Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Oxfam Vietnam: Assisting Rural Communities

Oxfam in VietnamVietnam has become one of the most significant developing countries in Southeast Asia. After decades of destructive war, the nation slowly started to recover economically. Between 1993 and 2014, 40 million individuals escaped poverty, with the poverty rate dropping from 60% to 14%. Despite a dramatic decrease in poverty levels, living in rural areas has not changed a lot.  The poverty threshold has also increased, from 700,000 VND to 1.5 million VND in rural areas and 900,000 VND to 2 million VND in urban areas.

Organizations recognize Vietnam’s discrepancy in the quality of life for rural versus urban communities. As such, many poverty alleviation initiatives focus on increasing rural welfare. Oxfam, the international non-governmental organization that works on combating poverty, has invested significantly in rural communities by securing better infrastructure, employment and social programming. As Oxfam’s mission is to create equitable societies across the globe, action taken not only addresses short term crises, but builds long term improvements.

Oxfam in Vietnam

The Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities Goal initiative seeks to provide greater income for minority and women’s groups, which often face discrimination. Additionally, Oxfam aims to provide infrastructure and enhance agricultural production. As agriculture is the core industry in rural communities, bolstering production capabilities not only improves economic output but also mitigates the potential effects of natural disasters.

Furthermore, to meet these goals, Oxfam acts as a bridge between the government, the private sector and rural communities. As an influential international organization, Oxfam looks out for the interests of rural communities by holding the government and the private sector accountable when developing policy and partnerships.

Oxfam proposed policies that benefit rural communities by focusing on inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability, all of which are currently lacking. These policies are implemented through plans such as the Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan and feminist perspectives. The policies facilitate economic growth and prevent labor from being taken advantage of. In addition, the introduction of feminist ideology as well as training women to take on leadership roles, bridges the gender gap.

Tran Nam Clean Tea Cooperative

So far, Oxfam Vietnam has delivered tangible results for the rural communities. With the help of Oxfam, the Tran Nam Clean Tea Cooperative transitioned from firewood and gas to utilizing green energy. Not only was production cleaner, but working conditions for laborers along with an increase in revenue.

On a smaller scale, Oxfam has also served as a launchpad for individuals in rural communities. Mai Thi Cam, who lived below the poverty line, faced significant challenges in caring for her family during the pandemic. Through Oxfam’s Resilience program in collaboration with New Zealand and the Red Cross, she started a livestock farm and learned to manage it through educational courses.

The Future

If poverty trends remain consistent, Vietnam’s living conditions could improve significantly, with greater financial security and more individuals moving up to the middle class. Organizations such as Oxfam play a critical role in ensuring development and welfare are accessible to all, especially rural communities. The continued service and investments from Oxfam and other NGOs need continued support from governments and organizations, foreign and domestic.

– Owen Wu

Owen is based in Westborough, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Combating Poverty in Mexico

Combating Poverty in Mexico Mexico has seen a decline in poverty in recent years. At its peak, the rate reached 43.2% in 2016 but fell to 36.3% by 2022. These signs of progress show that the country is tackling poverty in a positive way. Yet, one problem is that the population living in extreme poverty has gone up in recent years, with additional factors like access to health care and education also rising. Many organizations have stepped up to address this issue, helping families in rural areas of Mexico gain access to clean water, education and health care.

Policies and Governmental Strategies

Recent efforts to combat poverty in Mexico focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, according to the World Bank. Its analysis shows several areas for improvement in long-term poverty reduction. The first is female employment. Increasing the employment rate for women in the workforce contributes to economic development for the country.

Rural development is also a key factor in combating poverty. Improving rural infrastructure, education and health care services is essential to address regional disparities. Additionally, social protection is another element the government can tackle to help improve the situation. Strengthening benefits with worker protections can make economic growth more inclusive. As the World Bank notes, “social assistance reforms can redesign some programs to increase their progressivity and sufficiency,” enhancing effectiveness in combating poverty.

An overlooked aspect of why poverty is so complex in Mexico is the major climate events across the country. According to the World Bank, about 33% of poverty in Mexico is correlated with severe weather events. Hurricanes, droughts and floods affect those living in vulnerable conditions, further worsening their situations. Investing in more resilient infrastructure, such as durable housing and clean water systems, is a priority.

Organizations Addressing Poverty in Mexico

Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working to combat poverty in Mexico through multiple projects and initiatives. Esperanza Contigo focuses on children living in poverty, more specifically in rural areas. According to a report by the organization, more than 20 million children in Mexico live below the poverty line. This is due to reasons such as the minimum wage for a worker in Mexico being about $8.50 a day and rural schools being under-resourced, both of which fuel the cycle of poverty in the country.

Esperanza Contigo works to raise awareness, provide resources and advocate for change to improve the lives of children living in poverty. The organization has seen results in its work throughout Mexico, including helping abandoned children in the city of Tijuana. There, it provides foster care and offers shelter, education and health care programs. The organization states that “the best way to tackle child poverty is to be prepared.” 

CHOICE Humanitarian carries out locally led projects that address poverty in Mexico, mainly in rural areas. Its work includes increasing livestock and promoting agricultural sustainability. The organization helps families build stable food sources and income through efforts such as constructing wells and water filters. By doing so, CHOICE Humanitarian teaches communities the skills needed to continue these practices on their own. The organization’s activities support economic development, with the goal of combating poverty in this way.

In its 2024 annual report, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) outlined efforts to improve child nutrition, access to early childhood education and social inclusion. In cooperation with the Mexican government, UNICEF and the legislative branch are working to integrate child-centered initiatives into national planning. The organization has already reported progress in key areas such as nutrition, well-being and inclusion. 

Looking Ahead

Combating poverty in Mexico remains a challenge. It is not just one aspect that must be addressed, but multiple dimensions of poverty at the same time. This complexity has drawn many organizations to take part in tackling the problem. With projects underway to support people in need and with cooperation from the national government, Mexico is laying the groundwork for progress in combating poverty.

– Pablo Roque

Pablo is based in McAllen, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Urban Vertical Farming in Nairobi: Fighting Poverty in Kenya

vertical farming in nairobiIn the bustling heart of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, some of the world’s most densely populated slums — Kibera and Mathare — are home to a quiet agricultural revolution. Here, where space is scarce and poverty deep, residents have turned to innovative urban vertical farming techniques to grow food, generate income, and build stronger communities.

Growing Food in Tight Spaces

Traditional farming is impossible in the cramped alleyways and makeshift housing of Nairobi’s slums, but residents have found a creative solution: sack gardening. This method involves filling sacks with soil and organic waste, then growing leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and amaranth vertically on rooftops, balconies, and even along fences. These “vertical gardens” maximize limited space, requiring only a few square feet to feed a family.

Thanks to support from local NGOs and government programs, more than a thousand residents across Kibera’s villages have adopted sack farming. The approach is also resilient, relying on irrigation rather than rainfall, which makes year-round production possible despite inconsistent water access.

More Than Just Food

Vertical farming in the slums of Nairobi does more than reduce hunger. Surplus produce is sold at local markets, generating crucial income for families living on just a few dollars a day. For many young people, particularly in areas like Mathare, these farms offer an alternative to crime and gang involvement. Organizations such as Vision Bearerz, started by former gang members, have transformed abandoned spaces into hydroponic farms that supply fresh food and jobs while promoting peace.

Women play a leading role in this movement, often spearheading rooftop gardens and small-scale hydroponic projects. Their efforts empower households with better nutrition and financial stability, contributing to broader social change in these marginalized communities.

Building Resilience and Opportunity

Urban vertical farming also addresses critical environmental challenges. The techniques reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall and make efficient use of scarce water through irrigation and wastewater recycling.

Moreover, the skills and entrepreneurship fostered by these farming projects could open doors to new economic opportunities. Youth gain knowledge in sustainable agriculture, business management, and community organizing—building a foundation for long-term poverty alleviation.

A Model for the Future

Vertical farming in Nairobi offers a hopeful blueprint for other rapidly urbanizing cities facing food insecurity and poverty. By transforming rooftops and small plots into productive farms, communities are reclaiming control over their nutrition and livelihoods. With continued support from local governments, NGOs, and social entrepreneurs, this grassroots agricultural revolution could scale across Kenya and beyond, nourishing not only bodies but also spirits.

– Meagan Beaver

Meagan is based in Zephyrhills, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Sustainable Farming in Bihar: Bridging the Poverty Gap

Sustainable Farming in BiharThe Sophia Akash Foundation (SAF), in partnership with nonprofit organization PRADAN, is addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable women farmers in Bihar, India. Founded in 2010, SAF aims to combat poverty in underserved and rural communities through collaboration and social impact.

In March 2023, the foundation joined forces with PRADAN to empower women in Bihar with knowledge, tools and resources. The partnership focused on improving traditional farming methods through more sustainable, climate-resilient practices.

Agriculture in Bihar

Bihar, known for its fertile land and rich natural resources, relies heavily on agriculture, which employs about 76% of the state’s population. However, many farmers still rely on ineffective traditional farming practices that use harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides to sustain their livelihoods.

The growing impact of climate instability, including unpredictable rainfall, droughts and extreme temperatures, has made it even harder for farming communities to earn a stable income and support their families.

Why Women Farmers Matter

This joint initiative focuses on women in rural areas, who often lack access to the necessary tools, agricultural training, support and financial resources. According to SAF founder Shailendra Patel, initial research showed that empowering women empowers communities.

“If you enable the female members of these households, there is empirical evidence that because of maternal instincts, they are going to use that transfer of knowledge, tools and resources to improve the circumstances of their family and children,” Patel said. “They are likely to do that with greater consideration than the male household members.”

Training for Sustainable Farming

The initiative addresses ineffective farming practices in several ways. It trains women farmers in sustainable techniques such as climate-resilient greenhouses and drip irrigation. These methods protect crops during erratic weather conditions. They also increase both harvest size and crop quality.

The hands-on training covers land preparation, seed selection, bio-fertilizer preparation, water conservation, crop diversification and greenhouse management. These skills create a strong foundation for more resilient and productive farming methods.

“Through the transfer of knowledge and sharing of tools, means and resources with these communities will help them to progress on their journey out of poverty,” Patel said.

Success Story

This shift from traditional practices to sustainable farming in Bihar has already shown positive results, including healthier soils, improved harvest and reduced vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. Among the program’s early success stories is Sheetal, a local participant who began cultivating saplings through the Climate-Resilient Farming Program.

With training and support, she established a small nursery business that supplies saplings to other farmers in her village. This has diversified her income sources and positioned her as an entrepreneur, while uplifting her village community.

Along with empowering women in leadership roles in their villages, this program has contributed to greater food security, reduced input costs and more stable incomes through sustainable farming in Bihar.

“Empowering women benefits the families, communities and households,” Patel stated. “We need to find ways to lift the women to some form of equitable status in their families, give them agency in their families and knowledge with which they can make decisions.”

– Sahana Shastry

Sahana is based in Newtown Square, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mental Health in the Comoros

Mental Health in the ComorosThe Comoros, an archipelago of three islands in the Indian Ocean located between Madagascar and the southeast African mainland, is facing one of the world’s most silent mental health crises. With only one psychiatrist for 800,000 people, no national mental health strategy and 45% of the population living below the poverty line, access to psychiatric care is minimal. In addition, mental health issues remain heavily stigmatized within Comorian society, often being attributed to supernatural causes, such as jinn (demon) possession or witchcraft.

Lack of Mental Health Policy

The Comorian government has yet to adopt a mental health strategy, legislation or a specific budget for mental health care. This policy vacuum reflects decades of political instability and military coups since the country’s independence in 1975, compounded by pervasive poverty that besets the archipelago. Without a national plan, there is no framework to develop services, train providers or secure international funding for scalable solutions.

Poverty and Mental Health in the Comoros

Mental health care is too costly for most Comorian families. Without insurance systems or government-funded services, families often exhaust their savings on traditional healing or resort to physically restraining relatives with severe symptoms. The economic impact extends beyond individual families, as untreated mental illness reduces productivity, increases school dropout rates and reproduces poverty.

In 2018, the country’s Human Capital Index was only 0.40, suggesting that children born in 2018 will only achieve 40% of their productive potential, a figure partly influenced by preventable health issues, including mental disorders.

Cultural Beliefs and Stigma

Mental illness in Comoros is predominantly attributed to supernatural causes. As a result, many people first seek treatment from marabouts, who use Quranic verses, herbal remedies and amulets. These practices often delay medical treatment and can worsen psychiatric conditions. Women face particular obstacles, as cultural stigmatization often prevents them from seeking help or freely deciding about their treatment. Older people are also vulnerable, with no geriatric mental health support available.

However, organizations like Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) have supported mental health innovation in the Union of Comoros by training community health workers and facilitating psychiatric consultations via mobile phones. To reinforce monitoring and public awareness, the program also deploys tablets for weekly reporting and mobile apps to inform local communities about mental health issues.

Furthermore, youth-led initiatives like the Al Shara Youth Comoros “Moroni hub” based in Moroni, provide safe places for the youth to discuss mental health, challenge misconceptions and empower those affected by mental health issues.

Innoventive Mental Health Alternatives

Several other promising initiatives have emerged in recent years. In 2020, a telepsychiatry project was launched, with three key objectives. First, it helps raise awareness about mental health in Comoros, working to reduce misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health disorders. Moreover, it also trains health care practitioners to manage conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Finally, the project facilitates tele-consultations through Skype/Teams, connecting people and health care providers in remote areas with the country’s only psychiatrist and consultants from Madagascar and France. These tele-consultations provide diagnostic guidance and treatment recommendations, helping to mitigate the scarcity of psychiatric specialists.

E-education platforms are also slowly expanding, providing ongoing psychiatric and psychological training for health care workers. Targeted economic investment, especially from the U.S., could help develop these pivotal initiatives and bring mental health care to thousands of Comorians who currently suffer in silence. Addressing mental health care in Comoros requires sustained efforts, cultural sensitivity and international support to build more resilient communities.

– Juliette Delbarre

Juliette is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Major Facts About Poverty in Okinawa

Poverty in OkinawaOkinawa is one of the largest islands within the Ryukyu island chain and the smallest prefecture in Japan. Formally known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa is known internationally as an island travel destination and a Blue Zone area. A hidden struggle among Okinawan residents lies within the region’s rich culture and beautiful beaches. While Japan is considered a nation with high national well-being, poverty in Okinawa is 35%, twice the national average.

Single-Parent Household Ratios Are High

Contributing to poverty in Okinawa are single-parent or single-mother households. According to Professor Yanfei Zhou of Japan Women’s University from the documentary “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan,” despite single-parent households having a high employment percentage of 85%, 48.3% of the households are in poverty.

In Okinawa, single-mother households are the majority, resulting in a 30% child poverty rate that is almost double the national average. Many of these single-mother households have to work two jobs, with their second being a hostess at nightclubs.

US Military Facilities Dominate Okinawa

Many of Okinawa’s poverty-related issues stem from Japan’s relationship with the U.S. military. After World War II and the devastating 1945 Battle of Okinawa, Japan allowed the U.S. to establish military facilities on the island, bases that remain in place today.

Due to the 1945 battle devastating Okinawa’s existing infrastructure and major agricultural fields being demolished for military facilities, the prefecture experienced major economic infrastructure development delays.

About half of all U.S. forces in Japan remain in Okinawa today, an island that makes up less than 0.6% of the country’s territory. The weak infrastructure on the island continues to contribute to the low employment rates and poverty in Okinawa.

Unemployment Rates Are High

According to e-Stat, Okinawa’s unemployment rate was 8.1% in 2023, the highest percentage among Japan’s prefectures. Many factors contribute to this, including limited infrastructure due to the U.S. military presence, dependence on a tourism industry with low wages and unstable work and low university enrollment among young people. The island’s geographic isolation from mainland Japan also worsens unemployment and poverty in Okinawa.

Okinawa Lacks Support From the Japanese Government

Although the Japanese government provides Okinawa with more than $2 billion in annual financial support, the relationship between Okinawan residents and the state remains complicated. Many oppose current plans to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station from Futenma to the coast of Henoko, reflecting longstanding resentment over the U.S. military presence.

Japan’s colonization of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and deep cultural differences between Okinawa and the mainland have also fueled tension. As a result, Okinawa is often viewed as neglected compared to other Japanese prefectures.

Organizations Providing Aid

While poverty in Okinawa stems from many factors, nonprofit organizations and local leaders continue to fight for change. HelpOki, a volunteer-based nonprofit founded in 2011, works to combat poverty by providing vital resources and support to those in need. To address food insecurity, the group established Okinawa’s first food bank and continues to supply essentials to homeless shelters, foster homes and other community organizations.

Organizations outside Okinawa are also working to fight poverty in the prefecture. Second Harvest Japan, the country’s first incorporated food bank, aims to build a nationwide food safety net. In 2020, in collaboration with Barclays, it launched the Usagamisore Project. The initiative provided food to 30,000 households in Okinawa during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to serve the community while expanding its reach to the greater Tokyo area.

Local leaders have also made slow but steady plans to make Okinawa more self-reliant. They aim to reduce poverty and unemployment rates while still addressing residents’ concerns with U.S. forces and their presence in Okinawa.

– Skylar Paxton

Skylar is based in Lake Forest, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Improving Women’s Health Care in Africa

Improving Women's Health Care in Africa The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that women disproportionately experience health complications and barriers to health care access compared to men. Globally, both poverty and sociocultural factors hinder women’s ability to receive quality health services and care. WHO identifies these factors as: 

  • “Unequal power relationships between men and women;” 
  • “Social norms that decrease women’s education and paid employment opportunities;”
  • “An exclusive focus on women’s reproductive roles and” 
  • “Potential or actual experience of physical, sexual and emotional violence.”

COWHA’s Mission in Africa

There are organizations globally committed to improving women’s health care. One of these is the Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa (COWHA). COWHA is invested in providing girls and women with equitable access to health care and increasing their well-being. This vision is driven by an approach rooted in knowledge, advocacy and action. This three-pronged approach thrives on a collaboration with organizations in the private sector and holding governance responsible for reimagining and supporting women’s health care. 

In its 2025 Webinar Report, the Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa insists on the necessity of domestic investments, calling African governments to expand access to quality health services for girls and women, ensure financial risk protection and reduce out-of-pocket expenditures for patients and advance equity by making the health care of the most vulnerable and underserved populations a priority.

By adopting and funding these strategic priorities, COWHA can better maximize its impact in countries such as Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. In these regions, special attention goes to providing services and treatment for girls and women experiencing breast and cervical cancer, other noncommunicable diseases and needs related to sexual and reproductive health, as well as maternal and newborn care.

Statistics in Women’s Health Care

Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa reports the rates at which women and girls across the African continent experience health complications. Indeed, according to the report, around 66% of all global maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, 26% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa experience unplanned pregnancies and 65% of all cancer cases in Africa occur in women.

However, the organization’s framework is actively improving women’s health care in Africa and reducing oppressive conditions. Investing in knowledge and research enables COWHA to disseminate integral data on women’s health across Africa. This identifies gaps in care as well as offering life-saving interventions to enhance health outcomes. COWHA engages in conversation with policymakers, amplifying the most pressing health challenges, barriers to access and ensuring that women’s health is a priority.

Looking Ahead

The Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa’s cross-sector collaboration with governments, health care institutions and NGOs enables the implementation of targeted interventions. As a result, COWHA champions improvements in women’s health care that can have long-lasting impacts on the social and living conditions of girls and women across Africa.

– McKenzie Rentie

McKenzie is based in Dallas, Texas, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Urban Farming in Lebanon is Combating Food Insecurity

urban farming in lebanonFood insecurity has become one of Lebanon’s most pressing challenges. Years of economic collapse, political instability and rising global commodity prices have left millions struggling to access basic nutrition. Estimates show that 42% of the population faced high acute food insecurity in early 2023. This crisis is especially severe in urban areas like Tripoli, where high population density, unemployment and reliance on expensive imports leave communities vulnerable to market shocks. In the Shalfeh neighbourhood of Abou Samra, a new initiative is addressing this challenge through a solution rooted in sustainability, urban farming.

Changing the System

Launched by U.N.-Habitat and funded by the Government of Japan, the Al-Marjeh project integrates food production, renewable energy and clean water access to strengthen community resilience and combat Lebanon’s food insecurity.

The program has trained 100 women and 50 youth in planting, harvesting, composting, packaging and marketing. Participants gain both technical knowledge and business skills, enabling them to produce and sell fresh produce locally.

To support this shift, the project has installed renewable energy systems and water filtration units in two public schools and a health dispensary, benefiting the residents. These improvements enhance hygiene facilities, reduce the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and ensure sustainable access to clean water – an essential component of urban agriculture.

Reducing Poverty and Building Livelihoods

The Al-Marjeh project’s benefits extend beyond the harvest. Many graduates have received agricultural toolkits to continue production at home, reducing household food costs while generating income from surplus sales. Others have joined cash-for-work initiatives, expanding cultivation on larger plots and strengthening local food supply chains.

For residents, the training has been transformative. By learning to grow their own crops, citizens have reduced reliance on expensive imported vegetables and built more stable income streams. Examples like Omar, a young participant, who now applies his training to community gardens and helps neighbours adopt sustainable cultivation techniques, highlight the transformative impact.

This impact reflects a broader trend: urban farming fosters self-reliance, reduces dependency on volatile markets and creates spaces for community cooperation that works together to reverse Lebanon’s food insecurity. By linking food production directly to urban residents, the initiative could shorten supply chains, reduces transportation costs and improve access to fresh produce in neighbourhoods that have long relied on limited and costly imports.

Long-Term Development Impact

Urban farming in Lebanon is also a climate resilience strategy. With arable land scarce and extreme weather patterns intensifying environmental pressures, localized farming offers a way to meet food needs sustainably. The Al-Marjeh project promotes water-efficient irrigation and composting practices, reducing environmental strain while maintaining productivity.

U.N.-Habitat highlights that these projects strengthen social cohesion by involving diverse community members in collective goals. The combination of environmental sustainability, economic opportunity and improved nutrition provides a blueprint for scaling similar initiatives in other urban centres facing similar issues as Lebanon’s food insecurity.

Looking Ahead

As Lebanon continues to navigate overlapping economic and political crises, urban farming offers a practical and empowering response. By equipping residents with the skills, resources and infrastructure to produce their own food, projects like Al-Marjeh reduce vulnerability to external shocks and lay the foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth. In Tripoli’s Shalfeh neighbourhood, a simple idea—growing food locally—is helping build a more resilient future.

– Thomas Finighan

Thomas is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID Cuts

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID CutsIn early 2025, the new White House administration initiated sweeping changes to the United States (U.S.) foreign aid policy, placing a 90-day pause on all new obligations and disbursements from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This move, part of a broader effort to “reevaluate and realign” foreign assistance with American interests, has significantly reduced the federal government’s role in global development and has significantly decreased foreign assistance to countries across the world.

Concerns Over USAID Cuts

The administration’s budget proposal includes an $8.3 billion cut to foreign assistance, effectively dismantling large portions of USAID. These cuts have raised concerns among international development experts. Humanitarian organizations warn that the withdrawal of U.S. support could destabilize fragile economies and undo decades of progress in global health, education and poverty reduction. In the wake of these reductions, experts have noted that the following foundations are expanding global aid amid USAID cuts.

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid

  • The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation, already one of the largest private funders of global health initiatives, has increased its investments in vaccine distribution, agricultural development and maternal health. The foundation is increasing its notoriety, as Microsoft Co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has set forth the largest philanthropic commitment in history, planning to raise $200 billion by 2045. The organization’s goals in global health and development aim to reduce health inequities by developing innovative tools and strategies to combat infectious diseases and leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. The organization, so far, has gained upwards of $8 billion in charitable support, with partners of the organization spanning 130 countries. 
  • The Rockefeller Foundation. Created by John D. Rockefeller in 1913, the Rockefeller Foundation has grown to be one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the U.S., investing more than $26 billion in philanthropic capital in the last century.  The organization’s three main areas of work globally are health, food and power.  The organization mostly aims to help people in the U.S., but also in areas such as Africa and Asia. By addressing health globally, the organization aims to increase health equity by centering on vulnerable communities, scaling cross-sector innovations, securing sustainable financing and aligning global partnerships and policies for lasting impact. For food prosperity, the Rockefeller Foundation supports innovative tools, smart policies and public procurement strategies that build a sustainable food system—one that values the environment, local economies and racial equity. The main sector the organization deals with is renewable energy and power. While working with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the Rockefeller Foundation introduced renewable energy in more than 80 nations, mostly in Africa and Asia, where access to electricity remains limited.
  • Open Society Foundations. Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, which has donated more than $32 billion to support its mission. In 2023 alone, it donated $1.7 billion in funding. OSF works worldwide to promote justice, human rights and democratic governance through various initiatives. Its philanthropic efforts extend across continents—including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. The foundation grants thousands of dollars each year to individuals and organizations that share its values, emphasizing long-term partnerships, quick-response funding during government crises and strategic litigation. 
  • The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a major philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing global foundations through grants and long-term partnerships. Founded in 1966 by Bill and Flora Hewlett, the foundation supports initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, gender equity and democratic governance across the world.  Globally, it funds efforts to combat climate change, expand access to reproductive health and empower women economically, particularly in East and West Africa and Mexico. Indeed, in 2024 alone, the organization awarded $148.6 million in grants to promote gender equity and governance in these regions. Evidence-informed policymaking through governance is one of its strategies for increasing gender equity and this empowers policymakers to effectively use data and evidence in meeting the needs of citizens through organizations that work with the foundation. The foundation invests in strengthening civil society and inclusive governance, aiming to build effective communities and institutions. 

Looking Ahead

These foundations expanding global aid continue to play a crucial role in supporting foreign assistance, especially during periods of uncertainty in public funding. Indeed, their growing influence highlights the increasing role of private foundations in driving global aid efforts. As current funding evaluations wrap up, the trajectory of foreign assistance remains unclear. In the meantime, global development initiatives look set to increasingly rely on the strength and commitment of the philanthropic sector.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Sierra Leone

Disability and Poverty in Sierra LeonePeople with disabilities are frequently at higher risk of poverty. This is especially true in the developing world, as these countries have less infrastructure to meet people’s needs. One example of this is the relationship between disability and poverty in Sierra Leone. Between poor economic status and lasting issues from war, Sierra Leone has a substantial disabled population. However, efforts are underway to improve their lives both from within the government and from the public.

Disability Rights and Poverty

People with disabilities are often more susceptible to poverty. In developing countries, which often do not have robust disability support programs, disabled people especially struggle. People in impoverished areas are also more likely to have disabilities thanks to poor quality of life and increased violence.

One of the biggest issues is employment discrimination, where employers are less likely to hire disabled people because they believe they would not be able to fulfill the job requirements. Employers are even more hesitant to hire those that may need additional help, considering the limited job availability in developing nations.

Another major issue is lack of accessibility infrastructure. Government resources are spread thin in developing nations, and investing in accessibility often takes a backseat to more baseline government functions. These conditions make it so that countries that have a higher likelihood for their citizens to incur disabilities are also the most ill equipped to help their disabled citizens.

The Situation in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, like many developing nations, has to deal with the issues of disability and poverty. As a country still recovering from the effects of a devastating civil war, it has a lot of experience with both of these issues. According to the Repository on Disability Rights in Africa in 2015, about 2.4% of Sierra Leone’s population has a disability. The aforementioned civil war is a contributor to the country’s disabled population, where many citizens are still dealing with debilitating war wounds. Lack of health care infrastructure also leads to disabilities caused by infectious diseases such as polio.

The connection between disability and poverty in Sierra Leone has led to a large disability rights movement within the country. However, a lack of central organization is a big issue facing this movement. An analysis by Amelie van den Brink, Willem Elbers and Aisha Fofana Ibrahim from 2019 describes the nature of the movement as “fragmented,” citing lack of resources and diverging interests based on different types of impairments. Despite having unity under the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), many member organizations actively compete for financial resources and government attention.

Solutions

Despite their limited economic power, Sierra Leone has made commitments to improving the lives of their disabled population. In 2011, its federal government passed The Persons with Disabilities Act. This act created the National Commission for Persons with Disability, a government committee dedicated to protecting people with disabilities and providing services like preventing discrimination, maintaining a database of people with disabilities and spreading awareness of the issues that disabled people in Sierra Leone face. It also officially codified a list of rights that persons with disability were guaranteed, including issues of employment and medical care.

The United Nations has also taken action to help the government develop a strategy for improving the quality of life for the disabled. In 2011, the United Nations Integrated Peace Building Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) released a charter concerning the rights of disabled people, based on previous legislation passed by the Sierra Leone government. Other NGOs have contributed financially to Sierra Leone’s disability and poverty relief efforts. Having outside support for these disability rights efforts is essential to countries like Sierra Leone in order to ensure that their government is equipped to handle these newer initiatives.

As stated earlier, Sierra Leone also has a robust disability rights movement. Despite the issues with the movement as observed by van den Brink et al, it has been essential in pushing for legislation and providing non-governmental resources to those in need. The SLUDI was one of the biggest advocates for the Persons with Disabilities Act, and is a great example of the power of advocacy in legislative politics.

Looking Ahead

Disability and poverty in Sierra Leone remains a major issue as the country struggles to meet the needs of its disabled population. However, thanks to a combination of legislation and popular support, the country has the tools it needs to improve on this issue well into the future. Sierra Leone is growing in many respects, and many of the measures that the government took are essential to ensuring that the disabled are not left behind.

– Thaddeus Konieczny

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

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