Foreign aid coverage and information.

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KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen

KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Syria and Yemen have devastated public health institutions and affected millions. In Sudan, more than two-thirds of main hospitals are out of service, leaving 11 million people in need of urgent health care since April 2023. Syria faces a similar crisis, with more than 12.2 million people needing immediate medical attention due to inadequate health facility services. In Yemen, about 46% of health facilities are nonfunctional or partially operational, affecting 21.6 million people, at least two-thirds of the population. In response, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is actively providing crucial support and resources to address these health care challenges.

International Aid and Collaboration

On May 25, 2024, KSRelief signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to fund WHO’s critical health response operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the amount of $19.4 million. Before signing the funding agreement, both organizations worked extensively to alleviate the pain the people in Sudan, Syria and Yemen endured.

At Jordan’s Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees, KSRelief has been operating medical clinics where doctors have provided health care assistance, including treatment for sinus and middle ear infections, to 2,349 Syrian patients. Similarly, WHO has been reinforcing disease surveillance in Sudan and Yemen to help countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respond effectively to the health crises in these countries. KSRelief’s funding support to WHO’s critical health operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen facilitates medical care on the ground.

Funding Dialysis Treatments in Sudan

KSRelief’s efforts includes providing $5 million to supply 100 dialysis machines and strengthen dialysis centers in Sudan. Currently, 77 renal dialysis centers in Sudan are only partially functioning and cannot provide life-saving dialysis treatment for the Sudanese people. According to the International Society of Nephrology, there are approximately 8,000 Sudanese people and more who have been relying on dialysis to stay alive since the conflict started. 

Healing Syria After the Earthquakes

On Feb. 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake in Syria destroyed many buildings, including essential hospitals and health clinics, affecting 8.8 million Syrians and resulting in the deaths of 5,954 Syrians. KSRelief supported WHO with a $4.75 million contribution to provide necessary medications and supplies to around 350,000 Syrians in need urgent health care. The funds allocated to Syria will also help WHO restore diagnostic capacity and ambulance services, assisting an estimated 4.1 million Syrians.

Countering Disease Outbreaks in Yemen

KSRelief is providing $9.5 million to support WHO’s operations in Yemen, focusing on strengthening responses to disease outbreaks like cholera and measles. Yemen currently faces over 40,000 suspected cholera cases and more than 34,000 cases of measles and rubella as of August 31, 2023. This funding also aims to help WHO enhance health care facilities in Yemen by improving their sanitation and hygiene services, thereby boosting their capacity to tackle disease outbreaks. These ongoing efforts are expected to benefit approximately 12.9 million Yemenis in urgent need of care due to the public health crisis.

Multilateral Collaboration to Address Critical Health Issues

KSRelief’s critical financial support to WHO’s health operations aims to ensure the safety of Sudanese, Syrian and Yemeni people who dream of a stable and secure future. The ongoing efforts highlight the impact multilateral collaboration between countries and organizations could have in addressing global health issues.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Rwanda

Foreign Aid to RwandaRwanda is a small, hilly, landlocked country in sub-Saharan Africa with around 14 million people. The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi destroyed many essential government buildings and services, completely devastating the country. The international community largely regards the Rwandan government as an “effective development partner”. They see the country as one that employs international aid efficiently to implement its rebuilding and development strategies. Rwanda’s reputation stems from the government’s strong capacity to implement policies with minimal corruption. This ensures that no aid or natural resources are misused or wasted. Rwanda has a good history of aid going directly towards policies that benefit the population and foster sustainable development. Foreign aid to Rwanda showcases encouraging results and serves as an example for other countries.

Major Donors to Rwanda

The major foreign country donors to Rwanda are the U.S., Germany, France and Japan. As of 2021, Rwanda’s biggest donor was the U.S., donating $174 million. In total in 2021, Rwanda received $1.3 billion in foreign aid. The country receives some of the largest aid per capita compared to its regional neighbours. In 2021, Rwanda received $98 in aid per capita, greater than $55 for Uganda, $37 for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and $47 for Burundi during the same year.

Foreign aid to Rwanda has come under more scrutiny lately as international donors have expressed concern over the country’s role in supporting human rights abuses and conflict in the DRC with its reported support of the rebel military group M23. Rwanda’s reported involvement in the current conflict in the DRC. culminated in the U.S. suspending aid in 2012. Currently, Rwanda is still facing international pressure from countries like France to stop its support of M23 and is threatening to reduce foreign aid to Rwanda if it continues to support the conflict.

Health Care Aid

Most foreign aid to Rwanda from the U.S. goes to improving the population’s health by investing in preventative HIV/AIDS measures and basic health, such as malaria prevention. According to BMJ, “Rwanda was among the first African countries to document AIDS cases in 1983, and subsequent HIV/AIDS surveillance has confirmed that Rwanda’s HIV epidemic is longstanding and severe in many settings.”

There has always been a massive divide between the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in rural and urban settings. At its peak in 1986, the urban prevalence of HIV was 17.8%, while the rural prevalence was 1.3%, according to BMJ. The investment into preventative HIV/AIDS measures has resulted in a 56% reduction in new HIV infections over the last 15 years, a dramatic decrease among the population in the country that is on track to remove the HIV epidemic in the country.

U.S. supports Rwanda’s fight against HIV/AIDS through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program is a global initiative that aims to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in countries by funding antiretroviral therapy, supporting prevention programs, and investing in health care infrastructure.

Education

Another significant investment Rwanda makes using foreign aid is in primary education for children. The great priority the government has given to education has enabled Rwanda to sustain near-universal access to primary education for over a decade. The focus on education has allowed more children to get an early start to learning through schooling with gender parity. Early education is the first step for Rwanda to develop its economy, reduce poverty and increase its quality of life. Aid from foreign countries has been integral to Rwanda’s impressive economic development since the 1994 genocide. Rwanda has consistently had positive GDP growth, except for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, Rwanda has seen a recovery in 2022 as the GDP grew by 8.2%.

Rwanda has an ambitious goal of being a middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050. Policy decisions in Rwanda consider these goals and are highly influential in how it uses the foreign aid it receives. Foreign aid to Rwanda is necessary for its development to reach these goals, and it can not succeed by its production alone. Rwanda has positively utilized foreign aid to rebuild the country after the devastating 1994 genocide. In many respects, it is quite remarkable how much the country has developed after the genocide and how much it has exceeded people’s expectations for the country. While there are concerns about a decrease in future aid because of human rights concerns, foreign aid remains an essential source of support for Rwanda’s development goals and increasing the quality of life.

– Mathieu Paré

Mathieu is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Foreign Aid to Georgia Pre New Bill 

Foreign Aid to GeorgiaGeorgia has received a total of $5.3 billion in ongoing foreign aid which includes investment projects, grants, budget support and technical assistance. Its major donors include the European Investment Bank (EIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, EU, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Germany and the United States of America remain the top two foreign countries to provide financial assistance to Georgia. 

Georgia’s International Relations

The United States (U.S.) supports Georgia due to its strategic significance as a young democracy striving for deeper integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Georgia’s location at a crucial international crossroads and its commitment to mutual security objectives further underscore the importance of this partnership. The U.S. aims to help Georgia enhance its resilience and prosperity, fostering a stronger and more resilient democracy in the region. The U.S. President Joe Biden’s Administration’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal for the Department of State and USAID aims to disburse $80 million in foreign aid to Georgia under Assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.

The World Bank remains committed to Georgia’s progress and endeavours to continue supporting its journey towards a more competitive, environmentally sustainable, digitally advanced and business-friendly economy that creates opportunities for its citizens. The World Bank has extended substantial foreign aid to Georgia totalling $3.88 billion. This support, including funds from the International Development Association (IDA), has been aiming to support 86 projects covering various sectors of the economy. 

EU and Georgia

The EU and Georgia have maintained ties for more than 25 years, and currently, their relationship is more robust than ever before. Surveys indicate that as much as 90% of Georgia’s 3.7 million people favour EU accession; and, in return, the EU aids Georgia in unlocking its economic potential through international collaboration. This involves providing assistance to align with EU legislative standards and facilitating integration into broader economic frameworks.

EU is Georgia’s major trading partner. Its exports to Georgia amounted to €3.23 billion and it imported goods worth €1.026 billion in 2022. In the coming years, the EU hopes to invest in several flagship projects in Georgia to foster economic development and improve quality of life. These projects include establishing reliable internet through a Black Sea data cable and electricity cable, enhancing connectivity with ferry connections in the Black Sea and supporting 80,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives collectively aim to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, support local businesses and improve living standards across the country.

Georgia’s Poverty Rate

According to the World Bank, Georgia’s poverty rate declined from 70.6% in 2010 to 47.7% in 2022. Furthermore, the job market showed robust improvement, with unemployment dropping from 20.6% in 2021 to a historic low of 16.4% in 2023. In fact, in 2022, the Government of Georgia officially joined the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) as a donor. And finally, with the West granting Georgia candidate status, the EU accession process could offer opportunities to accelerate reforms and foster prosperity. 

European Foreign Aid to Georgia

USAID’s ongoing initiatives in Georgia prioritize several key areas, including job creation and enhancing educational and professional training to equip Georgians with the skills needed for a modern economy. These initiatives focus on education and professional training, increasing employability and income potential, ultimately lifting individuals out of poverty.

In recent years, foreign aid to Georgia has included significant contributions such as Germany’s €310 million COVID-19 relief funding in 2020 and a combined investment of €641 million from AFD (France) and KfW (Germany) in 2023, with E.U. grants amounting to €8.5 million for the “Green Transition for Georgia” project.

Additionally, a substantial investment of €6.5 million from the European Union and €1 million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has been allocated to explore untapped social and economic potentials in regions such as Guria, Imereti, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi/Kvemo Svaneti. This support for green energy projects not only reduces dependency on costly energy imports but also creates new job opportunities in renewable energy sectors, mitigating environmental degradation and contributing to sustainable poverty reduction.

The Council of the European Union has announced the adoption of a €30 million assistance measure for Georgia under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This measure aims to support “the Georgian Defence Forces in enhancing national security, stability and resilience within the defence sector.” Enhanced national security could create a stable environment crucial for economic growth, attracting foreign investment and fostering local business development, which generates employment.

Georgia’s Recent “Foreign Agents” Bill

A major recent development by the Georgian government has questioned the continuation of foreign aid. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Georgian lawmakers approved the legislation, with 84 members of the country’s 150-member law-making body voting in favor. This new bill requires non-governmental organizations, receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad, to register as “organizations serving the interests of a foreign power” or face fines. Supporters argue that the new bill aims to maintain foreign investment transparency and avoid foreign influence on Georgian politics. They also say the new bill is based on a similar U.S. law — the Foreign Agents Registration Act — which dates back to 1938.

The people of Georgia understand this to be a “Kremlin-style” law as similar legislation passed by Moscow in 2012 has been used to crack down on dissenters in the country. Due to Georgia’s history with Russia, there are multiple protests in the streets of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, against the new bill implementation. 

Georgia was recently given official candidate status for the EU membership in 2023 and the new bill does not align with European values of free speech. With the passing of this bill, the Georgian government is getting further away from accessing the EU which can be a “turning point” for its relations with the two countries including funding to be possibly pulled off by the U.S.

According to The Guardian, the Georgian government is hinting at the possibility of dropping the bill in return for revised support from the States or “a package of economic and security support from Washington.”

– Sakshi Pillai

Sakshi is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Politics and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Aid to Colombia: Navigating the Complexities of Internal Conflict

US Aid to ColombiaTo understand the complexity of U.S. foreign aid to Colombia, it is necessary to examine the current state of the country’s internal conflict. U.S. aid to Colombia has historically focused on combating the drug trade in Buenaventura, as evidenced by initiatives like Plan Colombia. The relationship between poverty, illicit markets and paramilitary groups in Colombia complicates the lives of individuals living in impoverished areas, often forcing them to turn to coca farming and drug trafficking as a means of survival.

“I was raised in Medellín,” said Luis Arango, who did social research in Buenaventura with the University of Antioquia, in an interview with The Borgen Project. “Medellín in the 1980s was the most violent city in the world, so I can understand how drug trafficking links with minorities living in poverty areas. They become part of the business, not because they want to, but because it is one of the only possibilities of making money.”

Considering the role of the drug trade in the country’s internal conflict, recent U.S. foreign aid to Colombia has centered largely around prohibition – for better or for worse. Here is a summary of the role of the drug trade in Colombia’s internal conflict and how it relates to U.S. aid and its prospects.

Internal Conflict in Colombia

A nuanced relationship between the illicit drug trade, paramilitary groups and poverty punctuates the country’s internal conflict. To begin, Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine producer and the port of Buenaventura handles 60% of its imports and exports – from coffee to gold to drugs.

Buenaventura’s port generates $1.8 billion annually in customs tax revenue, but the surrounding regions see little of it. For many, the only viable way to earn a living wage is by working in drug trafficking, as the area has experienced significant poverty. For example, 80% of Buenaventura’s population lived below the nation’s poverty line in 2003, compared to 39.3% nationally. There is also rural dependency on cocoa farming for survival. Outside the port city, in the Andes Mountains, cheap labor continues. In 2021, the UNODC reported that coca cultivation reached a historical high, and 52% of farming is located in special management zones where it threatens preservation of biological and cultural diversity.

Further, numerous armed groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), fund themselves on illegal economies such as drug trafficking.

History of US Aid to Colombia

The U.S. has provided aid to Colombia since 1822, when the country gained independence from Spain. In recent years, U.S. aid has focused on promoting peace in the country, the U.S. Department of State reports. According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, “Since 2016, the United States has provided more than one billion dollars in direct and indirect support to Colombia’s peace implementation – the largest contribution of any international actor.”

To promote peace, foreign aid to Colombia has focused on combating points of internal conflict such as paramilitary groups and the illicit drug markets that fuel them. According to the U.S. Department of State, “The U.S. government supports Colombian peace efforts by working in conflict-affected rural areas of Colombia where violence, drug trafficking, limited state presence and the absence of licit economic opportunities historically converge.”

In 2000, the U.S. initiated Plan Colombia, allocating $10 billion for cartel combat through crop eradication. Initial aerial fumigation was halted due to carcinogenic concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO). Presently, Washington and Bogotá fund eradication by hand. The National Police aims to eradicate 20,000 hectares in 2023, 60% less than the unmet 2022 objective. Previous plans to dismantle the drug trade have not been as effective as anticipated.

Current Updates and Prospects

International partners have initiated projects to improve the socioeconomic position of farmers. The Colombian Government, UNODC and international partners began a project that aims to increase income for farmers by supporting their sale of legal products such as coffee, honey, coconuts and beans to make them more competitive in domestic and international markets.

The World Bank also ratified its support for Colombia through a $750 million financing of the Program for the Development of Equitable and Sustainable Policies. This was “in recognition of the country’s efforts to overcome the injustices and exclusion that have generated high levels of inequality and to advance the peace process in the country,” according to a 2023 press release from the World Bank.

Luis Arango considers more alternative approaches to prohibition, with a focus on alleviating poverty in Buenaventura through legalization and regulation, youth art initiatives and new financial incentives for farmers. “It will be interesting to see if there’s some kind of support for the people who are trying to have another answer,” Arango says. Meanwhile, the notable shift in focus on increasing income for farmers of Buenaventura presents a promising example of a sustainable resolution to drug-related poverty in Colombia.

–  Sheridan Smith

Sheridan is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Japan is Helping to Alleviate Poverty in the East

How Japan Assists in Aiding Poverty in the EastJapan, with its advanced social and economic markets, stands out in the East. However, neighboring countries continue to struggle with poverty. To address this, the country has launched innovative programs aimed at alleviating poverty in the east by bolstering the economies of these nations. This article examines Japan’s efforts to assist low-income countries in the East.

Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction

The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), founded in 2000, provides grants to the poorest nations and most vulnerable groups, particularly the Asia-Pacific region. Such countries include India, Nepal, the Philippines and Malaysia. It aims to foster sustainable socioeconomic development. The grants target poverty reduction initiatives with the direct participation of nongovernment organizations, community groups and civil society. Eastern countries received $612.4 million from Japan as of 2013.

Nepal

From 2001 to 2011, JFPR helped Nepal with 10 projects and more than $17 million worth of aid. These projects include agriculture, governance and social sectors. At the moment, JFPR is supporting Nepal’s efforts to reduce anemia and other vitamin and mineral deficiency-related conditions. In addition, it assists the Nepal Police in inventing a new and improved system for the treatment of victims of crime against women and children in five districts.

Marginalized groups in Nepal such as Dalit, Majhi, Kumal and Bhote, have been helped by raising awareness about their social rights, organizing campaigns for social awareness and other workshops. Japan aims to integrate them fully into Nepalese society. There are also efforts to increase the number of Nepalese with legal identity documents, especially among the poor and vulnerable groups.

The ODA programs

Japan is also a major donor to countries in East Asia and other regions. In 2021, $10.7 billion was allocated to Asia. Through its ODA programs, areas such as health care, education, infrastructure development and agriculture are aided. Notable improvement has been seen in East Asia and Southeast Asia. In 1990, approximately 21% of people were living in poverty in Southeast Asia, as opposed to 6.8% in 2004. 

ODA –India

India has been one of the biggest receivers of Japan’s ODA loan over the last few decades. The Delhi Metro presents itself as a success story as a result of Japan’s contributions. The country introduced its Shinkansen System to India to build high-speed railways, the staple project of the Japan-India partnership. In 2022, India received 567.5 billion yen in loans from Japan and 4.7 billion yen in grants. Japan continues its support through the “Act East” policy and “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” which help to support strategic connectivity. 

Looking Ahead

Japan’s commitment to alleviating poverty in neighboring Eastern countries is making a significant impact, providing vulnerable communities with the tools needed for sustainable development. Through targeted grants and development projects, Japan is fostering economic growth, enhancing social welfare and improving the living standards of millions. The success stories emerging from these efforts highlight the powerful role of international collaboration in tackling global poverty. Looking ahead, Japan’s innovative programs promise to continue supporting the fight against poverty, driving progress and prosperity in the East.

– Sepy Akbarian

Sepy is based in the UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Looking Back: 5 Influential Global Poverty Reduction Acts

Looking Back: 5 Influential Global Poverty Reduction Acts The United States (U.S.) has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing global poverty reduction legislation. In recent years, the U.S. Congress has enacted significant bills aimed at reducing global poverty, with its impact resonating worldwide. So far, these efforts underscore the success of U.S. global poverty reduction acts and their ongoing effectiveness into 2024.

5 Influential Global Poverty Reduction Acts

  1. BUILD Act. The Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development Act, known as The BUILD Act of 2018, established the United States International Development Finance Corporation to boost economic growth in developing countries. In a Center for Strategic and International Studies interview with Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ), the House representative applauded the millions of equity investments provided in Ukraine and Brazil. The BUILD Act, under the IDFC’s framework, is slated for reauthorization in 2025.
  2. Global Food Security Act. The Global Food Security Act of 2016 enhanced farmers’ access to both local and international markets. The act improves agricultural infrastructure and expands market opportunities in developing countries. This act has lifted millions of people out of poverty, building on the achievements of the landmark Feed the Future Act of 2010. In addition, Feed the Future reduced global hunger by 5.2 million. It elevated 23.4 million people from poverty and generated $15.3 billion in agricultural sales for farmers, among other successes. As a vital component of global poverty reduction legislation, the Global Food Security Act received reauthorization in 2018 and 2023.
  3. Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act. The Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2022 equipped the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the resources to tackle food safety, fortification and health care systems, among other health-related challenges in developing countries. As of 2022, USAID’s health initiatives have benefited 32 million children and 11.6 million pregnant mothers.
  4. Global Fragility Act. The Global Fragility Act (GFA), enacted in 2019, aims to prevent violence in fragile countries. The Biden administration identified nine countries where the U.S. plans to mitigate domestic conflicts and violence. Additionally, these partnerships include efforts in Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and Coastal West Africa—namely Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Togo—targeting regions with significant conflict challenges.
  5. Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act. The Protecting Girls’ Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act, enacted in 2019, mandates USAID to prioritize education for displaced girls. This legislation aims to enhance access to education for children, especially girls in countries where they face discrimination. In addition, it addresses the gap wherein a quarter of girls aged 15 to 19 worldwide lack access to formal education. This significantly limits their employment opportunities in the formal sector.

Fighting Global Poverty

The U.S. continues to lead global poverty reduction acts through impactful legislation. Crucial issues from food security to education and conflict resolution are being addressed. In addition, these acts represent a multifaceted approach to eradicating poverty. They showcase the U.S.’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and stability worldwide. As these programs move forward, their ongoing success and expansion offer hope for a future where global poverty is significantly diminished. They underscore the importance of continued support and innovation in tackling these challenges.

– Marley Wilson

Marley is based in Waltham, MA, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Malta’s Foreign Aid

Malta’s Foreign AidForeign aid is money, supplies or services given or lent to a developing country by a developed country. It is the assistance provided during conflict (military aid), an economic crisis (economic aid) or after a natural disaster (humanitarian aid). Some types of foreign aid include supplies like food and military equipment, as well as services such as humanitarian aid, military assistance, training and assistance with infrastructure.

Mainly, foreign aid assists in times of need. It has multiple benefits for both the receiving country and the country assisting. A key benefit can stimulate economic growth and help fight poverty in the developing country through the support of education and health care, as well as the funding of infrastructure, which can create jobs and improve living standards. Another benefit is that the country providing foreign aid improves its security, as it helps cultivate relationships between the countries – this can lead to the possibilities of investment and trade.

Foreign aid is a key way countries are helping to fight poverty in developing countries. Malta is one of those countries helping. Malta’s foreign aid exhibits its commitment to international solidarity and humanitarianism.

Malta’s Foreign Aid

The Order of Malta uses the Foreign Aid Service (FAS) to raise funds for those in need abroad. It focuses on humanitarian aid and missions run around the world. It raises money to support the disadvantaged, such as the elderly and disabled people, the homeless and refugees. Also, it helps countries that have gone through disasters and emergencies.

Some types of foreign aid Malta provides include:

  • Food 
  • Clean water
  • Shelter 
  • Protection
  • Sanitation 
  • Hygiene 
  • Medical and mental health support

A subsection of the Order of Malta called Malteser International is a humanitarian aid organization dedicated to working on the frontlines, providing relief and rehabilitation for those who need it after disasters. Its mission is to “serve the poor and the sick.”

Example of Malta’s Foreign Aid

Most recently, the Order of Malta has raised funds for the earthquake in Syria and Turkey, one of the region’s worst earthquakes in years. More than 15 million people were impacted by the quake, with around 130,000 people injured and 55,000 people dead. In response, Malteser International provided immediate aid, as a team was already working on a regional project. An emergency relief team was organized to bring supplies to the people affected by the earthquake.

Malteser International and How It Helps

Most of Malta’s foreign aid consists of services Malteser International carries out. The organization provides support on many continents, including Africa and Asia. One of Malteser International’s African initiatives involves fighting AIDS and tuberculosis in Kenya. Since 2001, Malteser International has been working in the health field to educate the residents of the slums in Nairobi about diseases, improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention. More than 60% of the population of Nairobi lives in the slums, with low and irregular incomes from day labor.

Due to AIDS being a common disease in the slums of Nairobi, many of the residents have weakened immune systems. They are very vulnerable to diseases like tuberculosis, which spread quickly in the overcrowded slums. Some measures Malteser International is undertaking to help residents include creating awareness by educating the residents about tuberculosis and giving health and nutrition advice to tuberculosis patients.

In Asia, Malteser International has been providing support to people in the Thar Desert since 2010. The nonprofit partnered with UNNATI, an Indian organization for Development Education, to improve food security in 50 villages.

Many women and children in areas with poor hygiene conditions are malnourished. Not only is there a water scarcity in the Thar Desert due to low rainfall and high temperatures, but the lack of access to clean water, which is often contaminated and the unsanitary conditions lead to an increased risk of malnourishment.

Malteser International and UNNATI are working to improve healthy nutrition and hygiene, especially for women and younger girls, to prevent malnourishment. They also work with farmers to improve cultivation methods to adapt to climate change.

Final Remark

Foreign aid is essential for addressing global challenges, like reducing poverty and promoting sustainable/economic development. Malta’s foreign aid contribution provides vital assistance in countries’ times of crisis. It supports long-term development projects that help countries reduce their poverty levels and allow them to develop economically. Malta’s foreign aid efforts are a reminder of the importance of international solidarity and humanitarianism in the fight to provide a more sustainable future for all.

– Isabella Green
Photo: Flickr

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Ukraine Promotes Human Welfare

Ukraine Promotes Human WelfareIn March 2024, the Grain from Ukraine initiative, launched by President Zelenskyy in 2022, contributed 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour to Sudan. This human welfare effort, facilitated by the German Federal Foreign Office, underscores Ukraine’s commitment to humanitarian assistance. The German Federal Foreign Office funded the operation with a $16 million investment, aligning its mission and humanitarian efforts with the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

In addition, the German Federal Foreign Office bases its actions on key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles emphasize the importance of aiding individuals based on their needs without influence from political, military, economic, or other agendas, ensuring assistance is purely humanitarian.

Engineering the Donation

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the German Federal Foreign Office and the Grain from Ukraine program all maintain political neutrality in their donation efforts. Above all, its primary goal is saving lives and alleviating suffering through humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to underscore the importance of foreign aid and advocacy from one nation to another, focusing on the critical need for continued support.

Data Determines Need

The IPC is a multi-partner program that works to improve food security and perform nutrition analysis. This program analyzes situations of need, adheres to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) process and shares data. Data from the IPC is then utilized by the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The decision-makers like the IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) and HRP use this information to address the situation of food insecurity.

Furthermore, the IPC uses five categories to identify areas of need: minimal/none, stressed, crisis, emergency and catastrophe/famine. The category designation guides decision-makers in prioritizing assistance and intervention efforts on global, regional, or national levels.

Improving Human Welfare

More than 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are facing a severe food security crisis. In Sudan alone, 5 million out of 18 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In addition, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that a shipment of 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour will provide a month’s sustenance for one million people. Arriving in Port Sudan, this wheat flour, distributed by WFP trucks, is crucial for families, especially during May’s “lean season” when food scarcity intensifies.

Moreover, Eddie Rowe became WFP’s Country Director for Sudan in March 2021, overseeing Emergency and Natural Disaster operations, including in Sudan. Rowe expressed, “This donation will enable WFP to support people whose lives have been completely upended. We are deeply grateful to Ukraine and Germany for supporting the Sudanese people in their greatest hour of need.”

Looking Forward

The Grain from Ukraine initiative, backed by the German Federal Foreign Office, is a beacon of hope for millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad. Through collaborative international efforts, this program not only provides essential sustenance but also embodies the spirit of human welfare and solidarity across borders. The commitment to neutrality and impartiality ensures that aid reaches those most in need, free from external agendas.

Above all, as these endeavors progress, they highlight the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in addressing global hunger crises. The partnership between nations like Ukraine and Germany, alongside organizations such as the WFP, sets a precedent for future humanitarian collaborations. Looking ahead, the continued support and generosity of the international community remain vital in combating hunger and building a more secure, nourished world.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr

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Equitable Funding: African Visionary Fund

Equitable Funding: African Visionary Fund (AV Fund)The African Visionary Fund (AV Fund) is integral to this article’s discussion on the reevaluation of foreign assistance approaches. Degan Ali, a prominent African activist and founder of NEAR, a network championing the Global South’s leadership, advocates for reforming foreign aid distribution. Furthermore, the organization aims to decentralize control, directing resources and decision-making power closer to the communities they intend to assist.

Evidence of Change

Decolonizing Development is gaining traction in the aid sector, highlighted by the African Visionary Fund (AV Fund)’s recent announcement. Launching as a Segal Family Foundation fellowship in 2017, the AV Fund commits $1 million in flexible support to African-led organizations. In addition, this initiative, benefiting Sub-Saharan African communities, boasts pooled funding from several contributors, including King Baudouin Foundation’s United States (U.S.) arm, Segal Family Foundation, Skoll Foundation and the Tawingo Fund, which supports small to medium-sized charitable groups aiding the needy in developing nations.

The Case for Co-Leadership

Co-leadership is essential to the African Visionary Fund’s (AV Fund) operation, underscoring the belief that proximity to the communities served enhances the impact. Integral to its philosophy since inception, the AV Fund advocates for equity-centered philanthropy, embodying these principles within its structure. Launched as an independent entity in 2020, Katie Bunten-Wamaru, with her extensive background in nonprofit management and experience in East Africa, serves as the co-CEO, propelling the Fund’s mission forward. Her leadership exemplifies the Fund’s commitment to shared governance and deep local engagement.

“The African Visionary Fund (AV Fund) emerged amid global discussions on equity and localization, focusing on directing more funding to local leaders during the global pandemic. A year after its inception, Atti Worku joined Katie Bunten-Wamaru as co-CEO. Based in Africa, Worku, with her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and advocacy for local founders, has significantly contributed to the Fund’s mission. Moreover, before the AV Fund, Worku founded and led Seeds of Africa in Ethiopia for more than a decade, bringing valuable grassroots experience to her role.

Atti Worku, AV Fund co-CEO stated “This role is very personal to me. I see myself in the ambitious and innovative entrepreneurs we engage with at the AV Fund. I hope to learn from them and partner with them to redesign funding systems that give African visionaries an equitable chance of success.”

AV Fund

The African Visionary Fund (AV Fund) emphasizes collaboration with visionary leaders and acts as a strategic ally, creating opportunities for those closest to their communities. It focuses on supporting organizations that are African-founded, -based and -led, working alongside a network of trusted partners. In addition, this approach enables significant impacts across various sectors, including health infrastructure, education, local economies and equitable societies, showcasing the Fund’s success in fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

Looking Forward

The AV Fund is evidence that foreign aid is having a reckoning. As Degan Ali impressed “International fund-raising should be based on amplifying the dynamic work our communities themselves are engaged in.” Furthermore, Bunten-Wamaru stated, “Everything that we do has to be in service of African-led organization.” In addition, Katie explained further, “There will always be a need to balance this tension – having a co-leadership model helps us balance both sides of our work and not lose sight of either goal.”

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr

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The Approach of South Korea to Poverty Reduction

South Korea Poverty ReductionThe Korean wave is taking the 21st century by storm with the world of K-pop, K-dramas and K-beauty. Within the context of this cultural phenomenon, this is how South Korea emerged as an influential global force and what it has done to tackle poverty reduction.

South Korea’s Journey to Economic Success

After the Korean War in the 1950s, the Korean economy was at a low, with the average income being less than $100. But organizations like the International Development Association (IDA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided aid and assistance to South Korea. Moreover, President Park Chung-hee enforced socio-economic growth policies that eventually led to South Korea’s jump to success in the 1980s and ‘90s.

Despite a brief recession in the late 1980s, South Korea quickly recovered and has grown its gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 4.9% each year from 1988 to 2022. In fact, South Korea experienced the fastest GDP growth of any country from 1980 to 1990, and it is now a leader in the education and health care industries as the 12th largest economy in the world.

Internal Anti-Poverty Reforms

With its rapid economic growth came a rapid poverty reduction in South Korea. Following the 1997–1998 financial crisis, the Korean government established programs aimed at mitigating the damage of mass layoffs to ensure protection for individuals who were unemployed as a result. South Korea focused on expanding exports and competing in the international economy, which led to education reforms, as they needed a more educated labor force in order to increase exports.

These education reforms allowed more social mobility, as even the lower classes were able to take advantage of their literacy to move upwards in the class hierarchy. The rising GDP allowed rural workers, whose agricultural products experienced rapid price increases, to make much more money than they were prior to South Korea’s fiscal growth, according to a 2004 case study.

Poverty reduction in South Korea follows a model known as “Productive Welfare,” which seeks to improve basic living standards for all Korean citizens while encouraging social development and distributing wealth equally, according to the same case study. The government established a minimum wage and extended health care insurance coverage, even guaranteeing pension benefits for anyone earning an income.

Foreign Aid and Assistance

South Korea has reversed its role in the international aid arena, changing from a recipient to a benefactor. Outside of South Korea’s borders, the government has made efforts to support developing countries around the world by partnering with organizations like the World Bank Group and the International Development Association (IDA). Korea’s journey to prosperity represents a model for other developing countries to learn from and the World Bank and Korean government are working towards using Korea’s experience to help other countries achieve the same success, according to the World Bank.

The Korean government created the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in 1991, which is responsible for managing aid grants for developing nations, according to Brookings. Modeled after the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the KOICA focuses on promoting education, rural development, gender equality, health care and sustainability. Similar to Korea’s partnership with the World Bank, it implements its own development strategies, specifically in South Asia and Africa, Brookings reports. It also seeks to provide medical assistance in developing regions, having helped countries such as Indonesia and Haiti after devastating natural disasters.

Recent Poverty Reduction Efforts

In the past few years, South Korea has made major improvements in its poverty reduction policies. For example, the government increased the minimum wage by 16% in 2018 and 11% in 2019. This increase in income and the previously mentioned pension guarantee created more than 2 million more jobs and created a sense of overall stability among the working class of South Korea.

Moreover, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and following job losses, the South Korean government focused on creating more jobs and providing immediate aid to families in the form of Emergency Relief Allowances. The health care system also responded efficiently to the crisis, establishing quarantining, tracing, and testing measures to maintain relatively low rates of infection. The South Korean government has even raised social spending from 9.9% of its GDP in 2016 to 12.2% in 2019, according to Sustainable Government Indicators (SGI).

Another more recent initiative to support poverty reduction in South Korea was the Korea-UNDP MDG Trust Fund, created in 2009 by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator and the Republic of Korea, which focuses on furthering advancements toward South Korea’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Also in 2009, they formed the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre for Global Development Partnerships, which looks at new perspectives for securing long-term human welfare in South Korea.

South Korea as a Blueprint for Poverty Alleviation

South Korea’s path from a war-torn nation to a major international power illustrates the strategies they used to reduce poverty, including education and health care reform, to build a more productive labor force for their trade exports to rely on. Despite issues of relative poverty and wealth distribution gaps, South Korea serves as an example for other countries to achieve socio-economic development and uses its resources to donate aid and assistance to those in need.

– Nina Zhu
Photo: Unsplash