Archive for category: Disease

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The Hexavalent Vaccine Program in Senegal

The Hexavalent Vaccine Program in SenegalSenegal stands as one of Africa’s most stable and developing countries. From previous opposing leadership, Senegal now stands as a free country that can restructure its infrastructure. The most recent implementation in Senegal, the hexavalent vaccine program, plans to provide a healthier and more accessible future for health care.

The hexavalent vaccine program was officially introduced in Senegal in early July 2025. Centered on the Vaxelis vaccine, the initiative represents a major step toward ensuring healthier, more efficient lives for citizens by protecting children against multiple deadly diseases with a single shot.

Facts About the Hexavalent Program

The hexavalent program provides new, effective vaccines to combat six different diseases. The Vaxelis shot aims to prevent:

  • Whooping Cough
  • Hepatitis B
  • Diphtheria
  • Poliomyelitis (Polio)
  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
  • Tetanus

The hexavalent vaccine replaces the previous, separately administered vaccines. This six-in-one vaccine’s impact can be endless, as it is time and cost-effective. This three-round immunization works on a 14-week schedule for completion. With infancy, this can be a four-round immunization cycle to protect against Hepatitis B preemptively.

This program aims to improve efficiency by reducing costs and the number of injections needed. From 2024 to the present day, the price has ranged from $4.50 to $2.85 per dose. In developing and low-income countries, $2.85 per dose is the average for the three-dose vaccine.

This vaccine will impact and create financial markets that will draw investment efforts. The hexavalent program can promote a flourishing market, rather than destroying it.

Senegal’s Hexavalent Vaccine Rollout

Senegal is among the first low-income countries to adopt this innovation. This vaccine eases the burden on children and parents, strengthens polio defense and aligns with WHO’s optimized immunization schedules. Backed by Gavi (covering most costs) and the Senegalese government (20% contribution), the rollout is expected to prevent 2,300 hospitalizations annually by 2030.

The Minister of Health and Social Action, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, emphasized the importance of this program and how this reinforcing vaccine will offer a healthier future for Senegal: “For the past 18 months, our teams have been working tirelessly to prepare this transition. Hexavalent embodies our commitment to offering Senegalese children simplified and reinforced protection.”

This program signals a healthier future for fragile health care systems struggling with limited resources. Other countries are already studying Senegal’s model to adapt and strengthen their own immunization efforts.

Conclusion

With its strong commitment to universal health care coverage, Senegal is shifting its focus toward addressing the systemic barriers that continue to delay this mission. A critical review is being performed to study these weak points and how to implement successful foundations.

It marks a historic moment for Senegal, reflecting a turning point in its health sector and shaping the trajectory of future health care development across the nation.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan

HIV/AIDS in KazakhstanKazakhstan is a large Central Asian country, bordering Russia at its north, and Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan at its south. It is a developing country, and international aid plays a large part in disease control. HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan has been a growing problem for years. A combination of domestic and international aid has been successfully active in Kazakhstan, but this problem is very much ongoing. Furthermore, U.S. budget cuts are threatening aid which Kazakhstan relies on.

Overview of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan

The Eastern Europe and Central Asian region (EECA) is the only region in the world where HIV and AIDS infections, as well as AIDS-related deaths, are still rising. A study carried out under Dove Press shows a consistent increase in the percentage of the Kazakh population living with HIV since 2010 – 0.12% of the population in 2010, and 0.27% in 2020. As of 2024, around 43,000 adults aged above 15 live with HIV in Kazakhstan.

Poverty also has some correlation with HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan. Sex workers are at higher risk of infection, a lifestyle which is generally a product of poverty and desperation. Furthermore, drug-users are at higher risk of HIV than non-drug-users, another practice which has links – cause or effect – to poverty. One way in which Kazakhstan could indirectly address its HIV/AIDS problem would be to help the poorest, and bring people out of particularly vulnerable situations.

There are reasons for optimism: 

  • The HIV epidemic in Kazakhstan is isolated to certain groups, such as people who inject drugs, or men who have sex with other men. It is not a population-wide epidemic, and therefore eradication is more easily attainable. 
  • According to UNAIDS, in 2024, there was a 2% decrease in new HIV cases compared to 2010.
  • The international community is helping Kazakhstan in a number of ways.

The Importance of International Aid

There are multiple NGOs and state-funded organizations which have helped and are helping Kazakhstan. These include:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC is a U.S.-based and government funded organization which works globally. In 2005, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) implemented actions, and since then, CDC has supported Kazakh domestic organizations, such as KSCDID, in researching and treating HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan:

  • CDC has improved online services, making information accessible to the Kazakh population and encouraging informed decision-making.
  • CDC supports five HIV treatment facilities with funding and technology. These accounted for 5,234 patients in 2024, a 34% increase since 2019.
  • CDC claims to have supplied effective treatment to more than 20,000 infected people in Kazakhstan, in collaboration with its government.

The UNDP: The UN Development Program (UNDP) has helped to modernize health care in Kazakhstan:

  • Invested in modern, effective equipment for PCR testing in 15 different AIDS centers across Kazakhstan.
  • Pushed HIV and AIDS testing towards automation – less direct contact with doctors results in lower likelihood of human error or even further spread of infection.

USAID: This was an organization created under President Bush. It is credited with saving 25 million lives worldwide through its work on HIV and AIDS, and was very influential in Kazakhstan:

  • USAID allocated more than $15 million USD to Kazakhstan in 2024. About $8.8 million USD out of this total was invested in health care, with the rest being split between goals such as upholding human rights, stimulating economic development and maintaining peace.
  • In 2020, USAID launched a flagship project in Kazakhstan which tested more than 10,000 people for HIV/AIDS, 600 of which were positive. This project also granted life-saving health care to more than 3,000 people living with HIV.

Threat to International Aid

This year, President Trump aims to decrease government spending by $9 billion USD. One victim of these cuts is USAID, which had to shut down in July 2025 due to lack of funding. Both former-presidents Bush and Obama have condemned this action.

The organization UNAIDS particularly focuses on the significance of the U.S. funding, and impact of the cuts. It projects a 90% reduction in HIV testing and outreach in two regions of Kazakhstan, accounting for 20% of the drug-using population and 9% of men who have sex with men.

The morale of the Kazakh people is another important factor. The fear of HIV and AIDS negatively affects the population, and UNAIDS highlights the significance and growth of this fear with the introduction of the temporary U.S. funding freeze in March 2025, even before the cuts have been fully implemented.

Reasons to Be Optimistic

Under these threatening circumstances, there are multiple actors working to soften the potential blows as much as possible. For example, the Government of Kazakhstan is committed to filling the gaps that the U.S. left with domestic funding. The government already covered 95% of the costs of HIV research and treatment, and so were not entirely reliant on the CDC before the cuts.

Communities in Kazakhstan are also mobilizing. There has been increased volunteering, as well as outreach workers moving to AIDS centers. There has also been dialogue with the Global Fund, which could help in the place of U.S. aid.

Meanwhile, in the case of the U.S. Government, in July 2025, U.S. senators said that they would end a plan to cut $400 million dollars from PEPFAR funding, a decision which many experts are relieved about. This should significantly lessen the potential impact of the cuts on HIV and AIDS relief, in Kazakhstan and across the world.

Looking Ahead

In summary, while HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan is a significant problem, and the threats to international aid funding are of further concern, there is cause for optimism. The people of Kazakhstan, as well as the international community, are adapting and making the best of their situation.

– Oliver Evans

Oliver is based in Devon, United UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UAE Sends Aid To Help in Fight Against Cholera in Chad

Cholera in ChadSince the start of 2025, more than 390,000 cases of cholera have been reported across 31 countries. At least 4,322 of those cases have been fatal. On paper, these numbers can be hard to grasp.

However, to put them in perspective, the number of infections is nearly four times the capacity of Michigan Stadium, the largest stadium in the U.S. The death toll is equally staggering, approaching one and a half times the number of lives lost in the September 11 attacks.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mild cholera cases can be easily treated with oral rehydration solutions, which replace lost fluids and electrolytes. More extreme cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly, though if caught in time, treatment is very effective.

Cholera is a waterborne disease, meaning it is primarily spread through contaminated water sources. This fact is particularly sobering in Chad, where only 52% of the population can access clean drinking water. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where that number drops to just 43.8%.

Cholera in Chad

This global outbreak has hit Chad, a country in north-central Africa, especially hard. Chad has a population of more than 19 million, with 44.8% living on an income below the national poverty line. From July 13 to August 19, Chad recorded 776 cholera cases and 53 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 6.8%.

The disease is believed to have entered Chad from its eastern neighbor, Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a violent civil war that has devastated the country. According to the United Nations (U.N.), the ongoing conflict has triggered a massive refugee crisis, forcing approximately 1.2 million Sudanese to flee across the border into Chad in search of safety and stability.

The cholera outbreak has been further worsened by these cross-border movements and the instability caused by the war. Armed conflict often exacerbates disease spread, making it essential to focus on this region now to prevent outbreaks and further human suffering.

UAE Involvement

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a small but wealthy country on the Arabian Peninsula. In August 2025, its government sent 30 tons of lifesaving medical supplies to Chad to combat the cholera outbreak.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, the chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, confirmed that Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s priority is to continue the country’s “international humanitarian commitment to address health challenges wherever they arise.”

In 2025 alone, the UAE has distributed more than $80 million in health-related aid worldwide, with the primary beneficiaries in West Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

Efforts to contain cholera in Chad are critical. The UAE’s contribution is a meaningful step in the fight against cholera, offering critical relief to one of the regions hit hardest by the outbreak. However, millions remain at risk due to limited access to clean water, basic health care and humanitarian support.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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