Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Most Common Diseases in Ireland are Non-Communicable

Common Diseases in Ireland Non-Communicable
With a population of 4.773 million, Ireland is an island country located west of Great Britain. Like in many other developed countries, noncommunicable diseases top the list of leading causes of death and disability. Discussed below are the common diseases in Ireland and their implications.

 

4 Most Common Diseases in Ireland

 

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country, and, in 2012, it was associated with eight percent of all fatalities. Heart attacks, strokes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) together make up another 16 percent of all fatalities. Eighty percent of these deaths, however, are preventable with increased awareness and prevention efforts. The Irish Heart Foundation recommends that citizens stop smoking, improve eating habits, including consuming more fruits and vegetables, increase exercise to at least 30 minutes five times per week and attend regular physical check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Cancer
Thirty percent of all deaths in Ireland are associated with cancer, the second most common killer in the country. There are over 9,000 deaths per year in Ireland that stem from cancer. The most common cancers are lung, breast, colon, prostate and skin. Lung cancer alone is the third leading cause of death, and, in 2012, was responsible for the deaths of 1,801 people, six percent of all fatalities. Breast cancer and colon cancer combined cause another four percent of total fatalities. The Irish Cancer Society wants people to be aware that four out of ten cancers can be prevented through better lifestyle choices such as not smoking, eating healthier, monitoring weight, watching alcohol intake and exercising.

Mental Health Disorders
Self-harm is another leading cause of death in the country. Depression, which is often connected to suicide, is a common mental health disorder in Ireland. It is estimated that at least one in five people will suffer from depression in their lifetime. Ireland is fourth in the world for suicide rates of young men ages 18 to 24, which may, in part, be due to the recent recession. Awareness and response are key to fighting depression and suicide rates in the country. There are many depression and mental health organizations in Ireland such as The Samaritans and Aware.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Every year, about 4,000 new cases of dementia are identified in Ireland. There are about 47,744 people in Ireland living with dementia, 30,359 of which are women and 17,385 of which are men. This number is expected to drastically increase over the next few decades due to population aging. A big problem is the lack of awareness and knowledge about the diseases as well as the stigma surrounding them. For example, people often believe that memory loss is a natural part of aging, although this may not be true. Better awareness and recognition of these diseases in Ireland can increase the support available for patients. To help ensure proper representation, in 2013, the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland established the Irish Dementia Working Group to guarantee involvement with dementia patients and their families and to influence necessary public policy.

Because the majority of common diseases in Ireland are noncommunicable, awareness and education are key factors to help to best represent current patients and to help prevent future diagnosis. Making better and healthier lifestyle choices are especially important to help prevent and fight these diseases.

– Francesca Montalto

Photo: Flickr

Six Facts About Poverty in Haiti

Poverty in HaitiHaiti is a country that struggles with severe poverty, being thrown inevitable challenges such as damage from hurricanes and earthquakes, causing the mass destruction of buildings and supplies that are difficult to come by in the first place. Haitians are in a constant fight to survive, but the good news is that efforts can be made to make a difference. Discussed below are the leading facts about poverty in Haiti and their implications.

 

Top 6 Facts on Poverty in Haiti

 

  1. Due to natural disasters, Haiti has faced major financial losses. Since the latest disaster caused by Hurricane Matthew, predicted losses add up to over $1.9 billion. This amounts to 22 percent of Haiti’s gross domestic product. Haiti’s current economic growth rate is only one percent. With post-Matthew reconstruction, Haiti’s fiscal debt continues to grow.
  2. The World Bank has come up with a program called the Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF). The HRF has cleaned up 900,000 cubic meters of debris and supplied Haiti with a total of $411.4 million. Furthermore, the group has managed to support the repair and rebuilding of almost 2,600 houses and delivered food to 252 schools which provided 93,000 students with meals.
  3. Although two-fifths of Haitians depend on agricultural production to provide income, around 30 percent of Haiti still struggles to obtain food. International aid has helped provide many of these people with food and continues to work on supplying sustainable farming techniques.
  4. Ninety percent of farmers must depend on the weather for their crops to be sufficiently watered. In drier seasons or droughts, these farmers are likely to lose their crops, which are both a source of sustenance and income. This, again, puts an emphasis on the importance of environmental care in Haiti.
  5. The richest 10 percent of Haitians receive 70 percent of the country’s total income. This illustrates class inequality and the vast gap in income that many third-world countries struggle with. In Haiti, especially, it is important to advocate on behalf of the country’s poor.
  6. Haiti is still considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world, with 59 percent of Haitians living below the national poverty line. Haiti depends heavily on foreign aid and other forms of economic assistance.

These facts about poverty in Haiti may raise curiosity around the following question: how can people help fight poverty in Haiti? For those who are looking to help, there are several effective charities helping to bring relief to Haitians, including Konbit Mizik, Madre, The Lambi Fund of Haiti and many others.

– Noel Mcdavid

Photo: Flickr

Cotton: One of the Major Causes of Poverty in Uzbekistan

Causes of Poverty in UzbekistanIn Central Asia lies the Republic of Uzbekistan, a country just north of Turkmenistan and south of Kazakhstan. With a physical size only slightly larger than California, Uzbekistan’s population is just lower than 29.5 million. Although a sovereign nation today, Uzbekistan only just gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today, the nation’s economy remains largely state-run with little diversification. As of 2015, around 12.8 percent of individuals living in the country were below the poverty line. Roughly 75 percent of these individuals lived in rural areas. Here is one of the major causes of poverty in Uzbekistan:

“White gold,” also known as cotton, currently accounts for a whopping 60 percent of Uzbekistan’s export earnings. This resulted from the actions of the Soviet government during the 1940s. Because cotton is a highly water intensive crop, the Soviet Union built canals to divert water from the Aral Sea to Uzbekistan’s cotton fields. Now, the Aral Sea has shrunk to 15 percent of its original volume and former ports around the Aral Sea rest as ghost towns. The loss of these ports has been another cause of poverty in Uzbekistan.

This has also meant that Uzbekistan’s economy remains undiversified. As the current government of Uzbekistan retains tight controls on most facets of the economy, farmers are pressured to meet cotton quotas, and other farmers can grow little else. This has compromised the country’s food supply.

What makes matters worse is that governmental corruption drains farmers’ deserved income from yielding cotton. A U.K. charity called The Environmental Justice Foundation has stated, “the official price that farmers receive in return for their cotton represents just one third of its true value. But the real outlook is far more bleak. Farmers have reported that they don’t even receive the official procurement price.”

Therefore, the conquest for “white gold” or cotton has been one of the major causes of poverty in Uzbekistan. If dreams for a more thriving economy are to be realized, the economy must expand to include more than cotton.

– Shannon Golden

Photo: Google

Programs Alleviating the Barbados Poverty Rate

Barbados Poverty RateSince the 1950s, the Barbados economy has been drastically overhauled. Transforming from a primarily agricultural economy to one that is primarily service and innovation oriented, Barbados has continued to modernize its economy over the past half century. However, a large part of its economy is based on the tourism industry – one that is notorious for slow growth – leaving 26.2 percent of the population unemployed.

The Barbados poverty rate stands at 19 percent for individuals. This is a significant increase from the 13.9 percent poverty rate reported in 1998, and it does not bode well for an economy largely dependent on foreign tourism. Though the poverty line has shifted in the right direction, with the average income increasing from $5503 to $7860, the country acknowledges that there is much work to be done.

To combat the rising Barbados poverty rate, the ISEE Bridge Project was started. The acronym ISEE stands for the four steps the government has identified as necessary to help reduce poverty in Barbados.

The first part of the program has already been completed: identification of vulnerable populations and people living below the poverty line who desperately need help. Next comes stabilization, or addressing the most pressing needs. Following stabilization comes enablement, where necessary skills are imparted. The final step of the ISEE Bridge Program is empowerment, or providing individuals with all the support they need to succeed and excel.

The ISEE Bridge Program began in 2015, has helped 30 families so far and will expand to serve more than 250 families. This program is a small portion of the initiative that has been committed to ameliorating the Barbados poverty rate.

Other facets of the initiative will address specific groups such as retrenched workers and at-risk youth aged 16 to 30. With a high Global Development Index score and firm commitments to the future of its people, Barbados is well on its way toward increasing living standards and alleviating poverty countrywide.

– Connor S. Keowen

Photo: Google

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Six Easy Ways to Help People in the Philippines

Help People in the PhilippinesThe Philippines has had a tumultuous history rife with military conflict. Such conflict seems to go hand in hand with widespread According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, as of 2015, 21.6 percent of the country’s population lived in poverty. While this is a daunting number, it is comforting to know that it is significantly lower than previous years. Still, people must continue to help in order for the Philippines to progress. Here are just a few ways to help impoverished people in the Philippines:

1. Help build classrooms, libraries and other essential structures in rural areas. There are several organizations committed to building these structures across the Philippines. Two examples are the Philippine Business for Education – a nonprofit funded by top CEOs in the Philippines to better the country’s education – and the Kabayanihan Foundation, which works to improve the lives of Filipinos through fundraising and volunteering.

2. Fund a child’s education. Sponsoring a child as they strive for a quality education is one of the best ways to help change an individual person’s life in the Philippines. World Vision Philippines, for instance, offers an easy way to either completely sponsor a child or share a sponsorship.

3. Help people in the Philippines find business and livelihood opportunities. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is an organization started by native Filipinos living around the world; their goal is to help people in the Philippines by offering work and enterprise opportunities. To support the CFO, follow the organization on social media and spread the word.

4. Help build homes for homeless families. This can be done through direct action or through donation, and Habitat for Humanity-Philippines is a great place to start.

5. Support accountability and transparency in the government. This has been a longtime struggle for the Philippines and continues to be an issue. If the government is not accountable and honest to its citizens, it becomes much more difficult to end the cycle of poverty. To support efforts to make the government more accountable, reach out to the Movement for Good Governance in the Philippines – a group of people who have been advocating for a more honest and responsible government.

6. Buy Filipino products and visit the Philippines. Tourist dollars are incredibly important to the country’s economy, as are the profits from the country’s main exports including electronic equipment, copper, petroleum, coconut oil and various fruits. The Philippines also boasts an incredible landscape, from the beautiful and dramatic capital city of Manila to the white sand beaches of Boracay.

The Philippines is a country of both immense problems and immense potential; it is already on its way to improving the quality of life of its citizens. By making use of these six simple steps to help people in the Philippines, it may become much easier for the country to grow and reach its full potential.

– Audrey Palzkill

Photo: Unsplash

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Genetic Diseases in Oman

Genetic Diseases in OmanGenetic diseases are most prevalent among Arabs and have been mainly attributed to consanguinity. In Oman, a Middle Eastern country located on the Arabian Peninsula, the average rate of genetic diseases is between 5.4 to 7 percent in new live births, exceeding the global average of 4.5 percent.

Consanguinity, advanced maternal age and high rates of inherited blood disorders are substantial contributors to genetic disease in Oman. In fact, 3.5 to 7 per 1,000 Omani live births have a genetic blood disorder, and 60 percent of the population has genes for genetic blood disorders. The most common blood disorder in Oman is a G6PD deficiency, with 12 percent of women and 28 percent of men having the G6PD deficiency gene.

More than 300 different genetic diseases in Oman have been identified. The most common are autosomal recessive disorders, which result from inheriting two mutated genes. Examples of autosomal recessive disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease and alpha- and beta-thalassemia. Autosomal recessive conditions are a significant cause of handicap, morbidity, and mortality among Omani children.

Though the birth prevalences of most genetic disorders in Oman are unknown, it has been estimated that Down Syndrome (one in 350 live births) and hemoglobin disorders (3.5 to 4.7 in 1,000 live births) are reaching epidemic levels with more than 100 cases per 100,000 live births.

The apparent rise in rates of genetic diseases in Oman is likely more about previously unidentified cases of genetic diseases being diagnosed than about more Omanis being born with genetic disorders. As diagnosis capacity and expertize have improved, the number of diagnosed conditions has grown.

The development of community-based genetic services and the routinization of early detection and diagnosis in Oman have been followed by the gradual reduction in infant and prenatal mortality. Information-based health education has also been implemented in Oman to improve genetic literacy.

Better services for diagnosing and treating disabling conditions will continue to increase the number of people who need assistance with handicapping genetic diseases. Rising disability rates and a higher number of diagnosed conditions are the necessary precursors of progress toward the prevention and reduction of genetic diseases in Oman.

The government has been working to address the need for more accessible, long-term treatment options in Oman. Their current response is primarily focused on the integration of genetic services into the primary health care system. Involvement of the primary health care system will be the basis for more accessible genetic services for the entire Omani population.

– Gabrielle Doran

Photo: Pixabay

Why Is Ecuador Poor?

Why Is Ecuador PoorEcuador’s poverty rate was 36.7 percent in 2007 and dropped to 22.9 percent in 2016. These results show that 1.4 million Ecuadorians escaped poverty within nine years. However, many Ecuadorians still live in impoverished conditions. The question is: why is Ecuador poor?

Decreasing employment rates contribute to poverty among many Ecuadorians. Ecuador’s unemployment rate rose from 3.8 percent in March 2015 to 5.7 percent the same month in 2016. Economic slowdown and several companies increasing dismissal rates are two causes behind Ecuador’s growing unemployment problem.

Ecuador has also implemented regulations that are making the country’s labor market more rigid. The regulations eliminated hiring contract alternatives and could even cause economic slowdown. Ecuador’s economic model being based on public expenditure could contribute to a weakened economy, as well.

Natural disasters also contribute to Ecuador’s poverty. In April 2016, the country had an earthquake that killed more than 670 residents, injured 5,000 and left 80,000 homeless. The earthquake also exposed prolonged problems related to Ecuador’s poverty problem that cannot be easily solved. Rural areas are especially at risk, with poor water systems and water-borne diseases.

Ecuador’s poverty is carried from one generation to the next, resulting in 70 percent of the country’s children living impoverished lifestyles. Children International, a nonprofit organization, is teaching children valuable skills that can help them break the poverty cycle. The organization’s Social and Financial Education program, for example, teaches Ecuadorian kids how to be responsible citizens and save money.

Children International is also working to help Ecuador’s unemployed residents, especially the country’s 25 percent of unemployed teens. The organization’s “Helping Overcome Poverty through Education” (HOPE) Fund helps Ecuadorian teens afford college. Children International’s other program, “Into Employment,” provides job training and placement opportunities for participants.

Why is Ecuador poor? Because in addition to rising unemployment rates, many Ecuadorians overlook the economic benefits of conserving native forests. Fortunately, the country’s government has established a Socio Bosque (Forest Partners) program that provides Ecuadorian landowners and communities with economic incentives based on the number of forests they help to protect.

In Feb. 2017, Ecuadorians voted for a runoff election between two presidential candidates (Lenín Moreno and Guillermo Lasso) who had different approaches to reviving Ecuador’s economy. Moreno promised to build houses for Ecuador’s 191,000 poorest people, while Lasso promised to trim government spending and cut taxes. Moreno won the election and became Ecuador’s new president in May.

Why is Ecuador poor? Because natural disasters, economic struggles and poverty cycles can affect Ecuadorians and their families for generations. The problem could be remedied under Moreno’s legislation, especially with the president’s plan to provide housing for Ecuador’s impoverished residents. Children International’s efforts to educate Ecuador’s children could help the country’s future generations escape poverty as well.

– Rhondjé Singh Tanwar

Photo: Flickr

Why Bangladesh Is Poor

Why Bangladesh Is Poor
Bangladesh is still considered as one of the poorest countries in the world. One of the main reasons why Bangladesh is poor is the country’s hostile political beginnings and struggle for independence, resulting in the country’s lack of development.

In 1947, the British rule over India ended, and East and West Pakistan was established on either side of India. It wasn’t until 1971, after a nine-month war, that the Bengali nationalists won independence from Pakistan and became what is now known as Bangladesh. Today the country is a densely populated country of approximately 162 million people. The poverty rate in Bangladesh is reported at 31.5 percent.

One of the reasons why there are so many people below the poverty line in Bangladesh is because of the country’s struggle to become established. Bangladesh only became a country 46 years ago and the transition from being part of a co-existing country to an independent one has not been easy.

From 1975 to 1991, the country went back and forth between being ruled by a military coup and parliamentary government. Finally, in 1991, Bangladesh established a parliamentary system that is currently being used today. However, from 1991 to 2009, there was a cycle of two leaders that were running the country. One leader would serve two terms and then the other leader would serve the next two terms, causing instability in the country that did not allow focus on Bangladesh’s citizens.

There is a wide gap between upper-class and lower-class citizens in Bangladesh. This is mostly caused by cities such as the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, drawing people away from impoverished regions, leaving these areas to become even poorer. The distribution of goods is focused on these cities, which makes it more difficult for rural areas to make a living.

There are several reason why Bangladesh is poor. Even though there is some stability now and the GDP has been rising over the past few years, the lower classes still experience a lack of education, life expectancy and infant mortality rates that are concerning. These factors are what holds the country back from making advancements to become a developed country.

– Deanna Wetmore

Photo: Google

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How to Help People in Egypt

How to Help People in EgyptEgypt has had issues for many years that cause the country to be undeveloped. Some of these issues have to do with the political instability, the poverty rate and the recent refugee crisis. With all of these issues there are multiple organizations work to provide aid for those in need in Egypt. Here is how to help people in Egypt.

There are a few issues that impact Egypt’s people today. Political instability is one of these issues. These political issues cause an inequality in the economy and lack of opportunities. There is a concentration on tourism as a source of income for the county in the Sinai region. However, there are not many working opportunities for other areas.

This causes another issue of widespread poverty. According to recent national statistics, 25 percent of the 82 million people are poor, and 30 percent of the population is illiterate. People in rural areas are affected the most, as there are less opportunities for work.

Most recently, the issue of the refugee crisis has been affecting Egypt’s people. With so many people in poverty already, the added number of people without homes and jobs is an added strain on the country’s economy. Refugee children, similar to impoverished Egyptian children, are not able to get the proper schooling and often remain illiterate.

There are many different ways to help people in need in developing countries; here is how to help people in Egypt. A great way to spread impact to people in need is through organizations such as CARE and Save the Children. CARE promotes education, resource management, government engagement and protects vulnerable groups including women and refugees. Save the Children focuses on young generation and promotes children’s good health and nourishment.

By supporting organizations such as these people in Egypt can get the help they need in order to decrease poverty levels, have their voices heard in the government and eventually lessen the economic gap.

– Deanna Wetmore

Photo: Flickr

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Ongoing Violations of Human Rights in Burundi

Human Rights in BurundiSince the political upheaval of Burundi’s 2015 elections, the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling party, continues to pose a direct threat toward human rights in Burundi, as confirmed by recent rape chants caught on video.

As 21,000 Burundians fled to Rwanda in 2015 due to the Imbonerakure, many believe that the presence of this youth wing serves a source of intimidation and violence to quell the opposition to President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial third term.

While a two-term limit exists in Burundi’s national constitution, the ruling party claimed that Nkurunziza’s first term failed to count since he was originally elected by parliament, causing an upheaval of opposition that still prevails today.

Since the election, Imbonerakure members continue to rape, torture and kill Burundi citizens. Investigators have revealed that the targets of the youth party are most often women whom they believe to have ties to anti-government supporters, including the wives and daughters of opposition members.

The United Nations’ mission in Burundi described the group as “one of the major threats to peace in Burundi and to the credibility of the 2015 elections as they are responsible for most politically motivated violence against the opposition.” Recent action on the part of the youth wing has shown their threats to have only become worse.

On April 1, 200 members of Burundi’s ruling party youth league marched through the center of Ntega, chanting, “Impregnate the opposition, so they give birth to Imbonerakure.  There are lots of girls. Impregnate them, Imbonerakure!”

While this song serves as the reality for many of Burundi’s people, one man decided to file a complaint with the police after two policemen raped his wife. As a result, this man was beaten by Imbonerakure members and told by the police that he was “staining the image of the security forces.”

As the youth league continues to violate human rights in Burundi, the people live in fear, as they are afraid to speak out knowing that President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government makes no effort to prosecute or provide consequences for the Imbonerakure’s crimes.

While the Imbonerakure continue to impose themselves as a threat to the nation, is clear that human rights in Burundi will not be maintained until government officials take action to address these heinous acts of brutality.

– Kendra Richardson

Photo: Flickr