Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Child Sponsorships in Malaysia

child sponsorships malaysiaMalaysia, known for its bewitching terrain of rainforest, beaches and mountains, also struggles with its overwhelmingly increasing poverty. Since 2020, COVID-19 has worsened conditions for children living in extreme poverty. Around 72,000 children under 15 live in disheartening conditions that do not meet their basic needs, such as access to education, abuse, sexual exploitation and much more. Due to the virus, absolute poverty has increased by 8.4%, compared to a 5.6% increase in 2019. However, the insurmountable hardships children face in the nation can be reduced through powerful child sponsorships.

Child sponsorship is a charitable practice that allows individuals to provide financial support to a child, often in a developing country. Programs like these can lead to improvements in health and opportunities. The children get basic needs that they usually do not have; this breaks them out of a cycle of poverty and offers a flourishing future ahead. They foster so much support from their sponsor family by gaining clean water, nutritious food, and access to a proper education. For a child living in poverty in Malaysia, these organizations can greatly improve the quality of their lives with long-term support. These are the top child sponsorships in Malaysia.

Dignity For Children

Dignity for Children Foundation is an NGO that targets undereducated, poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The initiative began in 1998, and its learning center now has more than 2,000 students ranging from 4-19 years old and began with only 20.

Its numerous support programs, varying from lessons in agriculture to creating businesses for underprivileged kids, lay the foundation for a participant’s successful future. Sponsoring a child is how the organization runs, providing them with its abundant amenities. Since the beginning of Dignity for Children, the organization has helped change 12,000 lives by setting up a future that was seemingly impossible for these children.

World Vision Malaysia

World Vision Malaysia has granted 80,000 people clean water and improved literacy among 15,000 children. The impacts of sponsoring a child are interwoven into the program, revealing how a sponsored 8-year-old girl made it to university and how a little boy living through the aftermath of the Korean War became a sponsor after being sponsored. Indeed, these compelling efforts deservedly placed World Vision as one of the top child sponsorships in Malaysia.

BRCR Malaysia

The BRDB Rotary Children’s Residence (BRCR) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, is a long-term care facility dedicated to supporting underprivileged and at-risk children in Malaysia. Established through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur Diraja and BRDB, BRCR provides a safe, multiracial, and multicultural home for children, emphasizing character development, education, and life skills. The residence currently cares for 65 children and relies entirely on public donations to sustain its operations.

The BRCR’s Sponsor A Child (SAC) program, launched in 2020, supports the most vulnerable children by providing them with full-time child protection, counselling and nutritious meals. The organization focuses on nurturing children until they reach employment. Contribution to the program gives a child a second chance in life.

Child Sponsorships in Malaysia

Individually, each of the top child sponsorships in Malaysia provides essentials for underprivileged children that might have never received them if it were not for these programs. World Vision Malaysia, Dignity for Children and BRCR all empower children intellectually through improved access to healthcare and education. They gain external support that they weren’t born with, and create an unbreakable bond between the sponsor and child.

– Kassandra Ticas

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

Photo: Flickr

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Female Education in Cambodia: The Harpswell Foundation

harpswell cambodiaWith its wealth of natural beauty, you could be forgiven for thinking Cambodia was the closest Earth has to a paradise. However, beneath such a beautiful exterior, Cambodian women face inequalities every day, with illiteracy rates being 8% higher than those of their male counterparts. However, with the work of the Harpswell Foundation, Women of Cambodia have a powerful ally in the fight for equality.

Harpswell Building a Future in Cambodia

Founded in 2005, the Harpswell Foundation “seeks to bring about positive social change in Southeast Asia through the action and equal participation of women.” Whilst the foundation has a global reach, the majority of its good work comes in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Harpswell have been responsible for building Cambodia’s first university dormitory for women and subsequently built a second within Phnom Penh in 2009.

Together, these dormitories can accommodate 76 female students from different universities across the city, with each facility coming with both a library and computer room – crucial amenities for student life. These dormitories come in a city where female students struggle to attain accommodation, which places further burden and stress on them. Therefore, it affects their studies. Through improving the infrastructure in place for the women of Cambodia, the work of Harpswell helps create a society in which women can both have freedom of ambition and freedom to learn.

The foundation’s reach does not just stop at improving infrastructure, but also seeks to educate. Women who enrol on Harpswell’s dormitories learn important skills through the foundation’s leadership program. This program enables “international women with university degrees” to stay at the dormitories to help teach, mentor, support and collaborate with residents. Leadership Residents teach weekly core curriculum classes, facilitate critical thinking classes and also help their Cambodian counterparts with preparation for class. Through the experience and wisdom of international graduates, Harpswell helps to teach female students in Cambodia crucial life skills, “ensuring graduates are proficient in English and digital literacy.”

Harpswell: Going Global

The foundation has established a scheme in which two to three exemplary graduates receive scholarships to study in the United States for an entire year. This scholarship scheme enables students to travel to another country, enabling them to take in different cultures and ways of life, all whilst pursuing their education. The scholarship program is of great benefit to Cambodia, too, where more than 50% of scholars return to seek graduate degrees.

Along with its scholarship programme, Harpswell also hosts the ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit. This summit occurs on an annual basis, bringing together women aged between 25-35 from the ASEAN countries who have enrolled on a five-month “leadership development and professional networking program.” The summit itself lasts for a week, occurring in Penang, Malaysia. Described as “the only gathering of its kind in the region,” the summit offers women a chance to meet and work with like-minded people.

A Foundation for Change

Through both its domestic and international programmes, Harpswell aims to improve the lives of women in Southeast Asia by providing education and giving women a safe space to learn. This support is crucial in helping to achieve equality in a region where women lag behind their male counterparts in literacy rates. In a time of continual conflict and negativity, the story of the Harpswell Foundation is one of promise and prosperity, especially felt by young women in Cambodia, who dream of a bright and successful career.

– Andrew Nicoll

Andrew is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 6 in Brazil

SDG 6 in BrazilThe United Nations General Assembly issued the Sustainable Development Plan in September 2015 with Sustainable Development Goal 1 being to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” The organization aims to assist nations worldwide in the fight against poverty. Brazil, the largest nation in South America, has been significantly influenced by limited access to essential resources like electrical energy that has contributed to the welfare of millions of people. When adult unemployment is taken into account, productivity drops to 33%. This implies that 67% of the country’s potential is missing. To stabilize Brazil’s economy and help its citizens, creative concepts and clear policies are essential in addressing issues like energy poverty and limited access to clean water. Here is information about poverty and efforts to address SDG 6 in Brazil, which is to provide adequate water and sanitation.

Poverty in Brazil

Brazilian poverty is a lasting issue with deep historical roots. The country’s population consists of of 205.3 million people. Despite being one of the largest sights in the world, Brazil’s huge income inequities have left much of its population in poverty. Low accessibility of healthcare and education are factors that explain its widespread levels of poverty. Even if poverty rates vary over time, there are millions of Brazilians who continue to live below the poverty line every day, just trying to meet minimum standards of decent food, housing and personal healthcare. Eradicating poverty in Brazil requires strategy to drive inclusive growth and humanitarian services. Some groups like Afro-Brazilians have limited accessibility in applying to schools and health clinics. Females are prone to discrimination in the working system. As a result, some people are attempting to resolve these issues in Brazil. 

Active Measures To Address Energy Poverty

Within the Paraguay-Brazil region, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) joined Itaipu Bi-National in promoting water and energy resource preservation. To further advance Brazil’s agenda towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership designed a 2030 vision board.

Energy poverty is a very critical problem in Brazil, where a significant number of people have historically lacked access to electricity. Inadequate, reliable energy slows economic development, limits educational achievement and impacts the overall quality of life, particularly in rural and poor communities.

The partnership established sustainable energy solutions in an attempt to build a stronger foundation on better collaboration and speech dialogues to discuss energy connectivity. The plan is also to find any fundamental barriers or obstacles in the incorporation of these sustainability goals. Less helping hands discourages the development of home-based businesses and minimizes access to communication and data technologies, leading to a constant poverty cycle. However, with this partnership, the results should play out in the country’s favor.

The Necessity of Addressing SDG 6 in Brazil

Limited clean water is yet another significant challenge for people in Brazil. Lack of adequate infrastructure, pollution by industry and agriculture and climate change impacts are among the reasons for limited water and water pollution. With no clean sources of water, waterborne disease is more likely to occur, impacting productivity. In 2022, 23.9% of Brazilian citizens endured irregular water stock. One of the most shocking events Brazil experienced was Rio Grande do Sul’s floods in 2024 where several officials reported 54 confirmed cases of waterborne diseases or leptospirosis, causing four sudden deaths. Women and children are more likely to bear the bulk of water collection responsibilities, once again keeping them away from education. Water management improvement and access to clean water programs are critical to Brazilian society’s health and sustainable development.

The Agua Limpa Project

United Nations environmental activist and philanthropist Gisele Bündchen has contributed positively to Brazil through sustainable development of the Agua Limpa Project (Clean Water Project). In 2004, a passionate, nature-driven Bündchen visited the Xingu area of Brazil. As an eyewitness to river pollution, she has pushed for an end to ecological degradation. The project began in 2008, co-founded with Bundchen’s family, and they planted more than 40,000 trees near streams. She oversaw the country’s water quality when managing wildlife’s restoration. Bündchen’s work as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador in Kenya is another noteworthy aspect of her career. Her influence even extends beyond the publishing of her works, including the New York Times bestseller “Lesson: My Path to a Meaningful Life.” She shares her life experiences from exploring Brazilian lands and how it shaped her mind.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

Sustainability resources have also been accompanied by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, whose advocacy stands for nations like Brazil, in which they seek available natural resources. DiCaprio promotes conservation efforts through his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation established in 1998. The organization has supported at least 100 and more special projects in 50 countries and has achieved success in increasing international funding for environmental causes, wildland protection, and ocean conservation. The foundation has offered funding grants worth $20 million to around 100 communities fighting for environmental issues like changing weather patterns.

While DiCaprio’s efforts are dedicated to big-time environmental preservation and changing weather, he also spoke out for poverty reduction through the conservation of natural resources upon which most communities base their primary livelihood. For instance, his foundation supports projects that protect forests, whose role in the livelihoods in Brazil  is significant. As of today his foundation continues to conduct additional research on specific projects in Brazil that would provide a lasting contribution to poverty alleviation in the nation. 

Looking Ahead

Ending poverty and addressing SDG 6 in Brazil requires a special approach that includes promoting access to clean energy, natural resource management and promoting collaborative work between international agencies, governments, and individuals. Initiatives like the UN DESA partnership, Brazil’s development in biofuel and hydropower and the ongoing activism by Giselle Bundchen and Leonardo DiCaprio all play a crucial role in driving Brazil towards an equitable future. 

– Janae Bayford

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Social Programs Improving Health and Poverty in Gabon

Social Programs Driving Health and Poverty Reduction in GabonGabon, though rich in natural resources and boasting a high per capita GDP, still faces widespread poverty. About 33% of the population lives on less than $5.50 per day. However, several social programs are helping to address poverty and improve access to health care. As medical expenses often deepen financial hardship, these programs play a critical role in promoting both health and economic stability.

National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund

The National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund (NHISCF) plays a central role in Gabon’s push toward universal health care. The fund draws support from the government, public sector officials, employers and employees. Initially designed to serve the poor and public employees, the fund now covers more than half of the population. It also supports students and workers in the private sector, expanding access to medical care for low-income groups across Gabon. Through this fund, Gabon has taken significant steps toward closing the gap between income and access to health care. By reducing out-of-pocket medical costs, NHISCF allows many residents to seek treatment without facing financial strain.

The Gabon Indigents Scheme

In 2007, Gabon established the Gabon Indigents Scheme (GIS) under the NHISCF. This initiative targets economically vulnerable residents, representing about 30% of the population, who are at least 16 years old. The government fully funds their medical care and these individuals do not pay contributions. High costs often prevent people in low-income households from accessing essential services. By removing the financial barrier, the GIS ensures that poor residents can receive treatment when needed. This approach not only protects their health but also shields them from falling deeper into poverty due to medical debt.

Cash Maternity Benefits and Birth Grants

Gabon’s social insurance system also offers maternity leave benefits and family allowances. According to the SSA, the system provides 100% of a mother’s final monthly income for up to six weeks before childbirth and eight weeks after. In cases involving complications, the leave period extends by another three weeks. Employers initially pay the benefit, and the government reimburses them for half the cost. Families also receive financial assistance after childbirth. The government provides 8,000 CFA francs as a birth grant and 45,000 CFA francs to help cover expenses for clothing, toiletries and other newborn needs. These programs reduce both physical and financial stress, helping mothers recover and return to work without added pressure.

Toward a Healthier and Stable Future

Gabon continues to make measurable progress in reducing poverty and strengthening public health systems. Government-backed programs provide medical care, maternity support and financial assistance to those who need it most. By prioritizing equitable access and addressing systemic barriers, these initiatives help protect the most vulnerable while building a more resilient population. As Gabon works to expand and improve these services, the country moves closer to achieving its goal of universal health care and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sevyn Whatley

Sevyn is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Internet Access Is Driving Poverty Eradication in Georgia

Poverty Eradication in GeorgiaIn developed countries, it can be easy to forget how invaluable a tool the internet can be in improving the everyday lives of people. In Georgia, revolutionary online programs are changing the ways that many people learn, earn and live. Almost 40% of Georgians live in rural areas, of which 27.5% are estimated to be living below the poverty line. For many of these people, unreliable access to transport, unpredictable weather and distance from urban areas make access to many services near-impossible. Internet-based innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia are proving to be beneficial in many different ways.

Education

Digital tools provide access to education for many Georgians, including both school children and adults. In rural areas, the rate of children completing high school is around 50%, significantly lower than that of children in urban areas (74%). This education gap is even more significant between the wealthy and poor, with the completion rate for the richest being more than double that of the poorest.

Educare Georgia is an initiative which aims to provide free access to global educational resources for Georgians. By translating more than 4,000 lessons from Khan Academy – a free source for lessons in subjects such as mathematics and science – Educare Georgia has helped connect many Georgian children to a more expansive way of learning.

Giveinternet.org is another initiative that Educare Georgia started. This service aims to provide internet access and devices to children in underserved communities and settlements for Internally Displaced Persons. What began as a project to help Georgian children has expanded to help children in other poverty-ridden countries, such as Malawi and Uganda. At present, 2,899 children in remote and marginalized areas have been provided with reliable access to the internet, ensuring equal educational opportunities.

Real-Time Jobs for Youth is another online educational project in Georgia, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UNICEF. It aims to provide young people from state care or marginalized backgrounds with free education on coding, digital marketing and design, as well as online freelance work. This has helped to greatly improve job opportunities for many young people. These programs are crucial innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, allowing children of all backgrounds to receive a proper education.

Health and Social Care

Internet connectivity has had a major impact on health care accessibility in Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of Georgia’s rural population found themselves unable to access proper health care. Many people live in mountainous regions where reliable transport is scarce and the weather can be extremely unpredictable. The vast majority of doctors in Georgia are based in Tbilisi and other urban areas, while most urban regions are critically underserved. This is especially true when it comes to the distribution of specialists, such as obstetricians and pediatricians.

A huge telemedicine initiative sought to provide improved health care to these remote areas, and the project has continued expanding since the end of the pandemic. In Georgia, approximately 93% of deaths are the result of non-communicable diseases. By providing video consultations, remote diagnostics and improving the communication methods between local doctors and specialists, many people now have access to health care and expertise which was formerly out-of-reach. One example of this improved healthcare is the more than 3,000 women now registered for cervical, breast and thyroid cancer screenings, hopefully resulting in the prevention of many deaths.

GeorgiaUnify

This expansion in online services and tools has also expanded into social care. GeorgiaUnify, a social care integration platform, developed by the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), enables better communication between health care providers and social services. As stated above, much of Georgia’s rural population are unable to access or do not have transport in order to use many services. As a result, medical referrals for social care services do not always receive attention, and peoples’ situations do not improve. GeorgiaUnify notifies all parties involved of the referral, ensuring a better service. Data is also shared with local Community-Based Organizations, providing more information on housing stability, food security and transportation in order for people to access any services as easily as possible.

Agriculture

Agriculture employs around 38% of Georgia’s workforce, yet only makes up around 6-8% of Georgia’s GDP, demonstrating that many farms are underperforming or otherwise making little money. Platforms such as AgroMap, which Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture developed, offer satellite imaging, crop analysis and weather forecasting. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions, improving yields and reducing costs. AgroMap also helps farmers access other business contacts and other support services.

The agriculture extension is another digital platform for farmers, enabling them to access online training and an electronic library of information. Farmers are now able to educate themselves on up-to-date techniques and have a better understanding of the market.

Digital tools also help with land management, irrigation planning and pest control. As a result, agricultural productivity has increased in regions where internet access is reliable, helping with the food security and economic stability of many rural communities. These support systems and data platforms are examples of practical innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, granting a significant source of employment the chance to thrive.

Expanding Georgia’s Internet Access

The cornerstone of these advancements is the expansion of internet infrastructure. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) is a $1.3 billion grant to expand internet access to reach all regions of Georgia. The program prioritizes communities that are currently unserved or underserved, promoting economic growth, improved education and training and access to services such as the ones listed above.

The initiative to expand access to the internet in Georgia is about much more than simply getting a 4G signal – it expands the opportunities and helps to improve the health, wealth and education of many communities. Many of Georgia’s most poverty-stricken are now able to get the tools needed to build a brighter future for themselves.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

Reuben is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Tackling Poverty: Entrepreneurs in Djibouti

djiboutiBetween 1862 and 1977, Djibouti was under French occupation and established a strong economic and military presence, which still exists today. As of 2025, France has five air and naval bases in operation in Djibouti, primarily along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Djibouti thus remains one of France’s last military strongholds on the continent, following the recent withdrawals from Mali and Burkina Faso in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Beyond the military influence that France still exerts, a reliance on imports into Djibouti raises issues of autonomy. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that Djibouti imports 90% of its food, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices, which can significantly affect a Djiboutian’s food purchasing power.

Entrepreneurs in Djibouti

Although starting a new business is not a rapid solution to a problem as critical as food insecurity, it allows entrepreneurs in Djibouti to take control of their future and offers a level of dignity that is not always possible in countries that face difficult circumstances.

As of 2021, the World Bank’s portfolio in Djibouti came to the sum of $248 million, which went towards urban poverty reduction through community development as well as social safety nets and private sector development.

The Regional Director for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in East Africa, Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, stated that the private sector is a key driver for reducing poverty in Djibouti and the IFC, together with the World Ban,k is exploring “opportunities to support reforms that will improve Djibouti’s business environment and investment climate.”

People and Projects in Djibouti

As of 2023, the Djibouti Social Development Agency and Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship – part of a World Bank-financed initiative – has launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program (FORJE), which aims to alleviate poverty and create a ripple effect in communities with high unemployment. In 2023, estimates suggested that 79% of youth in Djibouti were without work, and for women, that figure was at 74%; hence, the need for income generation within communities that are on the periphery of government support.

The FORJE program provides 2,300 microbusinesses access to developmental services like accounting, marketing and capital. For Mouna Yacin Abdillahi, from Dikhil in South-Western Djibouti, her small restaurant business has transformed her family’s life: “The FORJE program gave me an opportunity, a reason to get up every morning, and for that I thank the creators of the program. I feel useful to the community.”

For recipients of the FORJE grants and services, the benefits go far beyond a material improvement in daily life. For Mouna, the program has empowered her and given her a sense of purpose in a community where her job prospects would have been few otherwise.

The Future

Hopefully, more programs financed by international organizations such as the World Bank will start to appear in other parts of Africa that face high levels of unemployment and poverty. Although entrepreneurship is not always the quickest solution to alleviating poverty, a combination of humanitarian aid packages and commercial training programs provides a strong base to economically regenerate communities as well as grant autonomy and dignity to beneficiaries.

– Alfie Williams-Hughes

Alfie is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything to Know About Poverty in Ukraine

Poverty in UkraineAs Ukraine remains in a state of conflict and continues to face challenges related to war, a momentum for change is developing, one marked by resilience, global support and notable advancement to reduce poverty.

Ukraine is actively building and laying the foundation for a better future. International organizations, local NGOs, as well as government efforts are proving that even in the darkest of times, change is feasible. When exploring everything you need to know about poverty in Ukraine, it becomes clear that despite ongoing adversity, progress is taking root in multiple areas of Ukrainian society.

Understanding Poverty in Ukraine

As of 2023, more than 29%% of Ukraine’s population, about 9 million people, lived in poverty. This number rose drastically amid the war with Russia. Since 2020, an additional 1.8 million Ukrainians have fallen into poverty due to widespread job losses and a collapsing economy. One in five adults who had employment before the invasion are now without work, and nearly a quarter of households reported struggling to afford food in June 2023. Conditions would be far worse without international aid. Especially for the United States, which has helped fund critical public services like pensions and salaries for teachers and doctors. The war has deepened economic instability, pushing many working-class families closer to the margins of survival. 

Poverty in Ukraine hits families with children the hardest, especially those with four or more children. These families face poverty rates of more than 80% and children are more likely than adults to live in poor conditions. This puts their education and development at risk. Still, the Ukrainian government has kept most health clinics open and helped nearly 89% of students keep learning, often online. Social support, like steady pension payments, has helped many families survive and avoid even worse hardship. 

Global Aid Drives Impact

In late 2024, the World Bank approved more than $2 billion in financial support for Ukraine. This initiative aims to stabilize the economy and fund essential public services. It introduces key reforms that improve transparency, expand the use of renewable energy and strengthen agricultural production, which is a considerable resolve for Ukraine.

Under the THRIVE project, to boost Ukraine’s health system, a separate $454 million package is being used. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and quality of public health care spending by strengthening national health services and expanding access for underserved communities.

Humanitarian Efforts to Address Poverty in Ukraine

In addition to major international funding, the civil society of Ukraine is playing a critical role in local recovery efforts. Razom, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Ukrainian immigrants, continues to make a significant impact. In 2023, the organization awarded more than $3 million in grants, reaching more than 330,000 people with support for food, shelter, education and attention to mental and trauma care.

Meanwhile, a leading example of trauma recovery emerges as the Superhumans Center located in Lviv is observed. Since its launch in April 2023, the facility has treated more than 1,000 amputees, a majority being treated for war injuries, being provided with prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and physiological care. It stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, making it more than a medical center. 

Understanding poverty in Ukraine means recognizing how both global and local actions are addressing not just economic hardship, but also the human and emotional costs of conflict. These combined efforts are helping restore lives and rebuild communities.

While poverty remains a reality for many Ukrainians, structural progress is underway. In 2024, grain and oilseed exports increased by 20%, and more than 75% of export operations resumed though Black Sea ports, an essential lifeline for the nation’s economy.

The government continues to improve digital infrastructure, expanding access to online services. For the fourth consecutive year, more government websites have met accessibility standards, allowing a greater number of Ukrainians, including those with disabilities, to access essential information and services.

Looking Ahead

Addressing poverty in Ukraine involves more than statistics. It is about the strength of people and institutions forging a path forward. While poverty remains a pressing issue, Ukraine’s path forward is progressively defined by recovery and renewal rather than survival. Efforts to rebuild a strong and inclusive society are in progress, supported by steady advantage in health care, education and economic infrastructure. Although these developments may unfold indistinctly, they are consistent and measurable. From a noticeable increase in clinics to rising export numbers, the country is making true advancements. For many Ukrainians, that gradual progress signals a shift towards stability and hope.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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TB in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven Epidemic

TB Resilience in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven EpidemicRecently, India’s Tuberculosis (TB) control program has treated more than 19 million patients, yet the country still reports one of the highest TB burdens in the world. Tuberculosis remains the leading infectious disease in India and the growing threat of drug-resistant strains has intensified the challenge. Roughly 300 million Indians continue to live in extreme poverty, facing conditions that heighten their risk of infection, such as undernutrition, overcrowded housing and limited access to timely medical care. Despite these hurdles, a unified effort from the Indian government and global health partners is making measurable progress in reducing TB incidence and strengthening community resilience.

How Poverty Fuels Tuberculosis

India’s long-standing struggle with TB is closely tied to socioeconomic conditions. Families living in poverty often lack access to education, health services and basic sanitation. These ongoing challenges heighten the risk of infection and limit recovery. In recent decades, diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 have similarly exposed how poverty worsens public health outcomes. Although conditions have not improved overnight, recent data shows progress. Between 2017 and 2022, India’s life expectancy and public health infrastructure improved steadily. The government and international partners have worked to strengthen the country’s TB response through increased funding and better community outreach.

Building Resilience Through Partnerships

Multiple global and domestic organizations have joined India’s fight against TB. These include the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and SHARE INDIA. Together, they launched targeted programs such as TB Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India) to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The CDC’s Expand ELEVATE  (E2) Project, for example, trained more than 3,000 data analysts in India. These professionals help health authorities track TB outbreaks and respond quickly. The project’s reach now includes more than 600 million people and plays a vital role in India’s health system resilience.

Innovation Driving Change

India has adopted new technologies to diagnose TB faster and monitor cases more effectively. These improvements allow health care workers to detect infections earlier, especially among HIV-positive patients, who face a higher risk and deliver treatment before complications arise. At the 2018 End TB Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to eliminating TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal at the time. Since then, the Indian government has increased investments in health care infrastructure and accelerated the rollout of new medical technologies.

Looking Forward

India’s TB response now serves as a model for other countries. The World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report predicts a 90–95% drop in TB mortality by 2035. Ongoing efforts to test, treat and prevent TB continue to save lives and reduce economic strain on vulnerable communities. By aligning policy, technology and community outreach, India shows that ending TB is within reach. With continued support from both national and international partners, the country moves closer to its goal of a TB-free future—one where poverty no longer determines health outcomes.

– Melody Aminian

Melody is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Global Health Equity on Poverty in Kenya

The Impact of Global Health Equity on Poverty in KenyaDespite advances in economic development, millions of Kenyans still live in poverty. In 2022, about 40% of the population lived below the poverty line and at least 32% could not afford an adequate diet. This lack of basic resources prevents many people from living stable, productive lives, despite Kenya’s economic growth. The country has historically faced major health challenges. The prevalence of endemic diseases combined with a lack of access to adequate health care has exacerbated the impact of systemic poverty in Kenya.

Progress Through Global Health Initiatives

Kenya, with a rapidly growing population, is currently home to more than 57 million people. There are still significant social disparities between the rural and urban areas, as 85% of all poor people live in rural areas, while the majority of the urban poor live in slums. Achieving global health equity requires expanding access to clinics, life-saving medicines and trained health professionals.

Over the past two decades, various global health equity initiatives have improved the health landscape in Kenya. The government, supported by international organizations, has focused on preventing and treating infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS. Programs such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), USAID and the World Health Organization (WHO) expanded access to clinics, medicines and trained professionals. These ongoing efforts have significantly improved health outcomes for citizens, leading to a reduction in poverty in Kenya.

Health Access and Economic Growth

Increased access to health care directly correlates with economic growth. Currently, the Kenyan economy is dominated by agriculture and informal micro-enterprises, which do not provide workers with any health coverage. Workers who cannot afford or access medical care often lose valuable workdays due to illness. Inadequate health care services exacerbate the effects of the epidemic diseases plaguing the nation. The inability to treat these diseases early on leads to increased medical costs. People suffer needlessly, children are too sick to go to school and the nation’s overall well-being and economy are affected, creating a vicious cycle of poverty in Kenya that cannot be stopped without health interventions.

HIV/AIDS: Evolution of Global Health Equity

Kenya’s efforts against HIV/AIDS offer an example of how targeted global health interventions can transform a nation’s future. In the late 1990s, HIV prevalence in Kenya was at an all-time high. By 1997, about 37% of men and 45% of women with a sexually transmitted infection also tested positive for HIV. Societal stigma and the high cost of ART limited access to treatment, while the country’s health care system struggled to manage the growing number of cases. This resulted in high mortality rates and large numbers of orphaned children.

To combat the crisis, international organizations began funding HIV relief efforts in Kenya. Groups such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund and USAID increased access to HIV testing, distributed ART and launched education campaigns. As of 2023, around 1.3 million Kenyans were receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

Productivity Gains and Innovations in HIV Treatment

Modern ART has led to improvements in health and productivity for people living with HIV. A significant benefit has been an increase in the country’s productivity. In two studies focusing on agricultural workers in Kenya, researchers found that workers on ART doubled the number of days they could work each month. Participants also showed a 20% increase in labor force participation and a 35% increase in hours worked. These findings demonstrate the economic value of accessible health interventions.

Dr. Ann Kurth, an epidemiologist and leader in global health systems, spoke with The Borgen Project about Kenya’s progress. “Antiretrovirals came to sub-Saharan Africa and made transformative difference,” she said. “Health system strengthening by PEPFAR funding got you 26 million lives saved. Workforce training helped community health workers screen and test people for HIV in people’s homes with oral tests. We did a lot of self-testing in Kenya. These are innovations that were not the norm, but it helped people identify if they had HIV and get treated earlier.”

Equity and Inclusion in Health Care

Despite many advancements in global health equity in Kenya, significant challenges persist. Rural areas continue to struggle with shortages of medical professionals, transportation barriers and inadequate health care infrastructure. Shifting donor priorities can also affect long-term funding. Dr. Kurth emphasized the need for gender equity in care and research. Historically, clinical trials have underrepresented women and ignored key differences in how diseases and treatments affect them. “Women have not always been represented in clinical trials. A lot of assumptions about clinical practice are based on an assumption of it being a male body. There needs to be more gender representation in research and clinical services and not think of women as just about childbearing.”

Looking Ahead

Kenya’s commitment to improving health care access offers a model for other countries facing poverty. Strategic partnerships with international organizations have saved lives, built community resilience and contributed to reducing poverty in Kenya. Continued investment in health infrastructure, gender-inclusive research and rural outreach could be essential. As Dr. Kurth concluded, “We’ve been able to see major investments in the last couple of decades… That led to incredible child survival, maternal mortality improvements, increases in income and some advances in gender equality.”

– Rafe Photopoulos

Rafe is based in Gainesville, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Togo

renewable energy in togoOut in West Africa, Togo’s beating heart lies in its bright Palm Beaches and North Mountains. It is a country with a fine culinary scene and fervent voodoo traditions. As of 2025, Togo is home to about 8.5 million citizens. Despite its rich history, the nation grapples with widespread poverty, particularly in rural areas where the rate stands at a staggering 58.5%. In urban regions, 26.5% of the population lives at or below the poverty line. Yet, some significant changes are being made to help elevate Togo’s unfaltering rates. This includes major renewable energy projects that help provide clean resources and strengthen the lives of those disadvantaged.

Renewable Energy in Togo

Togo commenced its largest solar PV Plant in the country, a 50 megawatt facility, aiming to help around 158,000 families by helping them overcome poverty. This special landmark initiative was developed under the support of AMEA Togo Solar, with crucial financial backing from both the African Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The Solar PV tracks solar energy, boosting the flow of solar panels aimed at tracking the sun’s course. The plant receives most of its energy from Togo’s neighboring countries, Ghana and Nigeria. Their goal was to expand renewable energy to about 8 million people in the country.

A joint partnership between the African Development Bank and the European Union funded Solar Irrigation Systems, aiming to improve the quality of life in 500 impoverished rural regions. Together, both raised a considerable amount of $11.68 million for this vital project. Because of this, in September 2023, the companies implemented 122 solar water heaters and 153 surface pumps for farmers.

The irrigation pumps progress agricultural sustenance with the accessibility of water to grow plants and maintain harvest fields. Irrigation pumps advance agricultural sustenance by providing essential water for plant growth and crop maintenance. These are vital tools which allow farmers to produce food for communities in Togo. Their role highlights the link through technological innovation and global food scarcity.

Cultivating Change

Communaute Electrique du Benin created the Nangbeto Hydropower Plant Project in Plateaux, Togo. The 65.5 million watt hydraulic plant was inaugurated in 1984. Its main purpose was to keep track of 170,000 or more global power plants. It still performs an active role today and is undergoing modernized improvements, like refurbished turbines and upgraded cooling systems. This is to help continue its progress for another 30 years. This will primarily distribute electricity throughout the region and expand its power supply.

Togo is carefully working to advance its strategic investments in renewable energy. Projects like the Solar PV, solar irrigation systems, and the Nangbeto Hydropower Plant scores Togo’s commitment to expanding its electricity access. These initiatives highlight Togo’s steady approach to renewable energy development. Togo appears to be moving in a positive direction for its future.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr