Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Global Alliance Against Hunger and PovertyIn 2023, about 750 million people faced hunger globally and emergency levels of food insecurity reached a five-year high due to climate change, conflict and economic pressures. In 2024, the United Kingdom (U.K.) joined Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, announcing new investments in global food security.

At the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, representatives from 19 countries gathered to address global challenges. While the summit originally focused on macroeconomic issues affecting their respective nations, its agenda has expanded to include sustainable development, health, trade, climate change and anti-corruption efforts.

Key Goals and Objectives of the Alliance

Brazil’s G20 presidency proposed the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, with its finalization and launch following the 2024 summit. The Alliance’s founding documents acknowledge previous efforts to address hunger and poverty but emphasize the multidimensional impact poverty has on children and adults, creating a cycle that requires effective intervention, with a focus on country-level policy action and knowledge sharing.

The Alliance identifies eradicating all forms of poverty as “the greatest global challenge” and reminds governments that social protection is a universal right and a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Its primary goals include increasing funding for household and government initiatives, raising awareness of poverty’s effects and solutions and integrating sustainable agricultural development into the fight against hunger and poverty. The push for countries to address these ongoing issues stems from slowing progress toward the 2030 targets.

The Alliance projects that 622 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030—nearly double the targeted number. To tackle this, it plans to match countries’ needs with donors and technical support, helping fund and implement solutions to hunger and poverty.

The UK’s role in the Alliance

The 2024 G20 Summit marked Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first appearance, where he expressed admiration for Brazil, stating, “Your culture and your commitment to working people, more than just their right to be free from exploitation, but their right to be lifted, to enjoy greater opportunities and to enjoy life.” Aligning with the Alliance’s goals, the U.K. joined as a founding member and now serves on its Board of Champions to fight hunger and poverty.

The U.K. has announced a £70 million support package to tackle food insecurity and climate challenges. This includes up to £50 million for the new Resilience and Adaptation Fund, which will help food-insecure countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Chad develop sustainable agriculture to strengthen food resources amid changing or extreme weather. An additional £25.5 million will support Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusinesses, focusing on protecting rural communities and agriculture-dependent populations from the effects of climate change.

At the summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the U.K.’s commitment to “delivering practical support for communities to keep food on the table.” Indeed, these funds align with that promise as the U.K. and the Alliance advance proposals and projects to reduce global hunger and poverty.

Looking Ahead

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty seeks to drive meaningful progress in eradicating food insecurity and extreme poverty worldwide. Furthermore, by uniting nations, mobilizing funding and prioritizing sustainable agricultural solutions, the Alliance aims to support communities most affected by economic and climate pressures. With renewed commitments and collaborative efforts, the initiative offers a path toward building resilience and improving livelihoods for millions globally.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Connection Between Poverty and Mental Health

Poverty and Mental HealthThe United Nations (U.N.) Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty presented a new report at the 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly. This report details how the issues caused by mental health and poverty feed into one another, creating a vicious cycle.

It finds that those on lower incomes are three times more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mental health a basic human right, 11% of the world’s population suffers from a mental illness.

Poverty Increases the Risk of Mental Health Conditions

Poverty creates psychological distress and, therefore, causes mental illness. Economic insecurity, job insecurity or poor-quality jobs, unemployment and underemployment (that is, being forced to work part-time due to lack of full-time employment) and less access to green spaces are all conditions of poverty that are proven to create stress. People experiencing poverty are additionally less likely to contact psychiatric services.

Social stigmas and self-stigmas (a negative perception of oneself that lowers self-esteem) also make it harder for people with mental illnesses to get a job and housing and to form supportive social networks. Stigmas likely play a part in the unwillingness of public policymakers to invest in tackling mental health issues. 

Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health

Based in Kenya, this organization provides affordable and accessible mental health services. Several of its current projects focus on tackling both mental illness and poverty. For example, the initiative’s HOPE project aims to improve the outcomes of those who are homeless and have severe mental health in Kenya, Ghana and Ethiopia.

Strong Minds

StrongMinds provides free, community-based therapy in low-income areas, with a primary focus on Africa, in its mission to radically expand mental health care for people with depression globally. It currently operates in four countries but has been in Uganda since 2013, providing therapy to women, children, refugees and incarcerated populations. About 16% of treated women report increased work attendance and 30% say their children are less absent from school.

WHO

Since 2014, the WHO has endorsed group interpersonal psychotherapy as a treatment for mental illness in vulnerable people in low-income regions. It has provided more than 160,000 women and children in Uganda and Zambia with group talk therapy. More than 80% of those treated were depression free after treatment and remained so for six months.

Final Remark

The report identifying the contributors to the cycle of poverty and mental health recommends more investment in mental health care. It also suggests the implementation of social protection schemes to support people in need. The charities carrying out this work are already seeing a massive difference. 

– Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia is based in Hertfordshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Innovative Solutions to Reduce Poverty in Developing Nations

5 Innovative Solutions to Reduce Poverty in Developing Nations In 2022, about 670 million people lived in extreme poverty, which marks an increase of 70 million from pre-pandemic projections. Innovative solutions are essential for reducing poverty in developing nations. These strategies emphasize sustainability, empowerment and long-term change, revealing measurable progress in marginalized communities. The following explores five lesser-known innovative solutions to reduce poverty, including blockchain and biogas plants, that are transforming lives worldwide.

Blockchain for Transparent Aid Distribution

Blockchain is revolutionizing aid distribution in developing nations by ensuring transparency and reducing corruption. Example of Impact
the United Nations (U.N.) World Food Programme (WFP) introduced the Building Blocks initiative in Jordan in 2017 to distribute aid to Syrian refugees. This blockchain-based system tracks cash assistance for more than 100,000 refugees monthly, cutting fraud and saving $1.5 million in banking fees in 2018 alone. Blockchain creates a secure and trackable digital ledger, ensuring that every transaction is transparent and reliable. It has the potential to be scaled to other developing nations where corruption and inefficiencies hinder aid effectiveness.

AgriTech for Urban Food Security

Urban food insecurity in developing nations can be addressed with AgriTech innovations like vertical farming and hydroponics. Hydroponic farming in Kenya’s Kibera settlement is helping residents grow vegetables in small urban spaces. These systems use less water, no soil and minimal space. As of 2022, the initiative has benefitted thousands of households, reducing food costs and improving nutrition. The benefits
hydroponics allows families in urban areas to grow fresh produce while generating income from surplus crops. This model addresses food insecurity and unemployment, two significant challenges in densely populated areas.

Biogas Plants for Rural Clean Energy

Biogas plants are providing clean, renewable energy to rural households in developing nations, reducing reliance on harmful cooking fuels. Barefoot College has installed biogas plants in more than 600 villages across India since its establishment in 1972. These plants turn animal and agricultural waste into clean energy. By 2020, the initiative reached more than 100,000 rural families, reducing respiratory illnesses and saving money on fuel. Biogas systems are environmentally friendly, economically beneficial and easy to maintain, making them ideal for rural areas. They reduce deforestation, indoor air pollution and household fuel costs.

Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience

Indigenous knowledge systems are helping communities in developing nations adapt to climate challenges while preserving cultural traditions. Ethiopia’s Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLMP), launched in 2008, incorporates traditional terracing methods to combat soil erosion. By 2020, this approach had restored 1.9 million hectares of degraded land and improved food security for 6 million farmers. These traditional practices are cost-effective and promote community participation, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices while preserving local ecosystems.

Social Franchising for Women Entrepreneurs

Social franchising models are empowering women in developing nations, creating economic opportunities and addressing community needs. Solar Sister, a program launched in 2010, operates in Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania. By 2023, it had trained 9,000 women as entrepreneurs selling solar-powered products, bringing clean energy to more than 4 million people. Women participating in the program reported a 40% increase in household income. Social franchising provides women with business training, mentorship and sustainable supply chains. These businesses contribute to gender equality while driving local economic growth.

Looking Ahead

These five innovative solutions to reduce poverty—blockchain, AgriTech, biogas, Indigenous knowledge systems and social franchising—are making a difference in developing nations while empowering communities. Each strategy has demonstrated measurable success, with scalable potential to benefit millions more. By investing in innovative and proven methods, governments, NGOs and private organizations can accelerate poverty reduction and build a sustainable future for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

– Fiza Meeraj

Fiza is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Mothers2mothers is Improving Health Care

mothers2mothersPoor health rates paint a dull picture in sub-Saharan Africa, with 9% of its population living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that in 2022, more than 2.5 million Africans had tuberculosis, an infectious disease that primarily targets the lungs. Furthermore, during the same year, 94% of malaria cases worldwide occurred in the area. These illnesses are holding sub-Saharan African regions from reaching their full economic potential. To counter their growing shadow of death and sickness, a non-profit known as mothers2mothers is actively playing a part.

Mothers2mothers: Improving Health Care in Africa

Dr Mitch Besser established Mothers2mothers in 2001 as a small local NGO in Cape Town. Little did its founder know that within 20 years the organization would bloom into one of Africa’s most prominent multi-national non-profits, functioning in 10 countries in the region including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa; receiving numerous certifications and partnerships from other firms equal to its calibre and importance such as USAID, The Johnson & Johnson Foundation and MULAGO.

Mothers2mothers works with women living with HIV and hires them as Mentor Mothers who go to households to provide health education and emotional support for those burdened with the illnesses they also are affected by. They also work with medical professionals to provide health care according to an individual’s needs.

So far, the NGO has created more than 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV. This strategy proves effective as HIV-positive clients are more comfortable opening up and seeking help from those in the same place as them.

Educational Programs

The target demographics for mothers2mothers are women, children, adolescents, male spouses of patients and sexual minorities. The firm runs educational programs in which they explain the causes and symptoms of diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and link potential patients to testing and treatment centers. In 2023, the organization tested 100% of the people referred for TB and all positive individuals received treatment, according to its website.

Moreover, in the same way, Mentor Mothers track infants and children who may be susceptible to HIV transmission and help provide testing facilities to them. They also work with the children’s parents and give guidance on how to raise them to be healthy and mentally active. According to mothers2mothers, 99% of children enrolled in these early childhood development programs achieved their full developmental milestones by their first birthday.

In an interview with Wowwire, Robin Smalley, a co-founder of the organization, shared the inspiration behind mothers2mothers, “When the (HIV) test would come back there would be no one to tell the mother-to-be that she had options. This young woman would be terrified, convinced she and her baby were going to die. These young women were continually falling through the cracks in the medical system. Realizing that the greatest resource we have in Africa is the women themselves, Mitch (Besser) came up with the idea for mothers2mothers.”

Mothers’ Ball

In addition to working through Mentor Mothers, mothers2mothers also runs fundraisers and awareness activities. On November 20, 2024, the organization hosted its second “Mothers’ Ball” in London to spread the word on what they do and raise funds to finance their activities further. Over 300 people attended this event.

Mother2mothers has reached 16 million people who did not know their health issues beforehand or have any idea of how to get help. In 2023 alone it treated 774,307 clients. The Mentor Mother system has been so successful that it became an official South African government policy in 2012.

This system benefits not only the client but the Mentor Mother herself. A mother working for the firm Irene Nkosi stated in Make Mothers Matter, “My job at mothers2mothers has given me peace of mind. Being part of their family brought back my self-esteem and confidence. Sharing what I have learned there about HIV with my family has played a massive role in removing the stigma they had placed on me.”

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Global Poverty Reduction: A Century-Long Challenge

Global Poverty ReductionThe World Bank’s 2024 report, “Poverty, Prosperity and Planet,” presents a sobering forecast for global poverty reduction efforts. At the current rate, lifting half of the world’s population out of poverty could take over a century. This projection underscores the urgent need for effective international development strategies to address global poverty reduction challenges.

The report reveals that nearly 40% of the global population lives below $6.85 a day, with recent economic setbacks worsening this outlook. Limited access to education, job opportunities and resources creates significant barriers to economic advancement for many individuals, hindering global poverty reduction progress.

Global Poverty Reduction: Challenges

Recent economic challenges have disproportionately affected low-income countries, impacting global poverty reduction efforts. Inflation and rising public debt have limited essential investments in social services. The World Bank reports that 26 of the poorest countries are in their worst financial shape since 2006.

Conflict-prone regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, face persistent disruptions that prevent consistent social services and undermine economic resilience. These challenges make it difficult for affected populations to achieve stability and progress, hampering global poverty reduction efforts.

Debt Relief Efforts and Direct Support Programs

The World Bank, in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), continues to implement the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). These programs have provided around $99 billion in debt relief to 37 countries since their inception. In December 2023, Somalia reached the HIPC Initiative Completion Point, receiving $4.5 billion in debt relief.

The World Bank supports various cash transfer and social safety net programs. For example, the Debt Management Facility (DMF) is a multi-donor trust fund that assists low-income countries in developing sustainable debt management frameworks.

Education, Workforce and International Collaboration

The World Bank invests in human capital development through various education projects. While specific examples aren’t provided in the search results, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of education and skill development in breaking the cycle of poverty.

It also works closely with other international organizations to address poverty. For instance, the Common Framework, endorsed by the G20 and Paris Club in November 2020, aims to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to lower-income country debt vulnerabilities.

Positive Developments

While the overall projection is concerning, there have been notable successes in poverty reduction efforts:

Between 2015 and 2018, the number of people living in extreme poverty globally fell from 741 million to 689 million. Several countries, including Bangladesh and Kenya, have made significant progress in reducing poverty rates through targeted interventions and economic reforms.

Innovative technologies and digital solutions are emerging to address various aspects of poverty, from mobile banking to agricultural improvements.

Global Poverty Reduction: The Future

The World Bank’s findings highlight the need for significant, coordinated global action to address poverty. While the challenge of global poverty reduction is immense, there are reasons for optimism. With targeted investments, strategic policy shifts, and international cooperation, progress can be accelerated. Organizations worldwide are committed to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to rise out of poverty, working towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

– Isabel Gallagher

Isabel is based in Dorset, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in The Netherlands

Hunger in the NetherlandsAs a high-income European country and one of the most substantial influencers in agricultural viability, as well as one of the foremost exporters of agricultural products throughout the globe, the Netherlands is not a country that the world would easily associate with hunger.

1940s Hunger Winter

Yet, 80 years ago, the Netherlands faced a food scarcity experience that left an indelible stamp on its history. This was the Dutch famine of 1944-45, remembered as the “Hunger Winter,” and was one of the major European famines of World War II. The famine occurred in late 1944 and early 1945 in the urban west of the country, after the southern part of the country had been liberated by the Allies. And it affected “probably the wealthiest, best educated and most mobile victims of any famine in history.” Although mortality was relatively low, the long-term effects were significant. Perhaps it was this experience that has framed today’s approach to hunger by the Dutch. 

Poverty and Hunger Today

Since 2018, poverty has decreased in the Netherlands, from 7.1% to 5.1%. This decrease was due to COVID-19 support, compensation for higher energy prices, and an increase in the minimum wage. Nevertheless, in 2023, a third of the poor were in long-term poverty.

The Global Food Security Index 2022 reports that the Netherlands is in the top 5 of 113 countries: affordability (3rd), availability (14th), quality and safety (12th), sustainability and adaptation (13th). Similarly, the Global Nutrition Report indicates that the country is on course for most targets, but off course for childhood overweight and men’s and women’s obesity, and shows no progress or worsening for low birth weight and for anemia for women of reproductive age. 

So, although poverty and hunger are not severe in the country, they still must be addressed.

Local Attention to Hunger

In 2002, a small garage-based initiative to address both food waste and poverty began in Rotterdam and has since grown into the Netherlands’ largest volunteer organization, Voedselbanken Nederland, with 14,000 volunteers supporting 178 local food banks. October 2024 was the Week of the Food Banks—coinciding with World Poverty Day and World Food Day. Voedselbanken Nederland estimates that it needs to reach approximately 400,000 more people who are eligible for assistance but have not yet gotten to a food bank. This is an activity of Schuttelaar & Partners, a corporation dedicated to a healthy and more sustainable agrifood system and food choices, and to accelerating the energy transition. 

The Netherlands and Global Hunger and Health Initiatives

  • Seed Valley. One outgrowth of the Hunger Winter and its loss of over 20,000 lives, was the Netherlands’ investment in agricultural subsidies, industrialization and rural infrastructure with the goal of growing twice as much food with half the resources. This is personified in “Seed Valley,” not actually a valley, but an area of some of the world’s largest seed conglomerates, located an hour north of Amsterdam. The country now produces 6% of Europe’s food on 1% of the continent’s farmland, with a focus on sustainability, including dietary change. The innovations of Seed Valley are aimed at the challenges of climate change and food insecurity on a global level, to rectify the harms of agricultural intensification. 
  • Global Health Hub. In September 2023, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined more than 20 parties in the Dutch Global Health Pact, to improve public health worldwide. The global health strategy includes strengthening national health systems, improving global pandemic preparedness,and addressing the mutual impacts between public health and climate change. 
  • Optimal Nutritional Care for All (ONCA). ONCA is a European campaign focused on implementing nutritional risk screening and optimal nutritional care in participating countries. The Netherlands is one of 20 participating countries and one of 16 countries that participated in the 2024 Malnutrition Awareness Week (November 11-25). Several online activities include fact sheets and guidelines, a nutrition day, a long-term malnutrition campaign, a campaign to combat malnutrition in older adults and special podcasts. 
  • 2nd Global Harmonization Initiative World Congress. The 2nd GHI World Congress will be held in Rotterdam, NL June 25-27, 2025. Challenges to be addressed include food security, safety, health and sustainability, as well as disparities in access to safe food, rising hunger, unaffordable healthy diets, adequate dietary intake and diseases and mortality. The role of science and technology will be prominent. 

The Netherlands has thus built on its horrific WWII struggle with hunger to become a local and global force for change for food security.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Pixabay

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Poverty in Palestine

Poverty in PalestineThe World Bank estimates that half a million jobs have been lost in Gaza since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023. In mid-2023, the overall poverty rate in Palestine stood at 32.8%, a 3.7% increase from 2017. Today, the World Bank states that nearly every Gazan lives in poverty. Although Israeli occupation and sanctions had already stifled the Palestinian economy, the war on Hamas has plunged Gaza into “utter ruin,” according to a U.N. report. The damage to infrastructure and natural resources, the interruption of education and the loss of life in Gaza mean that it could take 350 years for the strip’s economy to return to its pre-conflict levels.

Despite the fact that 40% of the Gazan population relied on humanitarian aid in 2023, Israel impedes organizations like the WHO and UNRWA from delivering essential assistance. Ilze Brands Kehris, the U.N.’s Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, stated that “the humanitarian and human rights situation for Palestinian civilians across Gaza is catastrophic” and referenced the “strong likelihood of famine.” Poverty in Palestine is, therefore, extreme and acute.

Blockade and Sanctions

Years of occupation and sanctions had already turned off the Gazan economy. Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza appropriate Palestinian land and natural resources. Whereas Israeli settlements have access to high-quality water, only 10% of Gazans enjoy this human right. Additionally, Israel implemented a 300-meter buffer zone around the border of Gaza, which citizens are not allowed to access or cultivate. This means that Israel, in fact, controls 24% of the territory designated as Gaza.

Israel has exercised complete control over Gaza’s land, sea and air border since the beginning of the “blockade” in 2007. Under these sanctions, Israel has control over how much fuel, electricity, water and aid enters Gaza, as well as who is allowed to enter and exit. There are also reports that Israel engages in systematically spraying herbicide along the “buffer zone,” which is inside the territory of Gaza.

The practice started in 2014, resulting in further damage to the small amount of arable land left to Palestinians living in Gaza. Crosswinds carry the herbicides into Gaza, causing crop destruction miles away from the border buffer zone. Palestinian officials claim that the spraying of herbicides has damaged more than 420 acres of land in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Force’s (IDF) justification for the spraying is to “enable optimal and continuous security operations.”

Trade Restrictions

Restrictions placed on Palestinian trade by Israel mean that Palestinian goods and services are far less competitive on the market than their Israeli counterparts. The U.N. notes that the average trade cost per transaction for a Palestinian firm is nearly three times higher than for an Israeli firm. Barriers to trade with other countries mean that Palestine is overly reliant on Israel as its sole trading partner.

In 2022, 72% of Palestinian trade was with Israel. These measures imposed by Israel to contain and restrict Palestinian life contribute to the overall impoverishment of Palestinians. The U.N. found that, on average, for every eight cents a Palestinian earns, an Israeli earns $1. Even so, the currency union (the Israeli shekel is widely used in Palestine), customs union and geographical proximity tie living costs in Gaza with those of Israel, a much more advanced economy.

Impact on Education and Employment

Citizens of Gaza are well educated, with a literacy rate of 97.1%, yet the poverty of Palestine due to the occupation by Israel means that qualified professionals are unable to find jobs in Gaza or travel to look for work elsewhere. For instance, Said Lolo is a Palestinian man who holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Unable to find a job in Gaza, he is forced to work 14 hours a day selling coffee to support his family of nine. He sleeps at his cafe and only goes home once a week.

Conclusion on Poverty in Palestine

Despite the hostility between the Israeli government and Hamas, there are a number of Israel-based human rights groups. The groups are doing essential work in documenting Israel’s violations and advocating for Palestinian rights. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, has been working to monitor Israel’s activities for more than 30 years. It takes its name from an allusion to a passage in Genesis, meaning, “And God created humankind in His image. In the image of God did He create them.” The organization takes this reference to symbolize its commitment to “the universal and Jewish moral edict to respect and uphold the human rights of all people,” exemplifying the belief that there is no contradiction between being Israeli and advocating for Palestinian rights.

Adalah, an Arab human rights group based in Israel, focuses on promoting the rights of Arab citizens within Israel. The charity’s legal advocacy has enabled it to defend Bedouin rights to land in Israel and represent Palestinian victims of Israeli violence in court, among many other important victories. Without the advocacy of rights groups like these, Palestinians in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza would receive little visibility. It’s thanks to their work in advocating and documenting Israeli violations that the international community is apprised of the situation. These groups are essential in laying the groundwork for Palestinian representation that could lead one day to full Palestinian sovereignty.

– Io Oswald

Io is based in Paris, France and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Water and Sanitation in Indonesia

water and sanitation in indonesiaIndonesia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, which draws millions of visitors annually. However, beyond its scenic allure lies a pressing challenge: inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. This issue severely impacts public health and disproportionately affects impoverished communities, where limited resources hinder access to essential health care services. Tackling this crisis is critical to breaking Indonesia’s cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable development.

Poverty and Indonesia’s Water and Sanitation Crisis

In Indonesia, where 9.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, approximately 192 million people lack access to safe water and 14 million do not have access to safe toilets. UNICEF report reveals that nearly 25 million Indonesians practice open defecation and 89% of water sources are contaminated by faecal bacteria. Shockingly, only 7% of wastewater is treated.

This improper disposal and untreated sewage worsen water pollution, leading to unsafe water consumption. Exacerbated by poverty, these factors create a breeding ground for waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. For children, unsafe water and poor sanitation lead to chronic illnesses and stunt growth. Regarding this, 21 out of every 1,000 children in Indonesia die before their fifth birthday, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The water and sanitation crisis in Indonesia is not only a public health issue but also an environmental one. Improper waste disposal leads to severe pollution of rivers and lakes, many of which serve as primary water sources for local communities. Regarding this, four of Indonesia’s rivers, Brantas, Ciliwung, Citarum and Progo, rank among the 20 most polluted rivers in the world. This widespread pollution undermines biodiversity and poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.

International Help

Addressing these issues requires investment in infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities and clean water distribution systems. Several NGOs are working to address the root causes of poor sanitation and improve access to clean water in Indonesia.

Since 2014, Water.org has empowered more than 5.1 million Indonesians access to safe water and sanitation through innovative partnerships and financing solutions, according to its website. Its WaterCredit initiative collaborates with local financial institutions and community organizations to expand water and sanitation infrastructure. Water.org also strengthens local water utilities, offering technical assistance and cost-efficient solutions to expand sustainable services. These initiatives not only improve health and hygiene but also support Indonesia’s broader economic and developmental goals.

Indonesia and the UAE have partnered to address the pollution in Indonesia rivers, formalizing the agreement through Clean Rivers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Over the next three years, the initiative aims to clean up 5,000 tons of waste from five river areas, this project aims to prevent waste leaks into the ocean and promote sustainable water management practices. It also supports Indonesia’s goals to reduce marine waste by 70% by 2025 through collaboration with local governments and environmental organizations.

Additionally, the U.N. has facilitated $1.7 billion in financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 6, which ensures access to clean water and sanitation in Indonesia. This support plays a crucial role in advancing water and sanitation efforts across the country.

A Call to Action

Addressing water and sanitation in Indonesia is not just a public health issue, it is a path to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking the country’s full potential. Expanding wastewater treatment facilities, improving access to clean water and addressing open defecation are critical steps.

“We must ensure the U.N.’s collaboration with Indonesia continually promotes responsive and resilient policies and initiatives in the face of global crises,” says Suharso Monoarfa, Minister of National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas. Therefore, supporting organizations that improve water quality and sanitation infrastructure in Indonesia can ensure a healthier and safer future for its people.

– Nour Mostafa

Nour is based in Gloucester, UK and focuses on Good Newsand Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Obstacles Following the Ceasefire in Lebanon

Ceasefire in LebanonThe conflict in Gaza, which started in October 2023, has left 44,000 Palestinians dead, as of November 2024. Lebanon became entangled in the conflict when the “Iran-aligned Shia militant and political group,” Hezbollah, started firing rockets into northern Israel in response to the war in Gaza. Since Lebanon has been involved in the conflict, Israel has been launching devastating attacks on the country, along with a ground invasion in southern Lebanon; UNHCR estimates that about 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced and about 3,700 Lebanese people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict. Yet, As the war in Gaza rages on, there has been a very recent and tentative ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. With this ceasefire, many displaced Lebanese are returning home. This article will explore the obstacles following the ceasefire in Lebanon

Issues with Health Care

Because of the conflict, Lebanon’s health care system has been exhausted to an extreme degree. Also, Israeli attacks affected health care facilities in very high proportions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the crisis has affected “one in 10 hospitals in Lebanon” and “63% of incidents in Lebanon..impacted health personnel.”

Now, Lebanese people are trying to return home, and the health care system will not be able to support them unless it gets more resources. Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project Hope, says, “The priority must be to replenish stocks of medicines, reestablish clinics, and ensure emergency care is available.” After destroying many health care facilities, people naturally flock to safer areas, which become overcrowded and have limited resources.

Torbay says Lebanese Mayors are asking for medical assistance even over food and water. They pointed out that people with diseases or serious injuries have nowhere to go and will likely die.

Project Hope

Luckily, organizations like Project Hope are assisting Lebanon during this crisis. Project Hope is a humanitarian and health organization founded in 1958 that helps countries across the globe. They provide urgent relief in times of disaster. It delivers medicine, offers psychological first aid, secures water, partners with local experts and more.

Along with a lack of basic medical needs, displaced Lebanese people are suffering from trauma and a lack of appropriate hygienic materials. Project Hope “field assessments have revealed an increasing need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), particularly among children.” As a result, “Project HOPE has distributed 1,700 hygiene kits and other essential dignity and non-food items to IDPs in 10 schools across the Mount Lebanon area.” It hs provided “emergency trauma supplies” also.

The nation not only needs supplies, but they need medical centers themselves. “Project Hope is establishing two mobile medical units staffed by specialized local doctors and nurses.” This organization is tackling some of the greatest obstacles following the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Destruction and Danger Zones

With the very recent ceasefire agreement, thousands of displaced Lebanese head home. Despite the horrific crisis, there have been a few celebrations; the ceasefire has brought some relief to the Lebanese people as many of them return to villages in the south. However, this excitement is stunted by the immense destruction throughout the nation. The attacks have completely destroyed some communities and many people do not have much of a home to return to. Destruction of infrastructure is another one of the obstacles following the ceasefire.

In addition to the destruction, some areas on the border are unsafe. Although the ceasefire requires the Israeli army to leave, Israel sent out a message saying that there are 10 border villages where people are “prohibited” from going, even if they are “residents” of the area. This situation has led to confrontations that have left Lebanese people and journalists with injuries as they confront Israeli tanks and soldiers. Israeli soldiers and tanks have fired on people in these areas, claiming people entering the area are “violating the conditions of this ceasefire,” reports NPR.

Save the Children

Save the Children is another organization assisting Lebanon. The organization reports that it has “supported 166,000 people in Lebanon, including more than 67,000 children.” Even more, it provides safe shelters to help families with no homes to go back to.

Save the Child reports that there are “1.5 million children in Lebanon out of education.” This reality is only adding to the already traumatic experience. However, charities like Project Hope and Save the Children are working to provide as much support as they can.  Save the Children reports that they are “working with local partners and government authorities” to help children and families as they begin to rebuild.

Though people are skeptical that the ceasefire in Lebanon will last, many see it as an important and hopeful step for Lebanon. Despite obstacles following the ceasefire, Lebanon keeps moving forward and works to reconstruct.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KujaEcoPads: Sustainable Solution to Period Poverty in Cameroon

Period Poverty in CameroonIn Cameroon, 70% of women and girls lack access to sanitary products, illustrating the prevalence of period poverty across the country. This is largely driven by affordability, exacerbated by the rising costs of menstrual products across Africa. In Cameroon, a pack of disposable sanitary pads costs around 600 Central African Francs ($0.99), a prohibitive price for the 52% of Cameroonian women who live below the poverty line at $2.15 a day.

This forces many women and girls no choice but to rely on “rags, newspaper and leaves” to manage their periods. These methods compromise women’s health and dignity. Marie Claire addresses this crisis by creating Cameroon’s first biodegradable and affordable sanitary pad through her social enterprise KujaEcopads. The sanitary pads are not only sustainably manufactured and produced but also free from harmful substances for girls and the environment.

Period Poverty in Cameroon

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for menstrual health to be globally recognized as a matter of human rights rather than solely a hygiene issue. Inadequate access to sanitary products not only affects women’s health but also exacerbates existing gender inequalities, acting as a barrier to education, economic opportunities and dignity for many women and girls.

In Cameroon, period poverty has a severe impact on educational outcomes: 70% of women and girls in Cameroon are illiterate, often due to missing school while on their period. According to menstrual rights activist and founder of KujaEcopads, Claire, “girls skip three to five days of school a month” because of their period. Eventually, they “drop out, which perpetuates a cycle of early forced marriages, early pregnancies, prostitution, illiteracy, poverty and shame.”

Refugee Camps in Cameroon

Period poverty in Cameroon is intensified by its ongoing humanitarian challenges. Currently, nine out of 10 regions in Cameroon face complex and separate refugee crises. There is an influx of Central African refugees in the East and internally displaced people in the North due to climate-related conflict. According to the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNHCR), Cameroon hosts two million internally displaced people and refugees.

As a result, period poverty is particularly prevalent among refugees in Cameroon. According to a study by U.N. Women, these women face unique barriers when menstruating due to insufficient water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in Cameroonian camps. Not only is it more difficult to manage menstruation in refugee camps, it can also be dangerous. The study highlighted how many toilets in the camps were not separated by sex and did not have adequate locks or lighting at night. This left 99% of women in these camps feeling unsafe while using sanitation facilities, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault.

KujaEcopads: Reducing Period Poverty One Pad at a Time

KujaEcopads provides Cameroon’s first biodegradable sanitary pad, costing half the price of a typical sanitary pad. The pads are produced from fibers of banana stems, which are cheap, natural and abundant resources in Cameroon. This innovation directly addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee women in Cameroon.

In camps with inadequate washing and sanitation facilities, two-thirds of used pads are disposed of in rivers, causing environmental harm. Refugee women also struggle to use reusable pads, often donated by charities, because they cannot wash and sterilize them safely. Consequently, KujaEcopads solves these issues by creating disposable and biodegradable pads, ensuring safe and ecofriendly disposal.

Social Entrepreneurship and Period Poverty in Cameroon

Crucially, KujaEcoPads operates as a sustainable social enterprise. The organization ensures women have affordable access to sanitary products rather than relying on charity donations. “I knew if we could get people to buy our pads and continue to buy our pads, we could sustain the giving and that will solve the problem of period poverty in Cameroon,” explains Claire. This makes the enterprise self-sustaining, with 100 low-income women manufacturing and producing the pads locally in Cameroon, creating jobs and empowering communities.

Conclusion

KujaEcopads currently provides its biodegradable pads to one million girls across Cameroon. By combining innovation, sustainability and community empowerment, KujaEcoPads significantly alleviates period poverty in Cameroon.

– Georgia Wells

Georgia Wells is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr