Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Fighting Poverty by Preparing for the Next Pandemic

Preparing for the Next Pandemic After the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community are trying to prepare for the next outbreak. Epidemiologists label this future pandemic as “Disease X,” likely from one of the 25 known virus families; they estimate that it could be significantly deadlier than previous pandemics. Fighting global poverty has been central to how the international community fights against disease.

Preparing for the next pandemic supports people in low- and middle-income countries in two key ways. First, addressing systemic challenges such as pollution, deforestation and limited access to sustainable health care can reduce the likelihood and impact of future outbreaks. Second, the effects of disease tend to be more severe for populations living in poverty. The international community can help by funding existing health initiatives—particularly in tropical regions of the Americas, Africa and Asia—and by supporting efforts like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations’ (CEPI) 100 Day Mission, which aims to accelerate vaccine development and save lives. 

Challenges in Pandemic Planning

Experts suggest that one of the most difficult parts of improving global public health is preparing for the next pandemic before it happens. The major challenge is getting governments to invest ahead of time, despite not knowing exactly when, where or how the next major disease will strike. Caroline Buckee, professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics (CCDD), noted,  

“One of the confirmatory lessons for me—it’s not a new lesson—was that governments and people are reactive. And it’s very hard to get significant investment in preparedness. When it comes to pandemics, or epidemics in general, one of the hardest things about preparedness is that if you’re doing it really well, no outbreak—or only a small outbreak—occurs. Proving that you have averted an epidemic is difficult, so politically, how do you justify the investment required? It’s a really hard problem.”

One of the ways epidemiologists prepare for something that is both unpredictable and inevitable is by ranking the likeliest outbreaks to become a major issue, including “another possible Disease X, a term used to describe a currently unknown pathogen with pandemic potential.” 

Tracking Zoonotic Threats

One of the ways health experts accurately prepare is through pathogen rankings like the Priority Zoonotic Disease Lists and the Research and Development Blueprint. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, in partnership with the University of California, Davis, has developed a new analytical tool called SpillOver to help predict the most likely risks.

SpillOver evaluates the likelihood of animal-to-human spillover among viruses, like the zoonotic transfer that occurred with the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. So far, the project has isolated 12 separate zoonotic diseases that are most likely to infect, ranging from Simian foamy virus to Lassa virus. SpillOver 2.0 will incorporate more data in order to more holistically analyze which diseases we need to prepare for. 

The Impact on Global Poverty

This massive effort of analyzing and preparing for the next pandemic is critical to fighting global poverty for two major reasons. First, pandemics disproportionately harm the global poor. Analysis from The Lancet found that if a pandemic of similar proportions to the 1918 influenza epidemic were to occur in 2025, there would be 62 million fatalities, 96% of which would be in lower-income countries. By contrast, investing in poverty relief helps combat disease spread through improved health systems, increased health education and more effective sanitation. 

Secondly, the fight against poverty and the effort to control pandemics are linked. The wider systemic issues that cause global poverty also increase the risk of a disease outbreak and that same outbreak developing into a full-blown pandemic. The WHO has warned that this next pandemic, labeled Disease X, “could be 20 times more lethal than COVID-19, with very high costs, possibly no vaccines and enormous social and economic impacts.” 

The most likely risk is a zoonotic disease from a tropical region, all places suffering from high poverty rates, climate change and deforestation. These three main factors increase the likelihood of a tropical animal-to-human outbreak turning into the next COVID-19. While deforestation increases the possibility of spillover, combating deforestation not only helps prevent outbreak but also can reduce poverty as well. 

Rapid Response and Vaccine Development

As daunting as this may be for the global poor, the international community and health experts are learning from the last pandemic. CEPI is leading efforts to ensure that life-saving vaccines can be made available across the developing world in as little as 100 days, compared to the traditional five-year timeline. 

Started in 2014 to help combat Ebola, CEPI also played a critical role in reducing the COVID-19 vaccine development timeline to 12 to 18 months. By focusing on increased research, development and mass production, “…CEPI has simultaneously advanced the development of 11 rapid response platforms to deploy against unknown threats, or Disease X.” Being able to predict which diseases may emerge from and affect the developing world is critical to fast-tracking vaccines, which have historically saved an estimated 154 million lives worldwide. 

Looking Ahead: A Shared Global Strategy

While preparing for the next pandemic is difficult and full of uncertainties, expert opinions suggest that focusing efforts will be critical to combating global poverty. By identifying the most likely pathogens as potential future “Disease X” threats, the international scientific community has helped concentrate resources that can be used effectively in the developing world. Hence, fighting global poverty and protecting global health appear to be essential parts of the same strategy.

– Joseph Laughon

Joseph is based in Sacramento, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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10 Facts About Business with The Visegrad Four

10 Facts About Business with The Visegrad Four The Visegrad countries of Central Europe achieved a remarkable transition to democracy and a market economy. The Visegrad Group (V4) – Czechia, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary – declared a commitment to expand political and economic stability in East Europe. Below are 10 facts about business with the Visegrad Four. 

Top 10 Facts About Business with the Visegrad Four

  1. East-West Trade 1989-1993. The European Community normalized trade relations with Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland in 1988 and 1999. The Poland and Hungary – Aid to Reconstruct Economies (PHARE) program provided vocational training, food aid and investment promotion. PHARE also removed quantitative restrictions and granted some Visegrad products preferential trade status. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) promoted private and entrepreneurial activity and encouraged investment in Eastern Europe. The Europe Agreements in 1991 lowered trade barriers and increased financial assistance to the V4. These arrangements laid the foundation for continued East-West trade. 
  2. European Integration. European Union (EU) membership in 2004 meant guaranteed access to the Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The V4 countries used EU transfers and subsidies to implement projects that promote enterprises, develop human capital and increase overall competitiveness. Accession to the EU also harmonized regulations, streamlined commerce and reduced business risk in the V4 countries. 
  3. The International Visegrad Fund (IVF): The V4 Prime Ministers agreed on an international donor organization at a summit in Bratislava in May, 1999. The Fund promotes projects in the area of culture, education and science. The budget (€11 million) comes from equal contributions from the V4 governments. The Fund provides support to students, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and private companies through Grants, Scholarships and Artist Residencies.
  4. Labor Force. The V4 countries recently underwent structural changes. Small and medium enterprises moved to the forefront of innovation and the number of self-employment and small businesses multiplied. The V4 developed intensive productive sectors (mining and agriculture) and increased research and development funding. The Visegrad countries now play an important role in the automotive industry, with an economy based on a blue-collar technical workforce. 
  5. Strong Industrial Base. The V4 built up manufacturing capabilities. The V4’s main exports are transportation and machines, accounting for around 38% in Poland and 60% in Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary. It increased annual car production from 1.4 million to 3.5 million since 2004, with the automotive sector employing around 1.5 million people. The car industry represents a trademark of the Visegrad economy, with many leading brands represented. 
  6. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Visegrad countries dominate in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to the region. Access to EU markets, low production costs and favorable conditions granted to multinational firms attract foreign investment. The automotive sector is almost fully foreign-owned – Germany is the primary buyer of imports of cars and car parts. While FDI stimulates technological progress and economic development, it leaves the V4 vulnerable to global business cycles.
  7. Export Orientation. The export orientation of the V4 contributes to economic development. COVID-19 impacted local businesses and created demand for regional support. The Council of Slovak Exporters (CSE) aims to help Slovak firms export and access foreign markets, by facilitating information, providing export related assistance and organizing professional networking events. 
  8. V4 Energy Sector. A number of internal and external factors shape the V4’s energy policy. The V4 faces environmental pressure and vulnerability associated with dependence on Russia’s gas and oil imports. The V4 increasingly supports diversification strategies aimed at changing the energy mix (increasing share of renewables and natural gas) and the supplier countries. Poland opened the LNG terminal in Świnoujście in 2016 and got Qatar as a contractor. The Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) signed a contract to extract hydrocarbons in the United Arab Emirates. 
  9. V4 Business Conference. The Conference is an annual and nongovernmental forum, where participants share insights and combine know-how to navigate pressing problems and find solutions. The 2025 conference covered trade with America, automotive industry crossroads, V4 and emerging markets and EU competitiveness. 
  10. V4 Network on Entrepreneurship. The V4 governments co-financed the V4 Network on Entrepreneurship project in 2019, which facilitated information sharing on small business. HEFTA Research Institute (HU) partnered with IDEA Development Foundation (PL), University of Economics (CZ) and Slovak Business Agency (SK). They set up an online database for researchers, experts, stakeholders and organizations focused on entrepreneurship. The partners also created a brochure with comprehensive policy recommendations in 2020.

Looking Ahead

The Visegrád Four represents an important forum for teamwork, with a strategic geographical location for business. Through regional cooperation and EU integration, the V4 built competitive economies rooted in industrial strength and foreign investment. While the V4 faces shared challenges in the energy sector and with global market fluctuations, they embrace proactive strategies, such as the V4 Business Conference, to find solutions. 

– Alessandra Lewis

Alessandra is based in CT, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Oman’s Poverty Eradication: A Global Model for Ending Poverty

Oman’s Poverty EradicationIn May 2025, Oman became one of the first countries in the world to completely end extreme poverty. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, no one in the country is living on less than $1.25 a day which is the global line for extreme poverty. Other countries now see Oman’s poverty eradication efforts as a model to follow.

Oman guided its fight to end poverty through a national plan called Vision 2040. It focuses on improving education, creating more jobs outside of oil and helping people in every part of the country. Another plan, called the 10th Five-Year Development Plan, helped turn these goals into real projects. As of 2025, Oman has completed 95% of the programs in the plan and invested more than $28 billion to help improve people’s lives.

Expanding Social Protection

A big part of Oman’s poverty eradication came from a new social protection law. This law, which started in 2024, created a national program to give financial help to more than 1.5 million people. Families now get support for children, seniors, people with disabilities and workers who lose their jobs. The program is paid for by the government and makes sure no one is left behind. Oman also worked closely with international groups like the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Together, they launched a Child Protection Guide to keep children safe and supported across the country.

Investing in Education, Health and Housing

Oman has made big improvements in education and health. The country now ranks among the top 20 in the world for how much it spends on each student and nearly 98% of adults can read and write. Health care is free for all citizens and new hospitals and digital systems are making care even better. Housing is another important part of reducing poverty. Oman has given money to thousands of low-income families to help them build or fix homes. The country is also building Sultan Haitham City, a new city with 20,000 homes, schools, parks and clean energy. It will house 100,000 people once finished.

Looking Ahead

Even with all this spending, Oman has managed to keep its finances under control. It used oil money wisely, paid off debts and still had enough left to support the country’s programs. In fact, its credit rating was upgraded in 2024, suggesting higher levels of trust from global investors. Oman tracks its progress using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These goals help countries measure how well they’re doing on issues like poverty, education and health care. Oman has met or is close to meeting many of them.

– Cameron Jones

Cameron is based in Hendersonville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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AFCON: Fighting Poverty in Africa

AFCON: Fighting Poverty in AfricaThe Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a biennial, international soccer tournament featuring national teams from across the continent, hosted by a different country every two years. While there are 54 eligible teams across Africa, only the 24 best teams qualify for the opportunity to play, making this elite tournament the pinnacle of African soccer. While this tournament looks influential in terms of sporting glory and national pride, it also provides a massive economic boost for the host nation. The following covers ways through which the AFCON tournament stimulates economies and fights poverty across Africa.

Fighting Poverty in Africa: Short-Term Benefits

“In the short term, the tournament has a positive effect,” explains Roméo Boye, a researcher at the Ivorian Center for Economic and Social Research. Throughout the four-week-long tournament, the host nation experiences a significant boost in hospitality revenue, primarily at hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, as a result of the increased traffic from tournament attendees. According to Roméo Boye, the tournament has an extremely positive impact on the host nation’s GDP despite only being four weeks long.

These businesses also expand during the tournament, creating short-term professional opportunities that not only provide job seekers with a temporary financial boost but also allow them to gain valuable workplace experience and enhance their resumes. Although these jobs only last the duration of the tournament, they still possess the ability to aid those who are jobless and in poverty. As the market expands, the tournament provides them with opportunities to gain work experience and financial capital.

Infrastructure and Long-Term Growth

Although the short-term economic benefits outnumber the long-term benefits, the tournament provides the host nation with the opportunity to develop its cities while making long-lasting improvements to the infrastructure of the country. For example, transportation was an issue in the Ivory Coast for many years before the country hosted AFCON. Traveling from city to city could be difficult and tedious. However, after the improvements to roads, bridges and airports born during AFCON, movement throughout the country is far more accessible and efficient, according to Julien Adhepeau, professor at the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, in Abidjan. 

In the fight against poverty in developing countries, these infrastructural improvements appear to be vital. In the case of the Ivory Coast, transportation upgrades have made employment more accessible, as prospective candidates can move more easily throughout the country, expanding their job opportunities. The Ivory Coast created 24 ‘AFCON cities’ which served as residences for international delegations during the tournament. These cities were a point of growth for new communities and businesses, providing even more job opportunities to Ivorians. 

Sporting Infrastructure and Financial Rewards

On the sporting side, in addition to economic stimulation provided by ticket sales and broadcasting revenue, AFCON also allows for the development of state-of-the-art sporting facilities, which create even more job opportunities as workers are needed at these sites. Finally, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) provides a large payout to all teams competing in the tournament. In 2019, all participating nations received at least $600,000, while the winners took home about $4.5 million. In 2017, even the four semifinalists received a substantial payout of $1.5 million each. 

Looking Ahead

At first glance, the Africa Cup of Nations is an intense sporting competition with international recognition at stake. However, it also presents opportunities, fighting Poverty in Africa and improving living conditions in developing countries. Through financial and infrastructural developments, AFCON has contributed to increased employment opportunities and improved access to services in some host communities.

– Jack Schuchard

Jack is based in Herndon, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Teaching Abroad: A Form of Equity

Teaching Abroad: A Form of Equity Reda, a 14-year-old boy from a low-resourced town in Morocco, is now a pre-med student at San Francisco State University, aiming to become a doctor for a nonprofit organization. His Peace Corps English teacher, Nathaniel, played a key role in his development. Since 1961, teaching abroad has been an impactful way to promote equity and create opportunities for social mobility.

Teaching Abroad

Teaching abroad as a form of equity shares similarities with Teach For America. Teach For America recruits recent, excelling graduates to teach in high-need areas. This allows aspiring teachers to grow their careers and students in low-income areas to receive a better education. Organizations like the Peace Corps work in a similar way. Participants for the Peace Corps need to have a bachelor’s degree, but no teaching experience is necessary. The volunteers then go on to teach in high-need areas across the world. Volunteers practice kindness by teaching their knowledge, empowering the students by equipping them with a better education.

History of the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by the United States (U.S.) President John F Kennedy through an executive order. The agency’s mission is to create friendship and peace with other countries through helpful engagement. The first countries ever visited were Tanzania and Ghana.

The Power of Education

Education enables social mobility. Obtaining a higher education is a reliable path to higher salaries and upward mobility. Among OECD nations, earning a college degree increases income by 54% compared to a high school diploma. Additionally, higher education has been shown to boost a country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

Since 1961, the Peace Corps has expanded its impact around the world. In its education sector, volunteers have taught more than 212,000 students in subjects such as English, literacy, math and science. The organization has served in 144 countries and supported local projects through in-person and online efforts. The Peace Corps also offers opportunities in other sectors, including health, economic development and engineering, allowing volunteers to choose how they want to serve.

Ongoing Challenges

Volunteers may experience culture shock, homesickness and language barriers. In addition, living conditions are often less resourced than what they are used to in their home countries. Volunteers are not paid a salary but receive a stipend along with room and board. Many use money saved from their home countries during their service.

According to the information on the Peace Corps website, teaching abroad as a form of equity can also be a way of travel. It can be an immersive and enriching experience to be in another country for an extended period of time.  Likewise, teaching abroad can be a great career builder for students in social work, global health, international relations and education.

Looking Ahead

Through the Peace Corps and similar initiatives, teaching abroad continues to be a powerful force for global equity. By connecting volunteers with underserved communities, programs like these promote access to education, encourage cultural exchange and support long-term development goals. As stories like Reda’s show, a single educator can help unlock opportunities that last a lifetime.

– Andrea Roji

Andrea is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rising for the Greater Good: Poverty in Liberia

Poverty in LiberiaLiberia stood out as one of two African countries that remained independent throughout the European conquest in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the “Scramble for Africa.” Though known for its abundant rainforests, such as the Upper Guinean, Liberia continues to confront challenges. Poverty remains a pervasive issue in the country, affecting millions of people. In the capital, Monrovia, three out of 10 citizens live in struggling conditions. In rural regions, nearly eight out of 10 individuals experience poverty daily.

Poor physical and mental health, often the result of infections and diseases is one of the most problematic factors for disadvantaged communities. Tuberculosis, measles and malaria, among others, remain public health concerns. However, some initiatives have improved health care access in many regions. The average life expectancy rose 1.2 years over the last decade. 

Many organizations are working to reduce poverty in the country through action plans and implemented programs. Among them is Mercy Corps, which supports with educational and health access, donations, charitable missions and emergency responses.

Post-War Recovery and Poverty in Liberia

Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, focuses on alleviating poverty in underdeveloped countries like Liberia. The organization establishes communal stability for all families. Nearly 4,300 colleagues under Mercy Corps work together to grant communities first aid assistance and ally with local government officials to create long-term renovations.

Mercy Corps supported Liberia with many recovery efforts after the nation’s 1989-2003 civil war. The civil war marked a period of political unrest between diverse ethnic groups. This caused significant tension between the land and the people. Liberia experienced 14 years of economic recession. Food scarcity was another result of the aftermath. Produce became scarce, affecting 50% of families. 

Mercy Corps faces challenges in providing aid to large populations but continues working to reach as many families as possible. In a discussion with CEO Micromentor Anita Ramachandran, Mercy Corps’ Executive Director Tjada D’Oyen McKenna shared personal and professional details about her path to joining the organization. She spoke with Ramachandran, stating, “…our work is now more necessary than it ever was.” She explained that while some populations will always be affected by natural disasters, the ongoing challenge is to “remind people…that there are more vulnerable [communities] deserving of our support.”

Economic Progress

Mercy Corps is dedicated to guiding communities in finding impactful employment opportunities by linking them with private businesses and agencies. The training for these individuals extends beyond basic skills, focusing instead on establishing a foundation in finance and business management. This emphasizes the vital role of technology and digitalization in Liberia’s economic journey. This approach is modeled to help individuals reach their full potential to become creative leaders in all fields of work. As part of this growing development training, Mercy Corps formed a partnership with a nascent tech entrepreneurship space. This joint collaboration provides innovators a unique role in immersing themselves in a real-world experience. This shapes them to drive future economic stability.

Tackling Poverty, Hunger and Education Gaps in Liberia

Food production in Liberia has been dwindling after the country faced numerous challenges, like the aftermath of the Civil War. Almost 25,000 kids are unable to receive adequate meals in schools due to inaccessibility. About 146 schools encounter this issue, leaving children hungry. Many kids retire from school early because they lack the energy to keep going. As the problem worsened, attendance and enrollment rates fell significantly.

Mercy Corps launched the Liberia Empowerment, Attendance, Reading and Nutrition (LEARN) Program in 2021. The goal of the program is to help children living in vulnerable communities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program, LEARN supplies schools with nutritious meals sourced from local food vendors. LEARN also organizes activities and clubs for children to interact and learn about health outcomes. Some of the clubs the program established include school health and garden clubs. The program’s main objective is to help around 265,830 recipients, with a small portion of that being 85,129 preschoolers in 234 school systems.

Growth and Wellness

Every year, about one-third of Liberian individuals contract malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The death rate primarily affects small children who suffer not only from malaria but also from pneumonia. Based on the Liberia Institute of Statistics and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the maternal mortality rate in Liberia is one of the highest in the world. The rate is 994 per 100,000 childbirths. Mercy Corps is playing an active role in increasing accessibility to sanitation services to stop the contraction of such infections. The organization works alongside regional systems. Health services based in the United States (U.S.) are spending $52 million to open more medical clinics to reach people residing in rural areas of the country.

Building Self-resilience

Poverty remains detrimental to many nations, including Liberia, particularly in regard to food scarcity and education. So, in response, Mercy Corps’ initiatives have implemented support for children and adults. These plans, along with active health services, improved sterilized water and job training, demonstrate a commitment to resolving pressing issues. Addressing these matters, McKenna says, “…We’ve been reminded of our interconnectedness so much…and we believe them…that one of our core principles…is driving toward a more just world.” Liberia hopes to restore its confidence and better its prospects.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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CARE International: Social and Economic Aid in the Balkans

Social and Economic Aid in the Balkans For more than 25 years, CARE International organization has offered social and economic aid in the Balkans to help the marginalized groups affected as a result of inter-regional disturbances. 

History of CARE International in the Balkans

In the 1990s, CARE International’s humanitarian efforts focused on addressing the trauma caused by the widespread war that plagued the region. Most of the trauma from these wars included displacement, destruction and intercultural tension within the Balkans. In response, CARE led many life-saving humanitarian efforts in the 1990s to help restore the region.

The life-saving efforts included:

  • Helping the process of displaced people returning to their home regions.
  • Providing another opportunity for livelihood after war for displaced people.
  • Improving access to social protection for the most vulnerable.
  • Addressing issues with reconstruction and society and calling on civil society to make changes.
  • Overall, improving social well-being for the population.

Present Day Aid with CARE International

By the year 2000, CARE International began shifting its focus to social and economic aid in the Balkans as the region stabilized after the war. Within the more stable Balkan region, CARE International focuses on supporting underrepresented groups by expanding their access to opportunities and rights through two main pillars:

  1. The integration of marginalized and vulnerable groups into Balkan society through socio-economic strategies to improve opportunities for livelihoods.
  2. Equality for marginalized and vulnerable groups through practices that encourage chances for every group to be represented in all areas, especially not based upon gender, all the way up to the government.

With these two vital pillars, CARE International seeks to make new opportunities for vulnerable groups to gain access to the same opportunities as everyone else in the Balkan region. These opportunities also offer a vital source of peace within the region. CARE International also contributes to ensuring sustainable peace within the Balkans. In addition to the aforementioned opportunities, CARE provides many different peacebuilding and conflict protection services in the region that offer vulnerable groups the aid they need after experiencing violence.

Looking Ahead: Social and Economic Aid in the Balkans

CARE International’s social and economic aid in the Balkans extends to all groups in need of support. Indeed, its goals focus on assisting struggling communities throughout the region and helping them reach their full potential. This opportunity for vulnerable groups helps the Balkan region continue to prosper economically and, in return, closes the gap of missed chances for lower-income or vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, CARE International’s efforts offer a chance to improve the livelihoods of many underrepresented or lower-income groups by expanding access to better social and economic opportunities.

As CARE International’s efforts focused on social and economic aid in the Balkans, the region’s support is evident through the increased participation of vulnerable groups in society on more equal terms. Through the humanitarian aid powered by CARE International, the groups most in need get a chance at a proper livelihood and the ability to live their lives to the fullest.

– Angelina Tas

Angelina is based in Cleveland, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Cuba: Supporting Recovery and Reducing Poverty

Foreign Aid to Cuba: Supporting Recovery and Reducing Poverty In recent years, foreign aid to Cuba has played a critical role in addressing poverty, economic instability and humanitarian need. Despite long-standing tensions with the United States (U.S.), international donors continue to support the Cuban people through targeted assistance in health, food security and disaster preparedness.

Cuba’s Economic Crisis

Cuba has a reputation for strong public services, especially in health care and education, but the country’s economic situation has sharply deteriorated. The pandemic, combined with tightened U.S. sanctions and a drop in tourism, has left millions struggling to access food, medicine and basic goods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 4 million Cubans are food insecure and per forecasts, this number could rise without consistent aid.

The Role of Foreign Aid to Cuba

Although the U.S. does not provide direct bilateral aid, many countries and organizations continue to fund humanitarian programs aimed at reaching Cuba’s most vulnerable populations. Key contributors include the European Union (EU), Japan, Canada and multilateral agencies such as the United Nations (U.N.) and the Global Fund. Food insecurity remains a major concern. In recent years, the WFP distributed rice, beans and cooking oil to schoolchildren, elderly people and pregnant women in food-insecure regions. The organization’s work helps maintain basic nutrition during a time of severe economic stress.

Health care is another critical area. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Global Fund support Cuba in its efforts to manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), tuberculosis and other diseases, as well as improve child health outcomes through access to prenatal care and vaccines. Cuba is also one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the Caribbean. Frequent hurricanes and coastal flooding displace thousands every year. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) projects focus on climate resilience, including reforestation, flood protection and renewable energy infrastructure.

Technical cooperation plays a quieter but important role. Japan, for instance, has funded solar panel projects and provided medical equipment, while Canadian aid supports small farming cooperatives and rural development. These efforts help build Cuba’s self-sufficiency.

Success Stories and Ongoing Challenges

Programs like the WFP’s school meal distribution have tangible results. More than 800,000 Cuban students receive daily meals that help improve both nutrition and classroom attendance. The integration of aid into public services allows for efficient delivery despite Cuba’s logistical challenges. Cuba’s centralized government, tight control over data and restrictions on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) present obstacles. Aid agencies often face delays or limitations on how funding can be used. Additionally, shifting diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations, sometimes disrupt long-term support.

The Path Forward

Cuba’s gradual economic reforms and ongoing engagement with international partners open up opportunities for more effective, community-led development. Continued investment in health, education, food security and climate resilience, delivered through international collaboration, offers a path forward. With sustained support from global partners and a focus on long-term development, Cuba can build greater resilience, reduce poverty and improve the well-being of its people in the years to come.

– Charlie Baker

Charlie is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Translators without Borders: Fighting Misinformation

Translators without BordersMyanmar is one of the least politically stable countries in the world, having been in some state of civil war since its independence in 1948. Amid the cycle between civilian democracy, autocracy and military dictatorship, ethnic minorities have been subject to persecution and harassment. The ongoing Rohingya genocide has prompted a mass exodus to neighboring Bangladesh, which shares their Islamic faith. With the majority lacking formal education and access to a reliable and diverse media diet, the Rohingya have become a bellwether for internet-fueled misinformation.

Donor Fatigue and Repercussions

As the Rohingya crisis stretches further, aid givers are warning of the growing trend of “donor fatigue,” a phenomenon whereby major philanthropists and the public decrease interest and donations. Donor trust is fragile: it can be damaged by a single viral hoax about corruption or a misconstrued image that goes viral.

The real-world effects of donor fatigue and funding cuts are severe. As noted, food rations have already been reduced — in March 2023, monthly aid per person dropped from $12 to $10. It was on track to fall further until a last-minute funding injection stabilized it.

Diminished funding creates a vicious cycle: misinformation reduces public support, leading to funding cuts, worsening conditions and making the crisis even more challenging to resolve. As a result, displaced populations remain trapped in prolonged dependence and growing risk. Refugees International recently warned that declining aid and “ongoing restrictions on the ability to work” are forcing more Rohingya to risk dangerous sea journeys in search of survival.

Translators without Borders: Community-Led Solutions

Calling out and confining online misinformation requires a coalition of individuals, platforms, governments and nonprofits. Organizations like Translators without Borders are working to provide accurate and fact-based reporting to refugees. A particular successful program is the “Flying News” rumor bulletin. This periodic flyer, written in clear terms and translated orally by field staff for those who can’t read it, takes the latest prevalent rumors and provides verified answers and facts.

Media platforms are also mobilizing to counter misinformation. In response to international outcry, Facebook has altered its Myanmar site to contain additional algorithms automatically detecting inflammatory language. Questions arising from Facebook’s role in the Rohingya genocide have led a group of refugees to file a landmark $150 billion lawsuit against its parent company, Meta. First filed in 2021, the suit alleges that Facebook’s negligence helped fuel the violence in Myanmar. Although initially dismissed, the refugees appealed and the case is now progressing through the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate decision remains pending.

Furthermore, Bangladesh-based fact-checking groups such as BD Fact Check and Boom Bangladesh have begun debunking viral falsehoods about the Rohingya in national media, helping curb the spread of misinformation in host communities. In 2018, Bangladesh’s unicameral legislature passed the Digital Security Act, which criminalizes the dissemination of “rumors” or “false information” that could destabilize the country. In theory, this law could apply to those inciting violence or spreading hoaxes about the Rohingya in refugee camps.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the spread of inflammatory TikToks made international headlines. It prompted the country’s security agencies to investigate the online hate campaign that sparked violence in Aceh. Authorities are working to identify the masterminds and bots behind the coordinated effort.

Moving Forward With Innovation

Since the genocide of the Rohingya began, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence have complicated things. Researchers in Indonesia have started using AI to collect and analyze data on social media. Using natural language processing and sentiment analysis, they hope to gauge public attitudes toward Rohingya refugees accurately. One recent study analyzed Indonesian Twitter and news commentaries using a BERT-based model (a form of AI language model). It found that around 65% of online sentiments about Rohingya refugees were negative.

Although long-term ramifications are poorly understood, the findings as of 2025 have demonstrated that community-led dramatizations are the most successful initiatives. Training aid organizations and expanding localized fact-checking trends in refugee camps resonate strongly. These posts are often in the local idiom and usually laced with humor to gently correct false beliefs.

In summary, Translators without Borders and others within the humanitarian sector’s approach has evolved to “fight fake news alongside the pandemic” and other crises. Aid workers now see information management as a core part of aid, not an optional add-on. These evolving strategies offer hope for protecting vulnerable populations from the dual threats of displacement and digital misinformation.

– Maxwell Marcello

Maxwell is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Montenegro 

Disability and Poverty in MontenegroMontenegro, located in the Balkan Peninsula, is a country that includes several people experiencing disability and poverty. However, in recent years, Montenegro has had a steady decline in poverty. The main factor is the economic growth the country has had from 2021-2023 and the unemployment rate has gone down to 14.1%. These are positive signs for Montenegro regarding its poverty issues, but there is still a lot of work ahead. Here is information about disability and poverty in Montenegro.

Disability and Poverty Among Children in Montenegro

A Multidimensional Child Poverty Study that UNICEF did in Montenegro concluded that 80% of the children in the country are “deprived in at least one of the seven dimensions essential for a child’s development.” The dimensions that the report regarded as essential for the development of a child include health, nutrition, early childhood development and education, neglect, discipline and child labor. This is a huge issue for the country and more action is essential to combat this ongoing issue.

Meanwhile, children with disabilities experience more challenges as they do not get the same rights and opportunities as children who do not have these issues. According to an article by UNICEF Montenegro, Montenegro has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is to ensure that all children “with developmental disabilities can realize their rights and potential” without experiencing discrimination and being in an inclusive environment.

Why is This a Problem

To get more of an insight into why poverty is such a big issue for children growing up in poverty, UNICEF lays out many ways in which children growing up in poverty “rewires” their brains. Some examples that UNICEF provides include problems like mental health issues, developmental delays in a child’s growth process and below-par cognitive development. These are just some of the many struggles a child has growing up in poverty. The “chronic stress” that children experience because of these struggles can cause additional problems for them in the future, such as unemployment or lower paid work.

Regarding People with Disabilities

With more than 50,000 people in the country having to deal with some sort of disability, a huge portion of the population is experiencing mistreatment and it is a huge issue where action needs to take place. A study analyzed for the development of the Strategy for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion in Montenegro, conducted in 2007, showed that around 60% of people with disability issues lived in poverty. Additionally, a Census by Monstat in 2023 stated that 8.54% of the population has at least one complication that affects them in doing some of their daily tasks, 5.83% had trouble walking and 3.86% had trouble with their eyesight.

How this issue correlates with poverty is that these people who are faced with these struggles are one of the most vulnerable groups in the country; therefore, their income is often not enough for them to sustain themselves. A publication by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that people with disabilities “have been assumed to be incapable of living independently in the communities they choose.” A lot of the time, help is either not given or they do not receive support, as there is no main infrastructure to help them. Given the lack of services for people with disabilities, this leads to them enduring abandonment, segregation and dependence on themselves.

Progression

The United Nations has worked on implementing a two-year program in order to advocate and promote rights for people with disabilities in Montenegro. This will benefit the group of people dealing with any sort of disability, as this allows for studies and data to be given to see what situations the people have to deal with to gain help.

In June 2021, the Reform of the Disability Assessment System originated. The goal of this system is to replace the current and obsolete system that has been in Montenegro and to ensure that people with disabilities are able to participate in society. The number of people who benefited from this program from 2017 to 2022 totaled 19,220. In the case of poverty in Montenegro, as of April 2025, inflation has been lowering steadily since 2023, as a result of this, there has been a “real-term increase of wages.” 

What to Expect

While the future for Montenegro is still quite uncertain, there are clear signs that the country is changing for the better, with maybe even reform coming to Montenegro in regard “reforming social assistance” according to a UNICEF report. It shows positive signs for the country that there is a willingness for change to happen in order to combat poverty, which is such an important domestic issue for the country.

– Pablo Roque 

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

Photo: Unsplash