Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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USAID Programs in Botswana Alleviating HIV

USAID Programs in BotswanaClassified as one of the world’s most impoverished countries in 1966, Botswana has undergone significant economic transformation since gaining independence. Today, it is recognized as an upper-middle-income country, largely due to its thriving mining sector. The land-locked nation’s production of diamonds, alongside other minerals, is a key factor in its growing economy. After 58 years of gaining independence from the U.K., Botswana is now aiming to achieve high-income status. 

However, the country still relies on the help of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programs. Despite Botswana’s economic prosperity, the health of the nation’s people is largely vulnerable due to the prevalence of HIV. The epidemic has become a burden on the economy, as well as Botswana social services. Almost 21% of adults in Botswana have HIV, which is one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. Improvements to the health care sector have been implemented, such as increased access to clean water. Yet, the nation’s health remains unstable due to the HIV epidemic.

USAID’s Work in Botswana

USAID is a key implementer of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which combats the HIV epidemic. PEPFAR works to address HIV in more than 50 countries globally. “We have the opportunity to see an AIDS-free generation by 2030,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a PEPFAR advocate. PEPFAR’s goal is to eradicate AIDS and, by extension, HIV in the near future and it is working with USAID to achieve this.

In the past two decades, PEPFAR has received about $120 billion in funding, enabling USAID to fight the HIV epidemic and improve global health, with a significant focus on Botswana. Since 2003, PEPFAR has invested $750 million to combat HIV in Botswana. This funding supports USAID programs, enhancing its effectiveness in the Southern African nation.

Reducing Stigma

HIV has been heavily stigmatized in parts of Botswana and USAID is working to reduce negative perceptions of people with the infection. USAID is engaging with traditional, faith and community leaders to help eradicate the epidemic by addressing the social stigma surrounding HIV.

Support and Counseling 

Individuals with HIV aren’t the only ones affected by the virus. In 2022, an estimated 54,000 children in Botswana were orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. USAID supports orphans and other vulnerable groups, including women and children, whom HIV has impacted.

Furthermore, USAID provides counseling services to people living with HIV in Botswana. Infected individuals are supplied with support and guidance, encouraging them to get medical treatment. Counselors can track individuals’ progress as they start or maintain their medical schedules, helping to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Final Thoughts

USAID has been helping Botswana since the ’80s, working to alleviate HIV by improving health services, prevention efforts, public opinion and support for those affected by the disease. The $750 million PEPFAR has provided to Botswana since 2003 has allowed USAID programs to help reduce AIDS-related deaths among adults and children by about 14,100. Additionally, USAID programs have contributed to lowering the estimated number of children living with HIV by 16,900 in the past 20 years. USAID programs continue to combat the HIV epidemic, both in Botswana and globally, working toward eradicating the disease.

– Megan Hall

Megan is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Rights in Cabo Verde

Women’s Rights in Cabo VerdeCabo Verde has been and continues to actively address women’s rights and promote female empowerment through its law-making and advocacy efforts. Consequently, the country offers a beacon of hope for women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is also work being done to transform the tourism sector to improve women’s rights in Cabo Verde.

Women’s Rights in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde has made notable developments regarding women’s rights, with the government recognizing gender equality as a critical issue that must be addressed. In 2011 a law protecting women and girls against gender based violence was introduced as well as a legal framework. Since then, continued work has been put in place to uphold the rights of women in the court of law. Despite these efforts, the deep rooted nature of misogyny presents itself as a barrier to achieving gender equality in Cabo Verde. 

Gender Equality and Cabo Verde’s Tourism Sector

Cabo Verde depends on its tourism sector for approximately 25% of its GDP, driving the country rapidly forward in terms of its economic state and quality of life for citizens. As a result of Cabo Verde’s flourishing tourist engagement, there is an abundance of job opportunities available. However, the sector faces limitations regarding female participation. This poses a threat to tourism reaching its full potential as well as a threat to female empowerment and women’s rights in Cabo Verde. 

Women in Cabo Verde struggle to exercise their rights due to the systemic, deep-rooted nature of misogyny. This ensures that women are presented with less accessible educational opportunities, lower-paying and unstable jobs, expectations to uphold traditional values within the household and the threat of gender-based violence. As a result of these challenges, poverty disproportionately affects the women of Cabo Verde, representing, “53% of the poor population as well as 54% of the population in extreme poverty.” This hinders their ability to effectively participate in the tourism sector and hinders their personal economic potential.

Gender Mainstreaming

Recognizing the gender inequality within the tourism sector, U.N. Women and ICIEG came together to develop an action plan to address this through gender mainstreaming, making Cabo Verde one of the earliest tourist countries to do so. Gender mainstreaming involves creating policies that consider the interests and concerns of both men and women, with this action plan focusing on institutional strengthening, training and capacity building and women’s quality and empowerment. However, upon enacting the action plan, it faced complexities. Gender norms and societal expectations of women affect their career choices, often opting for gender-stereotyped, less entrepreneurial positions. The U.N. Women’s office additionally closed down in Cabo Verde which put the action plan on hold from 2017. 

In order to combat these challenges, in 2021 ITCV and ICIEG combined efforts to resume the action plan, also moving forward with new recommendations from the World Bank Group Gender strategy to guarantee that it is as gender responsive as possible, ensuring women ‘better, safe, and more jobs.’ Cabo Verde’s persistence through setbacks highlights their genuine commitment to protecting and improving women’s rights, paving the way for a positive future.

– Imogen Prince

Imogen is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Migration to Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced the displacement of more than 2.2 million of its citizens during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war. However, now Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the forefront of a new migration crisis due to increased rates of global poverty and conflict. Since 2018, more than 110,000 migrants have entered the Balkan country. The numbers first increased in 2018 after 24,067 migrants and refugees arrived in the country compared to 755 in 2017. Despite migration challenging the infrastructure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, obstacles are often overcome thanks to the cooperation of various international institutions and charities

Western Balkan Migration Route

Bosnia and Herzegovina falls within the Western Balkan route, popular among migrants who look to enter EU countries. From January to September 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 128,871 migrant, refugee and asylum seeker arrivals through the corridor. The large number and potential for an unexpected increase of migrants strain Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resources.

However, the IOM, UNHCR and EU provide financial support for the country to ease the pressure of this corridor on countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and to protect migrants. The “Individual Measure to Strengthen the Response Capacity to Manage Migration Flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project aims to transfer the migration response to Bosnian authorities.

This project continues to receive considerable funding. In August 2024, The IOM confirmed 100% of the financing for protection management for the arrival of migrants into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Accommodation for Migrants

The increased number of migrants in 2018 strained infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Collaboration between the country’s Ministry of Security (MoS) and the IOM facilitated the creation of seven temporary reception centers (TRCs) to house more than 8,000 migrants.

In 2018, the IOM revealed that the national infrastructure was not adequate to house the sudden influx of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closure of TRC Lipa and Bira in 2020 reduced overall accommodation capacity from 8,282 to 3,540 beds.

Despite the challenges of accommodating migrants, international cooperation has helped resolve these problems. In 2021, a newly built TRC Lipa increased its accommodation capacity to 1,500 migrants compared to its prior 1,400 migrant capacity. Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation, commented on the opening of TRC Lipa: “This is a good reminder for all of us that those crises can be solved, and the only way to resolve crises is through dialogue and a willingness to compromise.”

War and Poverty

In July 2024, the UNHCR reported that the top three countries of origin of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina were the Syrian Arab Republic (35%), Afghanistan (29%) and Morocco (8%). The high number of Syrians and Afghans in Bosnia and Herzegovina correlates to the high levels of poverty in these countries due to war. In 2022, poverty affected 69% of Syrians and 90% of Afghans.

Mental Health

Migrants often face traumatic journeys that have psychological impacts. Adil, a Moroccan migrant who resides in TRC Lipa expressed how migration impacted his mental wellbeing to the IOM: “This journey is hard and dangerous. I have seen and experienced things that I do not want to remember.”

There are ongoing efforts by the IOM and Bosnian authorities to provide mental health support for migrants. The IOM continues to provide mental health screening for migrants inside and outside TRCs and aims to increase mental health support access for migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Between April 2024 and July 2024, the UNHCR assisted 585 migrants with psychosocial support.

Cultural Programs for Migrants

Alongside the efforts of international organizations and the Bosnian government to integrate migrants into the workplace and provide psychological aid for migrants, cultural programs also help improve their well-being.

In 2024, IOM ran creative programs in multiple TRCs. TRC Blažuj held a canvas painting workshop which allowed migrants to express their creativity. TRC Lipa has a creative zone where handcrafting workshops were held for migrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Gambia, Iran and Syria.

Cultural programs extend beyond reception centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina into mainstream society. Migrants from reception centers contributed to a fashion collection for The No Nation Fashion brand showcased at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival.

Cooperation for Solutions

The impact of global poverty meant the influx of migrants to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2018 onwards presented challenges to the country’s infrastructure and the safety of migrants. However, cooperation between the former Yugoslav country, international governments and organizations shows the capacity to overcome the potential challenges of migration to improve the quality of life of migrants.

– Sofia Brooke

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

Photo: Flickr

Moeloco: Ethical Fashion Fighting Poverty

MoelocoDespite being a source of creativity and self-expression, the fashion industry has long been criticized for its problematic practices. This has especially been the case within the fast fashion sector. According to the United Nations Environmental Protection Agency (UNEP), the industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, enough water for 5 million people. The fast-paced, low-cost production of clothing perpetuates a host of environmental and social problems, including severe human rights violations. Workers in developing nations frequently experience hazardous working conditions, excessive hours and unfair pay, trapping them in cycles of poverty.

Impoverished communities suffer disproportionately from the environmental damage caused by unsustainable manufacturing practices. They are the least equipped to manage the fallout from pollution, water scarcity and the changing climate. Despite these challenges, the fashion industry is increasingly striving to mitigate its impact and promote ethical fashion to fight poverty. Initiatives like the United Nations (U.N.) Alliance for Sustainable Fashion and social enterprise Moeloco, lead sustainability programs worldwide.

Moeloco

Moeloco, founded by Kathy Wong, is an ethical footwear brand. They produce flip-flops with inspirational messages engraved on the soles, such as ‘Love’ and ‘Be Happy.’ While these messages help spread positivity, the impact of each purchase is even more far-reaching. For every pair of flip-flops sold, the organization donates a pair of locally crafted, closed-toe canvas shoes to impoverished children in India. In many regions across India, many children remain shoeless – this puts them at significant risk of contracting diseases from the ground below them, which may lead to amputation or death and prevent them from going to school due to health regulations enforced at schools. Without education, these children are more likely to remain trapped in the cycle of poverty.

Moeloco alleviates poverty by donating 400 shoes to impoverished children in India, collaborating with the Hope Foundation. This partnership supports local manufacturers who make the shoes, thereby creating local jobs and distributing the footwear. It aims to provide these children access to education and raise awareness about the impact of consumer spending. This initiative represents ethical fashion by directly linking purchases with tangible benefits for impoverished children, demonstrating how consumer choices can significantly alter lives.

Ethnotek

Another impactful brand tackling poverty in the fashion industry is Ethnotek. Founded by Jake Orak, Ethnotek collaborates with artisan communities in Guatemala, Ghana, Vietnam, Indonesia and India to produce beautifully crafted bags that preserve cultural heritage. These artisans use traditional techniques to create colorful, handcrafted textiles which are incorporated into their products. Ethnotek is unique in that it is dedicated to sustainability and fair trade. Rather than providing direct aid, the company guarantees that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions by forming direct partnerships with them.

Since many of these craftspeople reside in rural areas with few job opportunities, selling their handmade goods on international marketplaces enables them to become financially independent. Since Ethnotek’s conception in 2007, the business has now partnered with more than 500 artisans across five countries to generate more than $10 million in revenue in 2024. This economic empowerment aligns with core principles of ethical fashion in fighting poverty as it uplifts impoverished communities through fair wages and employment opportunities. 

Fashion Impact Fund

The Fashion Impact Fund, an innovative program, leverages the fashion industry’s broad influence to foster social change. This nonprofit organization offers grants, training and employment opportunities to female-led projects emphasizing environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and education. It supports female designers, artists and entrepreneurs to cultivate a more diverse and socially conscious fashion industry. The fund’s core objective is to equip women from underprivileged backgrounds with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the fashion sector.

Through mentorship, skill development and financial support, this nonprofit helps women establish sustainable careers, lifting them and their families out of poverty. The organization also provides funding for initiatives tackling climate change and environmental degradation – issues disproportionately impacting underprivileged areas. The work of the Fashion Impact Fund contributes to the broader movement of ethical fashion fighting poverty, with a focus on addressing discrimination and lessening the gender-based wealth gap via economic inclusion.

Looking Ahead

These initiatives demonstrate the fashion industry’s potential to drive significant social change. By promoting fair wages, education and economic empowerment, these organizations prove that fashion can potentially serve as a powerful tool for long-term poverty reduction. As consumers increasingly recognize the influence of their purchases, the potential for ethical fashion to fight poverty could grow.

– Viola Cuthbertson

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

Photo: Flickr

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Aid in Gaza and Yemen: UK Government’s Partnership with Kuwait

Aid in Gaza and YemenIn a press release from September 4, 2024, the U.K. government announced a new partnership with Kuwait. This will consist of a joint funding totaling £4.5 million delivered to UNICEF that will allow them to continue their lifesaving aid in Gaza and Yemen.

The U.K.’s Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, highlighted the U.K. and Kuwait’s “shared commitment” to dealing with international humanitarian crises. Falconer also acknowledged the role that conflict has had to play in the crises in both Gaza and Yemen, declaring that the U.K. is “pushing for more lifesaving aid to reach those in desperate need,” the U.K. Government reports.

Conditions in Gaza

As an organization centered around children in need, Gaza is a priority for UNICEF. Approximately nine in 10 of Gaza’s population are internally displaced, and half of those 1.9 million people are children.

Children in Gaza are facing countless challenges. From lack of water and food, to fuel and medicine. They are left with injuries and struggle with displacement due to the destruction of their homes and have more than likely lost loved ones. The latest figure by the Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates that more than 14,000 children have been killed in Gaza, UNICEF reports. The conditions for those left are abysmal, meaning UNICEF’s aid in Gaza is essential now more than ever.

Obstacles to delivering aid have made UNICEF’s work in Gaza more difficult. Israel restricted the shipments of food and medicine into the region and this has created famine and starvation as land routes for aid are under strict inspection.

Despite this, UNICEF has been able to dispatch emergency supplies to those in Gaza – this includes water, medicine, and medical equipment. The organization’s programs are also facilitating basic mental health facilities to support children through the unimaginable horror of growing up amidst conflict and destruction, according to its website.

The Need for Aid in Yemen

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is significant, with around 9.8 million children requiring at least one form of humanitarian assistance. Since April 2022, Yemen has witnessed a reduction in active conflict, meaning civilian casualties specifically have become less of a pressing concern. However, the country naturally continues to suffer as a result of living through nine years of conflict.

Issues in Yemen are numerous, with socioeconomic instability at the core of the country. During the ongoing struggle, children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and child labor, according to UNICEF. Families struggle with displacement and exposure to the outbreak of disease. Millions, including children, face daily life with a lack of safe water and adequate sanitation and hygiene. Food is also scarce, causing a nutrition crisis, according to UNICEF.

UNICEF is on the ground to provide aid in Yemen, providing invaluable food and medical supplies that are treating severe acute malnutrition in children. The organization has managed to provide more than 2.5 million children with Vitamin A supplements every six months to combat malnutrition and has vaccinated more than 815,000 children against measles, according to its website.

What the Money Means for UNICEF

The combined £4.5 million will provide vital aid in Gaza and Yemen. The press release specified that this funding will contribute to efforts by UNICEF to restore water and sanitation systems in Gaza and support primary health care services in Yemen, according to the U.K. Government.

With the support of this funding, UNICEF’s work could aid 1 million people in need in Gaza, and a further 1.45 million in Yemen. The organization has publicly expressed its gratitude to the U.K. and Kuwait following the announcement. UNICEF Representative to the Gulf Area, Eltayeb Adam, described the funding as a “beacon of hope” that will “have a transformative impact on the lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen,” the U.K. Government reports.

– Maeve Relihan

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Educate! Alleviating Poverty Through Skill-Based Teaching in Africa

Educate! Alleviating Poverty Through Skill-Based Teaching in AfricaRwanda, Kenya and Uganda are neighboring African nations known for their rich history, abundant natural resources and welcoming people. Despite these advantages, many citizens in these countries still lack a quality lifestyle. As of 2024, 9.2 million Ugandans are illiterate. Rwanda’s literacy rate stands at 83.1%, with goals to increase it to 84.5% by year-end, while Kenya maintains an 83% literacy rate. It is crucial that individuals in each country have equal access to education. The Educate! initiative has played a significant role in improving literacy rates in these nations, offering many citizens a chance to enhance their lives.

Educate!

Educate!, founded in 2009, aims to develop young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa by designing impactful solutions for youth across the continent each year. The organization enhances vocational training in secondary schools across several countries, responding to research from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which projects that about 90% of African youth will enter the informal economy as they age. This focus is critical given that 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, underscoring the need to fully develop this young talent to foster continental growth.

Educate! implements a standardized, core learning experience in secondary schools which encompasses the most essential skills youth need to transition to the working world. This involves combining tangible skills, training, expert mentorship and practical experience to teach hard skills, such as budgeting, planning, saving and market research. The program also ensures the inclusion of soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity to ensure these budding secondary students can succeed going forward. In addition, it works outside of schools, by delivering live boot camps for youth who do not have access to an education, to ensure they get the same opportunity for future career expansion. This also has a segment focused particularly on young girls and marginalized communities.

Educate! Successes

Educate! reinforces its commitment to affecting genuine change by subjecting itself and its operations to randomized controlled trials and rigorous periodic performance evaluations. These evaluations have yielded the following results: Four years after participating in the program, participants can expect a 25% increase in university enrollment for women, 21% less likelihood of having a child (thus deriving more opportunities to focus on self-growth) and an 18% decrease in inter-partner violence for women. Toward the end of the four-year Educate! program, graduates can earn up to twice the income of their peers who have not participated in Educate! This is the first program in Africa that causally links soft skills to life improvements related to gender and living standards, making it one of the most effective firms for poverty alleviation.

Looking Ahead

Educate! has significantly impacted youth in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda by providing essential vocational training and skills development. The program’s participants have experienced measurable improvements, including increased university enrollment rates and higher income levels compared to nonparticipants. Educate! also addresses gender-related issues, contributing to a decrease in inter-partner violence and reduced early pregnancies. These outcomes highlight the program’s role in enhancing educational and economic opportunities for young people in these countries.

– Disheta Anand

Disheta is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

What Does Being Poor in the Philippines Look Like? 

Poor in the Philippines
Whether it is a health crisis, lack of social support, inequality or conflict, these socio-economic factors contribute to today’s poverty data. The barriers to a life without poverty can seem impossible, especially for a developing nation within which these pervasive challenges strike a greater impact — a lower-middle-income country such as the Philippines.

Indeed, poverty continues to be a vicious cycle and a battle for survival for many Filipinos, 40% of whom are grappling to escape the cyclical problem. According to Inquirer, 46% of Filipino households categorize themselves under the “poor” classification as of 2024, while 33% identify themselves as being “food-poor.” Poverty predisposes vulnerable populations to various risks that often bear negative outcomes, and the numbers listed herein account for approximately 12.9 million poor Filipinos in the country. Here is some information about what being poor in the Philippines is like.

“Pagpag”

Today’s increasing living costs coupled with the lack of education and unemployment can make it difficult for Filipinos to put food on the table. Additionally, in times like this, individuals who face adversities tend to find solutions to these challenges by manifesting their skills and available resources. Creativity, in this context, could be the process of developing ideas, while innovation, or its byproduct, could be the process of concretizing these ideas to reach solutions, whereby in such a way, poverty creates an artist.

As a way to meet their basic food demands, Filipinos who are poor in the Philippines innovated the concept of “pagpag.” In English, this term translates to organic waste derived from that nearby fast food chains throw away or frozen edibles that local supermarkets dispose of, which impoverished communities would, later on, recycle and re-fry for consumption.

The usual method is foraging for edible garbage in dump sites, “killing” bacteria by washing and boiling chewed leftovers, coating it in their concocted marination, refrying it in high heat and finally serving it with their preferred garnish. Typically sighted in slum areas, street vendors sell repurposed leftovers as a means to earn a living. It includes the option of adding rice, a staple food in the country, to keep the appetite of their customers full, EFE reports.

While this practice has been helpful for those who are poor in the Philippines, eating pagpag can increase the likelihood of contracting diseases such as diarrhea and Hepatitis A. The concept of pagpag represents the Filipinos’ resilience and can be viewed as a cultural symbol of hard work in the Philippines.

Recycling Water

In October 2022, the inflation in the Philippines reached 7.7%. With the recent water hike in 2024, access to water for impoverished communities further tightens. Food-poor households opened up about their struggle to access basic needs such as water. To adapt to these changes, Marie Acuin, a fellow Filipino, told ABS-CBN News about her approach to saving water. She recycles used laundry water and bath water to either sanitize or flush her toilet, which she sees as a cost-efficient way of coping with price spikes.

Statistically, death from acute diarrhea brought about by the lack of access to safe water took the lives of more than 139,000 Filipinos in 2016. In addition, increased temperatures due to changing weather patterns are desiccating the country’s main sources of water, and obtaining permanent water supply from rivers and lakes is not an alternative solution as it does not prove to be feasible with the long-term realities of changing weather. Therefore, Engineer Bonifacio Magtibay, an environmental health officer working for the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Philippines, recommends “conserving and recycling water,” as well as adopting safe consumption practices, to address this scarcity.

Sleeping with the Dead

As a country demonstrating rapid population growth, along with poverty incidence, not enough roofs are being provided to place overheads. Slums become congested and poor communities cannot afford lodging, which urges them to seek shelter in other areas for cohabitation. Graveyards were free and vast and were thus viewed as an opportunity for refuge. Filipinos improvised habitation by using tarpaulins, wood and plastic covers to create a “house.” They have turned the cemetery into their own local district, using available spaces to install their “karinderya” stores and sell water or candies for a living. These informal settlers generally live day-to-day beside and amongst the dead.

Hunger and Poverty

Indeed, these are just a few of the many consequences of being poor in the Philippines. It helps to paint a picture of what living in poverty can look like for countless Filipinos. While these facts remain true, there is good news: Poverty rates have declined to 15.5% as of July 2024.

Poverty-reduction efforts have significantly reduced the number of food-poor families from 1.04 million in 2021 to 740,000 in 2023. That gap marks a 300,000 difference between food-poor and non-food-poor families within two years. In order to maintain this momentum, the government is implementing policies to improve agriculture and increase high-quality jobs designed to achieve their poverty-reduction mission.

As for eliminating hunger, the government is building inclusive school feeding programs to forge ahead to a nutrition-secure country. The “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” implemented in 2023, for example, is offering monetary support to eligible food-poor families and granting them access to affordable provisions from government-partnered food stores.

Malnutrition and Health Care

As of November 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) has signed a formal agreement with UNICEF and the U.N. to increase efforts in combating malnutrition in the Philippines, achieved through the distribution of health supplies and basic health care needs to targeted communities.

The Ambisyon Natin 2040 outlines the country’s vision of a “middle-class society free of poverty” and serves as a guide for government initiatives. While progress is still being made, promoting the continuity of relevant policies and initiatives that work toward poverty alleviation may soon create the transition they need and personify a picture of Filipinos living vibrant lives.

– Edwynne Lou Miano

Edwynne is based in Florida, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Charities Operating in Kashmir

Charities Operating in Kashmir
Kashmir often dubbed as ‘heaven on earth’ is a region that is equally beautiful as it is troubled. It has suffered a long history of geopolitical strife, changing weather patterns and natural disasters and the yet unsolvable question of its autonomy still lingers on most lips. The breathtaking landscape is split into areas that India administers on one side of the border and Pakistan on the other, with China also holding stake. Life in Kashmir is not without daily challenges and human rights violations in the region are frequent. The average person struggles to feed his family and children, unemployment rate is high and curfews and martial law is common. 

For a region witnessing many upheavals, it is the work of charitable organizations that bring relief and aid in times of great hardship. There are many charities operating in Kashmir that are doing tremendous work to combat the daily struggles faced by the Kashmiri people and to help alleviate some of the difficulties that are widespread in the land. Here are five charities operating in Kashmir.

Unite 4 Humanity

This charity operates on both sides of the border working hard to bring relief to as many parts of the divided region. It recognizes that 27% of the Kashmiri population is living under the poverty line and the rural areas are the ones most affected with the figure rising to 54%. Unite 4 Humanity has implemented many initiatives since 2012. The Borgen Project reached out to the organization which elaborated on its work citing that it has helped many communities in Kashmir. It mentioned that it has sent food packages to 1,454 families, and provided hot meals to 23,700 people and winter packages for 230 children. It is making sure donations reach the most disadvantaged of the population (orphans, widows and disabled).

Helping Hand for Relief and Development

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) is another organization operating on either side of the line of control (LOC). It works in tandem with humanitarian teams on the ground in Jammu Kashmir and Azad Kashmir to ensure that the lives of the most vulnerable have protection. It has many different programs such as its seasonal Winter Relief which has been delivered to 336 beneficiaries and Global Qurbani with 29,890 beneficiaries. This charity operating in Kashmir also serves projects such as Skills Development and Medical In-Kind Gifts programmes that aim to reach the most affected, especially children and the elderly. In 2014, when the disastrous floods wrecked the region, HHRD provided instant relief assistance and aid to ensure as many people as possible received support. It continues to work for the displaced people on the ground.

Muslim Hands

Muslim Hands is a notable charity that has been carrying out tremendous work in Kashmir since 1994. Its efforts in the area have spanned more than 25 years. In just 2022 alone, the organization was able to ensure that emergency relief, food parcels and water provisions reached more than 169,000 people. Additionally, the charity has been able to provide medical supplies and treatment to 400,000 people, education to 50,000 children and necessary assistance and support to nearly 3,700 orphans.

CHINAR Kashmir

CHINAR Kashmir is a nonprofit organization that is working to improve the lives of the marginalized Kashmiri people through its advanced projects focusing on health care, education, empowerment and various kinds of relief work. The organization’s work concentrates on gender inequality, quality of education, youth and women empowerment. This also mirrors the objectives of the United Nations’ SDGs which focus on combating such global challenges. CHINAR Kashmir has been able to support 2,500 students and more than 1,000 women and families through its various programs such as the Remote Child Sponsorship Programme (RCSP) and Skills Enhancement and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED).

Orphans in Need

Orphans in Need has been operating in Kashmir for more than a decade. It emphasizes the lasting and devastating effect the many catastrophes have had on the children of Kashmir due to which approximately 215,000 children have lost a parent. The work of this organization is integral as it aims to support and provide relief to orphans in need of necessities and focuses on creating an avenue in which vulnerable children can live a normal life. The organization supplies deprived orphanages with resources and sponsorships to ensure children have the provisions they need. Just last year in 2023, the organization’s Qurbani donations fed thousands of orphans, widows and families.

Looking Ahead

While the issues prevailing in Kashmir are vast, the noteworthy and incredible work that many charities are doing is no small feat. These charities operating in Kashmir and others alike are committed to making a difference to the region.

– Aleena Shahid

Aleena is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New President Prepares to Combat Poverty in Mexico

Combat Poverty in MexicoOn Sunday, June 2, 2024, Claudia Shinebaum was elected Mexico’s new president. This marks a historical moment as she is the first female president of Mexico. The former mayor of Mexico City was the chosen successor of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). During AMLO’s term as president, he is credited with lifting more than 5 million Mexican citizens out of poverty. Promises of expanding social services and education reform and her work as Mexico City’s mayor leave many in the poverty-stricken nation hopeful that she will help to further combat poverty in Mexico.

Pending Pension Promises

Many of the initial items Shinebaum plans to address are continuations of projects AMLO has laid out. One of the biggest overhauls is the changes to Mexico’s pension program that started in 2020. A whole sweet of changes have been proposed and are in the process of implementation to make a pension available to more people and expand just how much goes into the fund.

The American Bar Association lays out the points of change, such as a decrease in the number of weekly contributions needed from 1,250 to 1,000 and an increase in the employers’ contribution by 8% with an increase in the government contribution. Additionally, these changes were laid out as gradual changes to be implemented by 2031; thus, it is expected that Shinebaum will oversee a majority of these rollouts during her term.

Investing in Education

Education reform has been an enduring issue in Mexico, with multiple proposed solutions with varying levels of efficacy. ALMO began his term by scraping his predecessors’ reforms, making way for his programs. He opened publicly funded universities to make higher education accessible to low-income students. Furthermore, this came alongside cuts to funding for higher education stemming from the policies of his predecessor.

He also lowered standardized testing requirements in an attempt to increase graduation rates. Reactions to these reforms have been mixed. Indeed, critics say that a strong focus on higher education has meant less focus on primary and secondary education. The Benito Juarez Welfare Scholarship seeks to provide aid to the families of students 15 and younger. The International Monetary Fund credits it as an important step toward addressing the plight of the 43.5% of Mexican citizens living in poverty. With this, citizens can expect Mexico’s new president to continue and expand on these social services throughout her term.

Final Note

According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. has contributed $495 million to developmental projects in Mexico. However, this is just 0.03% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Given the close cultural, economic and geographic ties between the two nations, the U.S. may see it in its advantage to do more to help combat poverty in Mexico.

– Thane Zerbe

Thane is based in Wichita, KS, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

Humanitarian Crisis in SyriaSyrians urgently need assistance as more than 16 million residents struggle with homelessness, food insecurity, dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate water and sanitation. The United Nations (U.N.) reports that at least 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, placing Syria among the nations facing severe economic challenges. The country’s economic instability is so prolonged that it defies conventional poverty rankings. Compounding these economic issues, changing weather patterns has wreaked havoc, with floods and earthquakes destroying infrastructure and disrupting essential services. As international aid wanes—distracted by global crisّّّis—the burden increasingly falls on government initiatives and nonprofit organizations (NGOs) to provide critical support.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and climate-induced storms are worsening the economic struggles of the impoverished, leading to increased displacement. On Feb. 6, 2023, Northern and Western Syria were struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. This disaster affected more than 8 million people, with a death toll surpassing 50,000. The earthquake also impacted Syrian refugees and humanitarian organizations near the Turkey-Syria border.

More than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, further damaging Syria’s already crumbling infrastructure. According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), direct physical damages amounted to $5 billion, with an estimated $8 billion required for recovery and reconstruction across six governorates. Additionally, heavy rainfall and flash flooding have disrupted the lives of thousands in northern Syria, adversely affecting more than 40 refugee camps in the Idlib and Aleppo governorates. These floods destroyed camps, closed roads and inundated agricultural lands, exacerbating food insecurity and prolonging the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Infrastructure

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has severely limited access to water for many residents. As reported by the U.N. in 2022, 52% of Syrians do not have access to piped water, forcing them to rely on alternative sources such as rivers, wells and springs. The deterioration of the water infrastructure results from the ongoing Syrian civil war. Currently, more than 7 million displaced Syrians reside in overcrowded camps and shelters that are either partially or fully damaged, offering inadequate conditions for daily life. In northern Syria, more than 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in last-resort sites, which are areas with conditions that pose significant health and safety risks.

Government forces have attacked civilian water infrastructure, damaging nearly two-thirds of Syria’s water treatment plants, half of its pumping stations and a third of all water towers. An immense drought in the northeastern, southern and eastern regions of Syria is crippling the agricultural sector, pushing many displaced Syrians into food deprivation. The drought has also decreased water levels, compelling farmers to use contaminated alternatives such as raw sewage, which spreads diseases and heightens health risks.

Food Insecurity in Syria

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has driven up food prices, with prolonged conflict, rising production costs and droughts contributing to widespread food insecurity that affects more than 12 million Syrians—more than half the population. This food insecurity is causing additional problems; millions of children are at risk of malnutrition and acute malnutrition, which has already stunted the growth of more than 600,000 children in the country. As of 2023, more than 3 million children needed nutritional assistance. Additionally, a recent cholera outbreak is placing unprecedented strain on Syria’s health services.

World Vision, a Christian relief organization, has found that female-headed households in Syria suffer most from food insecurity, which often leads to gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, the World Food Program, which has aided more than three million people in Syria, recently ended its main aid initiative. This termination has left many who relied on food distribution without alternatives. Cuts were necessary due to rising global economic challenges, donor fatigue and declining funding. Northeast Syria, a region already struggling with these issues, will likely see the most significant effects of the WFP’s reductions, exacerbating extreme poverty among residents.

The City of Aleppo and Government Initiatives

Aleppo, the capital of the Aleppo governorate and Syria’s most populated city stands at the epicenter of the nation’s economic struggles. The humanitarian crisis in Syria spans issues from food insecurity to the changing climate. However, the most significant driver of increased poverty rates remains the prolonged civil war. This conflict, involving the Syrian government with its allies against various militia groups, including ISIS and the Free Syrian Army, has severely impacted civilians. They endure the brunt of the conflict with damaged health facilities, failing water and energy infrastructure and widespread food shortages.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), funded by Japan, has launched a new initiative in partnership with Syria. This project aims to create jobs for Syrians in Aleppo and support the country’s infrastructure recovery efforts. The focus areas include debris removal, sidewalk rehabilitation and repairs to the sewage and stormwater networks in Aleppo’s Kadi Askar district.

The Syrian Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF) is dedicated to enhancing water infrastructure in Aleppo. It is advancing a project to improve the health environment and living conditions across Syria. This initiative includes constructing a water tank, rehabilitating and extending water supply networks and building a new water storage reservoir. These ongoing efforts aim to improve water access for more than 75,000 residents.

IRC and Oxfam’s Efforts in Syria

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has actively supported various aspects of Syria’s humanitarian crisis. After the 2023 earthquake, the IRC provided affected Syrian communities with essential items such as blankets, feminine products and hygiene supplies. Additionally, the organization supports crucial health services and has implemented classes, counseling and protection services for children in camps for displaced residents and other affected areas. To address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, more than 1,000 staff members are on the ground providing emergency cash and food assistance. They operate clinics and mobile teams offering life-saving support and work to bolster households’ economic stability through job training, apprenticeships and small business support.

Oxfam, a global organization dedicated to ending inequality and poverty, has been working diligently to provide Syrians with clean water, access to materials and proper hygiene practices. The organization has restored water infrastructure and improved sewage systems to enhance the quality of water and public health in Syria. To combat the humanitarian crisis, Oxfam has distributed thousands of hygiene kits, provided cash support and supplied seeds to farmers across several governorates.

Looking Ahead

As Syria continues to face compounding crises, from natural disasters to economic instability, the role of humanitarian aid remains critical. Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and Oxfam are providing life-saving support, focusing on essential needs like clean water, food assistance and health care. However, the scale of the challenges requires sustained support to help the millions affected by conflict and displacement.

– Immanuel Wiggins

Immanuel is based in Jackson, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr