Archive for category: Disease

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Government Plans to Contain the Most Common Diseases in Djibouti

common diseases in Djibouti Two common diseases in Djibouti are HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The weak infrastructure of the national health system, equipment shortages and scarcity of human resources make treating and eradicating tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Djibouti difficult.

The prevalence of tuberculosis in Djibouti is among the highest in the world with over 200 people reported as infected weekly. Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Due to malnutrition, diminished water resources and steadily increasing border movements there has been a rise in tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the diseases is compounded by the difficulty of access for numerous localities, lack of resources, limited capacities of mobile health units and the reduced mobility of the rural population.

HIV/AIDS is one of many common diseases in Djibouti. It is a sexually transmitted disease that destroys the immune system and eventually results in death without proper treatment. Djibouti has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world among young adults and the number of those infected only rises.

In 2015, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimated that over 9,000 people in Djibouti were living with HIV/AIDS. At least 8,000 are adults over the age 15. The epidemic has left an estimated 5,000 orphans up to the age of 17.

Over the years, the epidemic has continuously grown and affected the lives of not only those infected but their loved ones as well.

The government of Djibouti has declared a plan to invest in improved control of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan and National Tuberculosis Strategic Plan will be implemented through public sector agencies, private and non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations.

The goal is to contain and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS as well as tuberculosis and its impact on those infected and affected by the epidemic. They will work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis by reducing transmission, expanding access to treatment, providing care and support.

HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis are two of the common diseases in Djibouti. Countless are suffering due to the impact of the diseases. The government of Djibouti has decided to implement efforts to contain the diseases and to lessen the impact on those not only infected but affected by the diseases.

– Danyel Harrigan

Photo: Flickr

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What are the Common Diseases in Bhutan?

Common Diseases in BhutanIn recent years Bhutan, a small, predominately mountainous country landlocked between China and India, has noticed an epidemiological shift in the disease pattern. The incidence of communicable diseases has significantly decreased, and the Bhutanese now suffer from high rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCD).

In 2008, Bhutan’s age-standardized rates for NCDs per 100,000 population were the highest among males and females in the South East Asia Region (SEAR). Currently, NCDs are the leading cause of morbidity in Bhutan, accounting for 62 percent of the country’s disease burden.

Below is a list of the top four most common diseases in Bhutan:

1. Diabetes

Diabetes are a set of chronic diseases resulting from elevated blood glucose. In Bhutan, there was a 63 percent increase in diabetes from 944 cases in 2004 to 2,605 cases in 2009.

A healthy diet and body weight, exercise and avoiding tobacco use are all preventative measures for type 2 diabetes, which results from the body’s ineffective use or production of insulin. In Bhutan, survey data indicated that one in three Bhutanese are overweight, 42.4 percent consume alcohol and the average daily salt consumption is nearly two times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit.

2. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

The same preventative measures are suggested for maintaining heart health. In 2008, mortality due to CVDs in SEAR was the highest in Bhutan, accounting for 53 percent of Bhutanese deaths.

3. Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases are diseases of the lung that narrow air passages and obstruct breathing. Common chronic respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and occupational lung disease.

Tobacco use increases risk for chronic respiratory diseases. Even with the ban on the sale of tobacco in Bhutan, tobacco use is widespread, as 34 percent of men and 14 percent of women reported using tobacco in 2011.

4. Cancers

In 2008, the age-standardized death rate due to cancers in Bhutan was 124.8 per 100,000 population. Of all cancers, lung and cervical cancers have the highest incidences among Bhutanese men and women, respectively.

So far, the government has initiated health-related behavioral interventions addressing the social determinants of NCDs; these include bans on tobacco sales and advertisements, laws prohibiting smoking in public and the establishment of outdoor gyms in every district.

“The government’s response to NCDs has been very encouraging,” says WHO’s Tshering Dhendup, “There is high-level political commitment.”

Included in the country’s upcoming five-year socioeconomic plan (2018–2023) is a multi-sectoral framework for the prevention and reduction of common diseases in Bhutan. This much-needed plan is expected to result in widely shared improvements in health status for the Bhutanese population.

– Gabrielle Doran

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Preventing the Spread of Common Diseases in Liberia

Common Diseases in LiberiaAs one of the poorest countries in the world, Liberia has struggled to develop adequate healthcare infrastructure to combat the spread of disease. Many diseases in Liberia can be traced to poor hygiene, sanitation and water quality, allowing diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and cholera to affect the population.

Despite economic barriers, Liberia has made progress in certain areas, such as combatting the spread of HIV/AIDS through government programs and improved conditions.

Some of the most common diseases in Liberia include pneumonia, acute respiratory diseases and diarrheal diseases, all of which have high mortality rates. Many respiratory diseases can be linked to poor indoor air quality in rural areas where coal is often burned with poor ventilation.

Another health concern due to poor living conditions is the prevalence of cholera and parasitic disease outbreaks, which are connected to contaminated water and lack of proper sanitation. Over half of Liberian households do not use any toilet facility, and only 10 percent of households use an improved, unshared toilet facility.

Malaria is one of the most common illnesses throughout West Africa, and Liberia is no exception. Malaria accounts for 38 percent of all outpatient visits — the most out of any disease. After peaking in 2011, confirmed Malaria cases per 1000 have declined drastically to 220 cases per 1000 all thanks to preventative efforts and increased awareness.

In the spring of 2017, Liberia experienced a “mystery outbreak” along with several other West African countries. After extensive testing on autopsies, the outbreak was classified as meningitis, which caught scientists off guard due to the introduction of a meningitis vaccine throughout West Africa in 2010.

This outbreak, however, is presumed to be a meningitis C strain, which required different antibiotics to treat. In all, Liberia’s quick response and containment of the outbreak has demonstrated the country’s health improvements since the first cases of Ebola in 2014.

In the last decade, Liberia has made a concentrated effort at curbing the spread of diseases such as HIV. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners have increased the number of HIV counseling and testing centers, and helped increase the number of sites providing prevention of mother-to-child transmission services from 29 in 2008 to 230 in 2011.

While the prevalence of the disease remains relatively high at 1.9 percent for adults ages 15-49, the Liberian government has put infrastructure in place to bring this number down in the near future.

While poverty and poor living conditions continue to facilitate the spread of diseases in Liberia, recent efforts have reduced the threat of Malaria and HIV. Continued improvements to water quality, living conditions and health care access are necessary for Liberia to solve future questions regarding disease.

– Nicholas Dugan

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Common Diseases in Grenada

Common Diseases in GrenadaA tiny island in the Caribbean, Grenada is roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C. and has a population of only 111,219 individuals. Today, the country’s economy heavily relies on tourism along with agriculture. After Hurricane Ivan, the nation struggled to rebuild and now faces enormous public debt, inhibiting further public spending. This, of course, has a negative effect on the quality of healthcare, and slows the progress of reducing the prevalence of certain diseases. Here are the most common diseases in Grenada:

Ischemic Heart Disease
A condition characterized by constricted heart arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart, ischemic heart disease can ultimately result in untimely heart attack. Also known as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease was assessed to be the most fatal of the common diseases in Grenada in 2005. By 2015, it was still the most fatal, but the prevalence of deaths by the disease had actually decreased by 5.9 percent.

Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease refers to any disorder affecting blood flow to the brain. Such disorders often result in aneurysms, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, vertebral stenosis, stroke and vascular malformations. In 2015, cerebrovascular disease was the second most fatal common disease in Grenada, and had been for the past decade. However, the disease had fortunately decreased in prevalence by 4.4 percent within those 10 years.

Diabetes
A disease that occurs when blood glucose is too high, diabetes can cause a myriad of other health problems, and can even lead to death. In Grenada, diabetes was the third most common cause of death, consistently from 2005 to 2015. Unfortunately, in contrast to the reduction  in prevalence of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes became 4.5 percent more common within the decade.

In October of 2015, the government of Grenada stated that the “Grenada Diabetes Association and the Ministry of Health continue to strengthen their relationship as both entities collaborate to promote good health and wellness among the population.” In regards to heart disease, the Grenada Heart Project studies “the clinical, biological, and psychosocial determinants of the cardiovascular health in Grenada in order to develop and implement a nationwide cardiovascular health promotion program.” Clearly, the nation is dedicated to domestically addressing the most common diseases in Grenada, and hopefully this dedication will lead to more progress.

– Shannon Golden

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Oman Caused By Fat Intake

Common Diseases in OmanMost recently, Oman has become a hotspot for international cuisine and tourism alike. According to an article published in Your Middle East, the tourism and food business boom in Oman is one of the fastest-growing in the world. However, that growth has introduced fatty foods into the diets of citizens living in Oman. This fatty food has led to an increase in diseases related to poor dietary habits. Common diseases in Oman include those related to circulatory and heart problems, according to a report by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The extent of these problems was exposed by NCSI in their report conducted in 2016. The report noted that 25 percent of all hospital deaths were caused by unhealthy lifestyles choices and stress.

Another of the most common diseases in Oman is cancer. Although lower than most other Gulf States, it is responsible for around 13 percent of hospital deaths in the country. Stomach, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia are the highest-occurring in males while breast, cervical and thyroid are the highest-occurring in females.

Amro Hassan, an Interventional Consultant Cardiologist at Muscat Private Hospital, speculated on the cause of these increases in an article by the Times of Oman: “Because stress can release hormones in the body, this may cause effects on coronary arteries. The heart may also cause high blood pressure and this is a reason why controlling stress levels is very important.”

Sathish Veluswamy, Surgeon at Burjeel Hospital, believes this stress is due to competition. “We all want to get ahead of everybody else and this takes a toll on our bodies,” he stated. “Life is a lot more stressful now than it previously was, because there are a lot more demands on us these days.”

These demands include those that come with the increase in interconnectedness that comes with technology. This interconnectedness creates a work-life imbalance. On top of this, smoking and poor eating habits can lead to further problems.

Although fatty foods and American cuisine still seem to be popular in Oman, there has been a shift in the food industry toward healthier choices. This shift is called “multi-cuisine” which is becoming increasingly popular. With the introduction of these options, citizens are starting to take steps in the right direction to combat the common diseases in Oman.

– Sydney Roeder

Photo: Flickr

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Heart, Lungs, Kidney: Three Most Common Diseases in Albania

Common Diseases In AlbaniaAlbania is a country located in Southeastern Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. To the south it neighbors Greece and to the north, Kosovo. In 1912, the country declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire but was quickly conquered by Germany in 1943, and then ruled by the USSR until 1960.

After gaining total independence in the 1990s, the country has suffered from a continually depressed economy. This depressed economy has caused economic hardship in the region for many of its citizens. This article’s purpose is to elaborate on the most common diseases in Albania

1. Ischemic Heart Disease

The most common disease in Albania is Ischemic heart disease. Ischemia is an illness which causes blood flow restriction in a particular part of the body. Ischemic heart disease restricts blood flow to the heart and without proper health care, the disease can lead to stroke and heart disease if left untreated. When measured in 2015, 44 percent of deaths occurred as a result of untreated Ischemic Heart Disease.

2. Lung Cancer

Another of the most common disease in Albania is lung cancer. Around 64 percent of Albanian men smoke tobacco on a daily basis which is one of the leading causes of the illness. Some effects of lung cancer include continued coughing, weight loss, chest pain and difficulty swallowing. If the disease is left untreated, it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. This spread has the potential to cause more severe health effects which can include death. About 39.7 percent of deaths in 2015 were caused by lung cancer.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease

When measured in 2015, about 29 percent of deaths occurred from Chronic Kidney Disease. This condition describes the gradual loss of kidney function and can be extremely dangerous due to the kidney’s important role in the body. On top of filtering the waste of the body, the kidneys also filter blood. Without properly functioning kidneys, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste can build up in the body and cause premature death.

Improvements

The most common diseases in Albania take numerous lives every year, and the government is doing all it can to combat this phenomenon. The Albanian government established the WHO country office on top of increasing its funding of public health care. WHO has promoted education to the country’s citizens to help them avoid contracting these disease, and this work by WHO, alongside an increase in the government’s spending on health care, is sure to help reduce the number of deaths caused by the most common diseases in Albania.

– Nick Beauchamp

Photo: Google

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Displacement Impact Common Diseases in Niger

Common Diseases in NigerReceiving its independence from France in 1960, Niger’s young history as a true nation state is riddled with political insecurity. A landlocked west-African country largely covered by the Sahara desert, it struggles routinely with various health issues directly related to both its government’s own instability and the general militaristic instability in the region.

The latter has increased significantly with the rise of Boko Haram and an influx of refugees from Mali and northern Nigeria in particular. The most common diseases in Niger are shared by many of its regional neighbors; consequently, any disease outbreak is of immense concern due to its probable potential for growth not just within Niger, but the nations surrounding it.

The increasing threat of waterborne common diseases in Niger, such as cholera and diarrheal infections, is clearly tied to population shifts in the Lake Chad area. Such shifts are a result of regional instability as refugees and migrants flow across the borders, with some 150,000 living in makeshift and unsanitary conditions in the southeastern Diffa region of Niger.

Though UNICEF and partners are active in the region in an effort to educate about practical prevention, such as handwashing, and to provide sanitary services, such as clean water access, their funding is inadequate for the task; only 20 percent of their necessary funding has been met.

The Diffa region is also seeing Hepatitis E outbreaks as a result of its location in the Lake Chad crisis area. Porous borders due to refugee flow have increased the risk of Hepatitis E diffusion into other parts of the region, making the outbreak a severe concern, although its mortality rate has currently been contained to 9.7 percent. The WHO is actively working to educate about practical prevention techniques and is closely monitoring the situation in the hopes of inhibiting its diffusion into other parts of the Lake Chad crisis area.

With a mortality rate of 20 percent, Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is another of the most common diseases in Niger and a high-priority concern for the Nigerien people. A virus spread among people and livestock, more than 59 percent of those affected are stockbreeders, although it is also heavily affecting those simply living along livestock travel routes as well.

Its economic backlash is compounded by the dual loss of both citizens that would have engaged in the economic system and the livestock which would serve as income generators. Consequently, more research is being conducted as to how the virus affects animals in particular in an effort to mitigate the significant economic losses accompanied by human-animal deaths.

An outbreak of a virtually unprecedented strain of meningococcal meningitis, called serogroup C, has ravaged Niger in recent years, arising in 2015. Due to the strain’s historical rarity, vaccine supplies have been insufficient to meet the needs of the outbreak.

Nonetheless, vaccine campaigns targeting children have dropped fatality from 11 percent to 7 percent. The situation is concerning but seemingly contained, which is heartening as a major concern was its spread to other nations in Africa’s meningitis belt.

The vast majority of Niger’s topography is desert, with only the southern 20 percent being a savannah suitable for agriculture and living. As a result, malaria is largely confined to this southern portion of the nation. Fifty-three percent of the population lives in an area of high malarial transmission. Despite this, less than 1 percent of the more than two million reported cases result in death, thanks to internationally funded government programs which focus on both prevention via insecticides and treatment via antimalarials.

The most common diseases in Niger are of large concern due to their implications for the unstable region as a whole. Such diseases are either augmented by regional instability, or of even higher concern due to potential transmission to other nations as a result of regional instability. Essentially, then, Niger’s health problems are not confined to its borders and extend to its region on the whole, particularly the Lake Chad area. Consequently, the WHO and other health organizations have a strong interest in monitoring health fluctuations so as to protect the region altogether.

– Kailee Nardi

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Croatia

Common Diseases in CroatiaSince declaring its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Croatia’s emerging economy has propelled the country to the rank of international tourist hotspot. The rustic beauty of its coastal towns, the glittering ocean waters, and historical cities make it a natural contender when choosing desirable getaway settings.

With its undeniable destination appeal bolstering revenue, Croatia’s growing prosperity has paved the way to an improved and functional universal healthcare system that has dramatically reduced the mortality from communicable diseases. Nevertheless, as a transitioning nation, there are still struggles to overcome and common diseases in Croatia that must be addressed. Here are a few of the most common diseases in Croatia.

  1. Coronary Heart Disease
    Like developed nations, one of the most common diseases in Croatia and most prevalent causes of premature death is coronary heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, it was estimated that heart disease accounted for 48 percent of deaths in 2014, compared to 31 percent for the United States in the same year. In Croatia, the leading risk factors include smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The good news, however, is that in 2015 Croatia saw a 5.2 percent decrease in the number of premature deaths caused by heart disease from 2005.Despite these statistics, Croatia is still considered to be among the highest for cardiovascular risk compared to other European countries. To strengthen preventative measures, the Croatian Heart Foundation has spearheaded a national e-campaign called “Heart Keepers” that seeks to educate medical professionals and patients alike on preventative care concerning the disease. It contains online courses for physicians as well as a mobile app to connect patients with healthcare providers. The campaign is the first of its kind in Croatia and was set to be implemented during the entirety of 2016.
  2. Lung Cancer
    Lung cancer ranks third in leading cause of death and common diseases in Croatia, right behind heart disease and stroke. Smoking is the leading cause, with nearly 30 percent of the adult population being smokers.Other reasons for such a high mortality rate could be a lack of resources, education and proper preventative care and treatment plans. While the healthcare system in Croatia is fairly developed compared to other transitional countries, it still lacks a focused strategy for reducing the risk of lung cancer in its population.This approach might include a campaign to better control risky behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, or to decrease the exposure to occupational hazards and air pollution.
  3. Tick-Borne Encephalitis
    Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infectious disease affecting the central nervous system. It is contracted most often through the bite of an infected tick belonging to the Ixodidae family, although it may be transmitted by the consumption of raw dairy products as well. Thousands of people are infected every year in high-risk regions spanning across Europe and Asia.Croatia is an endemic region for this disease and it is particularly common in forested and rural areas. The number of cases continues to rise as the tick population increases during bi-annual peak seasons (late March to Early June; August to October) due to mounting regional temperatures.Two-thirds of patients experience non-specific, wide-ranging symptoms including fever, headaches, nausea, and general malaise. Twenty to 30 percent of patients enter a second phase of the illness after a brief remission period. These patients experience the more extreme symptoms associated with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) such as a decline in motor abilities, confusion, seizures or paralysis.

    Presently, there is no definite drug therapy for tick-borne encephalitis. Patients experiencing symptoms are hospitalized and treated on a case-to-case basis depending on the severity of the disease. There are, however, vaccines available as a preventive measure.

The good news is that deaths resulting from the common diseases in Croatia have almost been reduced to solely noncommunicable illnesses, with infectious diseases like malaria all but eradicated. In 2014, the total percentage of death from factors like malnutrition, infectious disease and prenatal and maternity complications was a mere 1 percent. In the United States that number was 6 percent in the same year.

This staggering triumph for Croatia demonstrates how far the country has come in eradicating curable diseases. Its greatest challenge now will be developing strategies to tackle such formidable killers as heart disease and cancer, no easy feat when the cures for these illnesses continue to evade the medical institutions in even the wealthiest of industrialized nations.

– Mickie Fischer

Photo: Flickr

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8 Most Common Diseases in Senegal

Common Diseases in SenegalThe 2015 Ebola epidemic did not signal the end of Senegal’s health issues. Just like other developing countries, Senegal also has problems with the spread of common diseases.

The spread of some of these diseases correlates with poor sanitation systems and infrastructure, but also concerns unique to West Africa. Here are the seven most common diseases in Senegal.

  1. Bacterial and protozoal diarrhea
    Also known as traveler’s diarrhea or TD, this disease can affect anyone in Senegal. Pathogens transmitted through poor sanitation systems, food and water cause this disease. As a result the disease is prevalent in Senegal, where 52 percent of the population does not have access to improved sanitation facilities.However, it can also occur anytime someone does not handle food properly. The symptoms of this disease include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and fever. TD can be treated with antibiotics.
  2. Hepatitis A
    A virus of the liver, hepatitis A afflicts many countries around the world. People typically spread the disease by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the feces of an infected person or being in contact with an infected person. Because this virus also occurs in areas where sanitation issues exist, Senegal has high risk for the disease.Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, fever and joint pain. Although the disease does not typically cause death, acute liver failure can occur, with risks increasing with age. Hepatitis A does not currently have a specific treatment, but can be prevented with improved sanitation.
  3. Typhoid fever
    Typhoid fever is a common disease throughout the world, especially in the developing world. Typhoid persists in a bacterium which can be transmitted through contaminated food or water in food preparation. Once again, being that Senegal has water contamination issues, this virus is likely to affect Senegal’s population.The symptoms of this disease include high, sustained fevers, stomach pains and a rash with rose-colored spots. Because typhoid commonly spreads through food, it is mainly prevented by handling food properly and hygienically. Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics.
  4. Malaria
    Malaria, another one of the most common diseases in Senegal, plagues many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This disease has a 9 percent mortality rate overall, taking top priority among health officials. Female Anopheles mosquitoes cause the malaria illness, especially after a large amount of rain.Symptoms include fever, aches, chills and sweats. The most common form of prevention tackles the root of the disease: mosquitoes. Mosquito nets help stymie mosquito bites and provide a temporary source of protection from a problem that has yet to find a solution. PATH, a health organization in Senegal, helps vaccinate young children against the disease.
  5. Schistosomiasis
    Comparable to other common diseases in Senegal, schistosomiasis affects primarily tropical areas of the country. Parasites that live in the snails found in contaminated fresh water can transmit the disease. Because of the conditions of its inception, the disease affects nearly two million people in Senegal.Symptoms include itchy skin, fever, chills and cough. Prevention includes proper water treatment and not swimming in freshwater areas. Schistosomiasis can be treated with medication.
  6. Meningococcal meningitis
    With the number of suspected cases dropping every year as of 2014, the diseases seems to be losing hold in Senegal; however, it remains problematic. Meningitis commonly occurs in large urban centers where close contact in crowded living conditions helps transmit the bacteria person-to-person by respiratory droplets, because of its highly infectious nature.Forty-seven percent of Senegal’s population lives in urban areas, which increases the risk for spreading the disease. Symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, headaches and vomiting. Primary prevention includes avoiding people with the disease and getting vaccinated. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.
  7. Yellow Fever
    Primarily affecting those who work in heavily forested areas in Senegal, yellow fever is a viral infection spread from monkeys and other humans by mosquitoes. The infection is most common in areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. In mild cases, yellow fever can cause fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. But about 15 percent of yellow fever cases can become more serious leading to heart, liver and kidney problems. No specific treatments exist for this disease, however, medication can be helpful for its symptoms.
  8. HIV/AIDS
    Likely the most endemic disease in Africa, HIV/AIDS affects high-risk groups in Senegal, particularly sex workers. This autoimmune disease has no cure, yet treatment does exist and lengthens the lifespan of many people with the disease.While the prevalence among adults in Senegal remains relatively low at just 0.4 percent, the country is still involved in programs that help prevent transmission in the country, including a governmental collaboration – the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR). PATH also provides education, prevention, and treatment programs for female sex workers in Senegal.

These common diseases in Senegal come about primarily due to a lack of basic infrastructure to ensure hygienic and safe communities. With the right support and government priorities, these debilitating diseases can be reduced or eliminated and the people of Senegal can pursue prosperity.

– Selasi Amoani

Photo: Flickr

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Why is Botswana Poor?

Why Botswana is PoorBotswana, located directly north of South Africa, is slightly smaller in size than Texas and has a population size of about 2.2 million. From 1867 to 1966, Botswana was under the rule of Great Britain, which limited its economic growth, as Britain used Botswana for its benefit. Nowadays, though, why is Botswana poor?

After achieving independence in 1966, Botswana saw its economy boom, in part due to the discovery of diamonds within its borders. Previously, Botswana had been one of the poorest countries in Africa, but it has continually grown economically, with an average GDP growth rate of 5 percent per annum in the last ten years.

Although Botswana has vastly improved since gaining independence, as is additionally supported by its dropped poverty rate from 50 percent in 1966 to 19 percent today, poverty is still a significant problem within Botswana. Focusing on rural areas where poverty is most present, one can find answers to the question “why is Botswana poor?”

Botswana has a lack of economic diversity; its two major sectors are the diamond industry and tourism. Rural subsistence farming and cattle raising account for an additional large portion of Botswana’s workforce. Botswana’s dependence on the diamond industry for economic growth creates economic instability.

The diamond industry accounts for 85 percent of Botswana’s export earnings. Dependency on diamonds, a luxury item, causes Botswana to be very vulnerable to economic downturns in developed countries, such as the 2008 recession. Economic growth has risen and fallen multiple times since the 2008 recession – most recently it grew 2.6 percent in 2016.

The diamond industry cannot support all of Botswana’s people, however, especially as it is mostly mechanized and therefore does not create a vast amount of jobs. Many Batswana survive through the agricultural industry, which is also unstable due to chronic droughts plaguing Botswana.

Why is Botswana poor? The years of 2015-2016 saw the worst drought to hit Botswana in 34 years. Many groundwater sources went dry, and dams fell to below 20 percent of their capacity. Unstable agricultural conditions in a country where nearly half (48.5 percent) of land is for agricultural use, contribute to poverty.

Another major reason why Botswana is poor is the intensity of HIV/AIDS within its borders. Although Botswana no longer ranks as the country with the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world, it is third-highest, with an adult prevalence rate of 21.9 percent. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is hugely detrimental to society and the economy.

A high prevalence of HIV/AIDS creates a diminished workforce and poses problems for employers that need to provide healthcare and death benefits. It also increases the gap between wealthy and poor within Botswana, as more affluent individuals and families are better equipped to pay for health expenditures and financially cope with the loss of a family member than an impoverished family.

– Mary Kate Luft

Photo: Flickr