Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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JazzCash: How Fintech Innovations in Pakistan Reduce Poverty

JazzCashPakistan faces significant economic challenges, with a substantial portion of its population living in poverty. As of 2024, the poverty rate stood at 25.3%, marking a sharp increase from the previous year and adding approximately 13 million people to the impoverished population. Financial exclusion exacerbates this issue, particularly among women. In 2021, only 13% of women had access to formal bank accounts compared to 34% of men, highlighting a significant gender gap in financial inclusion. ​

JazzCash’s Role in Financial Inclusion

With 44.4 million customers, JazzCash stands as one of Pakistan’s largest digital financial services platforms. Launched in 2012 by the Pakistani mobile operator Jazz, JazzCash has played a pivotal role in digitalizing Pakistan’s economy, promoting financial inclusion, expanding economic participation and reducing poverty.

Through partnerships with institutions such as the United Nations (U.N.) Women and the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, JazzCash has introduced microloans, mobile banking and digital finance solutions that support economic activity and empower underserved communities. By leveraging fintech innovations, JazzCash provides secure, efficient and accessible financial services to millions of Pakistanis who previously lacked access to banking.

Here are four key JazzCash initiatives that demonstrate how fintech innovations in Pakistan reduce poverty through economic growth and financial inclusion:

Empowering Women Through Digital Finance

A 2022 partnership with U.N. Women enabled JazzCash to support 10,000 women micro-entrepreneurs by providing mobile wallets, free SIMs, data, calls and SMS bundles by 2025. In addition to digital tools, the initiative offers financial literacy training, ensuring that women gain the knowledge and confidence to effectively use fintech services for business growth and financial independence. With women making up only 21% of Pakistan’s workforce, increasing their participation in the economy is essential for both gender equality and overall economic growth.

The initiative aligns with U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and fosters broader poverty reduction by expanding economic opportunities for women. In November 2024, JazzCash announced plans to expand its reach, setting a target to increase the number of women-led businesses using JazzCash from 100,000 to 300,000 by 2027. By integrating women into the digital economy, JazzCash helps close the financial gender gap and provides greater economic independence for female entrepreneurs.

Supporting Disaster Relief Through Fintech

The Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP), a collaboration between JazzCash and the Government of Sindh, has helped deliver financial assistance to families affected by the 2022 and 2024 floods. As of May 2024, JazzCash has disbursed PKR 2 billion to flood-affected families, with a goal of reaching PKR 15 billion and assisting 1 million households. Additionally, 80,000 new mobile wallet accounts have been created, ensuring that 45% of account holders are women. Traditional relief programs often rely on cash-based assistance, which can lead to delays, inefficiencies and security risks. By offering direct digital transfers, JazzCash provides a more inclusive, transparent and secure alternative, enabling families to rebuild independently and participate in the economy after disasters.

Expanding Social Protection Through Digital Payments

In February 2024, JazzCash became a key partner in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Pakistan’s largest poverty reduction initiative. BISP provides unconditional cash transfers to underserved communities, including 9 million women, serving as a critical social safety net for Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations. JazzCash’s digital disbursement system ensures secure and efficient delivery of PKR 78 billion in cash payments to 1.3 million women by the end of 2025. By November 2024, JazzCash had already successfully transferred PKR 15 billion, demonstrating the effectiveness of fintech in expanding financial accessibility. Beyond facilitating direct aid, this initiative promotes long-term financial inclusion, encouraging women to open digital bank accounts, save money and engage in economic activities that lead to greater financial independence.

Microfinance and Entrepreneurship

JazzCash continues to promote economic inclusion through microfinance, enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses to access capital, process digital payments and expand their operations. Small business owners, particularly in rural and underserved communities, often face significant barriers to accessing credit and banking services. The organization’s microfinance solutions provide secure and efficient financial services, allowing entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fintech in Pakistan

As fintech adoption expands, JazzCash remains committed to bridging financial gaps and empowering underserved communities. CEO Aamir Ibrahim has set a target to increase the female customer base from 30% to 50%, ensuring that women gain equal access to financial tools. With the continued integration of financial services into daily transactions, JazzCash is shaping a more inclusive economy where digital finance drives economic participation and poverty reduction in Pakistan.

Expanding financial literacy programs—such as those introduced through the U.N. Women partnership—could be essential in helping more Pakistanis navigate digital finance effectively. By leveraging fintech for economic empowerment, JazzCash is paving the way for sustainable economic growth and greater financial inclusion across Pakistan.

– Oliver Tanner

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

Photo: Flickr

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How the PpDM is Addressing Women’s Rights in Portugal

How the PpDM is Addressing Women's Rights in Portugal According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, Portugal ranked 15th in Europe for gender equality in 2023. The study found that health care had the most significant gender disparities, while workplace equality showed the most progress. A Randstad study, conducted by the global talent company, reported that Portugal’s gender pay gap stood at 13%, aligning closely with the 2024 European average. Despite ongoing challenges, activists and nonprofit organizations continue working toward gender equality, advocating for women’s rights, awareness, policy change and social reform.

PpDM Promoting Women’s Rights in Portugal

The Portuguese Platform for Women’s Rights (PpDM), an independent, nonprofit humanist organization, promotes gender equality through research, advocacy, mobilization and training. Free from government, political or religious affiliations, PpDM represents Portugal in key international networks, including the European Women’s Lobby (EWL), the EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking, the Association of Women from Southern Europe (AFEM) and the Euro-Mediterranean Women’s Foundation (FFEM). As the national coordinator for the EWL, PpDM works closely with European organizations to advocate for gender equality policies and initiatives. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence by providing training and resources to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). PpDM fosters open discussions on gender issues, creating a platform for organizations to collaborate, exchange knowledge and implement gender equality initiatives.

Key PpDM Initiatives for Gender Equality

  • Mobilize Against Sexism!. Funded by the Council of Europe and organized by the EWL, raises awareness about sexism and discrimination. The initiative promotes public dialogue on gender-based biases and provides legal definitions of sexism to support advocacy efforts. To extend its reach, the campaign offers flyers, posters and educational materials for use in schools and public awareness programs.
  • Women in Climate. An initiative launched by the EWL integrates gender perspectives into climate policy. The project highlights how climate change disproportionately affects marginalized women and encourages civil society organizations to advocate for gender equality in environmental action. By bridging women’s rights and climate justice, the initiative strengthens policy discussions and advocacy strategies.
  • From the Voice III. It provides a digital platform for conversations about sexism, discrimination and gender-based violence. The initiative creates a safe online space where women can share experiences, participate in discussions and access educational resources. Webinars, podcasts and other digital content aim to challenge gender stereotypes and promote feminist discourse in Portugal.

Beyond these initiatives, PpDM has launched several other projects that amplify women’s voices, mobilize communities and influence policy change. Programs such as the Feminist Tribune, bE_SAFE, and Young Europe Sustainable Democracy Builders (YES) focus on human rights advocacy, gender-based cyber safety and youth involvement in democratic policy-making.

Advocacy and International Collaboration

PpDM actively engages in international human rights conventions that promote gender equality and women’s rights. The organization contributes to global policy discussions, influencing frameworks such as the Istanbul Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. By working with international organizations and policymakers, PpDM strengthens its influence on gender policies at both national and global levels.

Looking Ahead

The PpDM calls for broader community participation in its mission to achieve gender equality. Indeed, by fostering education, advocacy and legal reforms, the organization remains a driving force in promoting women’s rights in Portugal. As challenges persist, continued collaboration with policymakers, activists and civil society could be essential in creating lasting change for future generations.

– Hannah Pacheco

Hannah is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How USAID Cuts Impact Global Polio Eradication Efforts

How USAID Cuts Impact Global Polio Vaccination EffortsPolio, a highly infectious viral disease, has affected millions of people worldwide. The introduction of the polio vaccine in the 1950s led to an exponential decrease in infection rates. However, access to vaccines remains limited in some countries, keeping the disease circulation alive in certain regions. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) works to vaccinate populations in endemic countries, striving for complete eradication. Recent funding reductions from USAID, a historically significant donor, have raised concerns about the initiative’s progress.

Polio primarily affects children under 5, with about 0.5% of cases leading to paralysis. Though most common in children, unvaccinated individuals of any age remain vulnerable to infection. The disease, once present in more than 120 endemic countries, now persists in only two—Afghanistan and Pakistan. Despite this significant progress, outbreaks of wild poliovirus continue to surface in regions with political instability, such as Gaza, where vaccination campaigns face disruption due to ongoing conflict.

GPEI’s Efforts to Eradicate Polio

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988 with the goal of eliminating polio worldwide. Since its inception, polio cases have declined by 99%, a testament to the effectiveness of vaccination programs. GPEI focuses on two primary goals: permanently stopping poliovirus transmission in endemic countries and preventing outbreaks in nonendemic regions. GPEI’s strategy includes mass vaccination efforts, political advocacy, community engagement and infection surveillance. By collaborating with governments and organizations such as WHO, CDC, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation, the initiative has successfully reduced polio cases. However, continued progress depends on sustained financial support.

USAID Funding Cuts and Its Impact

GPEI relies on funding from multiple government and nongovernment organizations. The United States (U.S.) has historically contributed $40 billion to the initiative, making USAID a key financial supporter. However, recent reductions in USAID funding have raised concerns about the program’s sustainability. In early 2025, the Trump administration significantly reduced USAID funding, including a $131 million grant for UNICEF and GPEI’s polio immunization efforts. This loss of funding has forced GPEI to extend its five-year strategy to 2029, pushing back its original goal of eradication by three years. While USAID’s funding cut presents challenges, it remains unclear whether the reduction will be permanent. GPEI continues to operate with financial backing from other sources, though long-term funding gaps could slow vaccination efforts.

New Funding Sources and the Future of Polio Eradication

Despite the loss of USAID funding, other nations and organizations have stepped up to support GPEI’s mission. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pledged $500 million toward polio eradication efforts. Additionally, organizations such as the WHO and the Gates Foundation continue to provide financial support, ensuring that vaccination programs remain operational. Alongside large-scale government contributions, GPEI also relies on small individual donations from supporters committed to eradicating polio within this generation. The organization remains focused on vaccination, public awareness and policy advocacy, working toward its revised goal of eradication by 2029.

Looking Ahead

While USAID’s funding reduction poses obstacles for GPEI, global support for polio eradication remains strong. Ongoing contributions from international donors and nongovernmental organizations continue to drive vaccination efforts, bringing the world closer to a polio-free future. Regardless of the status of USAID funding, GPEI continues its vaccination and eradication efforts with support from international donors and organizations.

– Lizzie Mazzola

Lizzie is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mercy Rescue Trust: Foster to Forever Family

Mercy Rescue Trust: Foster to Forever FamilyWorldwide, 16.6 million children under 18 have lost one or both parents to HIV; 90% of these orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, about 53 million children in this region had lost one or both parents. According to UNICEF, Kenya alone has approximately 2.08 million orphans. Previous estimates reveal that about 3.6 million children in Kenya are orphaned or vulnerable, comprising nearly one-fifth of the country’s population under 18 years old. To combat this, Mercy Rescue Trust, a rescue center based in Kitale, Kenya, finds homes for abandoned babies and young children. The organization aims to protect children in vulnerable situations by providing medical care, shelter and long-term support.

Mercy Rescue Trust’s Mission in Kenya

Financial challenges and family instability in Kenya have led to severe neglect and abandonment of many infants. With limited social support systems, children often endure harmful conditions, suffering from malnutrition and poor physical and emotional health. Rescuers find many in life-threatening situations and bring them to Mercy Rescue Trust, where doctors conduct comprehensive health screenings to detect diseases or health risks caused by exposure to unsafe environments. Once medically stable, children enter temporary foster care with local families who provide a nurturing environment until a permanent home becomes available. If a child requires emergency medical care, doctors oversee their treatment until they recover.

From Rescue to Reunification and Adoption

After rescuing an infant, Mercy Rescue Trust searches for biological family members and prioritizes reunification whenever possible. To support successful reintegration, the organization provides regular meals and financial assistance for education, increasing the child’s chances of thriving in their home. If reunification does not work, the child remains in temporary foster care while Mercy Rescue Trust arranges a permanent, loving home. The adoption process follows strict guidelines to ensure each child finds a secure and nurturing environment. Social workers follow up regularly to monitor the child’s development and well-being after placement.

The Role of Foster Families in Child Welfare

Mercy Rescue Trust emphasizes a family-centered approach by placing children in local, family-based foster care rather than institutional orphanages. Foster families, often volunteers, provide infants with a stable home environment during this transitional period. Since its inception, Mercy Rescue Trust has placed more than 400 children in homes, including 269 with local foster families and reunited 114 with their biological families. Foster care gives infants the emotional security needed to rebuild trust and recover from trauma. Living in a home-like environment allows them to develop attachments, experience daily routines and build a sense of stability, making their transition to a permanent family much smoother.

Emergency Care and Community Support

Mercy Rescue Trust operates a 24-hour emergency care center where medical professionals provide immediate care to rescued infants. These services depend on donations that fund food, medical care and education programs for children in need. The organization also welcomes volunteers, photographers and supporters to help raise awareness and expand outreach efforts.

Looking Ahead

Mercy Rescue Trust continues to rescue, protect and advocate for vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the care, stability and opportunities they deserve. Furthermore, by prioritizing family-based care, education and long-term support, the organization is working to break the cycle of abandonment and poverty, providing children with a path to a brighter future.

– Jennifer Cermak

Jennifer is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cambodia’s GFT Sector Sees Wage Increase

cambodia's gftSince the 1990s Cambodia’s exports from the garment, footwear and travel (GFT) sector has grown significantly. Keeping labor costs low and the intensive nature of the industry have fueled the growth of this industry, as well as the signing of international trade agreements and presence of good investment conditions.

Cambodia’s GFT

In 2017, Cambodia became the world’s ninth largest producer of apparel and this accounted for 1.5% of worlds export value. In 2022, the GFT industry accounted for 56.1% of Cambodia’s total export of $22.48 billion, according to Textile Today.

Cambodia’s exported products had a 14.9% increase from 2021-2022 alone. The GFT (Garment, Footwear and Travel) sector was also crucial for Cambodia’s economy during the pandemic. “The sector accounted for 11% of the economy and contributed to half of Cambodia’s real GDP growth,” although the country was not operating at full capacity, the GFT sector was still functioning relatively well.

The garment worker industry consists of 1,188 factories and employs around 750,000 workers, most of whom are women. Around 76% of the female population work in the GFT sector which serves to stand as the backbone of the Cambodian economy.

Despite being one of the main drivers of the Cambodian economy, the GFT sector faces challenges when it comes to long-term sustainability, the sector is currently reliant on preferential market access granted by the U.S. and the EU which makes it susceptible to the withdrawal of the trade agreements.

New Plan

In September 2024, Cambodia increased the minimum wage in the GFT sector to $208 per month, an increase of $4. The plan has received both negative criticism and praise but ultimately lies in favor of the workers which is a step in the right direction. The decision follows discussions by the National Council for Minimum Wage, which initially proposed the wage be set at $206, however, Prime Minister Hun Manet, raised the figure an additional $2, in an ongoing effort to improve worker living standards.

In addition to the minimum wage increase, workers will also receive benefits like a $10 monthly bonus for regular work attendance and an extra $7 to aid with transport and rent. These benefits will help workers manage their daily living expenses alongside their base wages.

Cambodia, like many other countries, faces pressure to make sure that workers receive compensation without undermining the competitive nature of the GFT manufacturing sector. This approach by the government aims to ensure a balance between the workers’ needs and the industry’s sustainability.

Reception of the New Plan

Labor groups have acknowledged the rise in wages, however, have also addressed that the increase may not fully address the cost of living in many urban areas, where many workers reside. Industry leaders have also raised questions and concerns about the impact on production costs as the GFT sector remains competitive, both economically and production-wise, according to the Cambodia Investment Review.

Kim Chansamnang, a representative of the union stated that the workers are “satisfied with the increase”, however, he also urged the landlords not to raise rent prices and added that “the minimum wage has not risen significantly,” Khmer Times reports.

According to Prime Minister Manet, the government focuses on improving the living standards of the people, he also stated that he would “urge relevant ministries and authorities to monitor and implement measures to reduce worker costs”

Sin Sovan, of the Russey Keo district, said that she accepts the new figures but also appeals to markets and landlords to not increase prices of food. She also acknowledged that this was the government’s intervention and appeal to prevent raised rents and to keep food prices stable, according to Khmer Times.

The Future of Cambodia’s GFT

The recent minimum wage increase in Cambodia’s GFT sector marks another step in the right direction for the workers. It holds a significant place in the government’s plan to improve the livelihoods of workers in general, particularly those in the GFT (garment, footwear and travel) sectors. The raise provides relief to the workers, however, some concerns remain regarding the cost of living. Employers must now navigate survival in the competitive nature of the market alongside higher labor costs.

Cambodia continues to develop its economy and so a balance between worker satisfaction and business sustainability. The government, employers and workers must continue to work together and hold discussions to ensure that future wage policies are fair for all. Additional measures such as social protection and improved worker training could also complement the wage increase and contribute to long-term economic stability for the country.

– Ayat Aslam

Ayat is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to South Africa

Foreign Aid to South AfricaForeign aid to South Africa has been crucial in sustaining its people for over two decades. South Africa is a country that faces a multitude of issues that hinder its way of life. Disease, government corruption and lack of infrastructure are but some problems that the people of South Africa face. The country has an unemployment rate of 32.1%, one of the highest nations with AIDS at 13.9% of the population, and more than 20 million facing food poverty or hunger daily. The requirement for foreign aid is vital in ensuring the people receive the aid that they desperately need whether it be medical aid or food aid. 

Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union are core donors in helping South Africa tackle their problems. Below are some examples of foreign aid programs.

Foreign Aid From the US

Out of all the countries involved in foreign aid, the U.S. has been the largest donor of foreign aid to South Africa, giving more than $527 million in ODA. The United States has been a large donor for combating diseases in South Africa through its USAID programs, such as PEPFAR. PEPFAR has actively tackled the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, saving an estimated 7.7 million lives in South Africa and giving 5.9 million access to antiretroviral treatment. The U.S. has further approved more than $450 million into PEPFAR for South Africa and has seen more than $8 billion invested over two decades. 

Additionally, ANOVA APACE, a USAID funding program that addresses health epidemics in South Africa, has received more than $36.5 million. While it works to address HIV/AIDS, it also works to combat tuberculosis outbreaks in South Africa as South Africa is one of the top eight countries still affected by the disease. In ANOVA’s first year, it treated 62% of people living with HIV and 54% were virally suppressed. As more than 13% of the population live with HIV/AIDS, this has been the cornerstone to tackling the epidemic.

Foreign Aid From the UK

The United Kingdom has been one of the largest donors of foreign aid to South Africa. It has provided £19 million ODA to South Africa, which goes towards vital infrastructure projects and job creation. Most notable is the Energy Transition Support program that is moving South Africa from fossil fuel energy to more renewable sources, with the aim of stimulating the economy and energy facilities. The U.K. has pledged £2.4 million to finance the sectors involved.

Additionally, the U.K. massively funds democratic initiatives. In the 2023 election period, the U.K. gave funding to ensure that South Africa held a democratic and fair election. The programs ensured that South Africa’s pre- and post-election voting and results were fair, as well as improved the political research going into the candidates and government statistics.

Foreign Aid From the EU

The European Union has established multiple programs in South Africa across a plethora of areas. The IIPSA has been crucial in building & creating new infrastructure to harbor economic growth. From building roads, schools or other institutions, the organization has grown both the job market and the livelihoods of everyday people. EU initiatives have created more than 1 million jobs since 2020 and a massive 62% are women employees.

Erasmus+ has helped improve the education system for South African universities. It allows foreign students from Europe to go and learn in South Africa, and vice versa, improving not only the flexibility of student exchange programs, but builds on improving higher education.

Moreover, the EU has helped South Africa in SME fundings. These investments reported more than 2,000 jobs created for South Africans, in much needed departments such as ICT, green economy and agriculture. More than 160,000 SMEs have benefitted from these foreign aid improvements.

Outcomes

The goals of these initiatives was to help improve the lives of South Africans and it has been a resounding success. Foreign aid to South Africa from these key donors has helped stimulate its economy, healthcare system and governmental programs and institutions. 

Foreign aid has helped with job creation, improved job markets, better wages, less death from disease and economic improvement. These are the areas most affected by foreign aid to South Africa, and the continuing support from the U.K. and E.U. will only benefit the country further. 

However, with the cutting of current USAID funding packages, South Africa will have to look elsewhere for massive chunks of its funding. As the U.S. propped up the majority of the health industry in South Africa, foreign aid must come from more international organizations to fulfil its needs, but there currently are no solutions to confront the current situation.

Furthermore, the foreign aid sent to South Africa does not always target poverty, and more funding and new strategies will be needed to more directly impact those facing poverty in South Africa. While there has been noticeable improvements to societal struggle, foreign aid to South Africa has not impacted the 40% that still live below the poverty line.

– Joel Raymer

Joel is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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OAFLAD Elects New Leadership

OAFLADThe Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) has elected new leadership for the 2025-2027 term, with Sierra Leone’s first lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, taking over the president position. The organization announced this during its 29th General Assembly on Feb. 15, which was also held alongside the African Union Summit.

While also being the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (a policy outlining how to achieve gender equality and women’s rights) this assembly’s theme was, Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights Through African Heritage.

New Leadership

Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the first Sierra Leonean first lady to lead OAFLAD, is widely known for her advocacy on gender-based violence and education shown through initiatives like her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign which launched in 2018. She will be joined by  Dr Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço, first lady of Angola, who was elected vice president, African Union reports.

Aside from the newly elected President and Vice President, there are also six first ladies that will be a part of the steering committee. These new  leaders will be responsible for implementing OAFLAD’s Strategic Framework 2025-30, which builds off their 2019- 23 plan and focuses on four key areas listed below:

  • Health – Expanding access to maternal and child health care, as well as looking to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases.
  • Education – Increasing school enrollment for girls and advocating for quality education.
  • Gender-based violence – Strengthening prevention programs and support services through legal frameworks.
  • Women’s economic empowerment – Promoting financial independence through better financial inclusion.

Implementation Strategy

OAFLAD plans to support these goals by creating more partnerships with international organizations, governments and civil society groups. One of its major partnerships is a three-year agreement with the Sabin Vaccine Institute which will allow them to support HPV prevention and cervical cancer elimination across Africa. The Sabin Vaccine Institute states, “In sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women… the region accounted for 23% of global cervical cancer mortality.” Partnering with groups like the Sabin Vaccine Institute is important for OAFLAD, however making sure these groups align with their goals is one of their main concerns.

When looking at partnerships, the organization focuses on providing support to ensure long-term sustainable results, implementing an evaluation system to track progress and ensure accountability, reducing any negative environmental impacts by OAFLAD and involving with programs based on evidence and successes.

One Major OAFLAD Campaign

An ongoing campaign that has had success is its continent-wide “Free To Shine” campaign. OAFLAD and the African Union co-lead launched this campaign in 2018, and are looking to make substantial changes by 2030. Their goal is to end new HIV infections in children and to keep mothers alive.

They are combating HIV by looking to put a halt to vertical transmission (the passing of HIV from mother to child). Through Interventions during pregnancy, labor, delivery and breastfeeding, the chances of vertical transmission can drop to as low as 5%. Within the first year of their campaign’s start 23 countries joined them in launching nationally.

Aside from this, there are many other objectives this campaign looks to further, which include raising awareness for HIV in children and why there is a need to prioritize children and mothers. The campaign also focuses on helping more people understand prevention strategies and highlighting and removing barriers that keep mothers from finding effective help when looking for HIV-related health services.

Since its founding in 2002, OAFLAD has played a major role in advancing women’s rights and development across Africa. With the new leadership in place for the 2025-2027 term, the organization aims to build on these past successes and push for long-term change by 2030.

– Joey Picolli

Joey is based in Boulder, CO, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Samoa: Advancing Sustainable Nutrition

Hunger in SamoaThe Independent State of Samoa is a small archipelagic country of two main islands and eight small islets in the South Pacific Ocean. The Dutch discovered the islands in 1722, but it was more than 150 years before the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany claimed parts of the kingdom. Subsequent to a civil war, at the close of the 19th century, these countries abolished the monarchy and Germany and the U.S. claimed the western and eastern islands, respectively. Finally, in 1962, Samoa reestablished its independence. 

Approximately 75% of its population of just under 209,000 lives on just one of the islands, Upolu. Over 80% of the population is rural, but almost two-thirds of the country is forest and less than 3% of the land is arable. 

Previously considered an upper-middle income country, the World Bank reclassified Samoa as lower-middle income in 2021 because of the recession suffered when the country was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy began to turn around in 2023, especially as its tourism industry revived. 

The most recent (2013) World Bank international poverty line data for Samoa estimates poverty at just 1.2%. However, when considered against the rate for an upper middle-income country for that year, Samoa’s poverty rate was 43.3%. 

Challenges of Climate

Experiencing a tsunami and an earthquake in 2009 and severe cyclones in 2012 and 2018, Samoa is vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. This impacts its economy, as well as water and food security—in other words, its overall well-being. 

Nutrition Assessments and Hunger in Samoa

There have been insufficient data available for Samoa to be ranked in the Global Hunger Index, but the country has been included in the 2022 Global Nutrition Report, whose indicators measure a country’s “burden of malnutrition.” There are 13 global nutrition targets, and, at that time, Samoa was reported as “on course” for only three: childhood overweight, childhood wasting and exclusive breastfeeding. The country had shown no progress or was worsening on childhood stunting and anemia among women aged 15 to 49 years. There were no data on low birth weight, and progress was “off course” on the remaining seven indicators, including obesity, diabetes and blood pressure. 

Nutrition Concerns

The 2021 Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030 shared data on the country’s nutrition concerns: 70% of the population is overweight, around 50% obese, and approximately 80% of deaths attributable to noncommunicable diseases that it was estimated will cost 8.5% of GDP by 2040; 24.2% of Samoans moderately food insecure, 5% undernourished, 6% living in food poverty. Furthermore, it was noted that undiversified diets were influenced by food imports and processed foods, with disparity between rich and poor households reflected in the healthfulness and diversity of foods consumed. 

Samoan Pathway to Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Goal 2 of the 2015 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development is Zero Hunger: creating new paths for nutrition, agriculture and food systems. And it is SDG 2 that underlies the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030, developed at a National Dialogue in April 2021 and discussed later that year by Samoa’s minister of agriculture and fisheries at the U.N. Food Systems Summit of 2021. The Pathway is defined as the means for “transforming food systems for a resilient and healthy Samoa where no one is left behind” and sustainable “food and nutritional security and affordable healthy diets” are achievable.”

The Pathway report notes that hunger is not an issue in Samoa, but identifies four food systems for improvement: (1) food production, (2) food processing, (3) food consumption and (4) food safety and food waste. Attention is paid to the concern with overfishing (and the extinction of native species) and the sustainable management of natural resources, as well as to postharvest loss and food waste (up to 20% of fresh fruits and vegetables). The goal is behavioral, to shift from consumption of processed imported foods to locally produced fresh products to achieve a balanced and nutritional diet.

The Pathway report outlines four pathway actions and five Action Tracks:

  • Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all: Boosting local production, strengthening the enabling environment and improving evidence-based knowledge.
  • Shift to sustainable consumption patterns: Strengthening policy and regulatory systems, promoting local traditional foods and enhancing nutrition education.
  • Boost nature-positive production: Revitalizing traditional knowledge, strengthening extension services and improving environmental protection policy and regulatory measures.
  • Advance equitable livelihoods: Facilitating stakeholder engagement, promoting the role of women and youth and enhancing the role of communities.
  • Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks, and stress: Building climate-resilient practices, adopting and implementing social protection measures.

Thus, the same report that openly recognized the nutritional concerns of the Samoan people has responded with a long-term action plan to address those concerns over the next five years.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Impacts of the Deforestation Crisis in the Congo Basin

Deforestation in the Congo BasinThe Congo Basin, located in western equatorial Africa, is one of Earth’s most important wilderness areas. It spans across six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. At 500 million acres, it is the second-largest tropical forest. Although satellite images of Africa’s Congo Basin have shown that since 2000, deforestation has fallen by a third, the rainforest is still losing 2000 square kilometers every single year, which poses some serious concerns.

Impacts on Local Communities and Neighboring Countries

The deforestation of the Congo Basin significantly impacts local populations that rely on the forest for a living. Many of these local communities rely on the forest for food, water, medicine and income. As deforestation continues, the resources that these communities rely on steadily decrease, resulting in increased poverty and misery.

  • Loss of food resources: One of the most immediate repercussions of deforestation is the loss of food resources. The Congo Basin contains diverse food, from plants, fruits and nuts to wild animals, that local communities, containing more than 80 million people, rely on for nourishment. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems’ natural balance, making it more difficult for people to get food, leading to food insecurity and hunger. For many people in the Congo Basin, agriculture alone is insufficient to meet their nutritional needs; therefore, the forest provides an essential additional food supply.
  • Lack of access to natural medicines: In addition to food, the forest provides a significant source of traditional remedies. Many regions’ cultures use plants and herbs from the forest to heal various diseases. With the loss of these forests, their access to natural treatments becomes increasingly limited, making it more difficult for the surrounding residents to stay healthy. This dependence on traditional remedies is especially essential in rural regions with limited contemporary health care options.
  • Decreased access to economic opportunities: Additionally, deforestation directly impacts the availability of economic activities in these communities. The forest produces many resources, such as timber, which is frequently sold in local markets. As forests are removed, these sources of income disappear, pushing people further into poverty. Furthermore, tree loss causes soil erosion, which makes farming harder, which leads to reduced food production, further deepening the cycle of poverty.

Impacts on the Global Community

One of the main worries regarding deforestation in the Congo Basin is its serious environmental effects, impacting both the local ecosystem and the global climate. The Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest, is the largest carbon sink in the world, with the section of jungle in the Republic of the Congo alone absorbing 1.5% of the entire planet’s carbon emissions.

However, as deforestation occurs, the stored carbon escapes into the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate instability. Furthermore, the loss of trees disrupts local water cycles, which results in altered rainfall patterns and recurrent floods and droughts. This greatly impacts the region’s biodiversity, putting species that rely on the forest at risk and diminishing the ecosystem’s overall resilience. These environmental consequences are far-reaching, affecting local communities and the world.

Final Remarks

Several initiatives and efforts are taking place to combat the deforestation crisis in the Congo Basin. For example, groups like the Congo Basin Forest Partnership are promoting more and more agroforestry, reforestation and ethical logging. Other programs, such as the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, whose main aim is to restore degraded land, make sure to include residents in their initiatives to highlight the critical role that local communities play.

Although the international community, such as the United Nations and European Union, gives financial and technical aid, stronger policies need to be implemented to guarantee long-term forest preservation.

– Zainab Saad Hassan

Zainab is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Cost of the F-35 Program vs. the Cost of Ending World Hunger

The Cost of The F-35Ending world hunger is closer than people often imagine. Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of how much money is necessary to reach this goal. People may think that so much is already being spent without there being much more room for progress. When this happens, it is helpful to have a comparison between things that Americans already spend a lot on like the military, and aid organizations whose funding is much less.

The emphasis of performing these comparisons is not necessarily to highlight the fact that less should be spent on important things like national defense, but rather that if similar amounts were to be spent on dire issues like world hunger, the effect of that spending would be tremendous. To narrow things down, this article will examine the cost of the F-35, the U.S. Defense Department’s newest fighter jet. The article will compare the F-35s cost to the spending of the World Food Program (WFP), based on its 2023 annual performance report.

The Cost of The F-35

For almost two decades now, since its first test flight in 2006, the F-35 fighter jet has been the example of what the most modern technologies look like in an aircraft. It boasts impressive radar technologies that allow it to easily locate enemy aircraft before it can be located, giving pilots a tactical advantage. The F-35 is also a force multiplier, collecting large amounts of information at once, while translating it to other aircraft including those using other aircraft systems.

Among 16 other nations planning to use the F-35 fighter jet, the U.S. has already purchased just more than 600 F-35s and plans to purchase approximately 2,000 more in the future. In its entire lifecycle, the cost of the F-35 fighter jet has totaled $1.6 trillion due in large part to its sustainment costs which have increased 44% in the past five years. As costs continue to increase, the response to meet the Defense Department’s affordability target has been to decrease the amount of airtime spent, while also trying to make the aircraft less expensive to fly.

In efforts to reach affordability targets, several initiatives undertaken have been somewhat successful in reducing costs by $85 billion due to improved reliability of aircraft parts. Despite this, there is still a growing backlog of repairs that have reduced the jet’s availability. These repairs and increased concerns about spending are what led the U.S. Navy to reduce their projected flying hours by 45%, and the U.S. Air Force to reduce their projected flying hours by 19%, according to Diana Maurer. Improvements are still necessary in aircraft sustainability to ensure that the military has proper equipment while remaining affordable for U.S. citizens.

WFP Spending

According to the data from the annual performance report of 2023 for the WFP, the organization spent a total of $10 billion on providing aid – $8.3 billion of that $10 billion was aid received for that year, while the remaining approximately $2 billion came from unspent funds of the previous year. This aid mostly consists of meeting people’s urgent food and nutritional needs, with the remainder spent mostly on improving health and education in target countries.

At a time when critical aid was increasingly necessary due to conflict, natural disasters and the lingering effects of the Coronavirus outbreak, the WFP reached approximately 152 million people. It accomplished this despite not reaching its initial funding goal by more than 60%, the largest gap in the WFP’s history, according to the 2023 report. Since its funding was significantly less than the previous years and even more so than the estimates of a needs-based approach, this $10 billion funding went almost exclusively to reaching people in crisis areas. These are areas where the threats of starvation and malnutrition are imminent such as in the countries of Afghanistan, Yemen and Ethiopia.

Using the previously mentioned numbers, the WFP critically supported one person for every $66,000 spent. While that is not a small amount of money, it is also important to note that many of these aid recipients received aid continually through food assistance programs, which continue to have a lasting effect. For example, every day in 2023, WFP distributed 14.5 billion food rations which averaged $50 a year for every beneficiary, according to the 2023 report. Oftentimes these food rations are the only thing keeping families from starvation, making the distribution of such aid essential.

The Cost of Ending World Hunger

Now seeing the cost of the F-35 fighter jet and the expenditures of the WFP, it is easier to understand what a large impact spending on world hunger can have. If just as much of the $1.6 trillion spent on the F-35 were to be spent on one year of the WFP’s annual expenditures, the outreach would expand by approximately 160 times to what it was in 2023. This means that instead of reaching 152 million people, a total amount of people summing more than everyone on earth could receive the same number of benefits that year. That would include more than 2 trillion food rations distributed, with still billions of dollars left to spend on the health and educational programs that The WFP’s funding also goes towards.

While the WFP receiving $1.6 trillion is quite a difference from what their annual funding typically looks like, it highlights that humanity is not that far away from solving world hunger. Picturing the WFP receiving funding that matches the cost of the F-35 fighter jet reminds us of how impactful and effective aid organizations truly are.

– Hunter Gomersall

Hunter is based in Santa Barbara, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr