Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Drones in Nepal Delivering Hope via Medical Supplies

Drones in Nepal

Nepal’s mountainous terrain and fragile road network create severe challenges for medical access. In Dudhauli Municipality’s Ward 12, residents face hour-long drives on rocky roads prone to landslides and flooding during the monsoon season, often cutting them off from urgent care. In such regions, delays in medical delivery can be the difference between life and death. That is why medical drones in Nepal are vital to local communities.

Amma: The Drone Project Bringing Medicine to Villages

In response, a collaboration between Storming Universe, Kathmandu University and partners in Portugal is pioneering a new solution. The project, called Amma, meaning “mother” in Nepali, focuses on using drones to deliver life-saving supplies such as blood and essential medicines directly to isolated villages.

A recent test flight transported supplies from Sirthauli Hospital to Ward 12, demonstrating drones’ potential to bypass treacherous terrain. Locals and medical teams expressed optimism, seeing medical drones in Nepal as a reliable and faster alternative to traditional transport methods.

Partnerships Driving Innovation

The Amma project benefits from wide-ranging support. Turkish Airlines has provided transportation backing, while Madhuka Drone Services, a Nepali company specializing in drone services, is exploring integrating the technology into regular operations. With local adoption, the initiative could scale nationwide, offering thousands of communities a safer path to health care.

This effort builds on earlier partnerships with groups like Options Consultancy Services and Nepal Flying Labs, which worked with the Government of Nepal to test drones for delivering tuberculosis samples and COVID-19 vaccines. These trials highlighted the role of medical drones in Nepal in addressing health system shortages and bringing “last mile” health care to underserved populations.

Global Context and Local Solutions

Globally, drones are gaining recognition for their role in health care logistics. From carrying sputum samples in rural India to delivering emergency medicines in sub-Saharan Africa, drone technology is transforming access to essential care. In Nepal, 80% of the population lives in rural areas, with many communities several hours away from hospitals. Drones could play a vital role in reducing preventable deaths.

Moreover, local innovators such as Prokura Innovations, supported by UNICEF’s Innovation Fund, build low-cost drones domestically, ensuring technology is adapted to Nepal’s unique terrain and needs. These efforts emphasise sustainability, training local operators and embedding services within national health systems.

A Beacon of Hope

Though challenges such as limited payload capacity and regulatory hurdles remain, the Amma project represents a hopeful shift in Nepal’s health care delivery. By harnessing drone technology, isolated communities gain faster medical care and renewed trust in the possibility of timely health care.

As Amma and similar initiatives expand, medical drones in Nepal carrying blood, vaccines and medicines could soon become common across the country’s skies. Ultimately, they could offer lifelines of hope and survival.

– Robert Darke

Robert is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Thailand and Cambodia Ceasefire: How Their Civilians Are Affected

Thailand and CambodiaSince May 2025, Thailand and Cambodia have been embroiled in a conflict over their disputed border, however, on July 28, a ceasefire was declared. Although tensions are still high, a truce is still a good sign for peace in the future. As the ceasefire continues to be negotiated, one of the most important questions is how the civilian population of both countries will recover from the damage of the conflict. Here’s an overview of the effects on the civilians and what Thailand and Cambodia can do to ensure their welfare going forward.

Thailand and Cambodia’s Border Dispute: An Overview

The war between Thailand and Cambodia flared up in May after decades of tensions over their border. The dispute dates back to the ’50s, when Cambodia gained independence from France and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded it part of the contested territory. This is not the first time the conflict has turned violent; the first open clashes occurred in 2008. Fighting subsided after the ICJ intervention in 2013, but flared again in May of this year.

The specific area being fought over lies in northwestern Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and the adjacent northeastern region of Thailand. The current conflict has mostly been fought over a distance, with strategic bombing campaigns rather than ground invasions. The first shots in this particular conflict were fired on May 28, 2025. Official military conflict lasted five days in July 2025 and a ceasefire was announced shortly afterward.

The Civilian Toll

Given the brief nature of this conflict, civilian deaths have been relatively low. However, it is estimated that around 175,000 civilians have been displaced due to bombing campaigns from both parties. The civilians have been able to remain in their home countries, but still have to deal with large-scale property destruction.

Civilian displacement is one of the most common sources of quality-of-life reduction in war. It typically occurs as a result of large-scale property destruction. This property destruction can accelerate poverty due to worsened living conditions. It can also lead to overcrowding issues in the areas where they are being relocated, making supplies more scarce. With such a large number of displaced persons, Thailand and Cambodia’s ceasefire arriving as soon as it did was vital.

Moving Forward

To prevent civilians from falling into impoverished conditions, rebuilding in Thailand and Cambodia will be needed. The process of moving displaced civilians back to their homes has not begun yet. Logistically speaking, this rebuilding and relocating process will be expensive. However, this rebuilding process is vital to the health and well-being of both countries.

Both countries have a long way to go before establishing lasting peace. Even after this ceasefire was declared, both Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire. Even still, this ceasefire is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this can lead to a more lasting peace between the two nations.

– Thaddeus Konieczny

Thaddeus is based in Williamston, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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From Streets to Schools: The Uweza Foundation

Uweza FoundationIn Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, Kibera, people prioritize survival over education. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, a significant change is taking place due to the influence of mentoring. The sponsorship and guidance programs run by the Uweza Foundation, led by locals, assist community members and former street youth in becoming agents of education and hope. This tale of perseverance is based on the idea that change can happen when someone in your shoes takes your hand.

The Educational Environment in Kibera

Kibera, home to thousands of Kenyans, has served as a symbol of East African urban poverty for many years. Although elementary and secondary education is legally free, many children are forced to drop out due to hidden costs that families must pay for supplies, uniforms and school-related fees.

Approximately 65 students are receiving academic scholarships through Uweza’s Sponsorship Program; many of these students complete their primary, secondary and even post-secondary education.

However, stronger statistics show how big the issue really is. According to research, more than one million Kenyan children do not attend primary school, the ninth-highest rate in the world. Despite nearly universal attendance, roughly one-third of teenage girls in Kibera are at least one grade behind, highlighting the academic disparities associated with instability and poverty.

Why From Streets to Schools Matters

Hope becomes real for kids when they see someone from their own neighborhood who has walked a similar path, trusted it and used education to succeed. The significance of that lived experience extends far beyond standardized interventions.

The bond between mentor and mentee acts as a catalyst, bridging gaps in resilience, academic engagement and confidence. Programs that embody this, such as Uweza’s, have a greater capacity to foster lasting transformation.

Holistic Model of the Uweza Foundation

The Uweza Foundation, which was founded in 2008 and is headed by actress Rooney Mara, gets its name from the Swahili word meaning “opportunity, ability and power.” Through mentorship, sports, art, education and life skills initiatives, it aims to empower women and youth in Kibera.

The Uweza Foundation offers scholarships through its sponsorship program that cover tuition, supplies, uniforms and even boarding school if necessary. Life skills workshops and mentorship from the Uweza Foundation accompany these scholarships.

Backed by Research and Impact

Studies show that after-school programs and mentorship significantly improve learning and school retention, especially for girls in informal settlements. One pilot study found that underprivileged girls benefit from mentoring in core subjects as they transition to secondary school.

Similarly, the Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya (AGI-K) trial in Kibera showed that adolescent girls achieved better long-term results when education was combined with interventions related to wealth, health and violence prevention. This strategy underscores the need for multifaceted support, a model Uweza already provides, even though its work is not solely on mentoring.

Looking Ahead

The Uweza Foundation is demonstrating in Kibera that change is not only possible but is actually taking place when mentorship that is compassionate and rooted in the community is combined with educational access. This remind us that a child’s potential is based on our ability to help them, not their geographical boundaries.

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra Cribbs is based in Charleston, SC and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Malaria in Bangladesh: How Bangladesh Struck Back

Malaria in BangladeshMalaria is one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases in South Asia, taking the lives of an estimated 600,000 people globally in 2023. That same year, however, in Bangladesh, it claimed only six. In fact, between 2008 and 2023, the country reduced malaria by 96%. This is a direct result of Bangladesh’s incredible effort to eliminate malaria. This effort is soon to bear fruit.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can spread to vertebrates. Symptoms can include fever and headaches as well as vomiting and, in extreme cases, death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 263 million malaria cases in 2023 alone.

In fact, travel is a major driver of malaria transmission in Southeast Asia. Understanding how migration influences the spread of the illness is essential to stopping it. Researchers and organizations in Bangladesh have developed several tracking methods, including travel surveys and mobile phone data.

Addressing the Issue

Climates like Bangladesh’s provide ideal breeding conditions for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes to thrive. This threat has been countered for decades with insecticide-treated nets; today, most families own at least one. However, these nets are insufficient to eliminate malaria; they primarily work to reduce transmission rates rather than fully eradicate the disease. To address malaria in Bangladesh, broader and more comprehensive solutions beyond nets are required.

Thankfully, nets are not the only tool Bangladesh has to combat malaria. In 2021, the WHO approved the first malaria vaccine, which Bangladesh quickly adopted and rolled out on as wide a scale as possible. Today, the country has established a strict treatment regimen for those afflicted, using the most up-to-date version of the vaccine to reduce the burden of the disease.

Additionally, in 2021, Bangladesh launched its National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2021–2025), outlining the ambitious goal of eliminating malaria from the country by 2030. The plan emphasizes early detection and treatment, monitoring evolving malaria strains, distributing insecticide-treated nets to at-risk populations and strengthening advocacy efforts to ensure widespread access to treatment.

Final Remarks

Malaria cases in Bangladesh have been steadily declining for years and the trend is expected to continue. From 2022 to 2023, infection rates fell by 9.2%, with predictions showing further decreases in the future. This consistent decline highlights Bangladesh’s perseverance, persistence and determination in combating the threat of malaria.

Bangladesh’s success proves that with the right mix of time, resources, international aid and strong leadership, no disease is unbeatable, not even one as deadly as malaria. The steady decline in cases shows what’s possible when governments, health organizations and communities work together toward a shared goal.

While challenges remain, Bangladesh’s progress stands as a powerful reminder that elimination is within reach and that with persistence, global health victories once thought impossible can, in fact, become reality.

– Cayle Harrison

Cayle is based in Columbia, SC, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Ever-Improving: Health Care in Barbados

Health care in BarbadosBarbados is a small island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, northeast of Trinidad and Tobago and east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Since gaining independence in 1966, Barbados has advanced in many areas, with health care being a notable success.

While challenges remain, particularly health care inequality and the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), Barbados’ system has grown impressively, often ranking near the top globally. Key achievements include robust public health services, universal health care and improved disease screening and data management.

Struggles With Noncommunicable Diseases

The Caribbean has some of the highest consumption of sugary drinks and obesity. This has made NCDs extremely prevalent. Food environments are shifting to less healthy options, increasing sedentary living. These are key factors driving the rise of NCDs. The four main NCDs, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, account for eight of 10 deaths in the region. Barbados is not foreign to this issue.

As recently as 2024, 75% of all deaths in the Caribbean were from NCDs. Barbados and its economy also take a hit due to this health crisis, as approximately $75 million is lost annually from the impact of NCDs on the island’s workflow. NCDs account for between 1.36% and 8% of the GDP for Caribbean countries, leading to an impact felt across the region. As recently as 2021, people between the ages of 30 and 70 had a 14% probability of dying from NCDs. However, there is a bright side for health care in Barbados.

Progress in Health Care Services

Barbados has universal health care coverage for all citizens and permanent residents, with the government serving as the main provider of health services. This makes health care in Barbados free at the point of delivery, allowing the public to access the care they need. The country also has a strong primary health care system, supported by nine polyclinics and two satellite clinics, all located along the island’s major road networks.

Health care in Barbados has also improved in terms of data storage and screening procedures. The country’s Information Systems for Health have advanced, as the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) hosted stakeholders in July 2025 to strengthen the health information ecosystem. At this meeting, they identified gaps, strengths and opportunities to make health care systems more data-driven. Additionally, Barbados has enhanced screening and diagnosis for NCDs, particularly breast cancer.

In 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency helped improve access to cancer care by training 40 medical imaging professionals from 13 Caribbean countries to detect breast cancer better. This effort was supported by the PAHO, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and City Cancer Challenge, which collaborated to provide diagnostic training across the region.

Conclusion

Health care in Barbados has seen significant progress despite ongoing challenges. NCDs remain a concern, but advancements in public health offer a clear path forward. With improved screening procedures, stronger data systems and accessible primary care, Barbados continues to demonstrate notable successes in its health care system.

– Amari Jennings

Amari is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Zero Maternal Deaths Goal: Women’s Health in Honduras

Women’s Health in HondurasWomen in Honduras living in poverty often lack the resources to access hospitals, increasing the risk of maternal deaths. In 2023, the country recorded 47 deaths per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes. According to the World Bank, this reflects major progress since the 2000s, when the maternal mortality rate stood at 199 per 100,000. Still, many women remain without adequate health care and face preventable complications during childbirth, including severe bleeding.

Women’s Health in Honduras

The health of young women and those living in poverty is critical, as it not only shapes their own lives but also affects their families and the wider Honduran community.

In Miskito communities, limited health care resources leave mothers at risk, with preventable deaths during childbirth often caused by prolonged labor and severe bleeding. High transportation costs to hospitals like Puerto Lempira further prevent many impoverished families from accessing essential medical care. Some families lack the funds to send women to hospitals during emergencies, often viewing it as a heavy expense.

Women in Honduras face higher poverty risks than men due to limited job opportunities. As of 2024, only 39.5% of women participate in the labor force, compared to 74.9% of men, a 35.4% gap highlighting barriers women encounter in securing work. This economic inequality makes it harder for women to escape poverty. As a result, their health needs are frequently deprioritized within impoverished households.

The Zero Maternal Health Model

In 2021, skilled physicians and birth professionals attended only 52% of births in Honduras. The new Zero Maternal Health Model seeks to change this, aiming for no mother to die during childbirth. Now the national standard for women’s and obstetric care, the model introduces a practical methodology that has transformed how hospitals manage obstetric emergencies.

Instead of simply revising protocols on paper, it has reorganized hospital systems with a “code red” response, enabling faster, coordinated action to save mothers’ lives. The plan was first introduced in Intibucá, where its success led to rapid adoption nationwide. Today, all 28 hospitals in Honduras’ national health system have implemented the Zero Maternal Health Model, significantly improving women’s health outcomes.

As part of the 2022–2026 National Mortality Reduction Plan, the model and its “code red” system have delivered remarkable results, including a historic 27.4% drop in maternal mortality in 2024. The initiative now ensures access to specialized, life-saving care for women in poverty and those in remote areas without the burden of long and costly travel.

Dr. Nuri Bonilla, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Gabriela Alvarado Hospital, highlighted the transformation brought by the new model. “We went from a hospital where each emergency was chaotic to having organized teams, rapid response alarms and protocols that truly save lives,” she said.

This model has been made possible because of the partnership between the Ministry of Health, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Government of Canada. Thanks to these efforts, thousands of lives can be saved in Honduras and more women now have access to improved health care.

Initiative Strengthening Women’s Health in Honduras

The partnership between PAHO and Global Affairs Canada is accelerating progress in women’s health in Honduras and strengthening maternal care in five other South American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru.

The project has expanded health care access for women across these nations and provided critical support for survivors of gender-based violence. It has also advanced the health of women and adolescent girls in vulnerable situations by increasing access to gender-sensitive, rights-based and culturally appropriate services.

Across the six countries, the project has trained 64,000 health care workers in maternal care, neonatal care, adolescent pregnancy prevention and response to gender-based violence. This project has been in effect from 2021 to 2024. It has helped fight the persistent inequalities affecting the health of women and adolescents, not only in Honduras but also in other neighboring South American countries.

World Renew Grants

World Renew is an organization that addresses global hunger and poverty through community development and disaster response programs. Reports indicate that in Honduras, a woman is killed every 16 hours. Between 2005 and 2016, the female homicide rate increased by 263%, highlighting the country’s severe gender-based violence crisis.

World Renew has given a grant to women in Honduras to help them improve their skills and provide small business management. This is significant as it has helped women in Honduras grow food in their gardens. Schemes like this have resulted in healthier diets and a financial income from selling produce that will help them escape poverty. Not only has this grant improved their health, but it has also given them an income source.

– Alice Haston

Alice is based in Liverpool, UKm and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Preserving Tomorrow: Senegal’s Commitment To Fighting Hunger

Senegal’s Commitment To Fighting HungerThe concept of food preservation has existed for thousands of years, keeping communities alive during hungry seasons by preventing the immediate spoilage of fruits, meats and vegetables. Common methods of food preservation include freezing, drying, pickling, fermenting, curing, canning and creating jams and jellies.

Due to the extreme climate in Senegal, food preservation is vital for staying nourished. However, with limited access to ice and cooling methods, many Senegalese rely on sun-drying, solar drying, canning and fermentation to preserve foods. These challenges have never stopped Senegal’s commitment to fighting hunger.

Food Preservation in Senegal: Hot Water-Bath Canning

Despite its intense climate, Senegal is rich in food diversity, offering meals that include fish, beef, lamb, chicken, vegetables and rice. However, access to these foods can vary by region, making preservation essential. Commonly preserved foods in Senegal include fish, such as African catfish and fruits and vegetables.

The Borgen Project spoke with Dr. Rudd, an Agricultural, Leadership and Community Education professor at Virginia Tech, about his experiences with hot water bath canning in Senegal. “Hot water-bath canning is relatively easy to do with low-cost inputs,” explains Rudd. “Pressure canning is another option, but [it] requires specialized equipment and expertise.”

The Illuminate Project

Rudd shared his experiences with the Illuminate Project, a USDA-funded initiative that trains selected undergraduate students from Virginia Tech and Tennessee State University in proper hot water bath canning techniques. The project also partners with the University of Bambey in Senegal, where students work with local communities to teach food preservation methods such as canning tomatoes and mango sauce.

The Illuminate Project, a four-year effort, has supplied the University of Bambey with more than 1,000 jars and 10,000 lids to support the education of hot water bath canning in Senegal. When asked about the impact he has seen food preservation have in Senegal, Rudd answered, “Women are adopting the technology and using it in their homes and some have actually started selling canned products. It adds months of availability of preferred food to households.”

Policies in Senegal That Support Food Preservation

Senegal has implemented many policies in support of food security, preservation and general safety. With agriculture being recognized as a staple in Senegal’s economy, policies have significantly increased, reinforcing its importance. These policies further solidify Senegal’s commitment to fighting hunger.

The Food Security Support Project (PASA) was created to combat climate instability and the lack of government assistance, two components significantly affecting Senegal’s agriculture. Established in 2013, this project has assisted more than 30,000 farmers, providing them with methods to increase production, resulting in higher sales.

Over four years, rice farmers have seen their yields almost triple, allowing them to invest in other aspects of life. Although PASA does not directly help with food preservation, it creates conditions for effective and efficient food preservation, further supporting Senegal’s commitment to fighting hunger.

Senegal’s Food Safety Law 68-48 and its 1999 Decree establish regulations to ensure the safety of fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products. Under this policy, fresh produce is required to meet minimum safety requirements. This also encourages farmers to use proper food preservation practices, prioritizing the safety of consumers.

Final Notes

Food preservation plays a key role in ensuring stability in communities. With external factors such as extreme climates and limited resources, food preservation becomes even more important to Senegal’s commitment to fighting hunger. Preserving foods results in extended shelf life, consistent nutritional value and reduced waste.

– Casey Relyea

Casey is based in Moneta, VA, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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Pathway to Ending Poverty: Renewable Energy in Montenegro

renewable energy montenegroRenewable energy in Montenegro is gaining momentum with the passage of the Renewable Act, which took effect on August 31, 2024. This law aims to expand the use of solar, wind, hydropower and other clean energy sources, lower electricity costs for households and create new jobs in local communities.

EU-Backed Programs

In partnership with Montenegro’s government and Eco Fund and with support from the U.N. Development program, the European Union is funding an Energy Efficiency Incentive Program that focuses on improving renewable energy for not only the lives of day-to-day citizens, but also for the poverty across the country. With the program support, things such as window replacement, thermal insulation, solar panels and energy-efficient heating systems are receiving upgrades to improve not only living standards, but also boost air quality indoors and outdoors, which in turn is helping households cut costs and improve living standards.

More than 2,500 applicants have received approval this year and the number could rise in the next months to come.

Zero Upfront Solar Model

In the process of increasing renewable energy in Montenegro, what sets them apart is not just the number of panels, but the way households have been brought on board. The requirement for large upfront payments for solar systems would have excluded many families and vulnerable groups. Instead, the company EPCG installed photovoltaic systems, which households would repay the cost through monthly instalments alongside their existing electricity bills. Families will end up paying no more than before and, in some cases, less. With the program’s impact, families will be able to avoid energy poverty and stabilize expenses, while the country benefits from reduced emissions.

Montenegro’s Renewables Act

On August 31st, 2024, while bringing the country in line with European Union Energy rules, the government introduced the Renewable Act, aiming to promote the production and use of green energy while implementing the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive. Under this act, renewable facilities may be able to qualify for either a feed-in-tariff or a market premium, with a transitional period before the latter is fully implemented.

Such products will include those generating power from solar, wind, hydropower of up to 10 megawatts from wastewater treatment plants and biogas. By supporting renewable projects, the law will help make renewable energy in Montenegro accessible to cheaper, locally produced electricity.

Over time, this can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, shielding families from global price spikes. New solar, wind and small hydro projects require installation, maintenance and technical expertise, which could create jobs that benefit local workers, especially in rural and undeveloped areas.

Takeaway

Renewable energy programs in Montenegro and the 2024 Renewable Act are helping households cut energy costs, reduce emissions and create jobs, while making green power accessible to families across the country.

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Recent History of British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

British Development Aid in Sierra LeoneThe British government plans to cut its Official Development Aid (ODA) budget from 0.5% of the country’s GDP to 0.3% by 2027. This follows cuts in 2021, when the government reduced ODA spending from 0.7% of GDP, a figure once considered the standard for G7 countries. British development aid has had a significant impact in many parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Currently, the only regions the British government has confirmed will continue to receive aid are those affected by current humanitarian crises: Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. This means it is unclear whether countries like Sierra Leone, whose health care, water provision and education access have benefited enormously from British development aid, will continue to receive sufficient support. The following explores some of the most notable successes of British development aid in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone in Context

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 185th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index. About 25% of its 8.8 million people live in extreme poverty and its GDP per capita is $874.

A British colony until 1961, Sierra Leone’s recent history has been defined by crises. A civil war gripped the country between 1991 and 2002, killing between 50,000 and 200,000 people and precipitating long-term consequences such as dysfunctional infrastructure and generational trauma. The country was at the centre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and in 2017, mudslides killed hundreds. 

Despite the shocking statistics, many outcomes in Sierra Leone have been improving significantly. In the last decade, life expectancy has increased by 7 years, while the death rate of children under 5 has fallen by roughly a quarter.

British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

  • The Freetown WASH Consortium. Established in 2009, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme channelled British aid into constructing water storage facilities and public latrines, improving drainage systems and training health care workers in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. By 2013, more than 144,000 people had gained access to improved water supplies and at least 33,000 had access to better sanitation facilities. The program also helped reduce the spread of cholera and malaria.
  • Secondary Education Improvement Program. Known in the local Krio language as “Leh Wi Lan”, the Secondary Education Improvement Programme took off in May 2016 with an investment of £62.5 million to improve the learning conditions and attendance of secondary schools. By the programme’s closure in 2023, the number of girls and boys attending secondary school had more than doubled.
  • Rehabilitation of Freetown’s Water Supply System. 2016 was an important year for British development aid in Sierra Leone, coming two years after the initial West African Ebola outbreak had brought the country to a standstill. June saw the investment of £38 million into rehabilitating Freetown’s water supply system, creating new pipe networks and reducing leakage to support 120,000 people’s access to clean water.
  • Saving Lives in Sierra Leone. Perhaps the most wide-reaching and well-documented example of British development aid in Sierra Leone, the £170 million Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme improved the accessibility, availability and quality of child and maternal health services across the country. Administered in conjunction with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Saving Lives provided family planning for more than 670,000 women, as well as widespread access to free contraceptives and health care drugs. Health care facilities improved, staff received training and essential medicines became more readily available. Between 2016 and 2019, these measures helped save the lives of almost 25,000 children and more than 3,000 mothers. The Saving Lives program also contributed to the substantial decline in Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate, which decreased by 74% between 2000 and 2020.

Emergency Aid for Mudslide Victims 

Following the devastating mudslides of 2017, the British government delivered a £5 million humanitarian response package that enabled UNICEF to provide essential medicines and clean water for 5,000 people and an Oxfam-led group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide clean water and sanitation for 3,000 people. The U.K.-based charity Street Child provided bedding and clothing for an additional 3,000 children. The package also included supplies for Sierra Leone’s government, such as generators and tents.

Looking Ahead

The benefits of British development aid in Sierra Leone have been widespread, felt in the country’s education, health care and water services. As Sierra Leone continues to recover from past crises and build toward long-term development, sustained international support could help ensure that the country does not lose this progress and that future generations can thrive.

– Joseph Webb

Joseph is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Combating Child Marriage in Belize

Child Marriage in BelizeChild marriage in Belize is a pervasive issue, trapping both young girls and boys in a cycle of poverty and inequality. However, although the rates of child marriage remain high, organizations and the government have committed to addressing the issue.

Key Child Marriage Statistics in Belize

In Belize, child marriage is more prevalent among girls, with 34% of girls marrying or entering a union before they turn 18 and 6% before they turn 15. However, Belize also has one of the highest rates of boy marriage in the world, with 22% of them marrying before the age of 18 and 5% before 15.

One of the key drivers of this high rate of child marriage is the education level. According to Girls Not Brides, 16% of the girls who had received no education were married before they turned 18. Additionally, 26% of girls who were married between the ages of 15 and 19 did not complete their education beyond the primary level.

Poverty is also a key driver of child marriage. About 11% of the girls who were married before their 18th birthday came from some of the most impoverished households in Belize, compared to 3% from the richest households.

Initiatives 

The government is committed to combating child marriage in Belize. In 2024, it submitted a voluntary national review into the elimination of gender-based violence, of which child marriage is part. Furthermore, in 2020, the government developed the Road Map to End Child Marriage and Early Unions in Belize. It focuses on taking action in the health, education, child protection and economic development sectors as a holistic approach to combating child marriage in Belize.

Organizations such as the Spotlight Initiative have also been crucial in combating child marriage. This initiative, started by the United Nations (U.N.), is working to tackle gender inequality and violence in Belize by establishing mobile women’s centers. These centers provide crucial services to women, such as “sexual and reproductive health services, legal advice, psychosocial support and information on gender-based violence.”

Therefore, the women who visit these centers are not only more aware and educated about their choices, but also less vulnerable to gender-based violence such as child marriage. Because the centers are free, the underserved and most vulnerable women in Belize can now access services they previously could not afford.

Looking Forward

While the initiatives put forward by the government and the U.N. are a crucial step in combating child marriage in Belize, poverty, lack of education and ingrained patriarchal notions about the status of women and girls are key drivers of child marriage. 

– Victoria Adrados

Victoria Adrados is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr