Archive for category: disability and poverty

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The Fight for Justice: Disabilities in Libya

Disabilities in LibyaIn its long history, Libya has endured prolonged periods of turbulence and instability as it continues to rebuild its infrastructure. While most international headlines focus on Libya’s oil production and political transitions, the world often neglects a significant segment of the Libyan population. People with disabilities in Libya face a dual struggle: one born out of a fractured health care system, while they overcome the remnants of war in the form of landmines. 

To rebuild Libya, Libyan leaders and the international community must prioritize the rights and inclusion of these citizens.

Disabilities in Libya

Libya, since the 2012 overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been embroiled in a constant state of warfare. The history of warfare negatively impacts those living with disabilities; even in the fleeting moments of calm, the lingering effects of war remain. The conflict has left a deadly, invisible legacy in the streets of Sirte, Tripoli and Benghazi: unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to claim lives and trap families in a cycle of poverty years after guns fall silent.

Unlike traditional minefields found in Iraq or Syria, Libya’s contamination plagues densely populated cities. The HALO Trust reports that urban centers remain littered with “suicide” mines, booby traps and cluster munitions. Cities like Sirte, under occupation by ISIS until 2016, suffer from explosives hidden within the rubble of homes, schools and hospitals.

This contamination prevents displaced families from returning, effectively freezing the economic recovery of entire neighborhoods. Conflict-related injuries in Libya, in particular landmines, commonly result in permanent disabilities.

Survivors

A survivor of landmines, Omar Musa, a taxi driver from Tawergha, fled his home in 2011 to escape the violence. When he finally returned seven years later, he discovered a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) wedged into one of his palm trees. Musa did not touch the device. Instead, he contacted the Free Fields Foundation (FFF), a local NGO supported by the European Union. Today, Musa works with the FFF, training other returnees to find unexploded devices.

For others, the experience with mines is less fortunate. Mahmoud, a professional deminer, was blinded when a mine went off while working alongside his brother, Muhammed, for a professional demining team. Muhammed was killed instantly in the blast. Mahmoud was stripped of his sight and had to have his leg amputated. 

While many would see this as an unavoidable tragedy of war, Mahmoud identifies it as a deliberate crime. He points directly to the Russian Wagner Group and the forces of Khalifa Hafter, who retreated from the area in 2020 but left behind a landscape of prohibited anti-personnel mines and “trick” explosives designed to maim civilians and first responders alike. Mahmoud refused to accept his disability, transforming his survival into a vocal campaign for legal reparations.

The Fight for Inclusion

In Libya, losing a limb often has devastating results. While landmines themselves physically harm, a fractured health care system ensures the injuries remain permanent. The “right to health” in Libya has become a luxury that few survivors can afford. Libya once boasted one of the highest Human Development Indices in Africa, providing free health care to its citizens; today, that system is in near collapse. 

Only a handful of physical rehabilitation centers (PRCs) remain operational in cities such as Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi. Survivors in rural or southern regions must travel hundreds of miles through dangerous territory to access basic fittings. In response, the United Nations Support Mission recently issued a National Charter that includes a bold 7% quota for persons with disabilities in the next government and across all sovereign councils. 

Director Al-Awjali has called for a transition from traditional social care to true political empowerment, positioning women with disabilities as “decision-makers” rather than just service recipients. True inclusion requires more than medical aid; it requires a seat at the table. The Libyan Forum of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with international partners such as UNICEF, is also working to break the stigma by advocating for political representation, which serves as a bedrock for other rights. 

These advocates keep the path open for people like Mahmoud to continue to stride forward in a nation plagued by war for more than a decade.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachusetts, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts To Know About Disability and Poverty in Djibouti

Disability and Poverty in DjiboutiDjibouti is a nation of approximately 1.1 million people located in the Horn of Africa, a region characterized by extreme heat, recurring droughts and limited agricultural land. While the country is classified as middle-income and maintains relative peace compared to its neighbors, this stability has come at a cost: there is little international media attention highlighting Djibouti’s humanitarian challenges.

More than 40% of its population lives in extreme poverty, and with 90% of its food imported, the country is deeply vulnerable to global price shocks. For persons with disabilities, these challenges are compounded further still. The following five facts shed light on disability and poverty in Djibouti, and the efforts some are making to address it.

1. Djibouti Faces Widespread Poverty

While Djibouti is a middle-income country, it is ranked 93rd out of the 125 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Thus, its food insecurity situation is considered to be in the category of serious severity. More than 40% of its inhabitants are living in extreme poverty. The main causes of the poverty rates are natural disasters such as droughts and disease outbreaks. This burden falls especially hard on people with disabilities: those with significant functional difficulties face a multidimensional poverty rate of 84%, compared to 81% for those with none.

2. Djibouti’s Economy Demonstrating Growth

Between 2000 and 2021, Djibouti averaged about 4% annual GDP growth, and an additional 6.7% in 2023. Some current projections even estimate that poverty rates have gone down since the most recent official date reported in 2017. Most of the economic growth has been a result of investments in transport and port infrastructure. While this is helpful for the economy, it also has created more debt vulnerabilities.

3. The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Djibouti

People with disabilities have lower access to things like clean cooking fuel, adequate housing, electricity and assets than those without. Families with disabled children also face high costs of medical care and specialized therapies, in addition to the existing economic vulnerabilities. These create barriers for some children and families to have the same quality of education as others.

4. A New World Bank Project

The Improving Inclusion of Vulnerable Children with Disabilities Project is a new plan from the World Bank in partnership with the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF). In July of 2025, the JSDF approved a grant of $2.97 million. 

The project aims to help 4,500 beneficiaries in total, including 2,500 children with hearing or visual disabilities as well as 2,000 community members. The project will effectively run assessments to understand the challenges children with disabilities face, provide support to teachers, and promote economic inclusion for vulnerable households.

5. The International Community is Stepping Up

In addition to the World Bank’s and the JSDF’s recent efforts, the European Union (EU) has provided humanitarian aid at an average of €500,000 every year since 2020. These funds mainly target basic needs and services such as nutrition, water and special mobile support teams to assist those located in remote desert areas.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been active in Djibouti since 1978. They aid with food assistance, with nutrition programs that are especially helpful for refugees, pregnant women and children under 5 years old. A majority of the refugees in Djibouti have little to no income, so they must rely heavily on WFP’s food assistance programs.

In addition to the various nutrition facilities, the WFP and the Djiboutian government runs the Humanitarian Logistics Hub. This helps organize the logistics of providing food and aid, and also can store 65,000 metric tons of food to facilitate regional operations.

Disability and Poverty in Djibouti: The Good and the Bad

Progress on the situation in Djibouti is real and productive. There are various on-the-ground programs in motion and international investment in humanitarian aid is highly effective. There are more programs addressing disparities for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, the problems with the structural economy, food insecurity, rough climate and even lack of mainstream awareness means that significant work remains.

– Gia Sen

Gia is based in Mansfield, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Suriname

Disability and Poverty in Suriname Suriname is a small coastal nation situated in the northeast of South America. Poverty remains a significant challenge in the country, with 17.5% of the population living below the national poverty line.

Disability as a Poverty Multiplier

Studies considering the intersectional nature of poverty have demonstrated that disability and poverty are strongly interdependent in Suriname.

When examining multidimensional poverty headcount rates, 25% of those with “at least a lot of functional difficulty” are multidimensionally poor. This compares with 21% of those with “some functional difficulty” and 16% of those with “no difficulty.”

There is also an 8% difference between disabled and non-disabled groups in reported access to safely managed sanitation. Among respondents, 96% of those experiencing “no difficulty” reported full access, compared to 87% of those with “at least a lot of functional difficulty.”

Access to the Job Market and Education

People with disabilities in Suriname also face several barriers to social mobility compared to the non-disabled population.

According to 2020 International Labour Organization (ILO) statistics, 39.9% of the disabled population was employed in Suriname, compared with 53.2% of non-disabled people. Similarly, there was a difference of almost 15% between rates of economic activity, with 42.3% of disabled adults ages 15-64 considered economically active compared to 57.9% of non-disabled respondents.

Access to education also varies between disabled and non-disabled groups. Out of a group of surveyed children ages 6-14, 69% of those experiencing “a lot of difficulty” attended school, compared with 82% of those with “some difficulty” and 94% of non-disabled children.

Disabled populations in Suriname are therefore particularly vulnerable to cycles of poverty, especially given their increased likelihood of unemployment, which is a major contributor to poverty.

Action Toward Addressing Disability Poverty

In 2024, a project spearheaded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was approved to strengthen the country’s social protection system. $40 million was allocated to the initiative, which aims to protect the most vulnerable Surinamese populations, including people with disabilities. The IDB pledged to support 20,000 disabled people and their families.

Several organizations also continue to provide services and support to people with disabilities in Suriname.

Opo Doro, an institution providing home-based services to people living with disabilities in Suriname, expanded its impact with recent funding support. As a result, it established a day care and workshop service that provides disabled communities with practical skills.

Surcare is another project founded to raise funds for a residential care home for people with disabilities in Suriname.

An American organization launched in 2024, Surcare supports the In de Ruimte care home by helping address funding gaps not covered by local donations or government support. The foundation also works to raise awareness about the work of the home.

Looking Ahead

Although there is still work to be done to address the interconnected challenges of disability and poverty in Suriname, the scale of investment from the IDB suggests increased attention to supporting disabled communities. Both international projects and community initiatives indicate progress toward improving conditions for this vulnerable population.

– Phoebe Lang-Clapp

Phoebe is based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in the Seychelles: Progress and Challenges

Disability and Poverty in the SeychellesRenowned for its pristine beaches and sparkling waters, the Seychelles attracts huge numbers of tourists each year. Comprising 115 islands, the archipelago is estimated to have a population of 135,000 as of 2026. Classified as a high-income country, the Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita in Africa. Yet, despite this economic status, disability and poverty in the Seychelles continue to present significant challenges.

Policies and Existing Legislation 

In 1994, the government passed the National Council for Disabled Persons Act, committing the Seychelles to the safeguarding of disabled persons. In this context, the Seychelles ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009. Undoubtedly, a step in the right direction for disability rights, the government has not automatically assimilated the Convention into domestic law which limits its direct enforceability across the country.

The 2022 census classifies approximately 4.24% of the population as “persons with disability.” Although forming a minority, it is clear that disability in the Seychelles should remain a priority for policy and legislation.

Indeed, the Seychelles has prioritized its social protection spending more than many other African island states. In 2020, the government allocated just under 7% of GDP to social protection, which directly benefits citizens living with disabilities and those at risk of poverty.

The Reality of Poverty in the Seychelles 

Although it is true that the Seychelles has committed significant attention to the well-being of persons with disabilities, the reality of poverty in the Seychelles disproportionately affects disabled individuals and their lived experience. 

According to the World Bank Poverty and Equity Brief, as of October 2025, the Seychelles has almost entirely eliminated extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. Nonetheless, inequality across the islands persists. Poverty in the Seychelles is expected to remain at approximately 7%,  measured against the $8.30 per day threshold. Those on the lowest incomes remain especially vulnerable, with persons with disabilities bearing the heaviest burden.

The Impact of Geography 

The same geographic characteristics that give the Seychelles its idyllic charm present further challenges for accessibility. The topography of the islands means that many essential services are located at the top of steep inclines or in valleys. As a result, accessing these services can be extremely difficult for people with disabilities, particularly those with physical impairments. These geographic barriers compound existing social and economic inequalities, deepening the link between disability and poverty in the Seychelles.

Progress and Future Developments

While acknowledging the ongoing challenges the Seychelles faces in terms of disability advocacy and protection, particularly in the context of economic inequality, the country has made notable progress in strengthening social protection measures. The government has taken proactive steps to improve disability awareness through education initiatives.

Meanwhile, the National Council for Disabled Persons (NCFD), established in 1994, continues to represent the interests of those with disabilities. The council aims to promote inclusion and fair access to opportunities, by coordinating services and organizations that aid employment and rehabilitation for those with disabilities. It also works with the Minister of Health and Social Development to improve legal and administrative frameworks.

Efforts to improve accessibility have also  increased following the signing of the CRPD, with infrastructure projects, such as the Baie Ste Anne Primary school, actively incorporating ramps and lifts in their designs. The Seychelles continues to prioritize social spending, placing disability and poverty at the center of its legislative and policy framework.

Looking Ahead

Every citizen, regardless of their economic position or abilities, deserves a world that can and does accommodate their needs. Continuing to address the intersection of disability and poverty in the Seychelles is vital to ensure that all individuals can participate fully in society. For the Seychelles, sustained commitment to inclusive social and economic policies is essential in advancing equality.

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Top 5 Facts To Know About Disability and Poverty in Palau

Disability and Poverty in PalauPalau lies in the western Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Micronesia subregion of Oceania. The island enjoys one of the highest standards of living, yet it still relies heavily on U.S. foreign aid to maintain this status. Despite such aid, 24.9% of the population live in poverty, and disabled people face an even higher risk, just as in many other places.

There are many hardships that make life difficult for able-bodied people in Palau, which, while difficult, are manageable, but when extra factors that impact disabled people come into play, the barriers seem near impossible to overcome.

With a high life expectancy of 69.3 years and a population of 17,907, the disparity between the richest 20% and the poorest 20% is surprising, and substantial steps are needed to resolve this. This is especially important when the people most affected by this disparity are disabled people, who make up 3.4% of Palau’s population. In Palau, the poorest 20% of the population get 9% of the income, which is a massive contrast to the richest 20% who get 42% of the income.

The country seems aware of these differences, recently realizing that the lack of a clear definition of disability is making it harder to help those with disability live out of poverty. A clear definition helps with recognition of an issue and will overall make a positive influence on those with disability in poverty. Below are the top five things to know about disability and poverty in Palau and how it can improve over time.

1. Accessible Homes

The country has worked hard to improve the standard of living for disabled people, and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recently applauded Palau for its efforts to make housing accessible, not just for the disabled, but also for the elderly. In 2024, the government allocated $500,000 through the supplemental budget for the PHA to use on eight housing projects. The Committee noted great improvement in accessibility in this area. Since these actions are recent, there are no observable the outcomes of these projects, but the Committee’s positivity signals promising improvement.

2. Transport

Despite major accessible housing improvements, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities felt that the country needed more in terms of accessible transport. If there isn’t an accessible way for someone with a disability to independently get around, gaining employment and living above the poverty line becomes much harder. This highlights the importance of disability and poverty being impactful on one another in communities, as independence is integral to keeping people out of poverty.

Though the state has some vehicles, they are only available via request, again highlighting work to be done. The Republic of Palau has recently put plans in place to build more roads and bridges to then increase the amount of public transport for all.

3. Health Care Expenditure

About 14.3% of Palau’s GDP goes to Healthcare Expenditure. This allows for disability and poverty to be recognized as it means that there is a focus on making disabled people’s health care accessible and easy, thus making independence more attainable. However, the lack of transport still limits health care, adding boundaries to disabled people in poverty, but doctors provide exceptional quality of care, when people can get there. This highlights the importance in the recognition of disability and poverty in Palau, as when one factor improves, such as transport, it can have a knock-on effect on many other industries, such as health care.

4. National Day

Palau joined the global community in recognizing the National Day for Persons with Disabilities. The day promotes the idea that every person deserves equal opportunities, dignity and inclusion. The population gets to reflect on how the country has strived for this equality in recent years. This reflection adds to the recognition of the correlation between disability and poverty, as people get to think about the lives of others they would not usually think about, and this reflection creates a good set up for future improvement in the workplace, transport, housing, etc. This national day occurs every December 3rd.

5. Persons With Disabilities Act

Lawmakers passed this act to help disabled people take an active role in society, whether through employment or other opportunities. This Act increases disability visibility, and with more than 2,800 people in Palau living with at least one disability, equality should be a given. Ensuring equal opportunity should help lift people out of poverty, since expanding access to income benefits everyone.

Takeaways

Continuous improvements in Palau are a pathway to a disabled person’s independence and visibility in Palau. With accessible homes and transport, disabled people will be able to have more agency in their own lives, suggesting a steady change to disparity on the island.

The battle against global poverty is a marathon, not a sprint, and recognition of issues within a country is a significant step forward to long-term change and the reduction of poverty. Realizing correlations such as the one between disability and poverty allows for change and improvements in the lives of thousands on the island, whether they be disabled themselves or the primary caregiver.

Overall, the five facts to know about disability and poverty in Palau highlight that while Palau still needs change and it is necessary, it is happening. While the disabled population of Palau have felt “invisible” in recent years, the latest government action shows positive visibility may be around the corner.

– Caitlin Cooper

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Mali: The Facts and the Fixes

Disability and Poverty in MaliMeeting the needs of all includes those with differing struggles, and caring for a country’s people includes those with disabilities. Mali is a large country in West Africa, with an economy that relies heavily on agriculture and physical labor. Many people face barriers due to disability, which hugely exacerbates poverty in Mali. Disability and poverty in Mali are inextricably linked, as many are affected by various conditions that are not necessarily present in other countries.

Mali has a high rate of malnutrition and an unstable government that has few social programs in place. Wasting, diseases and physical deformities from landmine explosions are some examples of disabilities that hugely affect people living in Mali. Ongoing efforts by humanitarian organizations to improve health, living conditions and employment opportunities for disabled individuals foster hope for positive change.

Facts About Disability and Poverty in Mali

Data shows a seven percentage point gap in poverty rates between disabled and non-disabled populations. This means that a person living in Mali is seven percentage points more likely to live in poverty if they are disabled than if they are able-bodied. Many people fall into this category, as disabled people are not only discriminated against but are also unable to reach vital resources that are needed to live a healthy life. Only 36.82% of disabled people are employed or have a paying job of any kind, and only 24.13% of disabled people live in adequate and safe housing. Only 29.9% of disabled people live in households with sanitation and in conditions that are hygienic, causing disease that can worsen disability and create unhealthy conditions for others around them.

UNICEF’s Efforts to Address Disability in Mali

However, measures have been taken, thanks to UNICEF, to decrease both physical trauma and medical disability in children in Mali. About 222,864 children ages six through 59 months with severe wasting and malnutrition were admitted for medical treatment, eliminating future disability for those already living in poverty. Meanwhile, 34,338 children received vaccinations against measles and other potentially disabling diseases this year alone, helping prevent the spread of diseases that could be passed along and cause outbreaks. UNICEF provided 50,432 children with landmine prevention tactics to protect them from harm caused by explosions due to the country’s unstable government and continuing effort to displace its people in the northern half of the country. 

The Humanity Inclusion Group

Since 2016, the Humanity Inclusion Group has launched projects focused on adult health and disability prevention. By enhancing reproductive health services, the project has reduced infant mortality and disability risks for mothers and infants. It has made reproductive health much more accessible in Timbuktu and has partnered with the region’s Ministry of Health. They have also helped reduce the number of new infections among people with disabilities by improving their access to HIV prevention. Prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS is a huge issue in Mali, and giving more legal opportunities for the people there to seek help is a necessity to fully address disability poverty.

The Humanity Inclusion Group is also helping those impacted by disability poverty through training in sectors such as agriculture. Projects have aimed to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people in Mali. They have been including people with disabilities in the working population and workforce in the Bamako region. This is an important undertaking because the majority of Mali’s workforce and economy is based on agriculture and rural farming.

The Sissako and Bamako regions, especially, are rural, and this project aims to reach those areas and provide valuable learning and tools to help disabled people find employment and receive education about their rights in the workplace. They have also met the basic food and non-food needs of vulnerable households. This initiative is intended for homes classified as in a food crisis. Participants receive coupons for pre-identified shopkeepers, which they can use to purchase goods needed for healthy living in the Timbuktu region. 

Looking Ahead

Understanding Mali’s economy, agricultural roots, and political turmoil paints a picture that is unkind to individuals with disabilities. Much of the work already occurring is to build social structures around the people of Mali and support them in areas where they cannot support themselves. Controlling the spread of disease and physical harm among children is one of the best ways to decrease unnecessary disability in the future. For others, support and social work are the best options for effectively meeting their needs, whether those needs are for food, sanitation, housing or employment. Work still needs to occur, but disability and poverty in Mali are issues that are at the forefront of these organizations’ minds.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, Washington, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Technologies Help To Fight Disability and Poverty in The Gambia

Disability and Poverty in The GambiaToday, thanks to recent technological advancements and the work of various humanitarian initiatives, 3D printing promises to improve the lives of millions of amputees across the world. This comes as cause for optimism, especially in developing countries such as The Gambia, where amputations are relatively common. The work of Gambian organizations such as Make3D, specialists in printed prosthetics, means that amputation does not have to signal a life of social ostracization and lesser opportunity.

Disability and poverty in The Gambia are perpetual issues. One of the smallest countries in Africa, The Gambia has one of the most vulnerable economies on the continent. Rain-fed agriculture employs around 70% of the population, meaning the livelihood of many lives and dies with the country’s climate. Poverty levels are high. In fact, according to the Gambia Poverty & Gender Assessment 2022, 53.4% of Gambians lived below the national poverty line in 2020. Amputees catch the brunt of this trend due to the labor-intensive nature of farming, which offers few opportunities to those with physical disabilities. 

Reasons for High Numbers of Amputations in The Gambia

Experts cite the country’s complex and divergent cultural makeup as one of the reasons for the high incidence of disability and poverty in The Gambia. Colonial and Gambian native histories converge in many ways. According to scientist Ryan Anderson, this coexistence of divergent cultural traditions “is exemplified in The Gambia’s health care system.” Many Gambians prefer to visit traditional healers when seeking treatment for an injury. In fact, many rural communities rely exclusively on the practice of these traditional healers, such is the lean presence of large hospitals in remote regions. These traditional practitioners, while popular, often do not have access to modern facilities or advised levels of sanitation. This results in infections and ultimately the need for amputations in patients.

Dr. Ammar Al Jafari, chief medical director of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, a modern university facility in Banjul, stated that around 70% to 80% of amputation cases at his hospital stem from initial preference for traditional fracture treatments. These patients often seek his hospital’s treatment once infection has set in to an inadequately treated fracture. Speaking to Africa Press in 2024, Dr. Al Jafari said, “If the patient falls today or has an accident today and has a fracture in the bone, if they come on that very day, in one week we can do the operation, but after three months, we cannot do the operation and they will blame the hospital.” Poverty and disability in The Gambia is often perpetuated by the complex national interplay between tradition, regional circumstances and a lack of accessible, modern health care.

Amputations also occur in large numbers in The Gambia thanks to medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. According to STAND, an NGO specializing in providing support for Africa’s amputee community, as many as 40% of all amputations in sub-Saharan Africa result from the condition. Thus, disability and poverty in The Gambia stems in many cases, from the prevalence of known and treatable illnesses.

Challenges for People With Disabilities

Fatou Nije, president of LEGS (Ladies Empowered for Growth and Success), says, “Here in Gambia, if you are disabled, you face many challenges.” Indeed, many amputees find themselves cut adrift from typical societal institutions such as school and work due to a lack of accessibility and support on offer.

While it exists, assistive technology is not yet widely available, meaning many Gambian amputees are unable to live, work and most importantly, earn with as much independence as their able-bodied compatriots. Families can face destitution if a parent undergoes amputation and is subsequently unable to resume work. The Gambian Amputee Association is the only organization of its kind in the country. It supports around 100 amputees with rehabilitation and social facilities, although there are doubtless many more amputees in need of care and medical attention.

Fighting Against Disability and Poverty

Thankfully, amidst these issues there are certain groups dedicated to the fight against disability and poverty in The Gambia. Most of these efforts focus on improving treatment and opportunities for Gambian amputees. For example, the work of STAND and Make3D is rooted in the supply of prosthetic limbs to Gambian patients in need.

STAND specializes in the provision of refurbished and surplus prosthetics from Europe. These prosthetic limbs, which otherwise would go to waste, the organization rescues and supplies to the people who need them most. Since 2016, the organization has supplied almost 1,000 rescued prosthetics to The Gambia alone, as part of nearly 6,000 total supplied to African countries across the period.

Make3D, on the other hand, deals in the low-cost construction of new, 3D-printed prosthetics, using sustainable materials and small-scale manufacturing processes that allow their products to service the hearts of small communities nationwide. In 2021, the company held a design competition in conjunction with Nottingham Trent University in which the university invited artists to submit designs for new prosthetics utilizing sustainable and local materials. The winner’s design went to production for a small run of prosthetics designed for a select group of grateful, young Gambian beneficiaries.

Looking Ahead

While disability and poverty are prominent in The Gambia, initiatives like these are leading the way in providing a source of hope for the next generation of Gambian amputees. There may very well be a day when the loss of a limb in The Gambia does not condemn a patient to a life of destitution.

– Louis Sartori

Louis is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Palau

The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Palau The Pacific island nation of Palau is made up of more than 300 islands and coral reefs located in the Micronesia region. While often associated with tourism and natural beauty, Palau has faced growing socioeconomic challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in international visitors, exposing the country’s heavy reliance on tourism, which contributes approximately 40% of its economy. Although Palau is classified as an upper-middle-income country, economic hardship persists for many households, particularly those caring for family members with disabilities. These pressures show how disability and poverty in Palau intersect within the country’s broader development challenges.

How Disability and Poverty Reinforce One Another

People with disabilities face a heightened risk of poverty globally and Palau is no exception. Disabilities can limit access to education and employment, reducing income and long-term economic stability. At the same time, poverty can increase the likelihood of disability due to limited access to health care, rehabilitation and support services. This creates a cycle in which disability and poverty reinforce one another. In Palau, where employment opportunities are limited and the cost of imported goods remains high, people with disabilities often struggle to achieve economic independence, reinforcing disability and poverty in Palau as an interconnected development issue. Households with disabled members often face higher opportunity costs, as family members may reduce paid work to provide informal care.

Limited Support and Unequal Access to Education

According to government and regional data, approximately 2% to 3% of Palau’s population lives with a disability, though advocates suggest the true figure may be higher due to underreporting. Individuals with disabilities are statistically less likely to complete higher levels of education and more likely to depend on informal family care. While Palau provides a disability assistance stipend, reports indicate that this support is insufficient to meet the country’s high cost of living. Rising inflation has further reduced the real value of this assistance, leaving many households with disabled family members economically vulnerable.

Villaney Remengesau

One person whose life reflects both the challenges and possibilities facing people with disabilities in Palau is Villaney Remengesau, a prominent disability rights advocate. Remengesau has lived with a physical disability since childhood and uses a wheelchair daily. Her experiences exposed widespread barriers in Palau’s education system, labor market and public infrastructure. She has described how inaccessible buildings, transportation systems and limited employment opportunities restricted her ability to achieve financial independence, demonstrating how exclusion can directly contribute to poverty in Palau.

Rather than accepting these limitations, Remengesau transformed her lived experience into advocacy. She helped revive Omekesang, a national organization advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, and worked closely with government agencies to promote accessibility and equal participation. Her work highlights how structural and societal barriers, rather than disability itself, often push individuals into poverty by restricting access to education, jobs and public services.

Policy Progress and Remaining Gaps

In recent years, Palau has taken steps to address disability-related inequality. The government enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, strengthening legal protections and promoting inclusion across sectors. Palau has also engaged with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signaling a shift toward a rights-based approach. However, international reviews note that gaps remain, particularly in transportation access, employment opportunities and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

Why Disability Inclusion Matters for Global Poverty Reduction

Remengesau’s story demonstrates why addressing disability is essential to reducing poverty in Palau. While legal reforms mark important progress, advocates emphasize that lasting change requires sustained investment in accessible infrastructure, inclusive education and economic opportunity. For small island nations like Palau, breaking the cycle between disability and poverty is not only a matter of social justice but also a necessary step toward sustainable development. Addressing disability inclusion at the national level ultimately contributes to broader global efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.

– Daisy Winstone

Daisy is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Treatment of Disabled South Africans

Disabled South Africans

In 2022, approximately 3 to 3.5 million South Africans were living with a disability, representing around 7% of the country’s population. Disabled South Africans face significant social, economic and educational barriers, including limited access to schools, scarce employment opportunities, and widespread stigma. In some cases, individuals with physical or mental disabilities experience discrimination, neglect, or mistreatment, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform and stronger protections.

Barriers to Education and Employment

In 2019, an estimated 600,000 children with disabilities were being excluded from education in South Africa. Although most public schools in South Africa are free, families of disabled children often have to pay a fee for the additional support at a mainstream school. Even after paying this, many parents have expressed concerns over the level of support their child is receiving.

While special schools exist in South Africa, they are often costly or situated in remote areas, making access difficult for many families. As a result, even children with minor disabilities, such as an untreated eyesight problem that could be corrected with adequate funding, may miss out on education. In adulthood, South Africans with disabilities continue to face passive discrimination.

In 2024, more than 90% of disabled South Africans were unemployed and even if they manage to find work, they will most likely experience a pay discrepancy or will only be employed part-time.

Targeted Violence Against People With Albinism

This widespread inequality particularly affects South Africans with albinism, a group in which around one in every 4,000 people are affected. This minority is at extreme risk of physical harm. Due to superstitious beliefs about healing abilities, there have been numerous cases of albino limbs being forcibly chopped off. They are then sold on the black market for around $15,000 each or $75,000 for the entire body.

There have been many cases of children with albinism being mutilated by family members for income.

Gender-Based Discrimination Against Disabled Women

Disabled women also struggle with layered discrimination and are often treated worse than disabled men. Women are far more likely to be forcibly sterilized, as parents are often concerned their daughter will be raped and the child will also be disabled and dependent on them. Moreover, African women are more susceptible to mental health problems (the most common disability in the world) due to the high number of sex offences that occur in the country.

An estimated 40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetimes and instead of receiving support, victims risk being imprisoned in an attempt to treat their hysteria.

Resolutions and the African Disability Alliance

There are organizations, such as the African Disability Alliance (ADA), that advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in Africa. The ADA aims to assist all individuals with disabilities across the continent. It recently advocated for the African Disability Protocol (ADP) that was adopted in 2018.

In 2024, the ADP became legally binding in at least 15 African Union member states, including South Africa. The ADP is a law that aims to provide disabled people with equal opportunities. This includes disabled children’s right to education, reasonable accommodation for all and acknowledges and seeks to reduce the inequalities between men and women.

It has helped numerous charities around Africa, including Retina South Africa. Retina South Africa is a nonprofit organization that conducts research into genetic mutations, raises public awareness of retinal issues and supports patients through education, referrals and interventions. Retina South Africa describes the ADP as “more than a document—it’s a call to action. It’s a way to demand the access and dignity we deserve. Whether you’re fighting for better eye care or an inclusive workplace, this protocol is your ally. Let’s use it to make South Africa a place where visual impairment doesn’t hold us back.”

Implementation Challenges and ADA’s Advocacy Work

However, there have been issues in implementing the protocol and supporting African countries that attempt to do so, an issue that the ADA addresses. The organization helped develop the Model Law for Disability, which provides a reference point for African countries to operationalize ADP’s aims.

Kudakwashe Dube, CEO of ADA, said to The Borgen Project: “[The Model Law] is structured along the lines of the U.N. Convention, except that it gives an African perspective on human rights and some of the things that we could not get into the U.N. Convention we were able to get into the protocol.”

The ADA also acknowledges inequalities within the disabled community. Its program, “Ratification through Women-led Advocacy” (ARWA), focused on empowering women to drive the ratification of the ADP. Participants traveled to African countries to advocate for the protocol and assist with implementing the documents, ensuring that the voices of women with disabilities are heard.

Often, disabled women can be left out of discussions involving disabled African’s rights. This is an issue that Dube said needed to be addressed: “Unless we involve [women] now, they are likely to be left out in future phases. That’s why we decided to make sure they are part of the process from the start.”

Future Directions and Inclusive Education Efforts

Looking ahead, the ADA plans to continue playing a major role in advancing the rights of people with disabilities. Although South Africa has now ratified the ADP, the ADA remains active in its broader advocacy efforts. The organization is also implementing another initiative, “Promoting Inclusive Education” (PIE), primarily in South Africa.

Through this program, the ADA advocates for inclusive education within mainstream schools and ensures that teachers are properly trained and equipped to support students with disabilities.

Concluding Comments

Disabled South Africans remain deeply entangled in stigma, superstition and systemic inequality, often leaving millions of people excluded, mistreated and silenced. Yet, amid these challenges, organizations like the ADA are creating a much-needed shift, transforming how disability is perceived and addressed across the continent. Its work demonstrates that meaningful change requires not only legal reform but also social transformation: educating communities, empowering women and ensuring that disability rights are treated as human rights.

While there is still a long way to go before full equality is achieved, the growing recognition of disabled South Africans’ dignity and potential marks a vital step forward. True progress will depend on sustained advocacy, inclusive education and the collective will of African societies to dismantle prejudice and replace it with understanding, respect and opportunity for all.

– Lysia Wright

Lysia is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Methods To Address Disability and Poverty in Myanmar

Disability and Poverty in MyanmarDisability and poverty remain two deeply intertwined challenges in Myanmar, where decades of conflict, economic instability and limited health care access have placed millions in vulnerable positions. With almost 6 million people having one or more disabilities of any type. Disability, whether physical or mental, often acts as both a cause and consequence of poverty, resulting in restricted education, employment, health care and opportunities for personal growth. However, across the nation, innovative programs, local organizations and international support are working together to improve the quality of life for those facing these barriers. Data recorded in 2023 suggests that around 49.7% of the country’s population is living in poverty, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address the growing issues faced within communities.

Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs

One of the most effective strategies in addressing disability and poverty in Myanmar has been the development of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs. The concept, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is simple yet powerful, as rehabilitation has become more accessible, local and inclusive rather than centralized in hospitals or distant clinics. CBR brings assistance directly to people’s homes and communities. In Myanmar, this method is particularly significant because many rural areas lack adequate medical infrastructure. Trained local volunteers and rehabilitation workers provide physiotherapy, mobility aids and counseling to individuals with disabilities. In addition, disability awareness training has been introduced within schools. These interventions help people regain independence, re-enter education or work and break cycles of dependency that perpetuate poverty. Furthermore, they raise community awareness and challenge traditional stigmas surrounding disability, which strengthens the success of such initiatives which are fighting disability and poverty in Myanmar.

Successes

A major success story comes from Kayin State, where the local NGO Karuna Mission Social Solidarity established CBR networks that have supported more than 10,000 people through small business grants, home-based therapy and caregiver training. This model shows that sustainable progress is possible when communities themselves are the drivers of change.

Similar initiatives are now spreading across Shan and Mon States, where CBR teams combine physical rehabilitation with livelihood projects such as livestock farming and handicrafts. By linking therapy with income generation, people regain independence and can help support their families. Reports from the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative and WHO show that CBR works best when it blends medical care with community empowerment. Local volunteers, often family members, are trained to assist with therapy and raise awareness about disability rights. This grassroots approach helps reduce stigma and builds understanding within villages.

The success of these programs also depends on cooperation between NGOs, local authorities and international partners. Together, they are turning disability inclusion into a shared social goal and helping to shape a more accessible future for Myanmar.

Social Protection and Financial Empowerment

In Myanmar, social protection programs are increasingly focusing on individuals with disabilities to reduce poverty and promote inclusion. The government has introduced initiatives like the Allowance for People with Disabilities Program, providing monthly stipends to eligible individuals, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and encourage community participation. 

Additionally, organizations such as BRAC Myanmar have implemented the Financial and Social Inclusion Project, which offers vocational training, microloans and business development support to persons with disabilities. This holistic approach has led to improved financial literacy and increased community engagement among participants. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create an inclusive social safety net in Myanmar, integrating marginalized groups into the economic mainstream and reducing poverty rates. Therefore, this is another part of the effort to reduce poverty and resulting disability in Myanmar. 

Looking Ahead

Myanmar’s ongoing fight against disability and poverty shows that progress is possible even in challenging circumstances. Community-based rehabilitation, social protection programs and financial empowerment initiatives are helping individuals regain independence, access education and participate in their communities. While barriers such as limited resources and lingering stigma remain, these programs demonstrate that targeted support can create meaningful change. Contributions to NGOs and local organizations play a vital role in sustaining these efforts, providing the funding, expertise and resources needed to reach more people and expand life-changing services. Supporting these initiatives not only improves individual lives but also strengthens entire communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Toby Bowery-Taylor

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

Photo: Pixabay