Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The 1995 Global Summit Became a Blueprint for Ending Poverty

The World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) took place in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Many considered this event a catalyst for international cooperation in reducing global poverty. The 1995 Global Summit was, at its time, the largest convention of world leaders to ever meet; more than 14,000 people attended, including delegates from 186 countries, with heads of state or government representing 117 of them.

Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development

The Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development was the main political declaration that summit participants adopted in 1995. It outlines the global commitment to social development, focusing on reducing poverty.

The Copenhagen Declaration outlines ten key commitments. A summary of these commitments includes:

  1. Creating an environment to achieve social development.
  2. Eradicate poverty through national and international actions.
  3. Full employment, productive and freely chosen.
  4. Promoting social integration in society.
  5. Equality between men and women.
  6. Equitable access to quality education and health care, both physical and mental.
  7. Speeding up development in Africa and other developing countries.
  8. Strengthening civil society with structural adjustment programmes.
  9. Mobilizing resources allocated to social development.
  10. Strengthening framework for international, regional and subregional cooperation for social development.

Declaration and Program of Action

Many governments adopted a “Declaration and Program of Action” in conjunction with the Copenhagen Declaration. This meant that they agreed to put people at the center of development, to advance social development by improving 10 core areas mentioned in the Copenhagen declaration. In the declaration of action, member states made a practical implementation plan to improve and promote social development and accelerate development in Africa and other developing countries across the world.

Furthermore, this declaration aimed to achieve its goals by addressing several key issues. These included debt elimination, reorientation of agricultural policies and increased Official Development Assistance (ODA). It also addressed collective bargaining rights, poverty vulnerability indicators, traditional rights to resources and health care access for low-income families.

How Did It Become a Blueprint for Ending Poverty?

  1. Global unanimity on poverty being a political and moral priority. Additionally, poverty can be addressed through coordinated policies.
  2. It became a catalyst for national anti-poverty strategies, as the 1995 Global Summit encouraged countries to create their own poverty reduction plans.
  3. Acknowledgement of the importance of a civil society. This event gave a platform to charities, NGOs and marginalized communities.
  4. Transition toward people-centered development, rather than economic development being a priority. The 1995 Global Summit made clear the importance of poverty being a multidimensional issue, comprising access to health care, education and social participation.

30-Year Anniversary of the WSSD

In 2025, 30 years after the 1995 Global Summit, the United Nations (U.N.) will meet for the second WSSD, this time in Doha, Qatar, in November 2025. This summit will give global leaders the opportunity to rethink their position on social development and realign poverty as a political priority. The 2025 summit will also create an opening to discuss crucial issues that weren’t a priority 30 years ago, while also rebuilding trust between institutions and multilateralism.

– Emma Dornan

Emma is based in Fife, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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HIV/AIDS in Slovakia: How Prevention Keeps Rates Low

HIV/AIDS in SlovakiaHIV/AIDS in Slovakia remains among the lowest in Europe, demonstrating how prevention, testing and treatment can keep infection rates under control. Strong public health policies, accessible care and community initiatives continue to drive this success story. Yet, some vulnerable groups facing poverty may still struggle to receive support. However, Slovakia’s progress demonstrates how addressing inequality is key to sustaining low infection rates.

Low Infection Rates Provide a Strong Foundation

  • Slovaks between the ages of 15-49 have an incredibly low rate of HIV, falling below 0.1%.
  • While the incidence rate doubled from 2014 to 2015, new infection rates have stabilized at approximately 0.02 per 1,000 uninfected individuals, reflecting effective public health efforts.
  • From 2019 to 2023, Slovakia’s HIV rate averaged 2.44 per 100,000, exactly half the EU/EEA average of 4.88.      
  • In 2022, a total of 67% of HIV diagnoses were previous positives (already diagnosed beforehand), meaning around 19% were newly diagnosed. Slovakia ranked the second lowest for newly diagnosed rates in Europe, just after Ireland; this was consistent in 2023, too.      
  • The EU/EEA reported 24,731 HIV diagnoses in 2023, while Slovakia reported only 142 cases (similar to 2022 data), highlighting Slovakia’s low contribution to the total. Additionally, there has been a decrease of 61 Slovakian diagnoses between 2023 and 2022.

Early Testing Detects Cases Sooner

Early diagnosis and effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) are two key benefits of early testing. Slovakia emphasizes voluntary testing through mobile clinics and testing centers located throughout the country, which is crucial for preventing transmission.

Five HIV/AIDS treatment centers operate in Bratislava, Košice, Martin, Nitra and Banská Bystrica. Bratislava accounts for 68% of patients. Services are free of charge regardless of insurance or employment, including for refugees.

Treatment Coverage Continues to Grow

The five centers provide life-saving treatment to those living with HIV/AIDS in Slovakia, ensuring care is accessible and available. A 2021 case study of 117 Slovaks with HIV showed that 89.4% received ART, and 85.1% expressed satisfied with it.

In October 2019, health care providers treated 895 individuals in Slovakia for HIV. Worldwide, researchers and health care providers have made much progress in HIV treatment over the past four decades.

Education and Awareness Campaigns Reach Key Groups

Despite progress, stigma is high surrounding HIV/AIDS in Slovakia. Many people do not share their diagnosis or attempt to ignore and hide their symptoms.

Out of 117 individuals, 60% hide their HIV medication, with only 2.9% willing to openly talk about it. Meanwhile, about 31.6% reported that people stigmatized and discriminated against them, especially dentists who refused to treat them.

People may discriminate against those living with HIV/AIDS in Slovakia through physical abuse, harassment and denial of housing, which can cause severe mental health challenges. However, public individuals, such as former Princess Diana of the U.K., have often fought the stigma surrounding the diseases. Princess Diana challenged these views when she opened the U.K.’s first dedicated HIV/AIDS unit in London in 1987, showing compassion towards patients and challenging misconceptions.

NGOS and Community Initiatives Make an Impact

NGOs addressing HIV/AIDS in Slovakia also play a vital role in reducing stigma and supporting vulnerable groups. These include:

  • Dom Svelta Slovakia: Formed in 2013, this organization fights stigma, educates communities and enforces the human rights of those living with HIV. In 2024, it provided 2,610 tests with 886 specifically being for HIV.
  • Odyseus: Odyseus formed in 1997 and provides outreach to sex workers, young people and other vulnerable groups living with HIV/AIDS, contributing to social inclusion through activities. It had 472 new visitors in 2024.
  • Prima: Prima formed in 1998 and offers anonymous HIV rapid testing with test counselling and result counselling from its trained medical staff, as well as social assistance. It also provides informative materials for schools and teachers on preventative activities for students.

All the services at these NGOs are free of charge, meaning that even those experiencing poverty can still access support and treatment. These NGOs play vital roles in reducing stigma, encouraging treatment and helping those whom traditional health care facilities may not, all while keeping infection rates low through direct community engagement.

Poverty and HIV/AIDS in Slovakia

Poverty and inequality influence HIV/AIDS in Slovakia. Migrants, sex workers and individuals with low incomes often face barriers accessing health care and sufficient education, consequently increasing their vulnerability to catching HIV/AIDS. However, the above NGOs and many more bridge this gap by offering their free support programs and tests.

Slovakia was found to be the second-poorest country in the EU in 2023, with senior individuals affected the most. Poverty and HIV/AIDS are interconnected, where poverty increases the chances of HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS increases poverty. Individuals with lower income or education are more prone to catching HIV/AIDS due to a lack of information and prevention or due to being homeless. Then, HIV/AIDS can easily slow economic growth, resulting in poverty.

Looking Ahead

HIV/AIDS in Slovakia remains low, with infection rates under control. Strong public health policies, accessible treatment and active community engagement drive this success story. For those facing poverty and inequality, access to care can be more challenging. However, NGOs are supporting these vulnerable groups.

– Rebecca Lamb-Busby

Rebecca is based in Hull, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Access to Drinking Water in Nepal

Access to Drinking Water in NepalNepal, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is facing challenges with access to clean drinking water. A recent survey found that while 95% of the population has access to basic drinking water, only 16% actively use a “safely managed” drinking water service. In addition, 51% of the population uses a safely managed sanitation service and 64% have a handwashing facility with both soap and water available at home.

Water Quality and Why It Still Affects Nepal

One of the main reasons for the lack of clean drinking water is that Nepal’s supplied water is often polluted. This is primarily caused by both the surface and groundwater deteriorating in the Kathmandu Valley, also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley. The surface water is polluted by both domestic and industrial waste, along with the discharge of untreated sewage. This is mainly due to the tightly packed residential neighborhoods. The domestic sewage is one of the top contaminants that makes its way into rivers and lakes, the primary sources of Nepal’s drinking water.

The Effects

Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu produces about 150 tons of waste daily and nearly half flows into rivers. This is one of the main reasons that many Nepalis are not able to obtain clean drinking water from available sources. In some of the more rural regions of Nepal, many communities still rely heavily on tube wells for drinking water. More recently, one of the main concerns in these regions is groundwater contamination from arsenic. The Terai Region contains dense layers of sand and gravel deposits interlocked with flood plains carried by rivers and is very prone to arsenic contamination.

The Nepal Water Initiative

Emphasizing the themes of community engagement, student involvement and interdisciplinarity, the Nepal Water Initiative brings together the distinct perspectives of both marine and conservation science with those of religious studies, economics and anthropology, with the hopes of providing the people of Nepal with safe, accessible drinking water. A fundamental, guiding principle of this project is that it must be Nepali-driven, meaning that all of its work is both developed and implemented with the participation of Nepali stakeholders, community leaders, scholars and policy makers.

Another project, known as the Melamchi Water Supply Project, aims to bring clean water to Nepal, specifically within the Kathmandu Valley region. Furthermore, the Nepali government is currently working on a National Water Supply and Sanitation Act, as well as a Sector Development Plan aimed at guiding development and setting a roadmap for the near future.

Looking Forward

Efforts are underway to address the current water crisis in Nepal, including government initiatives, international aid and community-based projects that focus on water management, infrastructure development and promoting water conservation. These efforts show the desire to bring change, not only by Nepalis but also by countries around the world working together to ensure that Nepal receives the aid and care it needs to become a successful, healthy country.

– Simone Sanchez

Simone is based in Huntington, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cocoa Blockchain in Ghana: Technology Tracks Supply Chains

Cocoa Blockchain in GhanaEvery cocoa bean leaving a farm in Ghana can now be tracked through a digital ledger that all authorized supply chain participants can view. This cocoa blockchain in Ghana allows farmers, cooperatives, exporters and retailers to verify cocoa products’ origin, ethical sourcing and fair compensation. This creates a level of transparency and trust that has never existed before.

Cocoa Blockchain in Ghana

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through the Global Quality and Standards Project (GQSP), is leading a project for cocoa blockchain in Ghana. They aim to explore how blockchain technology can improve transparency, traceability and sustainability in the cocoa supply chain.

Through funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implementation with Supply Chain Information Management B.V. (SIM), the project assesses the readiness of Ghana’s cocoa value chain to adopt blockchain. It maps key transactions and identifies potential challenges and benefits.

By securely recording and sharing data across the network, blockchain enables real-time monitoring of provenance, quality, environmental compliance and social standards from Ghanaian farmers to European chocolate producers.

In the long run, this digital infrastructure has the potential to attract investment, expand access to global markets and equip Ghana’s cocoa sector to compete more effectively in an increasingly sustainability-driven economy.

Ghana Coca Sector

Ghana’s cocoa and agriculture sectors are a big deal, employing some 800,000 farm families in Ghana and generating some $2 billion in foreign exchange annually. The sector makes up much of Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP). Issues like fraud, unethical sourcing and a lack of supply chain transparency still plague this thriving industry, jeopardizing fair farmer compensation and hurting Ghana’s reputation abroad.

By establishing an unchangeable, transparent ledger that records every step of production, guarantees that farmers receive payments, confirms moral labor practices and lowers fraud through real-time traceability, blockchain technology solves these problems.

Blockchain for Fair Cocoa Trade

European retailers and chocolate manufacturers are investing in blockchain to verify sustainable sourcing. This ensures that premiums for certified, high-quality cocoa reach the right farmers. Indeed, the goal is to improve incomes and support living wages.

The pilot represents a first milestone in applying blockchain to Ghana’s cocoa sector. It builds on more than a decade of UNIDO-supported quality infrastructure and trade capacity projects. Additionally, it is laying the foundation for scaling digital traceability, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting ethical sourcing.

Conclusion

As a cocoa blockchain in Ghana becomes embraced, the benefits extend far beyond technology. Smallholder farmers can receive fairer compensation and increased sales by creating stronger transparency and reliability of ethically sourced cocoa from Ghana. Chocolate companies (especially European ones with stronger ties to Ghana’s cocoa products) can buy more reliably from Ghanaian farmers. Furthermore, consumers will be happy to have that stronger trust and transparency in sourcing the chocolate they enjoy.

– Isaac Nelson

Isaac is based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Recycling Human Waste In Biochar to Diminish Fertilizer Shortage

BiocharWith farmers across the globe facing growing prices and increasing inaccessibility to fertilizer, labor representatives like the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) have warned their public officials of said resource and distribution complications. Many farmers’ economic climate uncertainty is mainly rooted in geopolitical tensions. The availability of components such as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen has reduced, increasing the price of the internationally manufactured fertilizers that farmers rely on.

Many farmers in developed nations such as China and the United States have been disproportionately affected by the current global trade crisis. In June 2024, China implemented new restrictions on fertilizer exports, including a significant reduction in urea exports by 83% compared to the previous year, solidifying the existing imbalance in the world’s trade economy. Many farmers in developing nations without access to Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) or other nitrogen-based fertilizers grapple with tighter supplies. They are forced to reevaluate spending as uncertainty rises.

Human Waste and Biochar: How it’s Manufactured

Morocco, Russia, China, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are the five countries that dominate the phosphate market, in turn, steadily taking control of fertilizer accessibility to global trade partners. Although this economic system has been reliable in the past, depletion of attainable resources and market tensions have made agricultural production less feasible. However, new studies on agricultural advancements have emerged, bringing attention to an innovative solution to reducing fertilizer shortages.

While not the most flattering topic, human waste may be an international golden ticket to making fertilizer more accessible for farmers. Studies have shown that human excrements can be applied annually to 15% of phosphorus, 25% of potassium and 17% of nitrogen in biochar fertilizer. If acted on, biochar could begin mitigating agricultural failures in developing nations by introducing a more accessible way to obtain fertilizer.

Biochar fertilizer is a soil amendment made from heating organic solids (or even fluids) at very high temperatures with negligible oxygen, creating a fertilizer that improves soil structure. Although the biochar process converts only solids, nutrients taken from urine could be added. Compared to treated sewage, researchers can separate waste at the source from harmful microplastics, heavy metals, PFAS, pathogens and pharmaceuticals in biochar fertilizer. On top of the many beneficiaries, biochar can have its nutritional proportions altered depending on the needs of the individual crop, increasing its versatility across all types of farmland.

What it Could Lead to

Among the leading benefits for farmers and product growth in farmland, biochar is one of the most innovative solutions against climate instability caused by agriculture. As agriculture and related land use account for 25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, biochar is starting to be considered a promising alternative to reducing this percentage.

Studies estimate that the process of manufacturing biochar removes up to 90% of human waste, improving the efficiency of transportation. In addition, the production acts as a carbon sink, removing its man-made excess from the atmosphere. As humanity faces an uncertain future in its relationship with ecological sustainability, taking the first steps toward a green transition, such as the global adoption of biochar fertilizer from human waste within a circular economy, can benefit countless communities.

– Sam Barbagallo

Sam is based in Tewksbury, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Loans + Health: Asasah’s Microfinance Model for Pakistani Women

Asasah’s Microfinance ModelMore than 115 million women worldwide rely on microfinance loans. At first glance, this may look like an empowering opportunity. However, research shows a darker side: many women from improvised households running these small businesses report health challenges linked to the stress of heavy debt.

This raises an urgent question: how do we ensure that microfinance does not come at the cost of women’s well-being? One answer lies in Asasah’s Microfinance Model.

What is the Problem?

A study involving 442 women across multiple cities and provinces in Pakistan asked open-ended questions to explore the health consequences faced by small business owners. The findings revealed numerous challenges categorized into social, physical, mental and economic issues.

Specific concerns included stress, infectious diseases, inadequate housing and limited access to gas lines and health care facilities. Loans alone are insufficient to secure a thriving business and a healthy life.

Asasah’s Microfinance Model

Asasah is a Pakistan-based social enterprise that supports entrepreneurs through financial services to reduce poverty. Its mission is to boost productivity while driving sustainable poverty alleviation. What truly sets Asasah apart is its exclusive focus on women and its unique blend of financial services and health support.

Grounded in the belief that empowering women is one of the most powerful catalysts for social change, Asasah provides microloans and integrates health services to ensure long-term well-being and productivity. Every client receives mandatory health and credit life insurance, with coverage extending to their spouses.

Beyond insurance, Asasah also conducts health workshops to raise awareness and promote healthier living, ensuring that women remain productive and supported. The impact of Asasah’s approach is measurable.

Between its founding in 2003 and June 2013, the institution successfully disbursed 170,000 microloans, issued 170,000 life insurance policies and provided 35,000 health insurance plans.

Why It Is Important

Building on its findings, the study recommended several ways to address the challenges that arise after loans are provided in the microfinance sector. One key recommendation was to pair financial services with health interventions. These could include health insurance, housing loans and improvements to basic living conditions such as water and gas lines.

In other words, microfinance must be combined with health services to prevent the triple burden of debt, disease and destitution faced by many hard-working women. Only by acting on these recommendations can women sustain their businesses without being trapped in the cycle of poverty.

Thanks to Asasah’s approach and efforts, the institution has gone beyond simply providing tools for survival. Instead, it has asked a deeper question: How can we ensure women continue in their efforts? While the fight against poverty is far from over, Asasah’s microfinance model demonstrates how addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges can create lasting impact.

– Majida Mohamed

Majida is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Transforming Waste Into Opportunity: Recycling Startups in Africa

Recycling Startups in AfricaRecycling startups transforming waste into opportunity are not just a concept; it is a growing movement across Africa tackling plastic pollution while creating jobs and fostering economic resilience. Since 2019, innovative and locally led enterprises have proved that waste can become valuable resources. These startups transform discarded plastic into sustainable products, reducing environmental damage and creating livelihoods for underprivileged communities.

The United Nations Development Project (UNDP) reports that if circular economic models scale up, global employment could increase by 0.1% by 2030, potentially generating millions of new jobs worldwide. This work demonstrates that the fight against plastic pollution can go hand-in-hand with poverty reduction and community development.

EcoPost in Kenya

The circular economy comes to life through EcoPost in Kenya, where the company converts plastic waste into durable lumber. EcoPost replaces plastic waste with recycled fencing posts and paving blocks. Since 2019, EcoPost has recycled more than 13 million kilograms of plastic, creating 102 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect income opportunities for local waste collectors and suppliers.

These jobs targeted marginalized groups, especially women and youth, who face high unemployment. Using plastic waste as a resource, EcoPost has protected 4,300 acres of forest, supporting rural livelihoods that depend on forest ecosystems for food, water and climate stability. Thus, replacing timber has reduced deforestation while giving locals a stable income. Job creation reduces poverty as families are guaranteed stable incomes, while forest protection sustains rural livelihoods dependent on natural resources.

Gjenge Makers: Innovation Turning Waste Into Building Materials

Another stellar example of circular economy in action is Gjenge Makers, led by Kenyan engineer Nzambi Matee. Gjenge Makers turns plastic waste into strong, affordable paving blocks. This lowers infrastructure costs for small businesses and community projects. Since 2019, it has recycled 20 tonnes of plastic and produced blocks cheaper than regular bricks.

Cheaper, high-quality building materials help underserved communities afford improvements that attract investment, generate commerce and create ripple effects in local economies. Moreover, Gjenge Makers employs more than 110 people, mostly women and youth from marginalized backgrounds. This, in turn, strengthens local economies through jobs and economic resilience.

Innovative Recycling in Nigeria: Salubata

In Nigeria, Salubata, founded in 2018, repurposes plastic waste into customizable, modular shoes. This illustrates how the circular economy can spark social and environmental transformation. By transforming plastic pollution into stylish footwear, Salubata extends the concept of sustainable products from plastic beyond utility into everyday fashion. The brand also directs some of its profits to uplift vulnerable groups, combining entrepreneurial innovation with poverty reduction.

Since its founding, Salubata has developed unique, patented shoe designs from recycled plastic. The company donates 5% of profits from every sale to programs that feed children and empower women in underprivileged communities. Additionally, Salubata collaborates with about 50 waste collectors, many women, to source recycled plastic. By turning pollution into profit, Salubata creates job opportunities for women and youth, channels resources back to the community and fights poverty with style and purpose.

Conclusion

The circular economy demonstrates that environmental solutions and economic development can work together effectively. Recycling startups in Africa like EcoPost and Salubata show this by converting waste materials into valuable products while creating jobs for disadvantaged communities. These examples prove that addressing environmental problems and reducing poverty do not have to be separate efforts, but can be achieved simultaneously through well-designed initiatives.

We can accelerate progress toward environmental sustainability and economic opportunity by supporting and expanding these community-based enterprises. We can create a future where environmental responsibility and shared economic prosperity support each other.

– Anagha Rajithkumar

Anagha is based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Philippines’ Nurse Migration is Fueling a Health Care Crisis

Philippines' nurse migrationThe Philippines is the world’s leading exporter of nurses. While Filipinos account for only 1% of the U.S. population, they comprise 4% of the nursing workforce. Although the U.S. has relied on the heroic contributions of Filipino nurses for centuries, their continuous migration is fueling a crisis at home. Hospitals and clinics across the Philippines struggle with staff shortages and the country’s continued nurse migration has gradually widened the global health care gap.

Brain Drain of Nurses

“Brain drain” refers to the mass emigration of the most highly educated or skilled individuals from a particular country. For many developing countries, the inability to retain such professionals across various sectors, due to sociopolitical or economic factors, can trigger a cyclical downfall of infrastructure and human capital. In the Philippines, decades of nurse migration to the U.S. have resulted in a catastrophic shortage.

The Department of Health sets a standard 1:12 Nurse-to-Patient Ratio. In the Philippines, the ratio regularly stands at 1:20 and has even escalated to 1:50. The nation faces a nurse shortage of roughly 127,000 nurses, with nearly 4,500 posts at public hospitals remaining unfilled, a figure expected to rise to 250,000 by 2030.

Many Filipino nurses are emigrating to the U.S. due to poor working conditions at home, leaving the nation’s health care system understaffed and worsening nurse burnout. While a series of mental health programs and interventions have been suggested as a way to remediate this threat, the problem seems to stem from several structural challenges.

Most notably, these include extremely low salaries, heavy and imbalanced workload and hours, job insecurity and a common delay in the disbursement of benefits. All of this plagues the Philippine health care system amid rising costs of living, inflation, economic hardship and a tense political climate, fueling pressing issues both domestically and geopolitically.

Solution-Oriented Policies and Strategies

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved many new programs and state universities aim to expand access to medical education, especially for those in the country’s underserved regions. The Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (MSRS), also known as the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, is an example of an initiative recently signed into Filipino law to fund medical education in exchange for mandatory local service upon graduation.

The program provides full tuition coverage along with allowances for textbooks, housing, uniforms, transportation, medical insurance and other related expenses. Each year they receive the scholarship, scholars must work for at least one year in hospitals or public health offices in their hometowns or other underserved areas. Students from indigenous, geographically isolated, disadvantaged, or understaffed regions are given priority.

The CHED and the Department of Health implement the program as a direct response to the shortage of medical professionals in such underserved areas. It aims to increase the number of available and qualified health professionals in these areas.

As part of a retention evaluation, the Philippines is also making concerted efforts to address burnout and recruiting practices. The country has begun to mobilize resources and improve policies so that working and living conditions for these nurses are sufficient in their home country. Increasing salaries, providing benefits on time and encouraging and incentivizing filling vacant government positions, particularly in underserved regions, are all critical steps towards change. House Bill No. 5276 and Senate Bill No. 2694 are two examples of proposed legislation to reduce nurse migration and the resulting “brain drain” in the Philippines. Both seek to amend Filipino nursing laws to raise nurses’ monthly basic salary and minimum salary grade.

Organizations Supporting Filipino Nurses at Home and Abroad

Countless organizations also focus on mitigating the Philippines’ nurse migration and brain drain crisis. The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) is the Philippines’ national organization of nurses, promoting high standards of practice and supporting the welfare of Filipino nurses. Filipino Nurses United (FNU) and The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) are organizations assisting Filipino nurses based in the U.S.

In addition to facilitating networking and professional development, these organizations advocate for labor rights, social justice and fair working conditions. While addressing domestic retention problems to reduce emigration, ensuring support for Filipino nurses overseas remains crucial.

Filipino nurses in the U.S. often send a large portion of their earnings back home in remittances. Maintaining a higher retention rate for those working abroad helps sustain this economic support, which funds education, local investments and small businesses in the Philippines.

Well-supported Filipino nurses in the U.S. are also more likely to return periodically to assist in their home country. They may donate supplies or share advanced medical knowledge with their communities. These contributions help counter the effects of “brain drain.”

– Kaitlin Reed

Kaitlin is based in Austin, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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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Coding Bootcamps in Rwanda: Breaking the Poverty Cycle

Coding Bootcamps in RwandaCoding bootcamps in Rwanda create pathways into well-paid tech work by linking government policy with private training providers. Through partnerships between the Government of Rwanda and Andela, intensive programs are upskilling youth, especially young women and connecting graduates to remote roles with international companies.

How Coding Bootcamps in Rwanda Work

In 2018, the Rwanda Development Board (RBD) and Andela agreed to establish a pan-African tech hub in Kigali. They plan to recruit up to 500 Rwandans and provide them with paid training, preparing them to serve a global client base.

Today, Andela’s nine-month Andela Technical Leadership Program (ATLP), run in partnership with the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, trains engineers in team-based software development and professional skills. As a full-time career accelerator, it covers modern web development and distributed team practices.

The Igire Rwanda Organization complements this pipeline with its SheCanCODE academy, which reports having “delivered more than 800 women to the job market” since 2016. U.N. Women documents recent SheCanCODE cohorts and outcomes, as the program cohorts run intensively (roughly 12–14 weeks) and move learners from fundamentals to production-ready projects with career support.

The Ministry of ICT also runs national teen coding bootcamps to widen the future talent pool. These programs nurture young talent early and help ensure that Rwanda’s technology ecosystem continues to expand inclusively across genders and age groups.

What Sets These Bootcamps Apart

  • Public–private design links training to real vacancies.
  • Students learn industry stacks and remote workflows from day one.
  • Career services connect graduates to Andela’s global marketplace and Girls in ICT networks.

Because of these bootcamps, graduates aren’t just earning certificates, but are gaining far better access to career opportunities than before. Communications about Andela’s Rwanda apprenticeship/ATLP note strong placement outcomes (e.g., high employment among graduates) and a growing channel of junior engineers.

Because Andela operates a global remote talent marketplace, many roles are with international employers and often outpace typical local entry-level wages. Additionally, from a broader perspective, Rwanda’s strategy is building connections that drive growth in its tech economy, linking it to the global market.

Kigali Innovation City is a tech-and-education district that aims to bring universities, R&D labs, startups and investors together in one area to help Rwanda build exportable tech and attract foreign investment. The district also provides incubator spaces, mentorship programs and networking opportunities to foster collaboration among local and international innovators. By concentrating talent and resources, Kigali Innovation City seeks to accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation, create high-skilled jobs and position the country as a leading technology hub in East Africa.

The Remaining Gap and Why Targeted Programs Matter

Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM in Rwanda; programs like SheCanCODE and ATLP help close that gap. Ultimately, public–private partnerships are turning coding bootcamps in Rwanda into pathways to remote, higher-paying tech jobs for young women, all while advancing Rwanda’s ambition to be a regional tech powerhouse.

– Riddhi Sharma

Riddhi is based in Richmond,BC, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons