Archive for category: Disease

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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

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Clinics on Wheels: Improving Health Care in Punjab

Health Care in PunjabImproving the health care infrastructure in Punjab, Pakistan, is a challenge. For instance, access to health care may demand long waits in queues that can take away a day’s work and earnings, making it unfeasible. Structural problems are common. There is not enough investment, many constraints on resources and access to essential medicines and equipment is limited.

Urban slums pose a particular challenge to improving health care infrastructure in Punjab. The Punjab Urban Slum Survey, conducted by the Punjab Bureau of Statistics, notes that roughly 7.2 million people reside in urban slums across the district. These urban slum dwellers make up a significant portion of the 128 million people in Punjab.

According to the Punjab Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2019-2020, this portion of the population may be characterized as having more limited access to preventive and curative health services. The PDHS also showed that only 57.2% of slum dwellers can access health facilities.

Improving Health Care Infrastructure in Punjab

The Clinics on Wheels program is improving the health care infrastructure in Punjab with free, quality health care provision. Launched in 2024 by the Punjab provincial government, the initiative sees mobile clinic vans serving underserved residents who have no access to basic health care in densely populated urban settlements.

The main aim of Clinics on Wheels is to reach those living in densely populated urban areas and remote regions where there are significant barriers to accessing health facilities. The mobile clinics aim to eliminate the barriers of distance, cost and availability, ensuring that timely medical services and a suitable health infrastructure are put into place in Punjab.

There are about 244 Clinics on Wheels operating across the district. Most of the vehicles, 202 of them, are mobilized for transporting medicines and staff to those in need. In addition, about 42 carry mobile ultrasound facilities. Initiatives offered include doctors, diagnostics and medicines delivered at the community level, as well as free medicines delivered to the doorsteps of underserved residents.

Tangible Results in Improving Health Care in Punjab

Dr. Ehsan Ghani, Chief Executive Officer of the District Health Authority Rawalpindi, said that the mobile clinics have resulted in timely diagnoses and provide an effective referral system that ensures complex cases reach major hospitals promptly. He added that each van is staffed with a vaccinator who administers missed or incomplete vaccines to children in the field, helping to bridge the gap between the growing population and immunization needs. According to Ghani, this has improved vaccination rates and supported progress in the fight against diseases such as polio.

Ghani has said that with expansion, Clinics on Wheels has the potential to bring health care services to even more people across Punjab. In January 2026, it was announced that the Punjab government would involve the private sector in the project to improve its performance.

Looking Ahead

The goal of equitable health care infrastructure is that no citizen has to go without medical provision and Clinics on Wheels offers a practical solution to make the transport of doctors and medicines accessible. The campaign has been promoted as care that reaches every doorstep, providing services regardless of income or location.

Improving health care infrastructure in Punjab through initiatives such as Clinics on Wheels may help reduce the health care burden and improve overall health outcomes for Punjab’s population. Clinics on Wheels sits alongside other health care initiatives, including the CM Insulin Program, which offers free insulin for children with Type 1 diabetes, and the Chief Minister’s Children Heart Surgery Program, which offers cardiac surgeries for children. Together, these programs reflect ongoing efforts to expand health care access across Punjab.

– Suneel Mehmi

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Fighting Stigma: Poverty and Leprosy in Bangladesh

Leprosy in BangladeshBangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India and Myanmar, with a population of more than 177 million. Some 18.7% of the population lives in poverty, due in part to neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, which limit individuals’ ability to work and access education.

The bacteria Mycobacterium leprae cause leprosy, a chronic infectious disease. The disease mainly affects skin cells and can cause permanent disabilities when people do not receive timely treatment or detection. Bangladesh ranks fifth highest in the world for the number of leprosy cases, so eradicating the disease in the country is a priority, especially since people can be completely cured of it.

Leprosy is a disease that creates stigmatization against those affected, making employment difficult. Combined with medical costs, this creates a high correlation between leprosy and poverty. Areas with poor living conditions and food insecurity also tend to have an increased risk of contracting leprosy, highlighting the relationship between leprosy and poverty.

The eradication of leprosy will improve the livelihood of millions, not just in Bangladesh but also in the other 120 countries still affected by the curable disease. Tropical diseases tend to be neglected from the global health agenda and usually cause stigma. This article will discuss the impact of fighting stigma and how leprosy and poverty can be reduced together.

The Leprosy Mission in Bangladesh

The Leprosy Mission in Bangladesh (TLMIB) is a nonprofit organization focused on the eradication of leprosy in North Bangladesh. With a focus derived from six key values — compassion, justice, integrity, inclusion, humility and collaboration — its work has supported the livelihood of those with leprosy and helped them regain their dignity.

Since 2007, TLMIB has set up 700 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in North Bangladesh, a step toward long-term, sustainable change. Leprosy and poverty were seen by the organization to go hand in hand, and these SHGs allowed those impacted to access food and find community with others who share similar experiences, especially as leprosy is widely discriminated against.

SHGs have group deposits, which encourage positive financial habits and help members rebuild their lives together. Since 2007, SHGs across the region have grown, with members integrating back into society with less stigma and fewer financial problems. This is significant when considering leprosy and poverty, as it shows that if leprosy is prioritized, many people’s livelihoods can change, enabling them to move to a life above the poverty line.

U.N. Initiatives and Government Aims

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has committed to eradicating the disease through the Zero Leprosy Initiative by 2030. The initiative aims to eradicate the disease, prevent disability and remove stigma.

Additionally, the government has decided to increase the number of disability centers in the country and integrate them into the existing health care system. Policymakers have also suggested earlier diagnosis and skills training for people affected by leprosy, both to remove stigma and directly address the link between leprosy and poverty. The Persons with Disabilities’ Rights and Protection Act, implemented in 2013, drives this focus on leprosy in the country.

The United Nations (U.N.) has worked with Beatriz Miranda-Galarza to raise awareness of leprosy. Miranda-Galarza has coordinated the BRIDGES and SARSHE projects in Indonesia and Brazil, strengthening the dialogue around leprosy in the disability movement. This work supports efforts against stigma and helps build better lives after the disease, again highlighting the link between leprosy and poverty.

Looking Ahead

Nonprofits such as TLMIB and the work by the government of Bangladesh demonstrate that leprosy and poverty can be reduced together by removing stigma and prioritizing long-term, sustainable change. These efforts make independence accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to learn positive financial habits and build stable lives.

Although Bangladesh still needs to reduce leprosy cases, the progress so far points to measurable change across the country. Chile recently became the first country in the Americas to completely eradicate leprosy, showing that the goal is achievable for other countries committed to the cause.

– Caitlin Cooper

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

Photo: Flickr

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5 Nonprofits Working to End Polio in Yemen

Polio in YemenIn recent decades, Yemen has faced crisis after crisis, with war, drought, disease and famine simultaneously affecting a vulnerable population. The presence of polio in Yemen is another challenge to an already struggling population. Several nonprofits are working toward its eradication. Below are insights into five of the most important.

The Impact of COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and the health care efforts of many of the world’s largest nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were disrupted, the people of many developing nations suffered, including those of Yemen.

Roughly 25 million infants worldwide did not receive potentially lifesaving vaccinations, the largest regression in vaccination data in more than 30 years. In Yemen, the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and protracted conflict resulted in national vaccination rates falling sharply, with declines of 25% in certain months of 2020. In 2024, 580,000 children in Yemen were recorded as zero-dose, a crisis demanding a multilateral response.

Beginning in 2023, several major global partners in public health, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, formed The Big Catch-up, a program working to reverse the damage to immunization progress caused by the pandemic. The project is making progress in eradicating poliovirus worldwide. With around 85% of all children affected by polio living in the most volatile states, this effort is significant. The following five organizations are at the forefront of the fight against polio in Yemen.

5 Nonprofits Working to End Polio in Yemen

  1. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative. At the center of global efforts for complete immunization against poliovirus, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), in collaboration with the federal government, is making considerable progress in early detection and surveillance of outbreaks. With an over 80% early detection rate for key symptoms, its work is an important stage in the immunization process and gives patients essential time for treatment and recovery. This progress has been made despite the adverse conditions in Yemen, which the GPEI categorizes as one of several “consequential geographies” that complicate eradication efforts. Its work in collaboration with global partners reflects continued developments being made in a post-pandemic world.
  2. UNICEF. In the summer of 2025, UNICEF and the WHO began a vaccination campaign against polio in Yemen, aiming to reach more than 1.3 million children in the nation’s most stable regions. Working with the Ministry of Public Health and Population, UNICEF provided and supported almost 7,000 vaccination teams, including 6,000 mobile units, to deliver intervention before the outbreak that began in 2021 grew further. With 98% of the 282 cases recorded between 2021 and July 2025 occurring in children under 5, the focus of UNICEF’s actions is on early-life immunization. Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Representative to Yemen, said that vaccination is the way to keep children safe.
  3. The International Organization for Migration. While not a health care-focused nonprofit, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an ally in organizing and delivering immunization programs. In the absence of a reliable national infrastructure, on-the-ground specialists support health care workers in accessing and administering vaccines. Working in both permanent communities and large populations now living in internal displacement camps, the IOM’s insights into the requirements and challenges in these areas have supported operatives with specialist advice. The IOM also continues to engage in awareness initiatives aimed at reducing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Reaching 31,000 people in 2024 alone, the campaign has helped address a significant obstacle to a successful polio vaccine rollout.
  4. Islamic Relief U.K. A major provider of health care and hospital aid across Yemen and the wider region, Islamic Relief U.K. has a track record of supporting Yemen’s under-resourced health care facilities. By providing otherwise inaccessible technology and provisions to health care centers facing extreme budgetary limitations and violent attacks, the organization enables them to continue their work. The functionality of these centers is essential to the operations of a campaign against poliovirus and to support the health care needs of a country facing significant challenges.
  5. The Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation. As one of the leading nonprofits operating in Yemen, the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation (YRRF) is engaged in efforts across the spectrum of national issues. With a diverse portfolio of funding, its efforts are focused on the most pressing crises and preventative measures. The support offered to medical centers and laboratories represents a key approach to long-term eradication of poliovirus. A 2025 investment by the foundation into the National Central Public Health Laboratories in Sana’a supports the laboratory’s work in serving patients from numerous governorates and its capacity to perform diagnostic tests that can detect polio at an early, non-critical stage. This funding and specialist support offer Yemen a domestic, sustainable means to address the threat of poliovirus to its child population through the collaboration of all five nonprofits listed here.

Looking Ahead

The work of each of these nonprofits is bringing Yemen closer to eradicating polio, but continued public and government support is needed. Increased funding and sustained international attention can help complete this work, securing the future health of children in Yemen and beyond.

– Evan Meikle

Evan is based in Kingston upon Hull, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Diagnostic Tampons: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Latin America

Cervical Cancer Latin AmericaCervical cancer represents one of the most pressing yet preventable crises in global health. It remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with 94% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, a stark testament to the role that inequality plays in who survives this disease. Indigenous women bear a disproportionate share of this burden, with some of the highest incidence rates concentrated in Central America.

Positively, vaccines for this disease are extremely effective, when administered at a young age HPV vaccine prevents infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has the goal to reduce the number of annual cases of cervical cancer to fewer than four per 100,000 women. Despite having such effective vaccines, a major issue lies with the accessibility and distribution of diagnostic tests and the subsequent intervention provision.

Cervical Cancer in Latin America

While the WHO’s elimination goal is ambitious, the reality for Latin America tells a different story – cervical cancer deaths in the region are projected to surpass 51,500 by 2030, with 89% of those occurring in Latin America and the Caribbean. Women across the region feel the burden. In El Salvador, 2.53 million women aged 15 and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer, representing a significant proportion of the country’s 6.3 million population.

The picture is similarly concerning in Guatemala, where 6.10 million women face the same risk out of a population of 18.6 million. Compounding this, HPV vaccination coverage in Guatemala stands at just 35%, with only 15% of individuals completing their final dose. El Salvador fares only marginally better at 43%, a figure that still falls well short of the WHO’s 90% target.

An example of how improved vaccination rates reduce prevalence and mortality together can be observed from Costa Rica. Here the Crude incidence rates sit at 14.4 for females with HPV-related cancers.

Prevention

A recurring challenge across the region is lack of awareness surrounding HPV, its link to cervical cancer, and the safety of available vaccines. In many indigenous and rural communities, misinformation and limited access to health education contribute to the low vaccination uptake seen in countries like Guatemala and El Salvador. Addressing this through community-led outreach and culturally sensitive health programs could be a foundational step towards closing the gap.

The Cervical Cancer Foundation works in collaboration with non-profits to lobby for legislative change and vitally provide health training to educate communities on the importance of HPV screening and available vaccines. Crucially, they provide cervical cancer prevention strategies within Latin America to aid in the reduction of this gap. With financial support from the Union of International Cancer Control, they aim to train more than 200 health educators from El Salvador to Costa Rica.

Screening

Yet even when education and vaccination efforts improve, a separate challenge remains: screening. The WHO’s elimination framework calls for screening of 70% of women with high-performance tests by the age of 35 and again by 45. In much of Latin America, this target is still far due to a shortage of trained gynaecologists, limited clinical infrastructure and the geographic remoteness of many at-risk communities. This is where an emerging technology may offer a meaningful solution- the diagnostic tampon.

A recent and applicable advancement for HPV has been analysed and assessed for usage in other LMIC’s. For example, in Tanzania, the use of diagnostic tampons has emerged as a promising, accurate method for cervical cancer screening. This reduces the need for trips to far or inaccessible hospitals for rural communities and those most at risk.

Studies comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tampons with clinician-collected samples for detecting HPV further corroborate this, demonstrating that use of diagnostic tampons has an overall accuracy of 95%, proving an easily implementable and highly specific screening tool.

Looking ahead

The diagnostic tampon is not a standalone solution. Eliminating cervical cancer in Latin America could require sustained investment across the entire health care system- from early education and vaccine distribution mechanisms to clinical infrastructure. However, this diagnostic tampon does represent significant advancements: practical and high-accuracy screening tools which meet women where they are rather than navigating systems which have historically excluded them. Thus, integrating this screening tool into existing public health frameworks, further backed by education, political will and adequate funding, offers a credible path towards turning the tide on one of the more preventable cancers.

– Juliette Dall’Aglio

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

Photo: Flickr

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Improvement in the Treatment of TB in Kenya

TB in KenyaTuberculosis (TB) is a condition that mostly affects a person’s lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which circulates through the air and spreads when inhaled. TB has been a persistent public health challenge in Kenya. According to the National Library of Medicine, TB is the fifth leading cause of death in the country. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in treating TB in Kenya. The director of the African region of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Diallo Abdourahmane, stated that Kenya reduced TB cases by 41% and TB-related deaths by 60%. This progress is attributed to treatments such as preventive therapy, the BPaL regimen and digital adherence technologies.

Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment

One treatment used today is tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). Its goal is to prevent certain individuals from developing active TB by administering anti-tuberculosis medicine. The treatment destroys bacteria that have infected the body before they can harm organs or spread the illness. TPT specifically targets people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, making individuals more vulnerable to TB. It is recommended for HIV patients to undergo this treatment to reduce the chance of developing TB. The preferred course consists of three months (3HP), during which the antibiotics isoniazid and rifapentine are taken once a week. However, this prescription may interact with other medicines, so each patient’s case should be considered individually.

BPaL Regimen

The BPaL regimen is a treatment course lasting six months. The WHO has recommended it as an alternative to lengthier treatments. The regimen combines four antibiotic medications: bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid and moxifloxacin. It targets drug-resistant TB, a form of the disease that does not respond to some standard medications. This treatment is primarily for adult patients and teenagers older than 14. Studies have shown a success rate of 89%, making it more effective than previous regimens.

Digital Adherence Technology

TB treatment outcomes have also improved with digital adherence technology (DAT). DAT refers to digital tools that use technological devices to record a patient’s daily medication information. Examples include smart pill boxes and medication sleeves. Researchers believe DAT motivates individuals with TB to take their daily medication consistently.

A 2026 study evaluated whether certain digital interventions improved TB treatment outcomes. The study found that digital platforms such as Keheala reduced the percentage of failed TB treatments, supporting the use of digital tools in TB care. DAT offers several benefits. Patients can choose the most suitable time to take their medication, fitting it into their routine. Patients can receive SMS reminders. Health care providers can access their patients’ information, allowing them to monitor consistency and identify patients who need additional support.

Looking Ahead

Although TB remains a serious issue in Kenya, the treatments discussed have demonstrated their effectiveness. Kenya has earned recognition from the WHO for its progress. The country has set further goals to reduce TB death rates by 90% and TB cases by 80% by 2030. Efforts in Kenya to reduce the impact of TB continue to show measurable results.

– Lara Ibrahim

Lara is based in Créteil, France and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Infectious Diseases in Morocco

Infectious Diseases in Morocco Infectious diseases in Morocco continue to be a major public health concern, especially in areas with limited access to health care and environmental challenges. Nonetheless, Morocco has achieved notable advancements in disease prevention through international partnerships, national health strategies and vaccination campaigns. These initiatives seek to strengthen the country’s health care system, reduce transmission and improve early diagnosis.

Tuberculosis Control Efforts

In Morocco, tuberculosis remains one of the most serious infectious diseases. Vulnerable populations with limited access to health care may be disproportionately affected by the illness, which spreads through airborne bacteria. The disease often affects poorer communities, where limited resources and health care access make prevention and treatment more difficult. This reinforces the importance of targeted public health interventions. Morocco has responded by putting in place a national tuberculosis control program that emphasizes early detection, free treatment and enhanced surveillance systems.

To encourage early testing and treatment, health authorities have increased diagnostic services and launched public awareness campaigns. These programs have helped Morocco reduce transmission in numerous communities and maintain comparatively high treatment success rates.

Addressing Leishmaniasis

Another infectious disease affecting Morocco is leishmaniasis, which spreads through sandflies in rural areas. The most prevalent type of leishmaniasis in the country is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which results in skin lesions. In some areas, outbreaks may occur due to both population movement and environmental factors.

Morocco has strengthened surveillance systems and implemented vector control programs to combat the disease. Public health officials also aim to inform communities about early detection and prevention strategies to reduce the severity and spread of infections.

Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment

Viral hepatitis is also a significant health challenge. Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial because untreated hepatitis B and C infections can result in chronic liver disease. As part of wider national health strategies, Morocco has expanded vaccination coverage and screening programs.

Treatment access and disease monitoring are supported by international partnerships and public health initiatives. Increased awareness and vaccination efforts are helping reduce the long-term impact of hepatitis and strengthen overall disease prevention measures.

Public Health Progress and Prevention

Morocco has shown that consistent public health investment can lower the risks of infectious diseases despite ongoing challenges. After decades of prevention efforts, the country eliminated malaria in 2014, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated national health policies and surveillance programs.

In Morocco, prevention, education and improved access to health care are becoming increasingly important aspects of addressing infectious diseases. The country continues to work toward better public health outcomes and healthier communities through strengthened disease monitoring systems and expanded treatment programs.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr