Archive for category: Disease

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Positive Steps in Reducing Cancer in the UAE

Cancer in the UAEThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its beautiful architecture, oil exporting and the emirates that form the country. The UAE has seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai is the most populous of the UAE, with Abu Dhabi being the capital. Although the UAE is one of the richest countries in the world, it still has issues of poverty and cancer.

The UAE has an estimated poverty rate of 19.5%, driven in part by rising living costs and low wages that fail to ensure sustainable conditions for workers. The leading causes of death in the UAE are COVID-19, ischemic heart disease, stroke and breast cancer (in the case of women).

Cancer in the UAE

Diseases and cancers are prominent in the UAE in part because health care is not free for expatriates and foreign residents, who make up 10.04% of the country’s 11.35 million people. This creates barriers to early detection, as many residents cannot afford regular checkups. When cancers are detected, they are often at advanced stages, making treatment more difficult.

Environmental factors also play a role. The UAE’s reliance on oil production and shipments increases the risk of air pollution, with higher levels of carbon in the atmosphere. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause labored breathing, skin irritation and, over time, elevate cancer risks.

The leading cancers in the UAE are breast, thyroid, colorectal, skin and leukemia. While cancers such as breast cancer and leukemia are not directly tied to environmental causes, conditions like skin and thyroid cancer may be linked to pollution and environmental exposure.

Expanding Access to Affordable Cancer Care

In response, hospitals in Abu Dhabi have expanded access to cancer care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, located in the nation’s capital, houses 15 specialized institutes, including one focused on cancer treatment. The clinic is diverse, staffed with doctors from Western countries and operates in Arabic and English.

As a semi-government hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers care at significantly lower costs than private facilities. Government-owned hospitals typically charge between AED 250–400 ($60–$109), while privately owned hospitals cost around AED 600–800 ($163–$218).

Private treatment expenses are often unaffordable for individuals earning less than AED 80 ($22) a day. In contrast, government hospitals provide a more accessible option, particularly for costly treatments like cancer care.

What Does This Mean for People in Poverty?

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides financial assistance for patients unable to afford treatment. Individuals whose annual family income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) may qualify for free or discounted care. The clinic also collaborates with insurance providers, accepts multiple payment methods and allows for government assistance in covering medical expenses.

Through combined government and hospital support, people living in poverty can access necessary medical care without the overwhelming burden of bills. Early detection of cancers such as breast and skin cancer can ensure that low-income patients receive timely treatment, allowing them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Final Remarks

Government-affiliated clinics like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provide greater access to cancer screenings for impoverished people. Early detection not only reduces cancer-related mortality but also gives individuals in low-income communities the chance to pursue healthier, more productive lives, including improved career opportunities.

– Erin Lee

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The New Deployment of the Malaria Vaccine in Mali

Malaria Vaccine in MaliThe Republic of Mali, more commonly referred to as simply Mali, is the eighth-largest country in Africa. Mali is located in the Western part of the continent and boasts a population of approximately 25 million as of 2025. Furthermore, Mali has one of the hottest, driest climates in the world.

The Malaria Vaccine in Mali

Mali has joined the growing list of African countries that have introduced the malaria vaccine to their people. Before joining, it accounted for approximately 3.1% of global malaria cases, highlighting the country’s urgent need for innovative health interventions and stronger immunization programs.

The new initiatives on supporting the hybrid approach to the malaria vaccine in Mali began on April 25, coinciding with World Malaria Day. The Ministry of Health is leading the initiative with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Malaria has been a massive issue for sub-Saharan African countries for years. However, recent Gavi studies have shown that a hybrid vaccination approach is practical. Mali is now applying this strategy to protect its population.

What is the New Approach?

Instead of administering the malaria vaccine two doses over a few months, the new approach in Mali provides children ages 3 to 5 with three doses spread across the year, followed by a fourth and fifth dose administered in May or June.

Children are among the most at-risk groups for contracting malaria, which is why they are the primary focus of the new vaccine initiative. Lacking years of exposure, children have not developed natural immunity as many adults have, leaving them dangerously vulnerable.

As a result, malaria remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, making widespread vaccination efforts essential to saving lives and reducing future transmission.

The seasonal doses will help ensure children are as protected as possible from malaria. May and June mark the beginning of the highest transmissions of malaria in the year. Indeed, having additional vaccine doses around these times every year can help ensure that the spread doesn’t begin at all.

Has the New Approach Been Successful?

The new approach to administering the malaria vaccine in Mali has been successful, showing strong potential for long-term impact. According to the WHO, “both [doses] of vaccine reduce malaria cases by about 75% when given seasonally in areas of highly seasonal transmission where seasonal malaria chemoprevention is provided.”

With the number of childhood deaths caused by malaria trending downward, the people of Mali are becoming more optimistic about improving their children’s lives. The new vaccine initiative, coupled with more traditional methods of malaria protection, mosquito nets and repellent, ensures that the number of malaria cases continues to drop.

– Zoe Felder

Zoe is based in Charlotte, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Expanded Care for Endometriosis in Poland

Endometriosis in PolandAn estimated 6-15% of women in Poland are believed to have endometriosis. This painful and immunological disease involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. This statistic is so broad because many women are often told that painful menstruation is simply part of life, which leads to few women seeking medical advice. For the women who do search for an answer to their pain, it can take an average of 8-10 years to get a diagnosis.

However, Poland is making much-needed improvements in care and support for women with endometriosis by launching a new national program.

Flaws in Endometriosis Care in Poland

Endometriosis requires an early diagnosis in order to receive the best care possible. However, the diagnostic process is often long, invasive and exhausting for patients. This process includes a gynecological exam, a transvaginal and transrectal exam, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), a laparoscopy and a histopathological exam. It is also important that these exams be done by a gynecologist specializing in treating endometriosis, which can be hard to find.

Overall, health care in Poland has many flaws. Though Polish citizens have access to a free public health care system, the sector is riddled with organizational problems, outdated technology, underfunded medical centers and a lack of physicians and specialists nationwide.

In Poland, wealth strongly influences health outcomes. About 71% of high-income citizens report being in good health, compared to just 53% of low-income citizens. The country’s life expectancy is around 77 years, ranking 24th in the European Union (EU).

New Care Program for Endometriosis in Poland

On July 1, 2025, Poland initiated its new national system for endometriosis care, including diagnostics and treatment. This program established eight new specialized medical centers throughout Poland where women can access care free of cost.

This program includes free consultations with various specialists and medical professionals, such as gynecologists, surgeons, psychologists, dietitians and physiotherapists. Women can now also easily access ultrasound and MRI diagnostics and pharmaceutical and surgical treatments. The newly established centers will provide surgeries, post-operative care and post-procedural health monitoring.

This wave of reform was set into motion after years of advocacy efforts from the organization Pokonać Endometriozę” (Conquer Endometriosis). The Polish Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, credits Polish citizens and their efforts: “No regulation or law changes reality – it is we, the people, who change it,” she stated.

This new system will benefit lower-income Polish citizens by providing free specialized care. Opening eight new centers throughout the country means more women will have access to endometriosis care and will not have to travel extensive distances to receive medical advice.

Final Remarks

Poland’s new program for endometriosis is a breakthrough in women’s health. With eight specialized centers offering free diagnostics, treatments, and multidisciplinary support, thousands, especially low-income women, will finally access timely care. This reform marks a vital step toward equity. It sets a model for compassionate public health.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Tackling Poverty and Disease in Chad: Driving Change

Tackling Poverty and Disease in Chad: Local Innovation and Global Partnerships Driving ChangePoverty and disease in Chad remain deeply intertwined, especially in rural and underserved regions. More than 40% of the population is currently living in extreme poverty with preventable diseases such as malaria, diarrheal infections and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including visceral leishmaniasis, continuing to spread, exacerbating an already fragile health conditions. These diseases not only harm public health but also reinforce poverty and entrench economic instability by reducing productivity, limiting education and overwhelming fragile health systems. 

According to 2022 data, 44.8% of the total population of Chad is living below the national poverty line, whilst 36.5% of the population is surviving on less than $2.15 per day. This dual burden of disease and deprivation underscores the importance of integrated, evidence-based solutions; an area where international health organizations are increasingly stepping up with promising, collaborative interventions.

Cross-Border Collaboration and DNDi

Chad is not fighting alone. Local health ministries, supported by international organizations, are taking significant steps to break this cycle. In partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and the African Union, Chad has joined a cross-border collaboration with countries like Ethiopia and Sudan to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly NTD affecting some of its poorest regions.

DNDi is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to discover, develop and deliver new treatments for these neglected diseases that primarily impact people in lower-income countries. DNDi operates on a needs-driven model focusing on affordability, accessibility and partnerships with local health systems. In Chad, DNDi has played a central role in strengthening surveillance systems, supporting local capacity to diagnose and treat leishmaniasis, as well as ensuring that life-saving medicines reach remote communities. 

Organizations Aiding Chad’s Development

Meanwhile, organizations like the END Fund are supporting large-scale treatment campaigns targeting soil-transmitted helminths and other parasitic diseases that affect school-age children. These programs also contribute to improved school attendance, nutrition and long-term development outcomes. Together, these collaborative efforts underpin a growing recognition that tackling NTDs in Chad requires both medical innovation and regional cooperation.

In addition to medical treatment, organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WaterAid are investing in clean water and sanitation infrastructure, which are critical tools in the fight against waterborne diseases and hygiene-related poverty. Since the early 2000s, UNICEF has been actively working in Chad to combat poverty and disease by focusing on providing sanitary water, providing education for vulnerable children and allowing easier access to essential services, including nutrition, health and protection of vulnerable populations. Community health initiatives are also expanding, with trained health workers delivering care and education directly to families in rural areas, bridging the access gap.

Another organization who are helping to prevent the spread of the levels of poverty in Chad is the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Programme (SASPP), World Bank. The SASPP aims to increase access to social safety nets for the poor and vulnerable population, including refugees. It focuses on building adaptive social protection systems, including cash transfers, productive inclusion and emergency support, all underpinned by digital targeting, payment and monitoring systems. The program in Chad is designed to benefit more than 780,000 people, including refugees and those in refugee-hosting communities, through various interventions like cash aid and productivity programs.

Looking Ahead

Coordinated efforts in Chad in combining disease treatment, health education, and basic services are not only saving lives but also creating a foundation for long-term economic resilience. With stronger investment and continued support, Chad has the potential to transform its health crisis into a model of community-driven recovery.

– Carise Wallbank

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

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care for Non-Communicable Diseases Impacting Ghana

Diseases In GhanaNon-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and cancers, have become one of the largest burdens to worldwide health care systems. Roughly 41 million people die of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) each year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in developing countries, despite the misconception that they are most common in developed countries. While CNCDs impact people from all walks of life, those living in poverty are disproportionately affected due to the high costs of care and limited health care knowledge, making this not just a health care issue, but a socio-economic one. Lack of adequate care also leads to a higher rate of complications and premature deaths as a result of CNCDs within poorer communities.

CNCDs in Ghana

Chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana have hit epidemic proportions, accounting for nearly half of all deaths, and calls to reduce their growing health and economic burden have become increasingly urgent. The drivers of CNCDs are systemic within society and typically linked to behaviors in adolescence, with unhealthy food environments and limited access to physical health infrastructure being two pillars of the increase.

While there has been an attempt to control the rapid swell of these diseases, the August 2012 policy aimed at reducing cases of CNCDs was largely ineffective. With this policy, Ghana strove to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, and focused on strategies such as primary prevention, clinical care and strengthening the health system. However, there were many interconnected challenges which limited its efficacy. On a national level, poor awareness, inadequate coordination and a lack of funding inhibited the policy’s functioning. There was also limited attention afforded to the management of patients who already have CNCDs. In addition, on a sub-national level, inadequate clarity on translating the policy into action rendered ground-level operationalizing ineffective. What the 2012 CNCD policy made evident was the need for comprehensive structural and strategy development which focused on both preventive and curative care.

Recent Progress in CNCD Policy

Despite this, there have been fruitful strides towards constructing an overarching and effective policy to combat chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health in Ghana, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a stakeholder agreement with more than 50 people from government ministries, regulatory agencies, academia, civil society and United Nations partners to galvanize support for legal reform which promoted healthier diets and physical activity – the two pillars of prevention. This was part of Phase II of the Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Programme (Global RECAP), a program seeking to implement measures to reduce the occurrence of NCDs by creating healthier environments.

In addition, Ghana is preparing to roll out the 2025 Global School Health Survey, a nationally representative survey aimed at gathering critical data on the personal health behaviors of school-aged adolescents. To ensure the successful implementation of the survey, a national training program has been held in Kusami for collectors and administrators, equipping them with technical knowledge, ethical guidance and practical tools for survey administration. The questionnaire includes modules on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, alcohol and drug use and the role of familial support, as well as measuring height and weight. Illustrating the importance of this initiative, Dr Pascal Mwin, Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases at the WHO Country Office, emphasized the “critical investment in building a stronger foundation for adolescent health in Ghana,” which will ultimately aid the effectiveness of the policies it will inform.

Looking Ahead

With continued aid from the WHO, there is cause for hope for encompassing and productive legislation to tackle the rising tide of chronic non-communicable diseases impacting Ghana, foster healthier school environments and increase access to adequate health care for those living in poverty.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Diseases Impacting French Polynesia and Efforts to Combat them

Diseases Impacting French PolynesiaFrench Polynesia is an island chain nation in the South Pacific that is often described as a breathtaking tourist destination due to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and great resorts. However in recent years, the nation has been facing an influx of public health threats. Illnesses such as dengue fever and leptospirosis have begun to create health and economic concerns. While there continues to be concern, efforts from the government, NGOs and international partners are bringing progress. These are some of the diseases impacting French Polynesia.

The Health Crisis at Hand

Dengue fever, a flu-like disease, has been a consistent issue in the region. During the 2023 outbreak, the Dengue Visual Atlas estimated there were 306 reported cases. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which thrive in warm tropical environments, spread the disease. Spiking during the rainy season because stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for the mosquitos.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that spreads via contaminated water or soil, has also caused concern. In 2023, health authorities reported 117 cases. This was substantially higher than the 12 during the same time period in 2022. Officials linked the increase to heavy flooding and rain in areas like Tahiti. Leptospirosis can have severe complications such as kidney damage, liver failure or even death if untreated.

Poverty in the country affects a lot of the outcome of disease spread. A study that the French Development Agency did in 2010 found that around 28% of the country lives in poverty, surviving on around $1,000 USD a month. A small elite population of the country also controls a disproportionate share of resources, placing even greater strain on lower income families. Many of the islands in the nation are also isolated and underdeveloped, lacking even basic health care. This causes many to travel just to receive simple treatment.

Community-Based Solutions

To combat diseases impacting French Polynesia, the nation’s government has implemented proactive and science based policies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), scientists in Tahiti are initiating a Sterile Insect Technique project of releasing sterilized male mosquitoes to combat dengue transmission. This method targets the mosquitos directly instead of using chemical pesticides, resulting in a more positive effect on the environment.

NGOs

The Institut Louis Malardé (ILM) established itself in 1949 in Tahiti, the nation’s largest island. It is a public research institute dedicated to progressing public health in French Polynesia. It initially focused on combating lymphatic filariasis. Since then, it has expanded its focus to address a spectrum of health challenges.

The ILM is a leader in research on dengue fever. Using more than 35-years of data, its researchers have developed models to analyze dengue surveillance, providing insights into immunity and transmission dynamics. The ILM has also conducted serosurveys, contributing to a larger understanding of viral circulation in the region.

Looking Ahead

French Polynesia continues to face the risks of viral infections and waterborne diseases, but its strategies are beginning to show results. Collaborative, community-based health solutions backed by data and research are helping residents stay informed and remain safe. With continued and consistent funding, ongoing education and continued cooperation, French Polynesia’s public health system will build resilience, not only with today’s epidemics and illnesses, but for future ones as well. In an isolated region with a tropical climate, health care can be challenging. The efforts are proving that prevention, rapid response and local leadership can form effective control on the diseases impacting French Polynesia.

– Brody L. Gates

Brody is based in Fort Worth, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Screening Success and HPV Vaccination in Thailand

HPV VaccinationCervical cancer is a serious global public health concern. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a strategy to reduce the number of cervical cancer cases to four per 100,000 in all populations by 2030.

The Scale of the Problem in Thailand

In Thailand, human papillomavirus (HPV) has posed a significant threat. In many cases, it is harmless, but certain strands, namely 16 and 18, can lead to aggressive forms of cervical cancer. Globally, these two strands make up 70% of cervical cancer cases. Between 2001 and 2003, there were an estimated 18.1 cases per 100,000 women. This makes cervical cancer the second most common cancer in Thailand.

Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew acknowledged the threat these figures posed to women and introduced a national health strategy aligned with WHO’s 2030 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15, screening 70% of women aged 35–45 and ensuring timely detection of cervical lesions in 90% of affected women.

Success of the HPV Vaccination Scheme in Thailand

Since 2017, Thailand has offered two free doses of the HPV vaccine to all girls aged 11-12. While the country has not yet met the WHO targets, progress is clear. Before the scheme began, only 1.6% of all girls in this age group in Thailand had received the HPV vaccination; now, 83.6% have received at least one dose.

The uptake of the second dose is low. Only 59.3% have received it, but the figure is expected to rise as the national rollout scheme continues. The uptake of vaccines in the entire population is unknown, mainly due to a lack of nationwide HPV coverage data.

It is known, however, that specific communities are hesitant about the vaccine despite the rollout scheme. Studies indicate that many factors influence individuals’ decisions to receive it, including health literacy, education and socioeconomic status.

Resolving the Doubt

To tackle this hesitancy, the Thai government has launched targeted initiatives. One example is the Mother–Daughter Initiative (MDI). Mothers are encouraged to undergo cervical cancer screening, while daughters receive the HPV vaccine. Nurses and community health workers provided advocacy and education, leading to highly successful uptake rates of almost 100% in pilot districts.

Similarly, in July 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health launched a pilot initiative. It offers free single-dose HPV vaccinations to female students aged 20–26 at 24 universities, including Chulalongkorn, Mahidol and Chiang Mai. This rollout scheme resulted from surveys showing low vaccination uptake alongside limited knowledge of the disease.

Many cited cost and low perceived personal risk as reasons for lack of immunisation. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive HPV education. However, this new program nicely complements the existing policy for girls aged 11–12, gathering data to support a potential nationwide rollout.

Expanding Cervical Cancer Screening

Screening women aged 35-60 has been a key priority alongside vaccination. It aligns with the WHO’s goal of screening 70% of women every five years through visual inspections and pap smears.

Seventy-seven percent of women have had at least one screening across Thailand. However, data indicate regular follow-up appointments are rare. Tracking is limited due to gaps in data systems. However, linking screening to ID numbers has improved follow-ups in some areas.

Overcoming Barriers

Across the country, there are clinics in every province and 186 laboratories nationwide, making screening broadly accessible. However, poverty, lack of transportation and poor road access still prevent many women from accessing these services. To improve access, the government has introduced self-administered HPV testing kits, offering greater convenience and privacy. Widespread awareness remains a challenge, however and is something that is being worked on.

While there is still work to be done, Thailand’s strategy has shown strong results. With continued effort, the country is well-positioned to meet the 2030 cervical cancer reduction goals set by the WHO.

– Niamh Trinder

Niamh is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing the Cholera Outbreak in Kenya

Cholera Outbreak in KenyaSince late February 2025, six counties in Kenya have been facing a cholera outbreak. Active transmission is occurring in four counties: Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi and Turkana.

Cholera Outbreak in Kenya

The first cholera outbreak in Kenya started in 1971, with current challenges such as displacement and poor infrastructure in rural and flood-affected areas intensifying the issue. Cholera outbreaks mainly stem from two significant factors: changes in climate and inadequate access to sanitation and clean water.

Changing climatic conditions have been connected to cholera outbreaks, including rainfall variations, temperature and extreme weather events. Some Kenyans living in areas impacted by severe weather, such as floods or drought, experience displacement, leaving many without access to clean water and sanitation. Due to the complexity of these cross-border influences, it is increasingly challenging to manage cholera outbreaks.

Cholera remains a serious concern, with the most recent long-term outbreak in Kenya lasting from October 2022 to September 2024. During this period, more than 12,000 cases were reported, resulting in more than 200 deaths. With the fatality rate exceeding the global expectation of 1%, coordinated actions are essential to preventing the spread of cholera and to reducing the severity of future outbreaks.

Solution

To combat the cholera outbreak in Kenya, volunteers at the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) are leading emergency response efforts addressing flooding. Flood response teams focus on search and rescue operations and providing relief to those affected.

In addition, the KRCS partnered with the Ministry of Health to engage community members in tackling the issue. Initiatives include programs that improve knowledge and access, such as Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) deployed rapid response teams to three counties in Kenya to support local health care workers. Their work includes managing active cases through contact tracing, laboratory diagnosis and water testing. WHO also supplies cholera kits to affected areas, containing testing materials, medical equipment and essential medications. In Nairobi County alone, these kits treated an estimated 1,100 mild and severe cases.

To reduce the burden on health officials ahead of potential future outbreaks, the WHO and the Ministry of Health in 2024 trained and deployed 120 workers to high-risk counties, equipping them with the tools to treat cholera cases.

Conclusion

With recent history showing prolonged outbreaks and devastating weather events, the ongoing cholera outbreak in Kenya highlights the need for urgent and sustained action. Displacement, lack of access to sanitation and clean water, along with insufficient infrastructure, continue to drive the spread of cholera, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, coordinated efforts from organizations like the KRCS and the WHO offer hope.

Kenya is taking meaningful steps toward managing this crisis through emergency response and long-term efforts. These include community engagement, training health workers and improving water and sanitation systems. Continued support and investment can help Kenya and surrounding countries break the cycle of recurring outbreaks to build resilience against future public health threats.

– Grace Johnson

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Diseases Impacting Barbados

Diseases Impacting BarbadosBarbados is a small island nation located in the Caribbean. It is located in the Lesser Antilles, specifically the Windward Islands chain. It has a population of a little above 220,000 people. Barbados is known for being the home country of singer Rihanna, its beautiful, pristine beaches and its rum. However, many diseases are impacting Barbados, making life difficult for its citizens.

Noncommunicable Diseases in Barbados

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Barbados. According to the Global Food Research Program, NCDs accounted for 83% of all deaths in 2016. The primary reason for this is the high consumption rate of sugary drinks. Diseases such as obesity are rising in Barbados.

However, the country is taking steps to fight against the prevalence of NCDs. In 2015, the country implemented a 10% tax on sugary drinks, which increased to 20% in 2022. The country also passed the National School Nutrition Policy, which improved the food quality in Barbadian schools, added measures relating to proper physical activity for students and promoted community health.

In 2023, an estimated 6.9% of Barbadians aged 15 and older used tobacco and 67.2% of people in this age group were either overweight or obese. Nearly 43% of the population reported insufficient physical activity. About 34.6% of Barbadian women and 17.1% of Barbadian men were overweight or obese.

Additionally, 24.4% of the population aged 18 and older reported high blood pressure in 2015. And in 2014, 12.2% of the population 18 and older reported having diabetes mellitus.

Infectious Diseases in Barbados

Barbados also deals with infectious diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists Barbados as a country with a frequent or continuous risk of dengue. There was a dengue outbreak in the country in 2023-2024, with 3,303 cases. There were also eight confirmed cases of chikungunya in 2024. Diseases caused by mosquito bites (such as dengue and chikungunya) are prevalent across the Caribbean.

Since Barbados is a small island nation, outbreaks of infectious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika can have particularly big impacts on the country’s health care system and its economic productivity.

Barbados’ economy relies on tourism. An outbreak of infectious diseases might discourage tourists from visiting, causing economic loss for the country and its locals. Diseases impacting Barbados impact not just the country’s public health, but also its economy.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Barbados has taken steps to combat these infectious diseases. The ministry engages in public mosquito control and active disease surveillance to prevent/manage outbreaks.

Conclusion

Barbados is currently dealing with both communicable diseases and NCDs. A significant percentage of Barbadians are dealing with obesity. In addition, the country periodically experiences outbreaks of infectious (primarily mosquito-borne) diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. These diseases impacting Barbados might adversely affect the country’s health care, economy and quality of life.

However, the government has programs to fight these diseases. The government has instituted a 20% tax on sugary drinks and implemented school programs promoting proper nutrition and physical activity. It also engages in programs such as mosquito control and disease surveillance to fight infectious diseases.

– Samriddha Aryal

Samriddha is based in Centreville, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Polio in India: The Impacts of the 2025–2026 GPSAP

Polio in IndiaIndia, in the past, has had a long battle with Polio. Polio mostly affected children in India and the peak was reached in 2000, when 1,600 people were infected, the majority of them children. Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, no matter how many vaccines were created, polio remained a rampant problem in India.

The last known case in India was in Howrah, West Bengal, in 2011. India was officially declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Polio has affected people in India in both the past and present, with many still living with lifelong complications from the disease, such as paralysis in children.

How It Became a National Issue

Polio in India became widespread due to poor hygiene, including the use of unclean water and limited sanitation infrastructure in rural communities. Contaminated water contributes to unhygienic conditions, often because people live in poverty and environments that harm their health.

Many cannot escape these conditions, surviving on less than $3.25 a day. Statistics show that between 1993 and 2004, India had an average poverty rate of 96.8%, with more than half the population lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

How the GPSAP 2025-2026 Will Benefit India

Over the past decade, the country has taken many steps to prevent polio from re-emerging as a major issue. These efforts include making vaccines more accessible, reducing poverty rates and improving access to clean water. The Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan (GPSAP) 2025–2026 focuses on timely detection, allowing cases of polio in specific areas of India to be identified immediately. One strategy for eradicating polio involves stool testing. If a potential virus is detected, the goal is to prevent delays in identifying and responding to cases.

The second step of action involves researching gender differences, specifically, how men and women may experience different symptoms of polio and how these differences could affect them or their children. Participants would be divided by gender and age, with men and women separated and children younger and above the age of 15 for testing. Research suggests that men may be at risk of transmitting polio through sexual intercourse. At the same time, women face an increased risk during pregnancy, especially in areas with limited health care access.

If Polio Is Eradicated, Why Take These Measures?

Although polio has been eradicated in India, it has not been eliminated in all countries. Since a virus causes polio, it can spread across borders through contaminated water, saliva or other bodily fluids. The GPSAP 2025–2026 plan is important because it helps ensure that polio does not return to India. If a case does emerge, strict measures will be taken to prevent its reestablishment in the country.

– Erin Lee

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

Photo: Pixabay