economic shock to these nations. For instance, Greece, which was projected to grow by 2.3% in 2020, actually contracted by more than 8% due to its reliance on tourism. Tourism plays a vital role in economic growth by supporting foreign exchange reserves, driving infrastructure investments, enhancing human capital, creating jobs and boosting income levels. Those living in poverty are most affected by changes in human capital and job creation. The resultant GDP growth fosters a positive cycle. With a continuing rise in GDP, countries can invest in their infrastructure, thereby further increasing international tourism as conditions improve. This will in turn create further job opportunities for the working poor and increase individual purchasing power.

Travel Today

Looking at 2023 so far, the resilience and adaptability of these countries, and of travelers, becomes evident. Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey, though not back at 2019 tourism levels yet, have proved remarkable recovery so far, especially prior to winter holiday travel numbers. Croatia has seen a 79% increase in international tourists since 2020, Greece is up by 81%, Mexico shows a 27% improvement, Thailand is the standout with a 96% growth and Turkey has surged by 61%. Crucially, tourism revenues in Turkey have shown a promising 23.1% growth to $13 billion in the second quarter of 2023, with 85.5% coming from foreign visitors. This signals a strong comeback in the country’s tourism industry.

Next Stop, Economic Improvement

In summary, while the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism-dependent economies, their resilience and the spirit of travelers are now leading to a resurgence of the industry. The rebound in international travel post-pandemic is intrinsically tied to the economic well-being of these countries. Improving economies in developing nations creates jobs, elevates GDP per capita, reduces poverty rates and enhances the overall quality of life. Increased air travel and international tourism serves as a catalyst for progress, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for these nations and their people.

– Kailey Schwinghammer
Photo: Flickr