Archive for category: Disease

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Diseases Impacting Venezuela

Diseases Impacting VenezuelaOutbreaks of infectious diseases are the primary health challenges impacting the population and shelter infrastructure in Venezuela. A June 24, 2026, 7.2 magnitude earthquake along Venezuela’s northern coast affected people significantly, along with a subsequent 7.5 magnitude earthquake that killed 32 people, injured 700 people and devastated areas as distant as La Guaira state 160 km east. The earthquakes impacted 1.7 million buildings resulting in widespread power outages across several states.

Of Venezuela’s 31.7 million population, 20 million (63.1%) already lived in poverty, population susceptibility to contracting infectious diseases was high due to no government epidemiological bulletin publications since 2016 and early economic loss predictions outlines costs of 7% of Venezuela’s $111 billion GDP. Structural losses immediately exacerbated the issue of infectious diseases impacting Venezuelan earthquake victims through eliminating their access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, healthcare workers, hospitals, adequate medical care and nutritious food. Increasing earthquake victims’ susceptibility to infectious diseases such as measles, dengue and yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea and skin infections.

Concerns

  • Infectious Disease Treatment Challenges: Medical care services have been sparse due to the impact of the earthquakes on regional healthcare facilities and the fact that they were already 37% short of essential medicines following years of poor economic investment. A Pan-American Healthcare Association (PAHO) analysis showed that more than 50 hospitals in seven states are still functioning but that many facilities experienced critical structural damage. Additionally, the earthquakes resulted in the evacuation of three hospitals, the damaging of 20 primary care units and overcrowding in healthcare facilities. Corpse remains have also led to disease outbreaks and contamination risks.
  • Rising Fatality and Victim Rates: The Los Angeles (LA) Times reported that Venezuela’s health system, which was already weakened by an eight-year economic depression leading to the departure of more than half of the nation’s doctors and other skilled health professionals, had, by July 11, 2026, helped elevate the earthquake’s death toll to 3,800, with 16,700 people injured.
  • Infrastructure Damage: The earthquake destruction zone now presents economic challenges at an estimated $37 billion in losses, including $24 billion in housing and healthcare damage, $13 billion worth of mostly road and energy generation infrastructure damage, meaning 650,000 people will need humanitarian assistance with approximately 17,000 left homeless. Economic disruption means costs will rise further and shelter and healthcare reconstruction efforts become heavily constrained by a pre-existing weak economy.

Solutions

  • Imminent Infectious Disease Treatment: UN subsidiaries have sent 68 tonnes of medical, WASH and household supplies, alongside contributing primary healthcare services through distributing hygiene kits and further sanitation infrastructure fueled by $306 million worth of funding from The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela and private-sector donations.
  • Managing Fatality and Victim Rates: PAHO has presently recovered 6,400 people by concentrating on early recovery, mobilizing emergency specialist expertise, providing health services such as sanitary post-mortem care, diagnostic imaging and immunizations, alongside pleas for a $24 million emergency fund to enable epidemiological surveillance in the earthquake destruction zone.
  • Remedying Regional Infrastructure Damage: La Guaira state sport complexes are providing their facilities as temporary logistics hubs for the storing of health, water and food aid. Their athletic facilities also offer shelter for thousands of displaced people. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is trying to sustain infrastructure advancements, “seeking $14.85 million to support up to 30, 000 people with shelter and essential aid over the next six months.”

Looking Ahead

June 2026 publications painted a grave picture of what presently, and in the future lay ahead for Venezuela, its pre-earthquake impoverished population of 20 million and its healthcare services. Earthquake destruction zone infectious disease challenges clearly reside, yet by both national and international aid recognizing this issue, prompt economic, shelter and medical relief has advanced future stability against the multitude of current factors that encourage the problem of infectious diseases impacting Venezuela. 

– Oliver Jones

Oliver is based in Cheshire, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Fighting Heart Disease in the Philippines

Heart Disease in the PhilippinesOne of the Philippines’ most common crises includes heart diseases like heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and ischemic heart disease. Cardiovascular disease causes one-third of deaths in the Philippines. An example of its impact is during a 6-month period from January to July in 2023, where doctors recorded more than 65,000 ischemic heart disease cases, accounting for 19% of all deaths. This has weakened many Filipinos’ immune systems, making them highly vulnerable. While this remains a severe challenge in the Philippines, three organizations have stepped up to the cause and started fighting heart disease in the country.

The Connection Between Poverty and Heart Disease

The link between poverty and heart disease is striking. As of 2023, 15.5% of the Filipino population lives below the national poverty line. The causes of cardiovascular disease include the inability to afford proper living conditions, limited access to food and dirty water — all challenges that low-income Filipinos face daily. They also confront another difficult sacrifice: a normal heart failure hospitalization in a private hospital costs about ₱42,000, which exceeds 10% of the average Filipino’s annual salary. The nation covers only some of this cost, forcing Filipinos to choose between survival and a long treatment. Research from the University of the Philippines highlights a shortage of doctors relative to the population, and too many cardiovascular disease patients receive diagnoses far too late for quality treatment. Here is information about three organizations fighting heart disease in the Philippines.

1. Children’s Heart Foundation

The Children’s Heart Foundation stands among several organizations working to change the lives of people with heart disease. It works to address heart problems so that future generations experience fewer cardiovascular diseases, improving global health. Volunteers founded it in 2000 and launched it with a fundraiser for a single cardiovascular patient. Since then, it has evolved into a nonprofit organization that serves low-income Filipinos tirelessly. It provides quality medical care for free, stopping many heart diseases before they turn fatal. Partnering with the Philippines Heart Center, the foundation delivers financial aid to those who need it most. It also builds a network connecting young and old patients, creating valuable social opportunities.

2. Gift of Life International

Gift of Life International provides care to children suffering from heart disease in the Philippines. This international organization receives requests to aid certain countries, with the greatest need coming from Manila. It has built strong partnerships with local groups and have saved more than 7,000 Filipino children. Gift of Life International pursues four main goals: securing donations, helping people with cardiovascular disease across multiple nations, handling incoming requests and managing volunteer involvement in ongoing efforts. This organization sets a strong example for others on how to improve healthcare access in the Philippines.

3. The Philips Foundation

The Philips Foundation also tackles the challenge of diagnosing cardiovascular heart disease early so that patients avoid fatal consequences. It raises awareness about global health across communities in the Philippines. Its plan involves training 200 teachers to identify students with cardiovascular diseases, a strategy that could save many lives by allowing teachers to spot warning signs early and enable sooner treatment. Using techniques like handheld ultrasound screeners, the program reaches areas where no nearby medical facilities exist. In the future, this project could expand across the entire Philippines, inspiring further change in the fight against heart disease.

Looking Ahead

Certain organizations are driving real progress against heart disease in the Philippines. Through financial assistance, lifesaving surgery and innovative early detection tools, organizations like the Children’s Heart Foundation, Gift of Life International and the Philips Foundation are changing the numbers for heart disease patients in the Philippines. These efforts create safer and more equitable conditions for Filipinos and their future generations, proving that the fight against heart disease in the Philippines moves in the right direction.

– Brijesh Mohan

Brijesh is based in Kendall Park, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes in the Philippines

Diabetes in the PhilippinesWith more people living sedentary lifestyles, having less healthy diets and obesity becoming more prevalent around the world, the threat of diabetes is more apparent than ever. This chronic disease affects millions of people globally, and those in low-income countries are especially vulnerable to its effects. The Philippines, in particular, has seen an increasing number of diabetes cases, with recent estimates reaching almost 5 million Filipino adults. Here are five crucial things to know about diabetes in the Philippines.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar in the blood so that the body can use it for energy. Without insulin, sugar cannot be broken down, leading to a buildup in the blood. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications such as kidney failure, cardiac arrest, stroke, blindness and limb amputation.

In 2024, approximately 4.7 million adults in the Philippines were reported to have diabetes, increasing from 4.2 million in 2011. Almost 30,000 people have Type 1 diabetes, a third of whom are children. Concern over the prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines continues to grow as the number of adults with diabetes is expected to nearly double by 2050. In 2024 alone, diabetes contributed to the deaths of nearly 44,000 Filipinos, making it one of the top five causes of death in the country.

Culture and Diabetes in the Philippines

Food is an important aspect of Filipino culture, with many social events and celebrations centered around eating. However, certain eating habits common in the Philippines can increase the risk of diabetes. Many popular Filipino foods, such as adobo and lechon, tend to be high in refined carbohydrates, sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol and added sugar. Overconsumption of these types of food can increase the risk of developing diabetes by contributing to obesity, making the body more resistant to insulin and increasing blood sugar levels. Other factors such as a lack of physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol and barriers to accessing medical care also contribute to the risk of diabetes in the Philippines.

Treatment Access

The ongoing treatment of diabetes and related health complications is expensive. On average, it costs the Philippines about $2 billion annually to address diabetes-related health concerns. With about 15.5%, or 17.5 million people in the Philippines living below the national poverty line, many cannot afford critical medical interventions such as glucose monitors and insulin injections. These financial barriers not only prevent people from treating their diabetes, but they also prevent people from getting diagnosed. In the Philippines, it is estimated that more than half of people with diabetes have not been diagnosed. Without a diagnosis, people living with diabetes cannot begin the process of getting life-saving treatment.

Organizations Helping to Address Diabetes in the Philippines

In response to the growing global concern about diabetes, several health initiatives have been created to provide treatment to those living with diabetes, including people in the Philippines. For example, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Diabetes Compact was launched in 2021 to ensure that people with diabetes are diagnosed, have good control of their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and receive affordable, quality treatment.

WHO has also collaborated with local community resources in the Philippines to help address diabetes-related issues in a few regions. The Healthy Hearts Programme helps people living with diabetes in the Philippines manage their illness by teaching them and their families about diabetes and providing medical treatment such as insulin and blood pressure monitors. The program has helped people such as 13-year-old Brielle Paulino manage his diabetes. Paulino lives with Type 1 diabetes and, thanks to the Healthy Hearts Programme, he is able to give himself insulin injections and monitor his blood sugar so that he can one day fulfill his dream of becoming a chef.

Looking Ahead

The increasing prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines raises concerns over the health and well-being of millions of people. With more people adopting sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, it is crucial to bring awareness to this disease and how it can not only be treated but also prevented. Thanks to global initiatives, people in low-income countries living with diabetes have a better chance at living long, fulfilling lives.

– Lily Alexander

Lily is based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Outbreak of Ebola in the DRC Poses Major Health Risk

Ebola in the DRCA recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), concentrated in two of the region’s major provinces, poses a major health risk for citizens and aid workers who are striving to contain the virus and combat the spread of the disease. The outbreak threatens to become one of the worst the country has seen, as limited resources, a lack of funding, community resistance and food crises hamper treatment efforts.

What Have Ebola Outbreaks Looked Like for the DRC in the Past?

Ebola was first recognized in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 after an outbreak in the Équateur province– 318 cases were reported, with the majority occurring within 70 km of Yambuku village. The DRC has experienced numerous, periodic outbreaks of the different strains of the Ebola virus. Some strains have a fatality rate of 90%. The current outbreak is the 16th that has plagued the country since it initially arose. The absence of approved medical countermeasures, international aid and lack of robust social services and health care exacerbate the outbreaks.

The outbreak comes as the country faces a humanitarian crisis as 26.5 million people nationwide experience food insecurity, which internal conflict and displacement mainly drive. Indeed, data that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) collected shows that the country holds the most individuals facing food insecurity– malnutrition and food gaps run rampant, and the issue is worsened with economic insecurity, conflict and internal displacement. Flooding and the impacts of lean season (September to November) and reduced international aid push vulnerable populations to higher stages of risk. Populations in the country are far more susceptible to contracting the disease in malnourished states.

How Did the Outbreak Start?

The Congolese Health Ministry declared an outbreak of the disease on May 15, and within just under a month, the number of those infected rivals that of some of the largest Ebola outbreaks in the country’s history. The Health Ministry has confirmed more than 1,200 cases. The current death toll stands at 360.

Experts believe that the outbreak started in Mongbwalu, which is a small mining town in the Ituri province. This is due to the high presence of fruit bats, a natural carrier of the disease. Health officials on the ground warn that without urgent intervention, the virus may become the worst outbreak the country has seen.

What Does Treatment on the Ground Look Like?

Individuals in the DRC who suspect they have the virus must wait days for test results to come back from the regional capital, Bunia, as kits are difficult to come by. Many symptoms match those of other more common diseases such as malaria and typhoid, which has been further exacerbating the issue. Hospitals are underprepared to deal with the outbreak at the rate it’s been spreading. Despite warnings and knowledge of the severity of the virus and its contagiousness, caring relatives, neighbors and friends, who are striving to support and save their loved ones, frequent hospitals.

Temporary shelters and structures have emerged in North Kivu and Ituri, the two northeastern provinces where the outbreak has been most concentrated. Despite the fact that the DRC has seen an abundance of Ebola outbreaks in its history, the nature of this particular strain has made the virus extremely difficult to identify and combat. Many locals are infuriated with the way the DRC has handled treatment and have been pushing officials and hospital personnel to act faster and do more to stave off the effects of the illness.

What Has Been the International Response?

Multiple countries and world organizations, such as the United States, South Africa and the European Union Commission, have pledged millions of dollars to work to support the DRC and stop the outbreak, sending equipment, supplies, doctors and health experts. After the initial outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered more than 11 tons of medical supplies and equipment to the country. Meanwhile, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) established an air bridge to send supplies from the capital Bunia to the Ituri province.

This Bundibugyo strain of Ebola does not have a cure or vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of the virus spreading to the United States as low at this time. However, multiple countries have established a travel ban to the region. The United States has heavily urged individuals to stop travel to the DRC and neighboring Uganda and South Sudan, with Canada enforcing a 90 day ban.

– Ella Goulet

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

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Diseases Impacting Costa Rica: Ways To Prevent & Treat Them

Diseases Impacting Costa RicaCosta Rica is a country in Central America, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, neighboring Panama and Nicaragua. It has a population of around 5,174,564 people, out of all the other Central American countries, many regard Costa Rica’s government as the most stable and democratic and has a beautiful landscape and scenery. It has also been home to quite deadly and common diseases with terrifying effects and symptoms.

These diseases seriously disrupt people’s everyday lives and are dangerous if left untreated. Each one of these viruses is preventable and has treatments that ensure lives are saved, but because the country struggles with poverty, many of its people are unable to safely access medical care and treatment. Here is information about three diseases impacting Costa Rica and the efforts that are addressing them.

1. Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a group of zoonotic viruses that rodents carry and transmit to humans through direct contact with infected rodents or their bodily fluids. Areas at high risk of disease are barns, storage rooms, rustic cabins and poorly ventilated rural buildings due to high rodent activity.

The illness can be quite severe and deadly to people, but it varies depending on the specific type of hantavirus, which includes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). It also depends on the geographical location and climate. Now, Costa Rica has not seen a large hantavirus outbreak, unlike their South American neighbors, but the threat is still there and people must be careful. Hantavirus transmits through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.

In humans, the symptoms may vary depending on the type of hantavirus; for example, HCPS causes rapid coughing, shortness of breath, accumulation of fluid in the lungs and shock. Meanwhile, for HFRS, the symptoms are low blood pressure, bleeding disorders and kidney failure.

Diagnosing the illness can be tricky due to it sharing common symptoms with other illnesses like influenza and COVID-19, meaning that extra attention is necessary when symptoms do arise and people must seek medical care as soon as possible. As of now, there are no current specific vaccines available for the disease, but medical care at its early stages can improve the outcomes. To prevent the disease, reducing contact with rodents is a good start. Some effective measures include keeping homes and workplaces clean, sealing any openings that allow rodents to enter buildings, storing food securely and dampening contaminated areas before cleaning,

2. Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection that transmits through mosquito bites, which transfers the virus to a person’s bloodstream. It is common in tropical and subtropical areas where the buzzing critters inhabit. Costa Rica has a history of dengue cases, with it reporting more than 27,000 cases by October 2024 and a decline in cases in 2025 with only 1,802 reported. This reduction in cases is likely due to the increase in vector-control throughout the country. In 2026, dengue remains a common disease, even if it’s on a lower scale than the previous surge, people must still be cautious and aware of this illness.

Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands and rashes. However, in the case a person gets infected with dengue a second time, the illness becomes more severe with symptoms of severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue and restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, extreme thirst, pale and cold skin and feelings of weakness. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

There is a single vaccine available, QDenga, which is only recommended for people aged 6–16 years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several more vaccines are in the development stage, with a few under evaluation for this disease. It is also highly important to avoid bites from mosquitoes in general with the use of mosquito nets at night, along with mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing. If a person gets dengue, they must rest, drink plenty of liquids, take paracetamol for the pain, but avoid anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen and aspirin and be aware if they have any severe symptoms and see a doctor if that’s the case.

3. Chikungunya

Chikungunya is yet another mosquito-related viral disease, particularly the Aedes mosquito. The disease results from the chikungunya virus and passes through mosquito bites into the blood vessels. The name comes from the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzania, meaning “that which bends up,” which describes the severe joint pain those infected with the disease experience.

Its symptoms are sudden fever, muscle pain, severe joint pain, joint swelling, rashes, headache and fatigue. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other illnesses due to overlapping; for example, Zika and dengue have similar symptoms, and as a result, misdiagnosis becomes a large possibility, especially if the joint pain aspect is missing, as it could leave the infection undetected, thus leading to worse conditions.

Not all is hopeless, as blood samples collected in the first week of the illness can easily help detect chikungunya. Treatment includes the use of antipyretics and optimal analgesics for the fever and joint pains, as well as rest and drinking plenty of liquids. As of now, there are two chikungunya vaccines available in several countries, but not yet worldwide. WHO and external expert advisors are currently reviewing the research and progress of more chikungunya vaccines.

The Effects of Poverty on Healthcare Access & NGO Aid

There still remains the issue of poverty as it effects how much access the people of Costa Rica have to all these healthcare options. According to recent statistics, around 24–25% households are below the poverty line, with a large portion of the population struggling to get access to basic necessities, such as healthcare. As a result, many in rural areas are not able to easily receive these treatments against the diseases impacting Costa Rica, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to potential dangers.

A number of organizations and NGOs are trying to help these households. A specific NGO, called Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF), aims to help Costa Rican citizens in these issues. From its founding in 1997, the organization focuses on developing creative and economical solutions for the country’s major challenges. With volunteers from all over the world and donors, it set out to achieve a positive impact in Costa Rica. A few of its achievements include providing urgent medical care and general well-being checks for more than 500 patients in 2025 and supporting more than 800 children and adolescents in the CRHF’s learning centers the same year.

Looking Ahead

These three diseases impacting Costa Rica correlate with the constraints of poverty and a difficult economic situation, which can prevent people from accessing vital medical treatments. Fortunately, NGOS like CRHF are making a difference, helping even those with lower incomes access medical care.

– Michalitsa Kontogianni

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Diseases Impacting Bolivia and the Work To Mitigate Cases

Diseases Impacting BoliviaBolivia, a country centrally located in South America, has a population of roughly 12.7 million people. The nation borders other countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Its central location in the continent makes it extremely important to contain any diseases that start-up within the country. There have been multiple diseases impacting Bolivia, however, recently, Bolivia has dealt with one outbreak in particular that has caught the eye of international health organizations. There are two other diseases that health officials currently are monitoring with a standard level of caution after a reduction in cases due to health officials and organizations recent efforts.

The Main Outbreak of Focus

Currently, International Health Organizations are focusing on one main Chikungunya outbreak. In recent months, the virus has popped up in the cities of Santa Cruz, the eastern side of Bolivia, and Cochabamba, a central region. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne and transmissible illness that causes fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms typically begin 3-7 days after an infected mosquito bites. The virus currently has no specific treatment, however, death due to the virus is rare.

The CDC currently has Bolivia’s Chikungunya outbreak listed in the Level 2 Category titled “Practice Enhanced Cautions.” Its main advice for prevention of obtaining the virus is actions necessary to avoid mosquito bites. These actions include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeved clothing and residing in places that have screens on windows and doors. Homeless individuals across the country become more vulnerable to contracting the virus as their access to housing with screens on windows and doors is more limited. Additionally, the CDC recommends the virus-like particle vaccine Vimkunya for travelers visiting chikungunya outbreak areas. Chikungunya certainly stands out as the primary focus for health officials out of the couple of diseases impacting Bolivia currently.

Global Dengue

The CDC lists two other diseases, global dengue and global measles, in the Level 1 Category titled “Practice Usual Precautions.”

Global dengue, like Chikungunya, spreads through infected mosquitoes and is a year round risk to many parts of the world. The virus usually takes up to 2 weeks to develop and causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. The CDC placed Bolivia in Level 1 for global dengue due to a couple reasons that include higher reported numbers of dengue than usual in the country, a higher than expected number of dengue cases among U.S. travelers returning from Bolivia and an outbreak that health officials recently mitigated. In order to prevent contracting this virus, health officials recommend avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing and applying insect repellent. Global dengue popped up significantly in Bolivia in 2024 with close to 60,000 cases appearing in 2024 alone.

PAHO’s Efforts

The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) worked with Bolivian authorities to improve the quality of clinical care within the country so that doctors increased their ability to detect the virus early. This assistance from the organization became part of a multi-country program to mitigate the number of cases of dengue that popped up in countries such as Bolivia, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama. The program started wrapping up its work in mid-2025 and the five countries involved jointly saw a 70% average reduction in new cases compared to the previous 5 years.

Global Measles

Global measles is a respiratory illness that is highly contagious. It spreads through coughing and sneezing and typical warning signs and symptoms of the illness include a red bumpy rash, a high fever and red watery eyes. The CDC recommends receiving the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine as the primary way to avoid contracting the virus. Additionally, the CDC advises the vaccination in particular to those who are traveling internationally.

The CDC placed Bolivia in Level 1 for global measles due to both the recent rise in cases in many countries across South America and a recent outbreak that happened in Bolivia itself. The measles outbreak in Bolivia started in April of 2025 eventually leading to a national emergency declaration with health officials reporting around 600 cases across the country.

Bolivia’s Vaccination Efforts

In response, Bolivia ramped up their vaccination efforts and were able to administer 1 million doses to children mostly aged 1 to 20 years old. Coverage for the vaccine expanded in response to this outbreak as 5 to 20-year-olds received the vaccine when previously coverage focused on 1 to 4-year-olds. Unfortunately, coverage for both first and second doses of the vaccine still is below the 95% threshold that helps ensure prevention of outbreaks. Doctors and helpers assisting with vaccination efforts focused on rural indigenous areas in particular as both distance and poverty posed a challenge. Local brigades went door to door while coordinating with local community leaders in order to ensure that the vaccines reach those in the communities who needed it.

The National Vaccination Registry helped assist in efforts as well by helping identify children that had incomplete vaccination schedules. Additionally, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Government of Canada worked to help Bolivia with outbreak control and quick response in order to mitigate the spread of this and other diseases.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, diseases impacting Bolivia such as Chikungunya, Measles and Dengue have all had surges in numbers in recent years. The outbreaks brought concern to health officials and the key is the continuous work to limit the resumption of breakouts of these diseases. The work up to this point by organizations such as the Pan-American Health Organization contributed massively to a large reduction in cases and it is a positive sign of what is to come in the future.

– Drew Allen

Drew is based in Wilmington, DE, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Eliminating the Pests That Spread Infectious Diseases in Taiwan

Infectious Diseases in TaiwanPoor sanitation and a naturally wet climate create a fertile breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents, which sometimes carry infectious diseases. With a number of different large scale efforts, the Taiwan CDC also encourages citizens to take proper measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This primarily comes in the form of taking out trash, emptying water containers and keeping one’s home clean. In most cases, these diseases are only spread via infected pests and not from person to person. Taking away the types of environments that the pests can thrive in means a lower disease rate. Here is more information about the diseases impacting Taiwan and the efforts to combat them.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is one of many infectious diseases impacting Taiwan that stems from rodents. There were a total of 44 infections between 2017 and 2026 – most of which were found on the northern part of the island in or near New Taipei City. One can become infected by simply breathing in or coming into contact with infected rat feces, urine or saliva. Symptoms include elevated body temperature, muscular pain, nausea and diarrhea. However, the mortality rate for this strain in Asia is much lower than in other parts of the world with only one confirmed death over that span. Although still rare, a deadlier and more common strain of the disease is also found in the southwest part of the United States.

Two Taiwanese men in their 70s were infected with the virus in 2026. A man who died in January was immunocompromised and had other preexisting conditions. A couple of the rats found near his house tested positive for the virus.

Environmental protection agencies respond to incidents such as these by setting traps and exterminating areas with confirmed cases of the virus to help limit its spread. Yearly numbers have always been low, but between 2022 and 2025, there were no more than four total cases each year.

By not leaving out food and keeping one’s area free of clutter, homeowners automatically put themselves in a better position to protect themselves from infestation. The use of gloves and a mask to clean up rat droppings has helped to curb the infection rate as well.

Chikungunya Fever

Infected mosquitoes that originate from China and south East Asian countries have found their way into Taiwan due to increased rainfall and typhoons. Although chikungunya fever has a low mortality rate, people who contract the disease experience joint pain throughout the body, fatigue, nausea and headache. It takes an average of four to eight days for symptoms to appear and about a week to recover.

There are an average of well under 100 infections each year in Taiwan, but in 2019, there were 107. These mosquitoes thrive in pockets of stagnant water like rain barrels, potted plant holders and gutters. In response to the uptick in infections, the government imposed a fine of up to $7,500 TWD for any person who leaves open water containers out in public. Although there have been fewer cases in following years, 2025 saw the highest number of cases since 2019 at 46. By implementing these measures, it has made eliminating the spread of diseases impacting Taiwan that involve mosquitoes much easier.

The government places ovitraps in a variety of infested areas to help determine the number of mosquitoes that carry the disease. An ovitrap is a shallow bucket of water in a shaded area, which is specifically used to count the number of mosquito eggs that appear over time. After data is collected, the areas that need attention are sprayed with insecticide. After the spike in infections for 2019, 2020 saw a grand total of three.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is another example of a disease that mosquitoes, both native and foreign to the island, are known to spread. Unlike the other two, dengue fever is primarily found on the south end of Taiwan which shows that the risk for diseases from pests extends to all parts of the island. Dengue fever is much more common. Primary symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain and pain behind the eyes. Around 1% of cases can develop into severe dengue in which the person has difficulty breathing due to plasma leakage. Older adults with weaker immune systems are at a much greater risk to have this happen.

The number of cases varies significantly from year to year depending on several factors like weather patterns and how much the population has achieved herd immunity. Migrant workers from other countries like the Philippines and Vietnam bring the infection from their home country into Taiwan, increasing the overall rate of the disease impacting Taiwan. It is estimated that the vast majority of baseline cases of mosquito-related diseases originate in other south east Asian countries.

The government has also stepped in to teach people about the seriousness of the disease and how to stay healthy. There is a widespread awareness campaign about how to prevent infections around one’s home as well as protection methods one can use outside the home like covering up skin with light colored clothing.

Just like Chikungunya Fever, there are large-scale efforts to set ovitraps and collect data for the purposes of determining which areas to spray. In 2023, there were 26,706 total cases, but in 2025 there were less than 300. About 44 people died of the disease in 2023, and each year less than 1% of people die from Dengue Fever. The CDC also made surveillance of the disease widely available with more than 430 hospitals signed up to report data about the disease.

Conclusion

There are many other infectious diseases in Taiwan that are transmitted by rodents or mosquitoes besides the three discussed in this article. While herd immunity is attainable through vaccination and widespread recovery from infection, there will always be new variants and other external factors, such as climate, that cause brand new spikes in infection. However, by continuing with the collective effort to curb the spread on the part of both the Taiwan CDC and the Taiwanese citizens, the country will be a much healthier place for both citizens and visitors alike.

– Logan Hessek

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Back: Cholera Vaccine Shortages in Bangladesh

Fighting Back Against Cholera Vaccine Shortages in Bangladesh Bangladesh’s battle against cholera has been long-standing and complicated by various factors, including limited access to clean water and Bangladesh’s high population density. With the rise in funding cuts to global aid, there has been a significant increase in vaccine shortages in Bangladesh. However, with the implementation of certain countermeasures, the fight against cholera vaccine shortages shows promise.

The Cholera Cycle

The prevalence of cholera in Bangladesh has been estimated to be around 100,000 cases per year.

This is due to a number of different factors, including Bangladesh’s rainfall season, where there is an increase in floods and droughts.

As cholera is transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water, the increase in rainfall in Bangladesh every year creates a cycle of increasing and decreasing cholera infections. Typically, this is addressed with vaccination protocols such as the mass oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign that was put in place for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

However, with continuous cuts to funding across the globe, the availability of vaccinations has been on a steady decrease, making vaccination campaigns like the mass OCV campaign for the Rohingya people a challenge to replicate.

In response to most cholera outbreaks, there is a two-dose protocol in vaccination schemes. Due to funding cuts, the number of doses usually provided in these schemes has been reduced by international organizations that provide vaccinations. This reduction to only one dose has been an attempt to mitigate the impact of the limited global supply.

The Global Response to Low Vaccination Stocks

The vaccine shortages in Bangladesh, as with other countries, have been slowly receiving pushback from global actors such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. As of February 2026, the global supply of cholera vaccinations has increased to sufficient levels for vaccination programs to resume. Bangladesh is set to receive 10.3 million doses.

Furthermore, the cholera vaccination shortages in Bangladesh have only provided incentives to promote secondary countermeasures against cholera outbreaks. Campaigns such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), which aim to provide safe water and sanitation, have already been in existence for more than a decade.

Cholera is spread by contaminated food and water. With a shift in focus to efforts that promote sanitation and clean water, alongside proper vaccination protocols, the battle against cholera in Bangladesh can continue.

Looking Ahead

The cholera endemic in Bangladesh has always been one of Bangladesh’s biggest health challenges, with around 3,000 deaths occurring annually. This is a problem that continues to persist, especially with the instability caused by vaccine shortages. Despite this, with vaccination campaigns in Bangladesh resuming, the fight against cholera outbreaks resumes with renewed momentum.

– Bernice Attawia

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

Photo: Flickr

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Immunization Initiative Reduces Child Mortality in Zimbabwe

Child Mortality in Zimbabwe In 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) publicly recognized the government of Zimbabwe for its investments in the health and safety of its children. In October 2025, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) launched a vaccination initiative in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce child mortality in Zimbabwe. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private global health partnership dedicated to vaccinating children around the world, and the government of Zimbabwe funded the health campaign. Zimbabwe allocated $1.9 million from its national treasury to fund the program.

Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign

The government of Zimbabwe titled the initiative the National Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign. It targeted children between the ages of 9 and 59 months across all regions of the country, regardless of previous vaccination status. An estimated 1.7 million children received vaccinations as a result of the program. Ncebile Ngwenya, a frontline nurse in Plumtree, Bulilimamangwe district in the Matabeland South Province, described the campaign’s approach: “The campaign utilised scheduled outreach points, which improved access to immunization services by delivering them at the community level. It will help protect children from measles and rubella, ensuring strong immunity and a healthier future for our communities.”

Vitamin A Supplementation and Child Nutrition

In addition to the measles-rubella vaccine, nearly 2 million children also received Vitamin A supplements. The rationale for providing these supplements was the same as that of the vaccination effort: to reduce child mortality across Zimbabwe. Vitamin A deficiency is a widespread issue across the country’s young population and can lead to malnutrition, disease and, ultimately, death. One of the most significant risks of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is total loss of vision. VAD is one of the leading causes of blindness in low-income countries. Keratomalacia, a condition that causes corneal deterioration, is especially prominent in individuals with VAD. The average income of families in Zimbabwe is $3 a day, meaning most children do not have consistent access to foods rich in Vitamin A or other crucial nutrients.

Measurable Results

The combined effects of the measles-rubella vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation produced significant health improvements. WHO Zimbabwe estimates that 95% of children in Zimbabwe aged 9 to 59 months experienced improvements in both nutrition and disease immunity. By launching the campaign across all regions of Zimbabwe and vaccinating all children from ages 9 to 59 months regardless of financial means or prior vaccination status, the government actively addressed fatal health risks in its youngest and most vulnerable population.

Looking Ahead

The National Measles-Rubella Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign demonstrates how combining vaccination with nutritional supplementation can produce measurable health outcomes for children in low-income countries. As other countries facing similar challenges with malnutrition and childhood disease consider their public health strategies, Zimbabwe’s approach offers a model for reducing child mortality at scale.

– Natalie Naylor

Natalie is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poor Sanitation and Infectious Diseases in Indonesia

Infectious Diseases in IndonesiaAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), communicable diseases and nutritional conditions are responsible for 34.7% of deaths in Indonesia. With tuberculosis (TB) ranked first, a ratio of 48.9 deaths per 100,000 people creates a major social and economic burden. Poverty, overcrowding and the lack of rural health infrastructure in Indonesia act as catalysts for infectious diseases like TB, due to poor sanitation and hygiene. 

Diseases such as TB and worm infections affect low-income communities by placing a heavy financial burden on families, especially those living in rural areas, due to a lack of safe shelter, clean drinking water, nutrition and sanitation. These challenges increase disease risk and push families deeper into poverty. As a result, initiatives addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities are needed. 

Organizations such as Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and promote sanitation in rural areas. They do this by improving public health, expanding health care access and supporting health care in low-income communities.

Palang Merah Indonesia

On September 17, 1945, Indonesia’s year of independence, Mohammad Hatta ordered the creation of PMI, also known as the Indonesian Red Cross Society. The goal was to help support the injured and provide medical assistance to communities during the Indonesian National Revolution. Through this effort, PMI received international recognition and became a member of the International Red Cross.

The Indonesian government officially recognized PMI as a humanitarian organization in 2018. From then on, PMI has set a long-term mission to expand its inclusive services, prevent disease, strengthen social trust and increase collaborations with partners, including the government. It does this by implementing several strategies, including strengthening communities, improving blood donation services and increasing transparency. 

In 2022, PMI collected a total of 368,557 bags of blood, helping ensure a steady, reliable blood supply for communities. To maximize its impact on sanitation and hygiene, PMI also runs a health program called Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). WASH plays a key role in preventing disease and improving quality of life. 

By building clean water supply systems, improving sanitation facilities and raising awareness through hygiene education campaigns, PMI prevents infectious diseases often caused by poor sanitation. Programs like WASH play a major role in preventing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

Siklus Indonesia

Siklus Indonesia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010, focused on health care access and social development. Its mission is to strengthen and empower communities, particularly the underserved, through its services, research, partnerships and educational programs. To better achieve this goal, Siklus Indonesia proposed creating the AIDS, TB and Malaria Regional Action Plan (RAD) to reduce HIV, TB and malaria rates in Yogyakarta from 2026 to 2030. 

During a preparatory meeting for the program, the regional government and secretariat held a workshop in November 2025 to review strategies, including the National AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) strategy. The workshop discussed progress in fighting infectious diseases through the ATM program. About 87% of Indonesians with HIV/AIDS are aware of their diagnosis. Moreover, 58% have received antiretroviral therapy (ARV). 

As a result, 64% of individuals with HIV/AIDS achieved viral load suppression. As for TB, screening reached 63% of estimated cases among the total 90%, while treatment success is 83.4%. Consequently, Siklus Indonesia has implemented outreach focused on vulnerable communities to increase TB case discovery through education, screening and encouraging high-risk individuals to get tested. 

Most of the outreach focuses on the elderly, youth, pregnant women, people with infectious diseases and congregate settings. Heavily populated areas, such as Islamic boarding schools and correctional facilities, often have higher transmission rates. This is due to limited space and inadequate infrastructure, which underlines the need for action and attention. 

While direct initiatives, such as medical and therapeutic efforts, are important, Siklus Indonesia shows that education and outreach remain essential for addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

DoctorSHARE

DoctorSHARE was founded in 2009 by Lie A. Dharmawan, with the mission to alleviate suffering and expand health care access for vulnerable and underserved communities in Indonesia. In 2013, he created the first floating hospital in Indonesia to better reach and support marginalized communities that live far away. Dharmawan was inspired during his time in Maluku, when a young mother and her severely ill daughter had to travel three days by boat and approached him for help. 

She was diagnosed with a hernia and interstitial clamping, which required immediate surgery. Fortunately, Dharmawan was able to operate in time. The surgery was successful and the child survived. On his way back to Jakarta, he began thinking about how many others face the same challenge. As a solution, he created the first floating hospital, named RSA Nusa Waluya I.

DoctorSHARE also offers a range of health programs, including outreach and disaster response. Outreach includes the floating hospital, flying doctor (five to seven doctors supporting highlanders via aircraft), health promotion and advocacy and capacity building. DoctorSHARE also runs TB rehabilitation programs, with more than 394 patient care and consultation sessions and 612 walking clinics. 

This initiative partners with communities, individuals and the government. It also improves health care access through infrastructure upgrades. One example is the TB clinic in Sentani, which treats infectious diseases to help contain them and prevent outbreaks. Medical outreach like this directly reduces infectious diseases in low-income communities.

As of 2024, doctorSHARE has completed more than 5,350 major surgeries, 7,959 minor surgeries and 294,028 outpatient treatments, including 6,299 ultrasound consultations and 68,371 health education programs. By providing surgeries and TB rehabilitation, these programs restore productivity and help break the cycle of poverty caused by financial burden. This creates a sustainable culture of wellness, where improving health care protects communities’ future.

Conclusion

In an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, the geography of Indonesia makes addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities especially challenging. This highlights the need for continued action. If these issues matter in Indonesia, then they matter globally.

Thus, initiatives from PMI, Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE highlight nonprofit regional support through health care access, education and promotion. By implementing these strategies, organizations empower the next generation with quality health care and support that helps address broader global challenges. Through intervention, accessibility and sustainability, these efforts improve health care access and help communities break the cycle of poverty.

Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr