Archive for category: Disease

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Expanding Somalia’s Vaccination Program

Somalia's Vaccination ProgramLack of health care accessibility has left Somalia with extremely low vaccination rates and high levels of child mortality. To combat this, the Somali administration has implemented national programs to amplify the routine vaccination of children against polio and measles. Recently, two vaccines are now also a part of the initiative’s coverage; rotavirus and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).

On the Ground

In Somalia, there is about a 10% chance that a baby of one month will not make it to the age of 5. This is largely due to low immunization rates, which are especially important for children, as they are more vulnerable to disease. High child mortality rates correlate with slow economic development, poor education and lack of government healthcare funding.

Historically, Somalia has had some of the lowest vaccination rates across the world; however, since its election in 2022, the Somali government is proving its commitment to lowering under-5 mortality rates by investing in nationwide immunization programs.

Somalia’s Vaccination Program

In 2022, the Somali government joined the U.N. and WHO to create the “Big Catch-Up” vaccination plan targeting polio and measles. The campaign achieved the vaccination of 3.2 million children under five against polio, and another 3.5 million against measles. More recently, in 2024, the Somali government implemented the Immunization and Polio Eradication Task Force (SIPE), a multi-agency initiative between the government, WHO and U.N. It also launched the Child Survival Forum to prioritize “zero dose” children, monitor progress and design action plans. An example of its success includes the nation-wide implementation of an electronic immunization registry to efficiently trace individuals’ vaccination records.

In April 2025, SIPE introduced two new vaccines to its agenda; the rotavirus vaccine and PCV. Rotavirus is deadly due to diarrheal effects which can severely dehydrate the child and cause malnutrition. Meanwhile, pneumococcal bacteria can lead to illnesses including pneumonia and meningitis, which are infections of the lungs and infections of the spinal cord and brain tissue, respectively. Together, vomiting, pneumonia and measles account for 43% of child deaths in Somalia.

Looking to the Future

Projections from 2023 suggest that by 2030, Somalia’s child mortality rate could see a decrease from 104 out of 1,000 newborns dying to approximately 91 out of 1,000. Additionally, Lives Saved Tool (LiST) projections show that accounting for both rotavirus and pneumococcal related illnesses, an estimated 28,974 lives could be saved and 1,309,326 cases could be averted between 2024 and 2030.

Government prioritization and financial investment in a robust national immunization initiative are already seeing success. Expansion since implementation, and partnerships with institutions including WHO, U.N. and Vaccine Alliance, prove Somalia’s commitment to a strong, lasting vaccination program for children. Ultimately, slow progress is better than no progress, and the impact of efforts to combat major social obstacles is best observed on a broader scale of time.

– Emily Galán

Emily is based in Edmonton, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The State of Higher Education in Haiti

Higher Education in HaitiHaiti has suffered with both environmental disasters and political chaos since 2010. As the poorest country in the western hemisphere, it is no surprise that more than half its population lives in poverty. The nation constantly struggles with food insecurity, clean water and access to quality health care. Limited job skills training exacerbated these struggles, highlighting the urgent need for better higher education in Haiti.

The State University of Haiti in Port-au-Prince, the country’s biggest university, has seen sharp fluctuations in attendance numbers. In the 2022-2023 school year, almost 30,000 students were enrolled. That number reduced by half, with fewer than 15,000 students attending the current 2024-2025 school year. This sharp drop is directly linked to the dangerous conditions in Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs have taken over large parts of the city and even the countryside. This sharp drop in attendance shows the impact Haiti’s instability has had on higher education in Haiti.

How Higher Education in Haiti Impacts Poverty and Stability

  1. Brain Drain: Haitians are leaving the nation for opportunities elsewhere. When educated people leave Haiti for schools abroad and do not come back, the country loses crucial talent. The nation desperately needs nurses and doctors to help sick Haitians. Engineers are essential to fix power and repair infrastructure. Without these trained professionals, the country becomes even more unstable, leading to fewer jobs for everyone. Brain drain has contributed to the steady decline of other nations. While it is difficult to calculate the exact number of people leaving the country for university overseas, at least 1.3 million people have been internally displaced from their homes due to the violence.
  2. Clean Water: Universities educate people to become engineers and construction managers, fields that Haiti desperately needs, as they work to address issues related to clean water. Less than 1% of Haiti has proper sewer systems, which leads to contaminated water and causes deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid. Without an educated population to address this issue, Haiti will likely continue to struggle to find practical solutions for clean water and sewage, which can result in the spread of disease and illness.
  3. Disaster Management: Frequent earthquakes plague Haiti, which sometimes have disastrous effects for the nation. How Haiti responds to these disasters is dependent on educated Haitians that do the work to rebuild buildings and bridges following intense earthquakes. If Haitians do not receive training to address these complex issues the impact of earthquakes can be long lasting and result in instability as power and transportation remain unreliable. A perfect example of how universities provide important training to Haitians was the training program that the State University of Haiti launched to train students at foreign universities so they could return more prepared for disaster management.

Rebuilding Haiti: ACTIVEH

There are groups working hard to strengthen higher education in Haiti. One great example is Action Toward Initiatives & Volunteering for Education in Haiti (ACTIVEH). This nonprofit started in Port-au-Prince in 2011 and is working to improve Haiti’s higher education system by giving students real-world experience and leadership skills.

ACTIVEH runs a volunteering and community service program and an internship program. Since 2014, it has brought in more than 250 students from 10 different universities and helped more than 150 students get internships.

Haiti’s current crisis has impacted the number of students attending its universities and prevented people from getting an education so that they can contribute in a positive way. This decrease in trained professionals weakens Haiti’s ability to solve its most urgent problems, which are what cause poverty in the country.

Looking Ahead

Despite these huge roadblocks, groups like ACTIVEH show the amazing strength and potential within Haiti to rebuild its education system. By doing so, they offer a real way to bring stability and reduce poverty. Supporting these efforts is absolutely crucial for Haiti’s long-term recovery and for the well-being of its people.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Fighting Diseases in Mozambique With an App

Diseases in MozambiqueMozambique, a country in southeastern Africa, has implemented a new digital system and app that helps community health workers in poor and rural areas fight diseases.

Community Health Workers in Mozambique

To ensure access to health care for everyone in the country, community health workers serve Mozambique’s more rural and impoverished areas. Community health workers diagnose and treat many diseases in Mozambique, including malaria, pneumonia, malnutrition and diarrhea.

They also provide family planning services, antenatal care, postpartum care and pregnancy tracking. Further, they give healthy children check-ups and follow-up care for patients with tuberculosis and HIV.

What is upSCALE?

upSCALE consists of two different applications. One is an app for supervisors of community health workers. The app allows them to monitor health care workers’ performance and monitor the stock levels of medical and health care supplies. It also allows them to schedule and follow up on supervisory visits.

The second application is designed for community health workers themselves. It features the Mozambique Ministry of Health’s official curriculum. It guides users through treatment, diagnosis, patient referrals, follow-ups, registration and routine health checks.

The program provides community health workers with mobile phones and supervisors with tablets to access the apps. Community health workers receive an initial five-day training on using the app, followed by a two-day refresher each year. Supervisors receive additional training tailored to their role. Between 2017 and 2022, the upSCALE app registered approximately 650,000 patients and supported health care services for more than 200,000.

How upSCALE Helps Fight Diseases in Mozambique

The app was originally developed to improve the quality and coverage of local health care. It aims to address community health workers’ inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines and the inadequate supply of medications and health supplies. The app has largely been successful in both of these goals. By allowing supervisors to monitor the real-time stock of medication and health supplies, they can ensure that the stock never runs out.

Both apps have also helped the Ministry of Health fight diseases in Mozambique by giving the sector accurate and up-to-date information about the spread of diseases in the country. The information is also disease-specific, allowing the government to make informed decisions about community health interventions.

On a local level, the information enables supervisors to target their interventions and allocate resources more effectively. It has also been valuable for malaria treatment, helping to fill key knowledge gaps in malaria research.

Conclusion

The upSCALE app has proven to be a game-changer in Mozambique’s fight against disease. The country has strengthened health care delivery in underserved areas by equipping community health workers and their supervisors with essential digital tools. With improved adherence to clinical guidelines, real-time data sharing and better resource allocation, upSCALE saves lives and shapes the future of public health in Mozambique.

– Axtin Bullock

Axtin is based in Georgetown, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Diseases in Hawaii

Diseases in HawaiiThough Hawaiians live next to lush nature and clear blue waters, they are vulnerable to several diseases. The state’s 21% shortage of physicians exacerbates their risk, according to the Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, and Hawaii has the third highest cost of living in the United States. Additionally, the population of 1.5 million people, 376,000 of whom are Native Hawaiians, is at the highest levels of poverty in Hawaii. These are five common diseases in Hawaii.

1. Leptospirosis

The first of the diseases in Hawaii is leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease that commonly exists in warm climates; of the 100-200 cases identified in the United States, around 50% occur in Hawaii, as KHON2 reported. Leptospirosis can infect both humans and animals, and symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases are mild, but extreme cases can cause both acute liver and kidney failure or even death if not treated. 

According to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), one of the most common ways people contract Leptospirosis is by swimming in bodies of fresh water such as ponds, rivers or streams; if the urine from an infected animal seeps into a body of freshwater, it an be contaminated, and the bacterium can enter through broken skin, the mouth, the nose or eyes. 

In 2023, Hawaii Pacific University received $50,000 to research how leptospirosis grows in Hawaii’s wetlands and fishponds. To stop the spread, recommendations are that people not swim in freshwater bodies of water, drink from freshwater bodies, keep animals from accessing catchment water-collection areas from tree branches, and vaccinate farm animals and pets. Antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin can treat the disease.

2. Oral Cancers

According to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the rate of oral cancer in Hawaii is higher when compared to the rest of the United States. Early symptoms can include a bump or sore in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks, difficulty swallowing, numbness in your mouth or face or constant earaches, and the survival rate is only 50%, according to Hawaii News Now.

One of the theorized causes of these higher rates is betel nuts. As part of cultural practices in Asia and the Pacific Islands, it is meant to be chewed sometimes with either tobacco or lime, which research suggests can cause oral cancer, according to the National Institute of Health. 

Two organizations fighting oral cancer in Hawaii are the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) and the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center. OCF funds oral cancer research, like through their Oral Cancer Walk in Honolulu that raised more than $5,000 for oral cancer research, and connects people to free oral cancer screening events. At the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, researchers have found new treatments for oral cancer survivors that include exercise. 

Experts encourage individuals experiencing early symptoms to get screened for oral cancer. Additionally, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc. recommends performing monthly self-examinations using a light and mirror to detect any unusual changes.

3. Legionellosis

Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever are both referred to as Legionellosis. It is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. While Pontiac fever is a milder infection similar to the flu, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly lung infection, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii News Now reported that the bacteria can be found in plumbing systems, hot water tanks, water fountains and air conditioning systems. 

In recent years, there have been high-profile incidents of Legionella bacteria being found in water systems that serve a large number of people. In May 2022, the DOH confirmed five people were infected at a hotel in Waikiki. Then, in June 2024, Hawaii News Now reported legionella bacteria were discovered in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole federal building and courthouse in downtown Honolulu; around that same time, detectable levels of bacteria were found in six other federal buildings.

Though not specifically in Hawaii, there are organizations that provide education, conduct research and advocate among federal and state governments to prevent the spread of Legionellosis. These include Legionella.org and the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Diseases.

Those who are over the age of 50 or have a history of chronic lung disease, weakened immune system or cancer are at an increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease when exposed to Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath or fever.

4. Melanoma

The skin’s overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun can cause melanoma, and since Hawaii receives so many UV rays, Hawaiians are often more vulnerable. In a study of melanoma cases due to UV radiation across the United States, nearly 97% came from Hawaii; this is according to a study that the International Journal of Cancer conducted. The study also found that 94% of all cases in the United States occurred in non-Hispanic whites.

Organizations in Hawaii work to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of melanoma. In 2021, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center partnered with the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition to educate the public on how to stay safe while in the sun. When the sun is brightest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., they recommend that you seek shade whenever possible. Additionally, they encouraged the use of UV-protecting clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen above SPF 30 and reapplied every two hours.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society in Hawaii provides resources for those battling cancer in Hawaii. They provide both transportation to medical appointments, through the Road to Recovery Program, and housing for Hawaiians battling cancer at the T.C. Ching Hope Lodge.

5. Measles

Another of the diseases in Hawaii is measles. Measles is a highly infectious disease that causes pneumonia, brain inflammation and death; it is also highly contagious, especially in areas with low rates of vaccination. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes that are watery.

According to the DOH, a laboratory confirmed in April that measles infected two people, one school-age child and one adult; this came as measles cases all around the United States rose to more than 1,200. Though almost 90 people were exposed, most were either vaccinated or immune; the DOH said it is important that people in Hawaii are vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

Looking Ahead

Though some of the diseases in Hawaii listed above are present all over the United States, it is important to consider how vulnerable Hawaiians are to these diseases. Considering the rates of poverty and income inequality in the state, especially among Native Hawaiians, those who contract these diseases will have a far harder time affording treatment and care. This underscores the importance of nonprofit work in Hawaii that fights both common diseases and financial insecurity in Hawaii.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Diseases Impacting New Zealand

Diseases Impacting New ZealandNew Zealand is one of the many nations across the world that is suffering from a wave of harsh diseases, diseases that unfortunately impact the most vulnerable. Here is information about the diseases impacting New Zealand.

Diseases Impacting Children in New Zealand

Children in New Zealand are facing risks of disease. In 2020, immunization coverage of children six months or younger was at a healthy 80%. However, in 2022, that number has fallen to a dangerous 67%. This decline is especially concerning because the six-month mark is when government-funded vaccines typically protect children from serious illnesses like polio, pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria.

In certain parts of New Zealand, there has also been a large outbreak of measles. In 2019, measles infected more than 2,000 people in Auckland, and more than 5,000 people were infected in Samoa; most of the people affected by this were young children. Many of these children also live in the most impoverished, broken areas of the country and thus do not have access to the care they need. 

It is not just children at risk of these diseases. Cardiovascular disease has impacted New Zealanders’ lives to the point where it accounts for one-third of all deaths in the country and almost one million people there live with cardiovascular disease. Other risk factors include a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Solutions

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research, known as the ESR, is a branch of government that is directly responsible for protecting the health of people across the country. It works quickly to detect diseases that are ravaging local communities and broadcast early warnings of outbreaks. They also monitor the environment around them to catch imbalances in food and water supply to make sure that resources are being given to those who need them the most.

The New Zealand government has also worked quickly to address poverty in the nation, just as quickly as they have worked to combat diseases. In 2018, the government passed the Child Poverty Reduction Act, a “goal to halve child poverty and reduce it to 10% of children (on one measure) over 10 years – ie by 2028.” This legislation mentions improving the lives of young children by providing better access to primary care, food security and better household conditions. With these incentives in place, young children living in poverty have bright futures ahead of them.

– John Menechino

John is based in Marietta, GA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Mpox in Burundi and Global Aid Efforts

Mpox in BurundiBurundi, a small land-locked country located in East Africa, is considered one of the most impoverished countries in the world. Burundi is home to 14 million people, with more than half of the population living on less than $2.15 daily. The reason for poverty lies in many circumstances, including a slew of civil wars and political instability, limited resources and a skyrocketing population. Over the past year, Burundi and its neighbors have faced a consequential Mpox (Clade I) outbreak.

While recent numbers suggest mpox infections are decreasing, Burundi still faces other deadly diseases and infections. The leading cause of death for people living in Burundi is lower respiratory infections, with malaria close behind at number two. Access to basic health care and infrastructure is a struggle many Burundi residents face. Nine out of 10 Burundians lack access to sufficient electricity and sanitation. Despite this, Mpox in Burundi is now on a slow declining rate with the help of global organizations.

Mpox (Clade I)

Burundi first declared the Mpox (Clade I) outbreak in July 2024. A few months prior, in April, Burundi suffered from severe flooding, which impacted nearly 250,000 people and left many more susceptible to pox. As of March 2025, there are more than 3,000 confirmed Mpox (Clade I) cases in Burundi. A multitude of factors, such as an overflowing population and restricted access to clean water and essential health care, initially caused Mpox in Burundi. This left many Burundi health care facilities overwhelmed and residents struggling to access necessary treatment.

During the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Burundi, infection rates in children rose substantially. In September 2024, UNICEF reported that in almost 600 cases, two-thirds of the affected population were children and the number of cases grew by more than 40% over the previous three weeks. This caused concern for many, as UNICEF reported that 80% of Mpox-related deaths are in children.

However, since 2025, there has been a noticeable decline in Mpox cases in Burundi. There are less than 50 new cases per week, which is around a 25% average decrease compared to case numbers during the peak of the Mpox outbreak. This accomplishment became possible due to the numerous organizations providing global aid to countries such as Burundi.

Global Aid Efforts

Health care in Burundi continues to face major challenges, particularly due to limited funding for the country’s health systems. In response, several organizations have developed targeted strategies to strengthen health care infrastructure and improve access. Here’s how some are helping residents in Burundi:

  • Village Health Works (VHW) launched the Halting Outbreaks by Mobilizing Essential (HOME) resources initiative in response to the Mpox outbreak. This initiative focuses on supporting women and children, the most affected groups. It provides essential medical supplies and offers training and support to local health care workers to bolster frontline response efforts.
  • Our Children International will volunteer at a medical camp in Karuzi Province in July 2025. During last year’s mission, the organization treated more than 4,500 patients in just four days. Its services include medical and dental care, life-saving medications and nutritional support.
  • UNICEF focuses its efforts primarily on children affected by Mpox. Due to the stigma surrounding the disease, many residents were hesitant to seek treatment. To address this, UNICEF broadcast prevention messages via radio, reaching more than 800,000 residents across Burundi. The organization also supplied medical kits and essential resources to dozens of hospitals. Additionally, UNICEF is working on prevention by training school personnel to recognize early signs of Mpox and promoting community-based education.

Conclusion

Addressing the health care crisis in Burundi requires global attention, community-based support and investment. While this issue is still widespread in Burundi and other countries, organizations like Village Health Works, Our Children International and UNICEF are making meaningful strides.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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New Center for Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan to be Established

Nuclear Medicine in UzbekistanCancer occurs in roughly 108 people per 100,000 people in Uzbekistan. Compared to the rest of the world, this rate is relatively low. However, Uzbekistan’s cancer mortality rate sits at around 67%, an alarmingly high number. Breast, stomach, and cervical cancers are the most common diagnoses. Luckily, Uzbekistan is working to change this.

New Nuclear Medicine Center in Uzbekistan

The Uzatom Agency, the Uzbek executive authority responsible for implementing state policy for atomic energy use, and the S. Berezin Medical Institute (MIBS) have formed a partnership to open a new medical center to introduce modernized nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan. This project was announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and will be supported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Founded in 2003, the S. Berezin Medical Institute established networks of diagnostic centers and providing new diagnostic technology and treatment methods. MIBS operates more than 80 centers across 60 cities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Annually, MIBS provides more than 1.5 million MRI and CT scans, as well as 4,000 examinations every day.

Focusing on Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan

The agreement between the Uzatom agency and MIBS aims to focus on implementing nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan as an integral part of improving and modernizing the country’s healthcare system, specifically its oncology care system.

The center will have new, state-of-the-art equipment for numerous procedures and services. It could have technology capable of performing positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and high-precision radiosurgery systems, like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. There are also plans to equip the center with a laboratory for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive drugs used for diagnostic imaging and treatment. Additionally, the center will provide radionuclide therapy and perform isotopic-based diagnostic research.

This new nuclear medicine center will improve upon Uzbekistan’s health care system by providing doctors with the technology to detect cancer earlier than previously possible, track metastases, and treat a patient’s tumors and complex diseases rather than defaulting to surgery and painful operations.

Improving Uzbekistan’s Health Care System

This project is part of Uzbekistan’s goal to modernize its health care system and to start rolling out reforms by 2026.

A series of reforms have already been established in the Syrdarya region of the country. As of September 2023, some achievements of these reforms include the establishment of a state health insurance fund, a more structured primary health care (PHC) system, new provider payments and contracts with health facilities, and advanced e-health information systems for pharmacies.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) specifically emphasizes the successes of the PHC reform in Syrdarya. It holds the following accomplishments in high regard: expanded roles and increased autonomy for nurses, greater capacity for family doctors to spend more time on complex cases, evidence-informed clinical guidelines and protocols, and stronger connections between PHC teams and community health organizations.

More Efficient and Organized

The successful execution of these reforms has laid a foundation for a more efficient and organized health care system beyond Syrdarya and across Uzbekistan. With the introduction of centers for nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan and other healthcare reforms in the works, the country is making great progress towards its goal of modernizing its health care system and creating a healthier country.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disease Prevention in Sierra Leone

Disease Prevention in Sierra LeoneDisease has inflicted much damage across Sierra Leone, causing the country to have an average life expectancy of only 61 years compared to the global average of 73. However, with help from various health organizations and policies, disease prevention in Sierra Leone has improved.

Infection Prevention and Control

During the Ebola outbreak from 2013 to 2015, 8,706 citizens of Sierra Leone were infected with Ebola. At the time, limited awareness of hygiene and infection control was an issue among Sierra Leone’s healthcare providers. To combat this, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation created a National Infection Prevention and Control Unit, or NIPCU, to provide oversight in all Health care processes. With the new implementation of policies and standardized training, the NIPCU serves to bring a united front for disease prevention in Sierra Leone. 

As of 2016, the NIPCU established 28 isolation units across Sierra Leone, providing a total bed capacity of 190, and trained a total of 8,221 health workers. The Infection Prevention and Control policies provided a much-needed form of organized education and training within Sierra Leone. However, caring for the ill requires a group effort.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Going hand in hand with IPC, the Centers for Disease Control began helping Sierra Leone during the Ebola epidemic by training healthcare workers. The CDC also supported Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a total of 7,674 confirmed cases. To combat COVID-19, the CDC introduced an IPC Certification Course, whose graduates continue assisting people infected with COVID-19. 

As of March 2021, 43 graduates of Sierra Leone’s Advanced IPC Certification Course serve as mentors and supervisors, providing continued oversight of the practices established by the IPC and CDC. The success of the CDC continues to guide Sierra Leone towards other disease treatments. According to the CDC, Sierra Leone’s National HIV Response is looking at epidemic control by 2030.  

International Federation of Red Cross

 

Supporting the Sierra Leone Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross has helped prepare communities to stop the spread of diseases, such as measles, Acute watery diarrhea, and viral hemorrhagic fever. The IPC and the CDC focus on preparing communities for outbreaks and disease prevention in Sierra Leone. However, the IFRC emphasizes community engagement, resilience building, education, and transportation in addition to their volunteer and training efforts. Activities include:

  • Preparing various sectors on how to  respond to potential outbreaks to maintain the economy
  • Training media to convey important lifesaving information to affected communities
  • Interacting with students, teachers, and schools to prepare them with important epidemic messages and referrals.

The IFRC and Sierra Leone Red Cross have trained over 200 government partners and volunteers in disease preparedness and community surveillance.

The organizations and policies working in Sierra Leone have made strides in creating a standardized system for monitoring, preparation, and prevention in Sierra Leone. While there is still work to be done in improving health in the country, the progress made in education and training in Sierra Leone is essential in the journey ahead.

– Matthew Perduk

Matthew is based in Chantilly, VA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sanitation Improvements in Uganda: Empowering Youth Innovation

sanitation improvements in UgandaIn Uganda, more than 24 million people—more than 60% of the population—lack access to basic drinking water services. Nearly one in 10 still practice open defecation and two-thirds of households do not use soap when washing. Despite these challenges, the country continues to make progress in improving school hygiene and sanitation. Local youth are leading many of these efforts. Across the country, students and communities collaborate on projects that address public health concerns and support sustainable development. These sanitation improvements in Uganda strengthen education, especially for girls and help protect children from preventable diseases.

Addressing a National Sanitation Crisis

Many Ugandan schools still face serious challenges related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). According to UNICEF, nearly 30% of schools do not have usable toilets and 40% lack access to handwashing stations. These shortages contribute to frequent illnesses, absenteeism and high dropout rates, particularly among girls, who are more likely to miss school during menstruation when hygiene facilities are inadequate.

The Centre for African Justice notes that poor WASH conditions in schools harm students’ health, attendance and dignity. While Uganda has policies like the School Health Policy in place, implementation often falls short, particularly in rural regions. To bridge these gaps, youth-led movements and nonprofit organizations continue to play a vital role in sanitation improvements in Uganda and raising community awareness.

Students Lead Practical Sanitation Solutions

A collaborative project between Wright State University students and a rural Ugandan school offers a clear example of youth-driven innovation. The engineering students co-designed and installed composting latrines, handwashing stations and improved gray water discharge systems. These improvements introduced sustainable technology while strengthening local ownership. Teachers, students and parents reported stronger attendance and a renewed sense of pride in their school environment.

Clean Water Boosts Girls’ Education

Access to clean water directly supports girls’ education. At God’s Hope Primary School, the nonprofit Simone’s Kids installed a clean water system that replaced unsafe, time-consuming water collection, reducing student absenteeism. Previously, children spent hours walking to collect water from unsafe sources. The new system provides safe drinking water and supports regular handwashing practices. Girls, in particular, benefited from private sanitation facilities, which allowed them to manage menstrual hygiene and continue their education without disruption.

Safe Water Unlocks Opportunity

Water for Good, a nonprofit working in Uganda, highlights how safe water systems open new possibilities for children. A young girl shared how a new well at her school enabled her to attend classes regularly and focus on her future goals. These stories show how basic water access can change educational outcomes and help students imagine new possibilities.

A Sustainable Path Forward

Youth-led sanitation efforts in Uganda reflect a broader commitment to health, equity and education. By installing clean water systems, building safe toilets and promoting hygiene, these projects create safer learning environments. Continued investment in school sanitation could support better academic outcomes and strengthen national development. Uganda’s youth remain central to this progress, shaping a future where all students can learn and thrive with dignity.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TB in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven Epidemic

TB Resilience in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven EpidemicRecently, India’s Tuberculosis (TB) control program has treated more than 19 million patients, yet the country still reports one of the highest TB burdens in the world. Tuberculosis remains the leading infectious disease in India and the growing threat of drug-resistant strains has intensified the challenge. Roughly 300 million Indians continue to live in extreme poverty, facing conditions that heighten their risk of infection, such as undernutrition, overcrowded housing and limited access to timely medical care. Despite these hurdles, a unified effort from the Indian government and global health partners is making measurable progress in reducing TB incidence and strengthening community resilience.

How Poverty Fuels Tuberculosis

India’s long-standing struggle with TB is closely tied to socioeconomic conditions. Families living in poverty often lack access to education, health services and basic sanitation. These ongoing challenges heighten the risk of infection and limit recovery. In recent decades, diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 have similarly exposed how poverty worsens public health outcomes. Although conditions have not improved overnight, recent data shows progress. Between 2017 and 2022, India’s life expectancy and public health infrastructure improved steadily. The government and international partners have worked to strengthen the country’s TB response through increased funding and better community outreach.

Building Resilience Through Partnerships

Multiple global and domestic organizations have joined India’s fight against TB. These include the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and SHARE INDIA. Together, they launched targeted programs such as TB Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India) to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The CDC’s Expand ELEVATE  (E2) Project, for example, trained more than 3,000 data analysts in India. These professionals help health authorities track TB outbreaks and respond quickly. The project’s reach now includes more than 600 million people and plays a vital role in India’s health system resilience.

Innovation Driving Change

India has adopted new technologies to diagnose TB faster and monitor cases more effectively. These improvements allow health care workers to detect infections earlier, especially among HIV-positive patients, who face a higher risk and deliver treatment before complications arise. At the 2018 End TB Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to eliminating TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal at the time. Since then, the Indian government has increased investments in health care infrastructure and accelerated the rollout of new medical technologies.

Looking Forward

India’s TB response now serves as a model for other countries. The World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report predicts a 90–95% drop in TB mortality by 2035. Ongoing efforts to test, treat and prevent TB continue to save lives and reduce economic strain on vulnerable communities. By aligning policy, technology and community outreach, India shows that ending TB is within reach. With continued support from both national and international partners, the country moves closer to its goal of a TB-free future—one where poverty no longer determines health outcomes.

– Melody Aminian

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

Photo: Flickr