Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

, ,

Silent Killers: Neglected Tropical Diseases in South Sudan

Neglected Tropical Diseases south sudanSouth Sudan has suffered nearly a decade of conflict and is one of the countries most heavily affected by neglected tropical diseases in the world. The conflict caused almost irreparable damage to the nation’s social support structures that have only in recent years been improving with the help of external humanitarian organizations. Continent-wide diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and pneumonia place a heavy burden on South Sudan. However, many neglected tropical diseases are also rife within the nation, acting as silent killers that hugely contribute to the country’s mortality rate yet garner far less attention and aid than is needed to combat the outbreaks.

Civil War and the Health Care System

The South-Sudanese Civil War occurred from 2013 to 2020 due to President Salva Kiir’s accusation towards Riek Machar, former deputy, and 10 others of attempting to start a coup d’etat. Conflict broke out between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), devastating the country’s social structures, such as the democratic institutions, the weak economy and the fragile healthcare system. South Sudan currently ranks third in the world on the Fragile States Index.

The war catalyzed a vast humanitarian crisis that shook the very core of the nation, destabilizing the basic structures and needs for the population to survive. The inflation rate soared, reaching a peak of 835%, which made commodity prices exponentially rise and plummeted the value of the Sudanese Pound. Millions fled their homes during the conflict, leaving them displaced in a famine and relying on an already-overwhelmed health care system.

In 2020, essential health care coverage stood at 44% and critical care services such as child health care were at risk due to shrinking national fiscal space. Additionally, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, more than 8 million people out of the total 13 million population needed humanitarian aid.

Neglected Tropical Disease Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 20 neglected tropical diseases, 19 of which affect South Sudan. While South Sudan has been formulating plans and programs to combat neglected tropical diseases for decades, progress is slow and has only in recent years bolstered more support.

In 2008, the Ministry of Health identified the top neglected tropical diseases that affected South Sudan: visceral leishmaniasis (VL), human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), onchocerciasis, dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis, trachoma and soil transmitted helminths (STH).

The ministry recommended the use of integrated mass drug administration (MDA), however, it feared that “the existing financial resources and global political commitment are not sufficient to reach the goals of elimination or control by 2020 at the latest.”

Indeed, in the 2016-2020 South Sudan National Master Plan, it outlined that “the allocation of funds to states and countries through inadequate, lacks guidance on allocation of funds to specific programs areas such as NTD control.” In 2008, the Ministry of Health estimated that around 3.9 million people were at risk of trachoma in surveyed areas, and in 2024, South Sudan remained with the highest prevalence of active trachoma anywhere in the world, with up to 80% of children under 9 suffering from the condition.

The Good News

The story is not all bleak, however, as the continued efforts have been gradually paying off. The 2023-2027 South Sudan NTDs Master Plan details that increased attention has allowed for “significant strides globally in the control, eradication and elimination of NTDs.” These positive steps include 70-80% member states previously NTD-endemic in 2020 now declaring the elimination of at least one disease, 44 member states certified free of guinea-worm disease compared with 2020, and 44 states fully mapped for PCT-NTDs (preventative chemotherapy NTDs) compared with 2020.

With support from the WHO, since 2021, the country has managed to treat almost 17 million people for river blindness, elephantiasis, bilharzia, trachoma and soil-transmitted worms. Additionally, a treatment drive in 2023 traveled house-to-house, performing MDA against bilharzia. Increased awareness and education efforts are allowing isolated villages to receive more accessible treatment diseases; Dr Aja Kuol, the president of South Sudan’s Ophthalmologic Association and first South Sudanese female ophthalmologist has been travelling across the country with her team to perform sight-restoring operations to those suffering from sight-related diseases, reaching almost 4,700 people in 2023, The Telegraph reports.

Lastly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced Project ECHO, which aims to reduce clinical variations and improve the quality of care for patients. As of 2024, the project conducted nearly 200 sessions and 3,500 health care workers across the nation have received the training.

Closing Remarks

The civil war in South Sudan caused not only physical mass destruction and damage but also took a huge mental toll on the population. The efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases across the country have been slow and demoralizing at times, however, the effort has paid off. Now that the society is breaking initial barriers such as poor awareness and education, the country can expect improvement, with the most recent master plan facilitating “multi-sectoral collaboration” that can achieve the nation’s vision of a neglected tropical disease-free country.

– Helena Pryce

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Gender Wage Gap in Haiti

The Gender Wage Gap in HaitiWomen in Haiti earn 20% to 30% less than their male counterparts. Additionally, they are more likely to be unemployed and less likely to have consistent jobs. In addition to the gender wage gap, women in Haiti face higher unemployment rates and fewer opportunities for stable, long-term employment. The challenges are even greater for women with children, as they are less likely to find work compared to women without children, further compounding their economic struggles.

Education

Education is a significant factor in women’s employment, as educated women are more likely to have jobs in higher positions. The literacy rate for women in Haiti is among the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean, which plays a role in the gender wage gap in Haiti.

Child marriage and early childbirth are two major factors that prevent girls in Haiti from attending school or completing secondary education. Secondary education is essential for women to access higher-paying jobs, as simply finishing primary school is often insufficient to secure employment.

Textiles

Women dominate the textile industry in Haiti, which holds promise for creating more jobs and potentially higher pay for women. However, entry-level positions, predominantly filled by women, offer extremely low wages. Although two-thirds of the workers in the industry are women, higher-ranking positions are often occupied by men. Many women in textiles have limited education and face additional disadvantages due to the country’s low minimum wage, which further impacts their earning potential.

Unemployment During the Pandemic

There was a significant decrease in women’s employment during the pandemic. This is likely attributed to inequality in pay for domestic work. Data shows that most women did household chores like laundry, cooking, cleaning and caring for children. Only 35% of people surveyed said that the man and woman of the household shared these duties. Women-dominated fields, such as firms, were closed disproportionately during the pandemic, causing these women to work solely domestically.

Economic Factors

While a legal framework mandates equal pay, certain jobs, such as night shifts, dangerous roles and industrial positions, typically offer higher wages. However, women often do not have equal access to these opportunities. This creates a loophole that perpetuates the gender wage gap in Haiti. This disparity significantly contributes to unequal pay between men and women in the workforce.

Women in Haiti are entitled to only 12 weeks of paid leave, compared to the recommended 14 weeks, while men are granted just one week of paid leave. Additionally, women with children under 5 are less likely to participate in the workforce. This policy creates significant barriers to women’s full employment and career advancement.

Empowering Women

To address the gender wage gap in Haiti, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supported the Haitian Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) through the project “Supporting the Government of Haiti for the Socioeconomic Empowerment of Rural Women.”

The project, which ran from January 2020 to December 2021, aimed to raise awareness among rural women about the importance of their roles and potential within their communities. It provided 1,200 women, organized into 15 associations, with both technical and financial support to help foster women’s freedom.

Summary

The gender wage gap in Haiti is driven by limited education, unequal job opportunities and systemic barriers, particularly for women with children. Despite legal frameworks for equal pay, women face significant challenges accessing better-paying jobs. However, initiatives like the FAO’s empowerment project provide valuable support, offering women the tools to improve their economic independence. Addressing these issues is crucial for reducing the gender wage gap and creating a more equitable society in Haiti.

– Ella Burke

Ella is based in Lawrence, KS, USA and focuses on Technology and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

How Kenyan Inventors Are Turning Waste to Affordable Prosthetics

ProstheticsAround 4.6% of Kenyans live with some form of disability. The causes of these disabilities vary, ranging from accidents to congenital conditions and illness. Additionally, persons living with disabilities face challenges securing employment, with those living in urban areas like Nairobi being more advantaged in accessing employment opportunities. For individuals living with disabilities, stigma and discrimination often pose a greater challenge than the medical conditions they face. These social barriers contribute to high unemployment, poor living conditions, increased dropout rates and rising poverty levels. In Kenya, traditional prosthetics are prohibitively expensive, with above-knee prosthetics costing about $3,000 and below-knee prosthetics priced at around $700. Hence, only 26% of people with disabilities have access to assistive devices, with the private sector providing 24% and government health facilities offering just 3%.

These systemic barriers and inequalities continue to perpetuate poverty, but David Gathu and Moses Kiuna are breaking them down. They prove that restoring dignity to individuals with disabilities and ensuring affordability can go hand in hand. Their low-cost prosthetics, made from e-waste, are a fraction of the price of commercial alternatives. Through their AI project, they go even further, addressing not only the physical needs of persons with disabilities but also the social isolation they often face.

David Gathu and Moses Kiuna

Gathu and Kiuna, the brilliant minds behind an AI-powered prosthetic designed to empower individuals with disabilities, may seem like seasoned engineers. However, the two Kenyan inventors are self-taught high school dropouts driven by an unwavering passion for innovation. Their journey began in primary school when Gathu, inspired by a friend who was an amputee, sought a way to restore his ability to use his hand. Witnessing his struggles with everyday tasks like eating and writing, Gathu researched harnessing neural signals to create a functional solution. Working from their grandmother’s granary, the duo set out on a mission: to uplift people with disabilities by fostering independence through technology.

What started as childhood curiosity turned into groundbreaking innovation. Using salvaged electronic components, they developed a bionic hand that translates brain signals into movement, allowing users to grasp objects effortlessly. “Just like a microphone; it listens to the brain signals or waves that are coming out of the skull because every time you are thinking or talking there is that activity that happens in the neurons. These neurons release electrical pulses which are electoral magnetic. This gadget listens to these magnetic waves and converts them into electrical and then this electrical is converted into digital signals. These digital signals are transmitted away, so this gadget itself amplifies these digital signals and transmits them into the robotic arm,” David explained to BBC’s Newsday.

After spending countless hours and years, their efforts finally paid off, as their prototype now operates flawlessly. With just a simple thought, the device springs to life effortlessly, requiring no physical input from the user.

The Poverty-Disability Cycle

Gathu and Kiuna’s work is important because their low-cost, e-waste prosthetics provide hope for persons with disabilities in Kenya, who are more likely to experience poverty. This bidirectional relationship is especially prominent in low- and middle-income countries, where poverty often leads to unsafe living conditions and poor quality of life, heightening the risk of disabilities. The exclusions faced by individuals with disabilities often trap families in economic hardship. Women and children with disabilities encounter even greater challenges, as cultural stigma and gender inequality often deny them opportunities for empowerment. The lack of affordable assistive devices further amplifies these barriers, leaving many amputees without the mobility they need to fully engage in daily life.

Therefore, the development of AI-powered prosthetics by Gathu and Kiuna, if fully implemented, can make assistive devices affordable and accessible to low-income individuals with disabilities in Kenya. By providing affordable prosthetics, these innovations can empower individuals to participate in the workforce, engage in daily activities and regain their independence. This increased mobility and autonomy can help break the cycle of poverty, improving economic stability for families and communities and ultimately contributing to greater social inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities.

Support and Market Access

While their work has gained both local and international media attention, gaining coverage on the BBC and other global media outlets, they have yet to receive significant institutional or financial backing to scale their innovations. Recognition has come, but resources to transition to mass production have hindered their progress.

Nonetheless, their journey exemplifies more than innovation. What originated in their grandmother’s granary could spark a movement transforming every discarded circuit board into a symbol of hope and each prototype into a stride toward a more equitable society. It highlights the remarkable impact of grassroots creativity in changing lives. With increased backing, these two self-taught innovators have the potential to change numerous lives for the better, with affordable prosthetics.

– Grace Ruria

Grace is based in Nairobi, Kenya and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

How HUSK and RGF Are Fighting Poverty

HUSK and RGFIn many parts of the world, access to sustainable energy and agricultural innovation is essential for economic growth and poverty alleviation. Women-led initiatives such as the Raising Gabdho Foundation (RGF) in Uganda and HUSK Ventures in Cambodia demonstrate that innovative solutions can drive economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. These organizations lead women-led sustainable development, transforming local communities and proving that grassroots innovations can make a global impact.

RGF

Sarah Basemera founded RGF with a modest $3,000 grant and an ambitious goal: to address Uganda’s reliance on charcoal while creating employment opportunities. Uganda’s high dependence on charcoal for cooking and heating—used by more than 85% of households—posed an environmental and economic challenge. In response, RGF developed biomass briquettes as an alternative energy source, ultimately shaping the foundation into a thriving social enterprise.

RGF’s success is built on a women-led sustainable development model, utilizing a retail strategy that centers on women vendors. Instead of dealing with hundreds of small-scale buyers, RGF streamlined its sales through market agents, all women. This model has not only increased efficiency but has also empowered female entrepreneurs within local marketplaces.

Today, RGF produces four different types of briquettes, operates a factory and has implemented a digital sales platform. While adopting digital transactions remains slow, its app, Zeed Energy, has started gaining traction. By promoting online payments, RGF breaks traditional barriers and encourages financial inclusion.

Households using Zeed Energy solutions have seen a 40% reduction in energy costs, improved business productivity by 60% and reported a 30% increase in disposable income. RGF’s innovations in clean energy and business operations demonstrate the power of women-led sustainable development in driving economic progress.

HUSK Ventures

While RGF is making strides in Uganda, HUSK Ventures, co-founded by Heloise Buckland and Carol Rius, is reshaping sustainable agriculture in Cambodia through biochar technology. Grounded in the conviction that businesses can be powerful drivers of social and environmental change, Buckland and Rius established HUSK to combat soil degradation and improve farmer livelihoods.

HUSK’s method is highly scientific and deeply rooted in traditional agricultural practices. Agriculture experts, engineers and specialists in regenerative agriculture are among the organization’s diverse workforce and they collaborate to create sustainable, long-term solutions for small-scale farmers. Understanding that climate vulnerability and soil degradation pose serious risks to food security, HUSK incorporates a low-cost, high-impact technique to restore farms while reducing carbon emissions.

Biochar, a soil supplement that improves fertility, holds onto water and captures carbon, is at the core of this innovation. HUSK modernizes this centuries-old method by repurposing rice husks—a common agricultural byproduct—into biochar, carbon-based fertilizers and biopesticides using a practical, smokeless process called pyrolysis. This reduces the impact of climate instability by lowering waste and emissions while trapping carbon in the soil for hundreds of years. The organization’s innovative work has resulted in the first biochar plant installed inside a rice mill, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture.

Through their work, Buckland and Rius are proving that women-led enterprises can drive meaningful transformation in both agricultural and environmental spheres. Their model offers a blueprint for balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility, reinforcing the vital role of women-led innovation in shaping a more sustainable future.

The Impact of Women-Led Sustainable Development

Both RGF and HUSK Ventures highlight the potential of women-led enterprises to drive social and environmental change. Their business models prioritize community engagement, sustainability and economic empowerment. The success of these initiatives demonstrates the importance of investing in female entrepreneurs tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The journey of these organizations serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of women entrepreneurs in the fight against poverty. With continued investment and support, women-led sustainable development initiatives like RGF and HUSK Ventures will continue transforming economies, empowering communities and contributing to a more sustainable world.

– Linnéa Matlack

Linnéa is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Iraq’s Reconstruction and Development: Markets for UK Firms

Iraq’s Reconstruction and DevelopmentBeginning in 1980, Iraq endured years of conflict, including the Iraqi-Iranian War, the Kuwait Invasion, the U.S.-led military invasion and ethnopolitical violence. After the U.S.-led invasion, Iraq’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth dropped from -8.2% in 2002 to -36.7% in 2003 when the invasion began.

Poverty became a major concern and as of 2024, 17.6% of the population still lives below the poverty line, a decline from 21.5% in 2022. The government is taking steps toward Iraq’s reconstruction and development in light of these challenges. In January 2025, Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with prominent U.K. business leaders to showcase the steps Iraq is taking to improve the investment climate.

Iraq’s Reconstruction and Development Efforts

During the Iraqi-Iranian War, Iraq accumulated significant debt. After the war, Iraq invaded Kuwait, which made the United Nations (U.N.) place severe sanctions on Iraq. The sanctions banned all imports and exports with Iraq, which rendered Iraq unable to obtain building materials from abroad to begin reconstruction.

In the following years, the U.S.-led invasion and ethnopolitical violence further deteriorated the remaining infrastructure, strained the economy and displaced countless Iraqis, pushing many into poverty. After the 2003 invasion, very little was done to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development. It was after the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was defeated in 2017 that the prime minister announced that the rebuilding effort would require $88 billion.

The destruction covered around 80% of some cities and significant funding was required to remove the war remnants, including unexploded bombs, land mines and IEDs that had remained after the conflict.

The National Development Plan

However, in 2018, Iraq released its National Development Plan, which included a reconstruction and development framework for 2018-2030. The plan comprises 19 pillars that will target areas like education, employment, industry, social protection, health and more. The plan highlights many areas that can improve the quality of life for its citizens and promote economic growth.

Some of these include clearing “explosive hazards,” rebuilding damaged housing and buildings, upgrading electricity infrastructure and strengthening transportation and logistics services to encourage private sector recovery and expansion. It also involves initiating labor force surveys to identify the workforce’s needs, enhancing local inclusive governance and planning community needs, including those of displaced persons, youth and women.

Iraq-UK Partnerships and Investment Opportunities

In January 2025, Iraq’s Prime minister met with U.K. business leaders to explain the country’s plan to attract foreign investment and improve the Iraqi business environment. The two countries signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), including a range of export agreements and a trade deal of more than $12 billion. This agreement built upon a history of economic collaboration between Iraq and the U.K.

In 2024 alone, the U.K. participated in $1.5 billion worth of projects in Iraq. One notable initiative was a partnership with Vodafone, a multinational telecommunications company based in the U.K. In late 2024, Iraq authorized Vodafone to launch the country’s first 5G network, marking a significant step in the nation’s technological advancement. Beyond telecommunications, U.K. firms have expanding prospects in the construction, petrochemicals and energy sectors. In Iraq, building material accounts for around 30% of imports. Additionally, natural gas projects are progressing in nearly every oil field in the country, providing opportunities for U.K. firms.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Iraq also explained that “Reforms have been carried out in the taxation and customs systems, company registration processes and all approvals related to investment opportunities.” Alongside these reforms, Iraq will provide sovereign guarantees to the private sector, utilize “global intermediary banks” to conduct all financial transactions and allocate $100 billion to the investment budget. These reforms and financial commitments create an environment where U.K. firms can significantly contribute to Iraq’s economic growth and poverty reduction.

Conclusion

Iraq’s efforts to attract foreign investment, particularly through its U.K. partnership, are key to stimulating economic development and reducing poverty. U.K. firms can help those living under the poverty line in Iraq by contributing to construction, energy and petrochemical-based projects. Improved roads, ports, electricity and overall economic conditions can provide Iraqis with increased access to new markets domestically and internationally. The World Bank highlights that trade and investment can stimulate developing economies, increase higher-quality job opportunities and raise productivity.

With 60% of Iraq’s population falling within the working-age bracket (15-64), the country presents U.K. firms with a substantial labor force. Beyond economic benefits, this also creates an opportunity to address social challenges. Expanding employment prospects can help prevent youth from being pushed into violence, terrorism and poverty due to a lack of quality job opportunities, fostering greater stability in the region.

– Haley Parilla

Haley is based in Cape Coral, FL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

World Bank Decreasing Women’s Poverty in Latin America

Women’s Poverty in Latin AmericaAcross Latin America, poverty and gender inequality trap women in cycles of financial dependence and vulnerability. Women in Latin America are five times more likely to be unemployed than men. Hence, nearly 28% of women living in Latin America experience poverty. The World Bank is tackling women’s poverty in Latin America through targeted initiatives that empower women economically and reduce their risk of gender-based violence.

Honduras’s Safe Municipalities Project

The World Bank’s Safe Municipalities Project in Honduras aims to make Honduran cities safer. First, the project empowers law enforcement locally and nationally. Second, it tackles the underlying causes of rising crime. Finally, the initiative increases the government’s ability to respond to criminal threats quickly and efficiently. Although this project aims to improve Honduran municipalities, it uniquely helps women who are the most affected by crime in Honduras.

More than a quarter of Honduran women experience physical or intimate partner violence in their lifetimes and Honduras has one of the highest global rates of femicide. Often, poverty is at the root of this, prompting the circumstances that put women at risk. However, the Safe Municipalities Project is decreasing women’s poverty in Latin America by supporting women financially and building legal systems that protect their livelihoods.

Peru’s Promoting Gender Equality Program

The World Bank is working to decrease gender-based violence in Peru in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. To increase awareness and response to gender-based violence, the organizations have pursued four avenues:

  • Increasing teen education on gender inequality through accessible content.
  • Creating a university class on sexual harassment prevention.
  • Endorsing Yanapp, a new platform to help victims of gender-based violence.
  • Supporting ALEGRA centers, offering legal advice to women.

Women in Peru have already seen improvements in equality, including many more women joining the workforce and receiving higher education. Despite this, they face challenges in combating societal stigma and achieving beyond the traditional framework. Therefore, this World Bank initiative is giving women more ability to report violence and introducing developmental ways of limiting gender-based violence.

El Salvador’s Integrated Social Protection Project

The Integrated Social Protection project helps the Red Solidaria program create a new conditional cash transfer system in El Salvador. This system is aimed at helping families access capital to get necessities for their children and uplift underprivileged groups. In tandem with its finance-oriented approach, the program combines social protection measures with gender-based violence prevention. It provides women with financial assistance and links them with services to escape violence, like vocational training and legal assistance.

Women are given unique access to the cash transfer system, allowing them to temporarily limit financial abuse and gain independence. Only 29% of women in El Salvador have access to a financial account, compared to 45% of men, highlighting a significant gender gap in financial inclusion. Therefore, this cash transfer system plays a vital role in bridging that divide by providing women with the same financial access as men. Economic independence is often a key factor in escaping gender-based violence and the Integrated Social Protection Project is gradually dismantling this barrier, empowering women with greater financial security and autonomy.

Brazil’s Recife Urban Upgrading Project

In Brazil, particularly in urban areas, most of the population lacks adequate housing. More than 8% of Brazilians reside in favelas or urban communities with insufficient infrastructure. To address some of the challenges associated with urban poverty, the World Bank launched the Recife Urban Upgrading Project.

The project will improve favelas with roads, drainage, sanitation and formalized housing. By supporting the government in assisting people experiencing poverty in urban areas, the World Bank is also advancing opportunities for women. In Brazil, women are disproportionately affected by homelessness and its consequences. More than one-third of Brazilian women over the age of 16 experience gender-based violence at some point in their lives, with homelessness being a significant contributing factor.

The Recife Urban Upgrading Project gives women access to housing services they would not otherwise access. Through housing and the expansion of welfare services, women gain more protection from poverty-driven violence. Through formal homeownership, women gain a foothold and financial leg up to compete with men and they are connected with new employment opportunities to improve economic stability.

Conclusion

The World Bank’s initiatives across Latin America are breaking cycles of poverty and gender inequality by improving financial inclusion, protection and opportunities for women. While challenges remain, these programs pave the way for a more equitable future.

– Divya Beeram

Divya is based in San Antonio, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

How Art Offers Relief from Stress Due to Poverty in Sierra Leone

How Art Offers Relief From Poverty-Related Stress in Sierra LeoneFrom the Ebola outbreak to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of Sierra Leone, a small West African country, confront poverty and related stress. Despite ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty through various development programs aimed at improving living conditions and well-being, the lack of accessible health care, education and employment continues to distress the country. Amid these tough conditions of low income and limited access to necessities, Sierra Leone’s art culture thrives as a crucial outlet for expression and community cohesion. Music and dance do more than entertain; they become narratives of personal and collective experiences, reflecting how Sierra Leoneans cope with poverty.

History

Sierra Leone’s underdevelopment has deep roots in the aftermath of the country’s 11-year civil war, one of the bloodiest wars in African history. Despite attempts at economic recovery post-civil war, the country was consistently rated as one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking third out of 20 impoverished countries in 2025. This immense conflict caused the loss of several lives and displacement, as well as disruption in the nation’s economy and infrastructure. 

Poverty in Sierra Leone

According to UNICEF, 60% of 8.8 million people live below the national poverty line and 13% live in extreme poverty conditions. Sierra Leoneans live on less than $1.90 daily, making the cycle of accessing education, food and safe water problematic to escape from. The northern region has a higher poverty rate and a lower rate in the West of Sierra Leone. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in several citizens’ incomes and citizens who receive income from self-employment jobs, such as farmers, were hit the hardest. COVID-19 disrupted Sierra Leone’s poverty reduction actions and made people find different ways to make ends meet for their families. 

Culture of Artistic Expression

Some residents in Sierra Leone seek an escape route from reality by participating in the arts. Through the arts, individuals can express their emotions and tell their stories to reduce anxiety, ease depression and view problems from a different perspective. Coping with the trials of life, such as poverty, builds strength to communicate and manage feelings of hopelessness. Sierra Leone residents take pride in their culture, specifically the nation’s traditional musical instruments, such as the balangi and dance, such as the Bondo dance. The art culture allows the people of Sierra Leone to surround themselves with one another as a community to address communal values and social issues. 

The Arts and Poverty-Related Stress in Sierra Leone

Musicians are tackling the rise of poverty and related stress in Sierra Leone. While many believe Sierra Leone’s musicians have escaped poor living conditions, singer and songwriter Emmerson Bockarie uses his music to advocate for truth and justice in his country. “I stand with the people; I am with the country,” Bockarie said. In his single “No Easy Eh,” he sings, “Wi weh no born mit money/ less opportunity/ still wi wan be somebody/ e no easy eh.” Bockarie highlights the struggles of the youth population facing poverty-related stress in Sierra Leone, underscoring the enduring hardships that the country wants the government to address.

Spreading Hope for the Future

Art culture is a motivational characteristic of fighting poverty-related stress. It articulates social and economic concerns from the voiceless to government officials to rally local and international support for social shifts. Sierra Leonean artists assist the impoverished population and encourage the community to bond and nurture resilience during challenging circumstances. People feel emotional relief through art that endures the spirit of Sierra Leone, navigating their socio-economic landscape.

– Makayla Johnson

Makayla is based in Cary, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Initiatives Improving Palestinian Children’s Mental Health

Palestinian Children’s Mental HealthAs the war in Palestine continues, Palestinians’ mental health is suffering. At least 10 children lose a limb a day and 17,000 children have been separated from their parents. Additionally, 96% of Palestinian children feel that death is impending. The numerous traumatic events the children undergo at a crucial time for their development have taken a toll. However, there are some vital initiatives in place aiming to tackle and improve Palestinian children’s mental health.

MAP Mental Health Services

Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) is addressing Gaza’s mental health challenges in collaboration with the health ministry to improve access to mental health services. MAP has set up specific locations within the city to offer psychosocial and clinical support.

MAP also utilizes the close-knit community within Gaza by implementing a peer support model, enabling individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to offer moral support to others facing similar struggles. This approach perpetuates the belief that everyone can help each other, hopefully bringing hope.

Furthermore, the organization is training its staff in psychological first aid, ensuring that they are prepared to support others and themselves through mental health challenges regardless of their role. This initiative helps ensure that as many people receive such help as possible.

GCMHP

The Gaza Community Mental Health Program (GCMHP), currently led by Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, provides counseling over the phone. Additionally, they visit shelters and refugee camps to provide therapy. The initiative has clinics in Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, offering a range of services to support patients, including talking therapy, play therapy and occupational therapy.

In 2024, the GCMHP assisted more than 26,000 people in 298 days, offering care and support to individuals and families of all ages. It has also established Psychological First Aid (PFA) teams that visit camps and shelters to reach displaced families. These teams distribute toy bags to children, encouraging them to engage in familiar and enjoyable activities promoting calmness. Additionally, the teams assess whether anyone in these camps requires urgent intervention and ensure they are referred for specialized treatment.

Education and Mental Well-Being

The occupation has led to the destruction of many schools, with approximately 87.7% of educational buildings affected as of March 30, 2024. This disruption has severely impacted Palestinian children’s education and mental health, exacerbated by food, water and electricity shortages, as well as the loss of stability and educational infrastructure.

However, individuals like Israa Abu Mustafa are working to counter these challenges. She established a school for primary-aged children in Khan Younis in September 2024, starting with 35 students and expanding to 70. Despite lacking basic equipment like desks and chairs, the children continue to learn and participate in enjoyable activities. This initiative supports their well-being by restoring normalcy and safety through education.

Summary

The psychological well-being of Palestinian children is deeply impacted. However, several initiatives are offering support by providing mental health services, education and safe spaces, helping children regain a sense of stability and hope.

– Maryam Abdalla

Maryam is based in the UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

The Push for Food Self-Sufficiency in Saudi Arabia

Food Self-Sufficiency in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia imports nearly 80% of its food, relying heavily on international suppliers like the United States (U.S.), which exported $1.58 billion worth of agricultural products to the Kingdom in 2022. Harsh desert conditions and limited freshwater resources have made large-scale farming difficult, leading to an overwhelming dependence on imports. As part of a long-term development strategy, food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia is now a priority of the government, as well as aiming to strengthen food security and reduce vulnerability to global market shocks.

Food Waste and Loss

Despite maintaining food security, Saudi Arabia continues to struggle with food dependency and waste. According to United Nations (U.N.) data, the country accounts for 50% of global food waste, even though it has a population of about 33 million. A recent survey found that 78% of purchased food is discarded within a week to make room for newly bought groceries.

Cultural norms that encourage abundance often lead people to neglect or discard food, worsening the food waste crisis. To address the issue, the Saudi government launched programs such as Vision 2030, which includes a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. In addition, the Saudi government launched the National Program for Food Loss and Waste Reduction to support this goal. Other proposed solutions include raising food prices, as low prices and bulk deals often encourage consumers to purchase more than they need.

Investing in Sustainable Agriculture

To reduce dependence on imports, the Saudi government continues to invest in initiatives like the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), which strengthens agricultural sectors such as soybeans and maize. The country has made significant progress in the 21st century. By 2023, Saudi Arabia had reached self-sufficiency in dairy products and eggs and began exporting the surplus. The country also boosted the production of potatoes, poultry, tomatoes, red meat, carrots, fish and onions. To support continued agricultural growth, the government promotes innovations such as vertical farming, greenhouses and hydroponics. These technologies help maximize yield while conserving resources.

International Investments

Beyond domestic initiatives, Saudi Arabia is investing internationally to secure food supplies. The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) has acquired an 80% stake in Singapore-based Olam Agri for $1.8 billion. This acquisition provides Saudi Arabia with access to global supply chains and strengthens its position in the international agricultural market.

Moving Forward

Saudi Arabia’s population will likely reach 40 million by 2050. To keep pace, the government focuses on improving food consumption efficiency and reducing dependence on imports. Although the country currently contributes a significant portion of global food waste, new regulations and public awareness campaigns could help lower that share over the next five years.

Efforts to expand local food production, improve waste management and promote agricultural innovation remain integral to food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia, and its development plans. Continued investment in sustainable practices could help the country strengthen food security and support its growing population in the years ahead.​

– Naseem Rahman

Naseem is based in Staten Island, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Benin

Disability and Poverty in BeninBenin is a country located in West Africa. From 1872 to 1960, Benin was a French Colony that France used for exporting enslaved people. Liberated from French control, Benin ended up with the cultural and economic ramifications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In the 1970s, Benin restructured its economy using socialist principles. However, this did not improve the country’s economic or political stability, and by the 1990s, Benin shifted into privatizing its economy. Although Benin is one of the more economically developed countries in West Africa, more than 36% of the population still lives in poverty. There are approximately 92,495 people with disabilities living in Benin. Many of those most affected by poverty have physical and mental disabilities that make their chance of escaping poverty without assistance nearly impossible. Here are seven facts about the links between disability and poverty in Benin.

1. Increased Health Risks

A lack of hygiene and sanitation can lead to neglected tropical diseases, and this coincides with disability and poverty in Benin. About 11% of disabled Beninese attributed neglected tropical diseases as the cause of their disabilities. These include leprosy, with 214 annual cases, and lymphatic filariasis, which 6.6 million are at risk for. The most common forms of disabilities include visual, and hearing impairments, cerebral driving impairments, motor disabilities, intellectual disabilities and psychosocial disabilities.

Even though people with disabilities often require more medical attention, the average Beninese family is only able to financially cover one to two doctor visits a year. With increased access to health care, the rate of preventable disabilities could drop considerably and the care provided to disabled individuals would significantly increase their standard of living. One can see this in the World Health Organization-supported Assurance Pour Le Renforcement Du Capital Humain or ARCH program, which provides health insurance to the poorest Beninese communities. The results of this program have been massive, as more than 800,000 of the poorest people in Benin have enrolled in free health insurance and can now use public health facilities if they live near them.

2. Hazardous Living Conditions

Canes, wheelchairs and prosthetics are often unaffordable to those who experience disability and poverty in Benin, severely limiting mobility and safety in and out of the home. Disabled people who live alone are more likely to be at risk of falling or injury and can go long periods of time without needed assistance. Conversely, those living with family members are more likely to be victims of neglect or abuse than able-bodied individuals. By creating programs that provide canes, wheelchairs and prosthetics as well as care plans to people with disabilities and their families, Benin could prevent these hazardous living conditions.

3. Community Discrimination and Violence

When isolated by their community, impoverished people with disabilities’ access to emergency care, housing and social programs diminishes. Even more alarming in some Beninese communities is the traditional practice of killing babies born with physical abnormalities. In recent years, however, Benin authorities have begun a door-to-door campaign to raise awareness of the scientific causes behind infant deformities. This has resulted in fewer occurrences of disability-motivated infanticide as well as societal stigmatization towards people with disabilities. Educational and community-based programs such as this could put an end to the discrimination and violence against disabled Beninese.

4. Familial Liabilities

Without familial support, a majority of those impacted by disability and poverty in Benin do not have the means to afford basic necessities. Thus, households often consider them to be a financial burden. Additionally, families experience frequent blame for a child’s disability as people in some religions in Benin see disabilities as punishment for the parents’ misdeeds. Because of these misconceptions, the businesses of relatives of those with disabilities often struggle to retain customers.

The good news is that The Global Disability Fund has raised almost $400,000 as well as brought together four UN agencies, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO to meet with government leaders of Benin to advocate for better education on the causes of disabilities and inclusive treatment of people with disabilities in the country. With disability support from the government along with information campaigns about the humanity of those living with disabilities, families taking care of disabled loved ones will have a better chance of enduring poverty.

5. Limited Access to Education

Access to education is already limited for those suffering from poverty in Benin. More than 47% of the population is considered illiterate, and 77.5% of Beninese with disabilities are uneducated. Furthermore, only 2% of disabled children are actively attending school. With an increase in financial support to schools that can offer focused learning programs to those with disabilities, the option for education would become a reality for numerous children in Benin.

6. High Risk of Unemployment

More than 80% of disabled people are unemployed in Benin, causing many to fall below the poverty line. Benin’s labor code does include provisions to protect the employment rights of workers with disabilities. Unfortunately, this code often goes unenforced, as many people with disabilities have reported workplace and hiring discrimination. Fortunately, The World Bank’s Youth Inclusion Project is working to end employment discrimination in Benin. Although it does not currently have a program set up for people with disabilities, by providing vulnerable youth with technical skills, the project has helped employ 5,000 young people with little to no education since its start in 2021. With the support of external employment programs, such as expanding The Youth Inclusion Project to involve people with disabilities, the lives of many disabled people will most certainly be improved.

7. Government Oversight

A majority of public facilities are not accessible for those struggling with disability and poverty in Benin, including schools, transportation and courts. Moreover, there are reports that people with motor disabilities are frequently unable to access polling stations, depriving them of the ability to participate in the democratic process of voting. There is, however, growing government support for the proposed Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act which would guarantee certain rights such as voting, education and legal support.

Looking Ahead

As a result of the above reasons, poverty in Benin disproportionately affect those with disabilities. Despite economic growth over the past few years, Benin is still one of the poorest countries in the world. Because of this, Benin continues to rely on foreign aid to fund their government’s primary and developmental budgets. Nevertheless, there is still hope for disabled people in Benin suffering from poverty as national and international disability services move to invest in educational, medical and employment opportunities. This kind of financial and social support will allow people with disabilities a chance at life and acceptance in Benin. 

– Amelia Dutch Player

Amelia is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr