Archive for category: Disease

Information and news about disease category

, ,

GPEI Funding: $1.9 Billion Toward the Fight Against Polio

Fight Against PolioPoliovirus is a highly infectious viral disease that attacks the nervous system and could lead to paralysis or even death, mainly affecting children. Today, the virus mainly affects Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with other developing nations. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that works to eradicate polio completely.

On December 8, 2025, it was announced that political leaders had collectively pledged $1.9 billion to the GPEI. In the fight against Polio, this generous fund has the potential to protect hundreds of millions of children from polio each year and possibly eradicate the virus.

How Polio Affects the World Today

Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where vaccines have not eliminated wild poliovirus. Other developing nations with low immunization rates continue to experience outbreaks of virus variants. This year, there have been 39 paralysis cases across Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Although polio cases are currently rare, “failure to stop polio in these last remaining areas could result in a global resurgence of the disease.” It is important to eradicate this virus in order to prevent it from spreading once again. Efforts have come very close to eradication and the recent GPEI funding will help bring the world even closer to this goal.

Successes in the Fight Against Polio

The GPEI was established in 1988 with the goal of ensuring that every child receives a polio vaccination. Since then, polio cases have dropped by 99% and vaccines have prevented approximately 20 million cases of paralysis. The virus once affected thousands of children across more than 100 countries but has now been eliminated in all except two, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where only a handful of cases occur each year.

About the Funds Against Polio

Pledges to the GPEI came from multiple donors, including:

  • $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation
  • $450 million from Rotary International
  • $140 million from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity
  • $100 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies
  • $154 million from Pakistan
  • $62 million from Germany
  • $46 million from the United States
  • $6 million from Japan
  • $4 million from the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
  • $3 million from Luxembourg

These funds will help protect 370 million children from polio through vaccination and reduce GPEI’s remaining resource gap. The shortage of vaccines and resources is a key reason polio still persists. With this recent funding, the complete eradication of poliovirus could become achievable.

– Renata Hirmiz

Renata is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

ASPIRE in Haiti and Community-Driven Development in Myanmar

ASPIRE in HaitiThe onset of this decade has been marked by a surge in conflicts worldwide, with the number of conflicts and related fatalities having more than tripled since the early 2000s. These intensifying conflicts are causing severe and long-lasting economic damage. Currently, there are 39 economies classified as fragile and conflict-affected situations, with more than half of them facing active conflict. Due to the escalation of conflicts, global poverty and food insecurity are predominantly concentrated in these economies.

Poverty and Conflict

In these economies, close to 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty. According to the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, out of 1.1 billion people living in acute poverty, 455 million resided in countries experiencing war or fragility. In 2025, although these regions accounted for less than 15% of the world’s population, they were home to 421 million people living in extreme poverty, more than the total in the rest of the world. Estimates indicate that by the end of this decade, nearly three-fifths of the global extremely impoverished population, approximately 435 million people, will be living in these economies.

As the conflict has intensified, food insecurity has also risen sharply, with approximately 200 million people, accounting for 18% of the population in these regions, facing acute food insecurity. Countries affected by conflict often experience high levels of poverty and ongoing conflict slows progress in poverty reduction. Poverty, in turn, interacts with other underlying grievances to fuel instability, while conflict further deepens economic hardship.

United Nations Security Council

At a United Nations Security Council open debate in New York, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised how poverty can fuel conflict.

He said: “Poverty breeds despair. Despair fuels unrest. And unrest tears at the fabric of societies — feeding mistrust, fear and violence.” Conflict, in turn, weakens already weak institutions and exacerbates poverty and food insecurity. In cases of severe conflicts, after five years, the GDP per capita drops by around 15%. It has also negatively impacted employment creation and average life expectancy.

In this manner, conflict and poverty become mutually reinforcing, creating a vicious cycle. A World Bank report suggests that although these countries face significant challenges, they have untapped potential that could reignite growth with effective policymaking. One such advantage is having a large working-age population. By 2055, around 60% of the population in areas affected by conflict or instability will be of working age, larger than anywhere else in the world.

Transforming this into growth would require investment in education, health care, infrastructure and the private sector to create employment opportunities.

Breaking the Cycle

The World Bank, through its programs, aims to provide basic services, foster development opportunities and create employment in these economies by remaining engaged during conflict and after to assist in recovery and transition. The Adaptive Social Protection for Increased Resilience Project (ASPIRE) in Haiti and the National Community-Driven Development Project in Myanmar are two notable examples.

The ASPIRE program in Haiti supports nearly 23,000 households in the department of Grand’Anse. As Haiti continues to struggle with conflict and political instability, the initiative helps strengthen its ability to cope with recurring shocks by providing it with a monthly cash transfer. The program also aimed to provide training on financial literacy and health and hygiene practices to 50% of households. It helped identify more than 100,000 vulnerable households, enabling targeted investments. It not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for future investments in human capital.

The National Community-Driven Development Project in Myanmar, which comprised 37,000 sub-projects, positively impacted more than seven million people in the country. Nearly a fifth of the country’s population benefited from the improved infrastructure, transportation, water supply, education and electrification. Although the World Bank halted the disbursements of the Myanmar Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund in 2021, it continued to monitor the situation and provide analyses.

Final Remarks

Addressing conflict can lead to growth only when immediate humanitarian needs are met and paired with long-term investment in human capital. Through the ASPIRE program in Haiti and the development project in Myanmar, the World Bank routed investments toward education, health care and infrastructure. In doing so, the World Bank sought to break the vicious cycle of conflict and poverty.

– Priya Doshi

Priya is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

How AI Systems Are Predicting Outbreaks of Malaria in Ghana

Malaria in GhanaMalaria remains a major public health challenge in Africa, causing about 95% of the continent’s malaria-related deaths. Malaria impacts many African countries, including Ghana, where pregnant women and children under 5 face the highest risk because of their lower immunity. The disease affects millions each year and deepens poverty by placing heavy financial pressure on vulnerable rural households.

Traditional malaria tracking methods often create delays because they rely on slow reporting and limited surveillance tools, which prevent health officials from responding quickly to rising cases. Recently, Ghana has begun integrating artificial intelligence into its disease surveillance systems to enhance malaria control. AI-powered malaria prediction systems, such as the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2) and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), collect real-time health data and conduct malaria surveillance. These systems use climate information, satellite images and health reports to predict outbreaks.

Background

Ghana, located in West Africa and home to about 33.8 million people, shares borders with Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo. Historically known as the Gold Coast due to its abundant gold resources, Ghana has played a significant role in Africa’s development. Despite this history, malaria continues to affect the country heavily.

Ghana ranks among the top 15 countries with the highest malaria burden, accounting for about 5.3% of all malaria cases in West Africa. Ghana’s tropical climate provides perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed rapidly, resulting in year-round malaria transmission. However, over the years, Ghana has introduced various malaria control strategies, ranging from early treatments such as chloroquine and quinine to modern interventions.

These include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Even with these efforts, malaria continues to strain Ghana’s health care system. Rural communities often submit reports late, struggle to access prevention tools and face drug resistance—factors that reduce the effectiveness of malaria control. These ongoing challenges have pushed Ghana to adopt AI-powered malaria prediction systems to strengthen early detection and reduce malaria cases.

AI-Driven Malaria Prediction Tools in Ghana

AI gives Ghana a more accurate and efficient way to understand and manage malaria. AI enhances data processing, health record management, feature identification, machine learning analysis, geospatial mapping and technical infrastructure—tools that aid researchers in studying malaria patterns more effectively. In recent years, Ghana has expanded the use of advanced AI-powered malaria prediction systems, such as the DHIMS2 and AI models developed by the NMIMR. These tools represent a major shift toward proactive, technology-driven malaria prediction.

DHIMS2

DHIMS2 serves as Ghana’s national digital health information management system, enabling health workers to collect and analyze data for enhanced health care management. Hospitals and clinics across the country upload information, including confirmed malaria cases, test results, treatment records and patient demographics. Because health workers enter data continuously, researchers and health officials can quickly identify unusual increases in malaria cases, rather than waiting for the slow processing of paper-based reports.

The platform covers every region, which helps experts create malaria risk maps, track seasonal changes and train AI models that forecast new outbreaks. By delivering fast and accurate data, DHIMS2 enhances Ghana’s ability to respond to malaria trends in real-time.

Noguchi Memorial Institute’s AI Surveillance Models

The NMIMR enhances malaria surveillance by gathering detailed data on mosquitoes, climate conditions and local disease patterns. Supported by a $3.5 million USAID grant, Noguchi researchers study malaria parasites, mosquito resistance and transmission trends.

The organization’s work contributes to the development of geospatial risk-mapping tools that combine health data with environmental factors, including rainfall, humidity, aridity and access to health care. These models help identify communities with a higher risk of malaria. Noguchi researchers also build on earlier studies that explore how climate conditions and mosquito behavior influence the spread of malaria. By producing this critical data, the NMIMR enhances Ghana’s early warning systems and improves malaria prediction.

Looking Ahead

As Ghana expands its use of AI-powered malaria prediction systems for malaria control, the country moves toward a more efficient and responsive public health system. Improving internet access, data accuracy and digital training for health care workers will further improve the effectiveness of AI tools. Partnerships with research institutions, technology companies and global health organizations will enhance Ghana’s ability to predict outbreaks in different regions.

With continued investment, Ghana can detect malaria risks earlier, direct resources to communities that need them most and reduce the incidence of new infections. Indeed, by embracing AI-powered solutions, Ghana can become a leader in modern malaria control and make significant progress toward long-term malaria reduction.

– Emmanuel Fagbemide

Emmanuel is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Eliminating TB in Chhattisgarh Through Community Programs

TB in ChhattisgarhIn India, tuberculosis (TB) is a public health challenge that mainly affects vulnerable communities. Earlier this year, the eastern state of Chhattisgarh declared 4,106 gram panchayats (basic governing institutions in Indian villages) TB-free. The TB-Free Panchayat Program achieved this milestone by combining government action and community involvement.

Other programs, such as the Nikshay-Niramay Chhattisgarh 100-Day Campaign, intensified TB detection and treatment through door-to-door screenings and immediate diagnostic testing. TB affects the most vulnerable groups and has severe socioeconomic consequences for individuals, families and communities. For this reason, eliminating TB through community programs is a turning point for India.

The Problem

Between 2015 and 2023, India experienced a significant decline of 17.7% in TB incidence. However, 2.7 million cases were still registered in 2023. Also, the disease costs India an estimated $23 billion annually and the global TB response is underfunded.

For example, only 20% of the $5 billion research funding target was met in 2022. Most importantly, socioeconomic and health care factors affect diagnosis and treatment in the country, with often uneven progress across different areas. The main issues of national TB control are:

  • programmatic data quality
  • testing variation
  • gaps in TB preventive treatment (TPT)
  • variability in district-level performance

Consequently, vulnerable, rural, tribal and remote populations face the most significant access barriers, as distance from health facilities is a major reason for not seeking care. Although the public sector covers vulnerable groups financially, HR shortages, drug stockouts and poor diagnostics limit the services provided.

Especially among the needy, lack of trust and poor facility experience contribute to diagnostic delays and missed cases. As an example, rural districts like Niwari have poor awareness of TB and its stigma leads to delayed care. Also, for vulnerable groups, the economic burden of TB is often devastating since the spread of the disease increases unemployment.

A study based in Assam, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal found that more than 50% of patients incurred catastrophic costs before diagnosis due to a nine-week delay in diagnosis.

TB in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, where about 80% of the population lives in rural areas, carries a heavy burden of communicable diseases. Tribal and remote communities face major health care barriers, including long travel distances, poor transportation, a shortage of qualified health care providers and limited diagnostic facilities. In addition, many TB cases in the state are diagnosed at secondary and tertiary health facilities, which reduces the effectiveness of household contact investigations.

A study conducted in urban slum areas of Durg district revealed that the population is particularly vulnerable due to high-density living, low socioeconomic status and limited access to structured health care.

The Solution

Chhattisgarh’s progress toward TB-free panchayats emerged from a model that placed communities, local governments and frontline workers at the center of the response. The TB-Free Panchayat Program built its strength on systematic door-to-door surveys, household contact screening and rapid referral. The program was led primarily by ASHAs (village health volunteers) who coordinated closely with gram sabhas (village-level legislative bodies) and primary health center teams.

These teams were trained to dispel stigma, identify presumptive cases and support adherence. Gram panchayats were encouraged to integrate TB activities into their regular development plans, including sputum transport and social support for vulnerable families. Special gram sabhas in tribal districts brought together youth groups, traditional leaders and TB champions.

These groups worked together to screen high-risk households. This joint effort helped communities see TB as a shared problem rather than an external medical issue. This approach produced measurable results. In Rajasthan, similar assessments showed that active case finding and community awareness reached some of the highest scores in programme evaluation, demonstrating that village-led structures can sustain screening and follow-up at scale.

Local voices in Chhattisgarh echoed this shift. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jasiwal noted that success was possible only when society participated alongside the government, underscoring the sense of ownership communities have developed in their path toward TB-free status.

Looking Forward

Chhattisgarh’s progress demonstrates that TB can be reduced when communities take the lead in the fight against the disease. As panchayats take responsibility for screening, awareness and support, they strengthen trust and make early care possible for the people who need it most. The state’s experience proves that local leadership and consistent engagement can overcome long-standing barriers in rural and tribal areas.

With continued investment in frontline workers and community participation, Chhattisgarh can sustain these gains and serve as a guide for other states working toward a TB-free future.

– Angela D’Avino

Angela D’Avino is based in Preston, UK and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Elimination of Malaria in Suriname: A First for the Amazon Region

Malaria in SurinameOn June 30, 2025, Suriname became the first Amazonian country to achieve malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This accomplishment marks a turning point not only for Suriname, the 46th country worldwide to achieve this status, but also for the wider region, demonstrating that malaria elimination is possible even in challenging tropical contexts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the certification as “a powerful affirmation of the principle that everyone — regardless of nationality, background or migration status — deserves universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment.”

The 70-Year Journey to Malaria Elimination in Suriname

Suriname’s elimination efforts began in the 1950s, targeting the country’s densely populated coastal regions with indoor pesticide spraying and the provision of antimalarial treatment. By the 1960s, these regions became malaria-free, yet the forested interior, covering 90% of the country, presented different challenges. Traditional open-style homes offered minimal protection against mosquitos, and economic activity, particularly resource extraction, facilitated widespread transmission.

In 1974, Suriname decentralized medical responsibility in the interior to its primary health care service, which recruited and trained health care workers from local communities to provide early diagnosis and treatment. Investment in community-based approaches such as this would prove vital.

However, a surge in often illicit gold mining around the turn of the century threatened elimination efforts. Research across the Amazon region demonstrates strong positive correlations between mining activity and malaria incidence. Mining involves frequent travel between malaria-endemic areas, and because 75% of gold miners in Suriname are migrant workers from neighboring Brazil and French Guiana, cross-border transmission rates grew dramatically.

By 2001, Suriname recorded more than 15,000 cases — the highest transmission rate in the Americas.

Yet with the adoption of several vital strategies, cases dropped dramatically after this peak. The last locally transmitted case of Plasmodium falciparum — the most dangerous variant — was recorded in 2018, followed by the final Plasmodium vivax case in 2021. After three consecutive years with zero indigenous transmissions, Suriname was granted a certification of malaria elimination from the WHO.

How Suriname Turned the Tide

Suriname’s government demonstrated strong commitment to malaria elimination, supported by international projects such as the Global Fund and the Amazon Malaria Initiative (AMI-RAVREDA). Nationwide malaria screening was implemented, including at border crossings, to build effective surveillance mechanisms and tackle cross-border transmission.

The introduction of rapid diagnostic self-tests proved crucial in addressing malaria in remote regions, including Indigenous territories and mining zones beyond the reach of central services. The Malakit Project was vital in accelerating the decline in malaria incidence between April 2018 and March 2020 by 43%.

The ability to self-test and, if necessary, self-administer appropriate medication prevents miners from leaving work sites for treatment. The financial burden of such absence has contributed to non-adherence to treatment and the pervasiveness of the disease.

Efforts similarly focused on the training and involvement of local communities. Marthelise Eersel, who leads Suriname’s Malaria Program, explained: “everywhere where there is a community, you can train people to diagnose and treat malaria and report back to you.” Malaria Service Deliverers have provided free diagnosis, treatment and prevention services, as well as education, in areas where central health systems have struggled to reach.

Because much of the country’s mining activity is illegal and many miners are undocumented, engaging with the central health system has been difficult. Hedley Cairo, Malaria Diagnosis Coordinator with the Ministry of Health, explained that health workers are never accompanied by police on visits to mining sites, nor do they ask for documents — an approach that has built trust with vulnerable populations.

Breaking the Poverty-Malaria Cycle

Research consistently demonstrates the economic burden of malaria. Increased transmission is estimated to slow economic growth in endemic countries by 0.7% to 3% per year. The disease contributes to absenteeism, hampers children’s educational development, discourages foreign investment and tourism and strains health care systems.

In Suriname, this connection is particularly evident in the interior. Indigenous and Maroon communities suffered consistently higher malaria rates than coastal and urban areas and are among the country’s most economically disadvantaged, with 29% and 32.9% of each community living under the World Bank poverty line. Gold mining, driven by economic necessity, became both a livelihood strategy and the primary driver of malaria transmission, affecting miners and their families.

Suriname’s Minister of Health, Amar Ramadhin, celebrated that elimination “will have positive effects on our health care sector, boost the economy and enhance tourism.” The timing is significant: Suriname is emerging from a severe economic crisis, with current poverty rates at 17.5%.

Malaria elimination removes one major barrier to economic development, freeing resources and human capital for education, infrastructure and other priorities. The health care system, previously stretched thin managing malaria cases, can now refocus on other pressing needs.

A Blueprint for the Region

The Amazon region accounts for 90% of the malaria burden in the Americas, with Brazil, Peru and Venezuela still recording high transmission rates. Successful malaria elimination in Suriname offers evidence that elimination is achievable, even in climates conducive to transmission. However, regional coordination is essential to sustain elimination in the face of reintroduction threats from neighboring countries and to support other nations’ elimination goals.

Looking Ahead

Suriname’s achievement offers a replicable blueprint: community-based solutions, universal health care access, innovative approaches to reach marginalized populations and sustained political commitment. There are encouraging signs that surrounding countries are learning from this approach. The Malakit Project operates in French Guiana, and Brazil and Colombia are beginning to establish networks of community health workers in some Amazon regions. As the first Amazon country to reach this milestone, Suriname has led the way forward.

– Caroline Sheehan

Caroline is based in Edinburgh, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Marburg Virus in Ethiopia

Marburg Virus in EthiopiaMarburg virus is a rare disease that can be spread between humans via contact with bodily fluids from another infected individual. The disease is severe and in 80% of cases fatal. The virus causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, rash, vomiting and more. 

The virus is most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple countries in this region have been affected in the past, with the most recent outbreak reported in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa, with the second-largest population on the continent.

The country has already battled multiple viruses, such as yellow fever, hepatitis, HIV and more. On November 12, 2025, a new outbreak of Marburg virus was detected in Ethiopia. This strain is reportedly the same strain that had broken out in other African countries. There are at least nine cases of Marburg virus in Ethiopia, with six confirmed deaths.

The Cause

The virus spreads to humans from infected Egyptian rousette bats. According to scientists, there is an increased risk of outbreaks as “climate [instability], as well as deforestation and urbanization, is steadily destroying the habitats of the fruit bats that harbor diseases like Marburg and Ebola…” Once the virus has infected humans, it can be transmitted to others through contact with infected bodily fluids.

To prevent transmission, experts recommended that those working in or visiting areas inhabited by bat colonies take protective measures, such as wearing gloves and masks. They also advised avoiding contact with individuals who are already infected.

Treatment

Treatments and vaccines for the virus currently do not exist. However, some vaccines are under investigation and early supportive care has also been shown to improve the survival rate of those infected. Nonetheless, multiple other countries, such as Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have experienced Marburg outbreaks but managed to control the virus in a short period through several effective methods.

This was achieved through community engagement and intervention practices, such as case management, reducing the risk of human-to-human and bat-to-human transmission (through isolation, masks and other measures), surveillance, contact tracing and more. These methods may be implemented to combat the virus in Ethiopia.

Responses

Multiple responses have been implemented to aid those who were infected, prevent transmission and eliminate the virus from the country. Various health organizations have carried out these measures:

  • Ministry of Health: The Ethiopian Ministry of Health has taken multiple measures to fight Marburg virus in Ethiopia. This includes establishing a National Task Force to aid in decision-making and resource mobilization, along with a three-month response plan. It has also been informing the public about the outbreak and conducting surveillance and response activities.
  • The World Health Organization: The WHO has also been supporting Ethiopia during this time. The organization has deployed a team of expert responders and provided the necessary medical supplies and equipment.
  • Africa CDC: Ethiopia’s molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance capacity was immediately put to use during the outbreak. Africa CDC supported these efforts by providing sequencing equipment, PCR detection kits with Marburg-specific assays, extensive training and other resources.

– Renata Hirmiz

Renata is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Typhoid in Bangladesh: A Bold Vaccination Campaign

Typhoid in Bangladesh: A Bold Vaccination Campaign to Counter a Drug-resistant Menace Typhoid is a highly contagious infection that typically causes high fevers of up to 39-40 degrees Celsius, along with symptoms such as headache, cough, extreme fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite and diarrhea. If left untreated, there are risks of intestinal and neuropsychiatric complications. The cause of the disease is the bacteria S. typhi, and the primary mode of transmission is through food or water that is undercooked or contaminated from contact with an infected individual.

Typhoid in Bangladesh

Typhoid in Bangladesh is endemic. In fact, there were approximately 477,518 cases of typhoid, with 7,998 deaths in 2021. According to a 2017 study, Bangladesh is one of the top five countries worldwide in terms of clinical incidence, deaths and disability-adjusted life years due to typhoid fever. Typhoid is closely linked to poverty; the highest clinical incidence occurs in poorer communities with limited access to clean water, uncontaminated food and hygienic environments.

Based on the national poverty line, Bangladesh’s poverty rate was 18.7% in 2022, according to the World Bank. Data shows that this rate has risen in recent years, with estimates projecting an increase to 21.2% in 2025. Factors contributing to this include weak labor markets, high inflation and depressed wages. Children face a disproportionately high impact. Studies in Dhaka have shown that children under 15 are at an abnormally high risk for typhoid, with elevated clinical incidence rates. This has driven the government of Bangladesh to prioritize child-focused prevention efforts.

Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Barrier

One major factor complicating typhoid control initiatives is antibiotic resistance. S. typhi continually evolves, developing resistance to medications that were once highly effective. As of 2022, the newest strain—extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid—could resist both first- and second-line treatments. Few medications remain effective, posing significant challenges for countries with limited health care infrastructure, fewer resources and higher poverty rates.

To address this, the government of Bangladesh proposed introducing typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) to prevent typhoid among children. Compared to live vaccines, TCVs offer increased efficacy, stronger immune responses and the ability to be administered to children as young as 6 months. A 2024 study assessing cost-saving strategies for vaccine administration found that any rollout strategy would be cost-saving compared to current conditions.

The 2025 Nationwide Campaign

In October 2025, Bangladesh launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect children from drug-resistant typhoid. The monthlong campaign aims to vaccinate 50 million children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years with one dose of a TCV. The vaccine offers five years of protection, helping slow transmission among children.

The campaign specifically targets low-income areas such as urban slums and poorly connected rural regions due to the elevated clinical incidence and associated risks in these settings. Once the campaign ends, the TCV will be integrated into the national vaccination schedule in 2026 for children under 1, ensuring continued protection.

The campaign, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has already led to the vaccination of 38 million children across Bangladesh, despite interruptions caused by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. As the campaign approaches its end date, some field officers and parents have voiced interest in extending vaccination deadlines to ensure broader coverage.

Looking Ahead

Overall, this vaccination campaign is a significant step toward the eradication of typhoid in Bangladesh and improving the standard of living for not only children but for the nation at large.

– Nikhil N Kumar

Nikhil is based in Lexington, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Abidjan Cholera Outbreak: A Preventable Crisis Fueled by Poverty

Abidjan Cholera OutbreakOn the muddy quay of Vridi Akobrakré, a small fishing village just outside Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, a Red Cross volunteer pours treated water into the hands of a mother. Her children splash barefoot in a stagnant lagoon, unaware that just days earlier, three of their neighbors died from severe diarrhea. At this moment, the Abidjan cholera outbreak is more than a headline. It is a preventable crisis, driven by poverty and poor sanitation.

The Abidjan Cholera Outbreak and Emergency Response

On June 5, 2025, the Pasteur Institute identified Vibrio cholerae in the water. This bacterium causes cholera, a severe diarrheal disease that can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Health authorities immediately confirmed a cholera outbreak in Abidjan — the first in 15 years. The rainy season had just started, with flooding quickly spreading contaminated water. The dense housing of the most impoverished neighborhoods further fueled the outbreak, resulting in 491 confirmed cases and 20 deaths.

The government executed a swift emergency response. Water trucks delivered clean water to affected neighborhoods and temporary treatment centers opened for rapid patient care. Local health teams collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), which provided support for water treatment, chlorine distribution and hygiene education. NGOs such as UNICEF and the Red Cross established hand-washing stations and trained volunteers to monitor symptoms within the community.

Poverty and Neighborhood Vulnerability

Vridi Akobrakré, where the bacterium was first confirmed and similar informal settlements around Abidjan remain highly vulnerable. Homes are built above lagoons and most have no latrines or sewage systems. Flooding spreads contaminated water through streets, schools and marketplaces.

Poverty compounds the risk. Families cannot afford safe water and crowded homes make it difficult to maintain proper hygiene practices. The repeated vulnerability of these neighborhoods shows that emergency measures alone cannot prevent future outbreaks. Without structural changes, cholera will continue to strike the poorest communities.

NGO Response and Preventative Solutions

NGOs play a crucial role in addressing immediate risks and building resilience. The Red Cross distributes chlorine tablets and treats water points. UNICEF runs hygiene campaigns in schools and markets. Médecins Sans Frontières operates mobile treatment centers and trains rapid response teams. Experts report that ongoing monitoring, broader distribution of hygiene kits and public awareness campaigns are essential to prevent future outbreaks.

Preventing another cholera outbreak in Abidjan also requires long-term investment. Governments must build sewage networks, drainage systems, formal latrines and pipe clean water for low-income neighborhoods. Equitable urban planning and continuous hygiene education help communities adopt safer practices. Subsidized access to safe water, community sanitation programs and strengthened health systems, along with the establishment of surveillance and rapid response teams, are crucial.

Since the cholera outbreak began, hygiene campaigns have reached thousands of schoolchildren, teaching proper handwashing and safe water practices. Early signs suggest these interventions are slowing the spread of cholera. However, experts warn that without continued support and infrastructure improvements, outbreaks will recur.

Turning Crisis Into Change

Back in Vridi Akobrakré, the mother dips her children’s hands into treated water and watches volunteers continue their rounds. For families affected by the Abidjan cholera outbreak, clean water remains fragile. But the crisis has sparked meaningful action. Community volunteers are now trained to monitor symptoms, treat contaminated water and educate their neighbors on proper hygiene.

NGOs continue to distribute chlorine tablets, hygiene kits and set up hand-washing stations in schools and markets. If governments and international partners invest in sanitation, infrastructure and poverty reduction, these efforts can become permanent. Safe water systems, drainage improvements and community-led education programs could protect residents from future outbreaks.

What began as a tragedy is turning into a blueprint for resilience, showing that even the most vulnerable communities can lead the way when crisis meets coordinated action.

– Tina Kusal

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Last Mile Against River Blindness in Cameroon

river blindness incameroonIn the rugged highlands of western Cameroon, a silent threat loomed for decades: Onchocerciasis or “river blindness.” Transmitted by the bite of blackflies breeding in fast-flowing rivers, the disease causes severe itching, skin changes and, in its most advanced form, irreversible blindness. For communities living along the valleys of the Meme and Mbam rivers, onchocerciasis did not just affect health; it hampered schooling, work and development in already impoverished areas.

Background

Cameroon has long been an endemic country for onchocerciasis. Indeed, a geospatial modelling study of Africa and Yemen estimated that, as of 2018, national-level infection prevalence in Cameroon exceeded 5% and in some focal regions was much higher.

In response, Cameroon launched community-directed treatment with ivermectin in 1996 under the World Health Organization’s African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control. After APOC ended in 2015, the country continued elimination activities through the WHO’s Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), which now coordinates regional support.

Mass Drug Administration

At the heart of Cameroon’s strategy has been annual mass drug administration of ivermectin delivered through community-directed treatment. Over 15 years of campaigns in several districts have sharply reduced infection levels. In the Tombel Health District, for instance, after 15 consecutive years of treatment, microfilaria prevalence fell to 1.5% and nodule prevalence to 6%, indicating progress but not full interruption of transmission
Yet, remote mountain villages present persistent challenges. A 2024 study along the Cameroon–Chad border noted that onchocerciasis transmission remains ongoing despite decades of CDTI.

Localised vector habitats, seasonal migration of workers, and gaps in treatment coverage are among the underlying factors. A detailed study in the Meme River Basin highlighted how poverty, farming occupations, housing conditions and limited health seeking behaviour all hamper elimination efforts.

Community-Directed Distributors

Community health volunteers, called community-directed distributors (CDDs), carry the burden of delivering ivermectin and tracking treatments in hardscrabble terrain. But their efforts are constrained by low motivation, logistical bottlenecks and limited training. A qualitative study in three rural districts of Cameroon found that inadequate numbers of CDDs and weak understanding of the disease among health staff hamper progress.

Despite these challenges, when coverage is high and sustained, the health benefits are profound. People treated with ivermectin experience relief from itching, healing of skin lesions and prevention of visual impairment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Cameroon’s Meme River Basin, researchers also found that annual community-directed treatment improved productivity and reduced stigma around the disease.

The Future

Progress in Cameroon against river blindness shows how persistence pays off. National health authorities continue annual community-directed ivermectin campaigns with support from the WHO’s Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN). The country also participates in regional cross-border monitoring with Chad and Nigeria to track transmission and share data.

According to the WHO’s ESPEN program, several health districts in Cameroon have already transitioned to post-treatment surveillance after interrupting transmission, marking key milestones toward national elimination.

– Katie Williams

Katie is based in England, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Healing the River: Schistosomiasis in São Tomé and Príncipe

Fighting Schistosomiasis in São Tomé and PríncipeSchistosomiasis or bilharzia thrives where people lack safe water and sanitation. Schistosomiasis remains endemic in São Tomé and Príncipe, primarily caused by Schistosoma intercalatum. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the country as requiring preventive chemotherapy, indicating ongoing transmission. Despite multiple rounds of mass drug administration, the disease persists in certain communities, particularly near streams and rice fields, where children remain at risk. Ongoing surveillance is essential to monitor and address localized transmission hotspots.

A Low-Level but Stubborn Threat

Recent studies confirm that São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a low but persistent level of schistosomiasis transmission, primarily caused by Schistosoma intercalatum. According to research published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2023, national prevalence remains low following repeated rounds of mass drug administration and health education campaigns. Ongoing surveillance continues to identify limited transmission in certain communities, underscoring the need for sustained control measures under World Health Organization guidance.

Momentum Since 2014

After a nationwide mapping survey in 2014, the Ministry of Health launched preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel in schools. In 2015 alone, more than 31,000 school-age children received treatment—an essential step to cut infections and protect those most at risk. Continued surveillance has turned up only sporadic cases, including a rare neuroschistosomiasis report in 2020, underscoring why vigilance still matters even as prevalence drops.

A 2024 Milestone: Halting Mass Drug Administration

Regional partners now point to a major achievement. The WHO Africa region’s ESPEN program reported in its 2024 annual review that São Tomé and Príncipe halted mass drug administration (MDA) in all endemic implementation units, marking a key waypoint toward elimination. ESPEN’s 2025 data updates also list STP among countries that did not conduct MDA in 2024, consistent with a transition from blanket treatment to targeted surveillance and response.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: The Long Game

Treatment alone cannot finish the job. Lasting gains depend on safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) so people aren’t re-exposed to rivers and irrigation canals. UNICEF reports recent WASH actions in STP, including strengthening handwashing behaviours and coordinating a multisectoral WASH platform—efforts that protect families from schistosomiasis and other infections. Global JMP updates from WHO/UNICEF show why this matters: many health facilities and households worldwide still lack basic WASH services, a gap that sustains NTD transmission.

What’s Needed Next

São Tomé and Príncipe continue national efforts aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance to control schistosomiasis. Current work includes post–mass drug administration monitoring, integrating surveillance into primary health care and coordinating with education and water agencies to sustain prevention gains. The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and international partners, maintains praziquantel distribution in areas where transmission remains and tracks infection data to guide control strategies. These ongoing initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to meeting the WHO’s 2030 targets for neglected tropical diseases.

Why it Matters

Eliminating schistosomiasis saves children from anaemia, abdominal pain and missed classes, and it strengthens primary health care. With MDA paused and WASH investments growing, São Tomé and Príncipe has a real shot at stopping transmission. Sustained funding for surveillance and water infrastructure can help the islands turn a quiet success into a permanent victory.

– Katie Williams

Katie is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr