Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

, ,

Poor Labor Conditions in Uganda: How Are Citizens Affected?

Labor Conditions in UgandaAs Uganda continues to expand its manufacturing industries, such as food processing, textile production and metal fabrication, there’s a higher demand for laborers across the nation. Currently, Uganda has one of the largest labor forces in sub-Saharan Africa, totaling 6.9 million workers in 1993. However, with 42% of citizens of Uganda less than the age of 14, the government has found it difficult to provide proper training, education and labor conditions. As a result, Uganda continues to be an undeveloped country with high levels of “vulnerable employment,” leading to inadequate salaries, low productivity and unsafe labor conditions.

Low Minimum Wages

Uganda’s poor working conditions are a huge reason why the country remains undeveloped. From low wages to extensive working hours to unsafe working environments, Uganda’s workforce is a potential threat to the health and safety of citizens. In 2017, Uganda upped its minimum wage from UGX 6,000 (About $1.60) per month to UGX 130,000 (About $35.08) per month.

While this has been a win for Ugandan citizens, this minimum wage almost exclusively applies to formal vocations. Other sectors of work, such as manufacturing, laboring and processing, remain vulnerable and uncovered. The cost of living continues to increase in Uganda, leaving those uncovered by minimum wage at a loss of proper shelter, nutrition and working conditions.

Lack of Training

Uganda has a significant youth population in sub-Saharan Africa. However, due to the lack of proper vocational training, nearly 13% of the youth are unemployed. This is one of the main factors contributing to Uganda’s high poverty and unemployment rates. Lack of training in Uganda especially affects young women.

A high school dropout, Evelyn Nakabuye, who lives on the outskirts of Kampala, survived years of joblessness due to the lack of proper training. She lived in a small house with her four children and her mother. However, in 2018, Nakabuye enrolled in a training program known as TEXFAD, which teaches carpet design in weaving. After just six months in the academy,

Nakabuye is now self-sufficient enough to own her own home and take care of her children. “This fund has really helped me,” Nakabuye said. “And it has changed my life.”

Low-Labor Productivity

Due to inadequate salaries and improper training, many Ugandans are at risk of low-labor productivity. Low labor productivity makes it difficult to generate morale among employees, profitability and high performance. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) states that 70% of Ugandan employees work without a legal or written contract, despite it being a legal requirement for the employer to provide an employment contract for each employee. This is just one of the ways in which companies in Uganda sabotage the collective voices of workers in order to profit themselves.

Solutions

By introducing more reasonable salaries, training programs and working conditions, Uganda can begin to emerge from global poverty and economic crisis. Uganda’s Skills Development Project, for example, delivers high-quality training programs in Agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

As one of the rapidly growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda is investing in proper training, funding and salaries to keep pace with the rest of the world. By ensuring that employees have safe, comfortable working conditions, proper education and adequate earnings, Uganda can work itself out of global poverty and thrive as a nation.

– London Collins Puc

London is based in West Palm Beach, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

The Benefits of Supporting Refugee Students in Luxembourg

Refugee Students in LuxembourgFamous for its education programs, Luxembourg is among the best countries in which children can receive an education. From ages 4 to 16, education is compulsory and paid for by the government. The Luxembourg government pays for education to give younger people every opportunity to integrate into society, including children from immigrant families. Refugee students and asylum seekers are accustomed to receiving fully paid education upon their arrival in the country; institutions like the University of Luxembourg provide full-time services.

Refugees in Luxembourg

As of 2022, 11,952 refugees lived in Luxembourg. Among the many, these refugees arrive from countries such as Ukraine, India and Brazil, which are known to be home to corrupt officials and violent groups. Given circumstances such as the Russo-Ukrainian War and adverse climatic conditions globally, the benefits of refugees receiving an education that can help grow and develop a nation or build advocates to defend their homes are phenomenal.

Quality education has many advantages for refugee students in Luxembourg, including strengthening their ability to contribute to the host country’s economy and promoting a sustainable return to and reconstruction of their countries of origin. Luxembourg recognizes two categories of international protection status: refugee and subsidiary. Both of these categories grant their children a good education for their future status as citizens of Luxembourg and the country of origin. Education helps create a safe and stable environment for children and allows graduates to rebuild their countries and pursue productive, meaningful lives.

A Cosmopolitan of Educational Effort

Schools like the University of Luxembourg offer a more flexible and diverse learning environment. Every child is given a chance to succeed and the government focuses on diversifying school typing made available by educational programs to fit different profiles. The diversity of Luxembourg’s efforts can be seen as a learning growth and well-being, including children of different origins and cultures helps to build a structured system that allows them to benefit each other by sharing and discussing various ideas that can lead to a beneficial solution for everyone in a group setting or even an entire classroom. Initiatives such as the Diversity Charter help private and public schools reap the benefit of diversity by including outsiders and strengthening local cohesion.

Graduates Build a Better Future

Graduates will seek a way to live in a stable environment after school. Higher education and skills are a critical link between learning and earning. Young people who thrive and transition to pursue a sustainable future seek investment in abilities to strengthen protection and support efforts for their country of origin and build participation efforts for the benefit of their communities.

All students can benefit from a more prosperous academic program, enhanced social cohesion and resources that will develop into improved outcomes. Outcomes like social assistance are an excellent service for a graduate as they help deliver accommodations such as vouchers (EUR 225), health costs, social counseling and guidance for other refugees entering a new country.

Development of a Strong Economy

Once graduates finish school, quality education can lead to higher incomes, self-sufficiency and reduced aid dependency. The strengthened ability of refugee graduates helps contribute to the host country’s economies. It promotes a sustainable return to and reconstruction of countries of origin.

The underlying idea in economic thinking about education is that investing in individuals’ skills and knowledge increases their productivity in the workforce. Refugee graduates demonstrate this by enhancing societal standards by contributing their skills and participating in activities that help strengthen the economic framework of nations like Luxembourg, thus giving back to the community they have resettled in.

Without liquidity constraints, individuals could enlarge their resources by investing in the necessary educational activities up to the point that the cost of capital acquisition balances expected returns.

Equal Opportunities for Women and Children to Learn

Inclusion in European schools is a challenging task for young women and children due to cultural beliefs and systems that frown on certain members of the community going to school. Cultural standards are not the only issue with inclusion because of the protracted nature and scale of displacement. Refugee situations tend to last for years or even decades and these two groups will spend their school years in displacement.

When refugee women and children are included in national school systems, it is more likely to stem from formal accreditation and recognition of qualifications. This makes it easier for refugees to gain education, which also promotes social cohesion with host communities and improves equity in the educational outcomes of refugees and host communities.

Improved advocacy efforts for future refugees and asylum seekers: For future generations to arrive in countries like Luxembourg, it is crucial to have others speak for their rights and lives without fear or discrimination from groups that do not seem fond of allowing refugees or asylum seekers in their own country.

Students who enroll in programs focusing on human rights and programming will work toward protecting members of their community, such as by supporting the Red Cross migrant and refugee services. These services aim to care for migrants dealing with health issues, provide special needs services and protect victims of violence or trafficking.

Conclusion

Luxembourg is a country that welcomes those in need; it actively implores newcomers to pursue a better life away from the past and start a new beginning. Refugees and asylum seekers are not exempted from these benefits and the future of those depends on how education can impact the next generation living in a foreign country. As other European nations also welcome newcomers into their borders, Luxembourg remains one of the most educated European nations. Those who enter institutes in Luxembourg, both citizens and refugee students, seek to generate a better future.

– Jacob Barker

Jacob is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

5 Nonprofits Fighting Poverty in South America

5 Nonprofits Fighting Poverty in South America More than a quarter of Latin America’s population faces low income and a scarcity of food and resources, highlighting the critical role of numerous nonprofits dedicated to combating poverty across the continent. In South America, poverty disproportionately affects women, Indigenous peoples and rural communities, prompting many organizations to specifically target vulnerable groups experiencing poverty in the region. Here are five nonprofits fighting poverty in South America:

RedEAmérica

This foundation creates partnerships between powerful businesses and organizations in Latin America to promote the exchange of ideas and resources to promote sustainable living and the development of local communities. RedEAmérica is based in 11 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America and has secured more than 40 partnerships across the regions. Its primary focus is collaborative knowledge to solve problems in climate change, education and gender issues. 

South American Initiative

The South American Initiative is a U.S.-based organization founded by Steven Malca. It provides food and medical aid to vulnerable groups in South America like children, babies, mothers and senior citizens. Malnutrition is the first cause of illness and death for infants, hence why its work is so important. Through its work, the South American Initiative has distributed almost 250,000 meals to those in need. In addition, the organization has many programs based in Venezuela specifically. It targets orphans, refugees and hospitals. For instance, the SAI Medical Clinic for Children helps youth avoid lifelong health conditions by ensuring they receive proper nutrition and medical aid.

Fundación Corazón Raíz

This Mexican organization primarily focuses on foundational education programs for children and youth. Its work is based on six pillars: solidarity, justice, confidence, respect, coherence and transparency. La Casa de la Mujer Indígena (translated to “The House of the Indigenous Woman”), one of its successful programs, empowers women in Indigenous communities to pursue educational opportunities and economic security. Another one of the Fundación Corazón Raíz’s initiatives is the Gayela Children Foundation, which provides housing, food, medical attention and access to education to children without families.

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos is a nonprofit that helps children in poverty and disadvantaged circumstances in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The organization has several other initiatives focused on health care and security. For instance, the Dental Care for Our Children program helps establish good dental hygiene by educating participants on the importance of a healthy dental routine.

Another initiative is the NPH Peru One Family Program. It helps children without parental care or those at risk of losing theirs, through family awareness programs that help kids become aware of their options. The program also facilitates family reintegration with follow-up support. Overall, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos has been highly successful in providing aid to children, as seen in its past yearly reports. For instance, in 2022, more than 3,300 children from low-income households were sent to school.

Ayuda en Acción

Ayuda en Acción is a nonprofit that provides intervention throughout infancy and adolescence to disadvantaged youth through educational and economic programs. With more than 600 beneficiaries and programs in 20 countries, the organization hopes to create greater food security and peaceful conflict resolution in communities across South America.

Since its founding, Ayuda en Acción has provided more than 30,000 youth with access to education. Many of its initiatives are region-specific. For example, in Bolivia, the nonprofit helps Indigenous youth lead development in their communities to improve production and create new employment opportunities. In El Salvador, another program fortifies protection for children experiencing gender-based violence and supplies emotional and psychological care to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking Ahead

Nonprofits across South America are tackling poverty by focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, Indigenous communities and rural residents. Organizations such as RedEAmérica, the South American Initiative, Fundación Corazón Raíz, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos and Ayuda en Acción provide crucial support through education, health care and food security initiatives. Their ongoing efforts can potentially enhance the quality of life and promote sustainable development throughout the region.

– Hannah Hipolito

Hannah is based in Tampa, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

HIV/AIDS in Singapore

HIV/AIDS in SingaporeSingapore is a country at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia. The country gained independence from Malaysia in 1965 and has a population of around 5 million. While Singapore is an extremely wealthy country with a thriving economy and a world-class health care system, the nation still faces public health challenges. HIV/AIDS continues to cause significant harm and impact in Singapore.

A Recent Spike in HIV Cases

Between 2007 and 2017, the average number of HIV diagnoses remained around 400 to 500 cases per year. In the years following 2017, the number of cases decreased to around 300 per year. More than 50% of diagnosed cases were late-stage HIV, and 93% of cases resulted from sexual intercourse.

In 2023, after a few years of significantly low numbers of cases, the number of cases spiked again. In the first 10 months of 2023, there were 10% more HIV detections than last year.

Although the number of cases in Singapore is relatively low, the Singapore government has responded to the slight spike in cases. In a public advisory report, a representative from the Ministry of Health stated that every adult should do HIV testing at least once in their life. In addition, sexually active adults should get regular testing once every six months and wear protection during sexual activities, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).

Promoting Testing by Reducing Fears

Due to the rise in cases, the Singapore government is placing a large emphasis on HIV testing. With more people testing, the government hopes to make more diagnoses, resulting in more people getting the proper treatment. To encourage more testing, the Singapore government has changed a law, making it no longer necessary for individuals to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. This law, however, only applies to individuals with an “undetectable viral load.”

This law change will reduce the fear many Singapore residents face when deciding whether or not to get tested, according to The Straits Times. Individuals will no longer have to worry about telling their partners if their HIV test comes back positive. They will be able to treat it or reduce symptoms and then return to their regular sexual behaviours if they are no longer contagious. The government recognized that high-risk individuals feared getting tested because they would be obligated to inform their partners of their potential positive HIV status.

Action for AIDS

In addition to government support, Action for AIDS, an active nonprofit organization since 1988, has been working to mitigate the issue of HIV/AIDS in Singapore. Many Singaporeans have not received proper HIV/AIDS prevention education, so Action for AIDS fundraises to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can get education and testing. Individuals in poverty or with lower incomes are less likely to be properly educated about HIV/AIDS and less likely to know when to get tested.

So far, Action for AIDS has brought sex education to a wider audience and encouraged many Singaporeans to undergo more frequent testing. Through increased education and promoting more testing for all, this organization aims to end HIV/AIDS in Singapore.

Conclusion

While the slight spike in HIV cases in Singapore is concerning, the government’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to tackling this public health issue. By reducing the common fear that arises when individuals make a decision about testing, Singapore is revising legislation to promote more frequent testing. The goal of increased testing is that everyone who needs treatment will receive it. This approach reflects the Singapore government’s dedication to maintaining the health of its population, ensuring that the country continues to thrive even in the face of public health challenges.

– Poppy Duggal

Poppy is based in Concord, NH, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

How Edtech Inspires Development in Kenya’s School Systems

EdtechEducational technology (EdTech) is revolutionizing learning in Kenya, intertwining traditional educational methods with advanced technological tools to enhance classroom experiences. As Kenya navigates through its educational reforms, the integration of EdTech has become a pivotal element in modernizing its educational framework. With a significant focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, these ongoing efforts aim to improve access, alongside ensuring quality and inclusivity in education across the nation.

Role of Edtech in Kenya’s Educational Reforms

Educators in developed and developing countries around the world use Edtech in their educational systems. Kenya’s educational system has experienced a variety of formats of school structures and organizations. Kenya’s recent transition to a competency-based curriculum has revealed improvements in its structure due to the aid of EdTech. Edtech Hub works closely with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to inspire and support the growth of education in Kenya. 

Broadening Access Through Innovative Solutions

Edtech provides solutions and programs that increase access to digital devices and internet connectivity. The Kenyan government’s Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) aims to give public school students access to digital technology. This program is a fundamental part of facilitating the development of online learning and how much this bridges the divide between access and knowledge of information for students and teachers. Furthermore, many school districts in Kenya are underway to develop all-day internet access and sturdy electricity. The BRCK Education Kio Kit is a portable digital classroom that comes in a box, containing tablets, a Wi-Fi router and a solar charger, specifically designed for schools lacking reliable electricity or internet access. This innovative kit provides Wi-Fi routers and specially designed batteries to students across Kenya, giving them an equal opportunity to further their education despite the challenging weather and infrastructure conditions of rural Africa.

Enhancing Personalization Through AI

Eneza Education, a part of Edtech, utilizes AI technology to open new avenues of learning for individuals. Eneza Education is currently used in Kenya and provides a bite-sized curriculum to learners from 10 to 18, in Math, Science, English, Social Studies and other national curriculum topics.

AI in educational programs is used as a positive force through Eneza Education, as it allows for the personalization of learning experiences in a way that provides students with various needs and learning styles. Through adaptive learning algorithms, AI can analyze students’ strengths, weaknesses and learning styles to tailor educational content and pacing accordingly. This method of individualized learning in the classroom enables students to grow and learn at their speed, while also enhancing their understanding of the topics the teacher provides. These various AI platforms inspire development in Kenya’s school systems by improving learning and comprehension of topics while allowing students in Kenya to receive feedback on their learning within minutes.

Improving Quality and Collaboration

The quality of tablets and programs installed within digital learning devices has increased in Kenya due to the collaboration with Edtech devices. Edtech tools support inclusive education, including applications such as text-to-speech and screen readers for children, including youth with disabilities. Furthermore, EdTech inspires development in Kenya’s school systems by encompassing a variety of languages, enhancing student learning and accommodating Kenya’s linguistic diversity. Inclusive platforms such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams aid in collaboration processes among students and teachers. Microsoft Teams will continue to expand its work to bring last-mile wireless internet access to 20 million people in Kenya and 50 million people across East Africa by the end of 2025.  

The Impact of Edtech on Kenya’s Education

Edtech is inspiring development in Kenya’s school systems by enhancing access, personalization, and quality of learning in the classroom. With the aid of various EdTech programs, students gain greater access to technology and respective educational experiences. Additionally, the use of inclusive digital tools and collaborative platforms such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams enriches the learning environment, accommodating diverse needs and fostering teamwork. As Kenya continues to integrate Edtech into its educational system, it is poised to potentially secure a brighter, more equitable future for its students.

– Sophia Mokotoff

Sophia is based in Evanston, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

5 Organizations Supporting Education for Girls

Supporting Education for GirlsEducation is a valuable tool that can help a child achieve future success. However, in some developing nations, it is a scarce resource, particularly for girls. In Pakistan, for example, 56.4% of girls were not in education, employment or training of any kind in 2021. A lack of education for girls is also a significant issue in Guatemala, where 44.3% of girls were not in education, training or employment in 2022. While these figures demonstrate that a lack of education for girls in developing nations is a significant issue, organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to learn, regardless of their gender or nationality. Here are five organizations supporting education for girls.

Stand By Me

Stand by Me is a charity based in the United Kingdom (U.K.).  The organization focuses on saving and caring for vulnerable children. Its “Stand by a Girl” program has made a difference in the fight for education for girls across the world, supporting a total of 3,800 children. The charity collects sponsorship money from members of the public, which is used to pay for books, teachers and other necessities that enable girls to flourish.

The charity remains involved in the lives of the children for an extended period, making sure that their needs continue to be fulfilled as they grow instead of only providing one-off assistance.

Campaign for Female Education

Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) is another organization supporting education for girls. Based in Africa, it works in government-owned primary and secondary schools across developing nations like Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. CAMFED partners with communities across the continent to prevent any barriers to education girls may face. These barriers can include limited access to menstrual products and lack of money for school uniforms and other supplies.

The organization uses donations to pay for these items. Additionally, they provide girls with bikes and boarding to make it easier for them to travel to school or even remove the need to travel entirely. CAMFED has supported more than 9,000 primary and secondary schools and more than 500,000 students with secondary scholarships.

Malala Fund

Founded by Malala Yousafzai, the Malala Fund is making significant strides in ensuring that adolescent girls in developing countries, particularly in Bangladesh, have access to secondary school education. In 2022, the foundation initiated a groundbreaking project to secure 12 years of free education for girls in Bangladesh.

The Malala Fund is also doing important work in Turkey to improve school enrollment and retention rates for refugee children. It is estimated that around 40% of Syrian refugee children living in Turkey are not attending school.

WomenOne

WomenOne does valuable work in advocating for girls’ education. The organization raises awareness about the lack of educational opportunities for girls in marginalized groups. This also includes those with disabilities and young mothers. WomenOne also implements strategies to provide these girls with the chance to receive an education.

The organization has established a center in Kenya to support girls’ education, providing counseling, academic and emotional support and teaching life skills to help them thrive. WomenOne also empowers women and girls by working with advocacy organizations such as the Girls Not Brides Coalition, protecting women and girls’ right to learn and ensuring their voices are heard.

Girl Rising

Girl Rising supports education for girls in five countries, including Guatemala. The organization provides education for Indigenous girls in Guatemala by tackling educational barriers such as racism and misogyny. It works in collaboration with community organizations to help them learn to tackle these issues. In 2023, the initiative reached 340 adolescent girls in Guatemala.

Final Remark

While the fight for girls’ education in developing nations is not over, it is clear that many organizations are working hard to ensure that all girls have the chance to learn. From working with communities to break down barriers to raising money to provide resources that are desperately needed in developing nations. The contributions these organizations make are incredibly vital. They demonstrate that everybody has the power to change the world for the better.

– Sue-Joyce Headon

Sue-Joyce is based in Liverpool, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Fighting Poverty with Dirt: Soil Mapping

Soil MappingTechnology is always growing, always changing and always evolving. Now, some scientists are using new soil mapping methods to improve one of the most ebbing professions: farming.

The Basics of Soil Mapping

Soil maps catalog features and soil types in an area. Early on,soil mapping was done using field and lab observation. With the advent of more advanced technology, soil mapping is now done digitally while still using data. This data can be collected in multiple ways. It can be as simple as a special drill called a bucket auger and a single aerial photo of the land or as complex as using special geospatial software.

Once collected, the map is created in a grid layout, with each cell representing a different location. Soil mapping often tests the amount of nutrients in soil, allowing for more efficient farming and more effective use of products like fertilizer.

The Upsides of Soil Mapping

  1. Improving farming profit: Creating better soil produces more crops. Many farmers in developing countries use their crops as a form of survival and use what little is left over as products to sell. This is known as subsistence farming. By optimizing the use of fertilizers and other products with soil mapping, more crops are available to market while still feeding producers. The estimated increased yield is about 4-9%.
  2. Creating sturdier crops: Temperature changes and natural disasters can quickly tank a harvest. By using soil mapping, crops become more resilient and more able to survive harsh or fluctuating conditions.
  3. Improving soil health: Continents like Africa struggle with inconsistent soil health and high fertilizer prices due to inflation. Preventing resource waste is critical when costs are so high. Creating detailed soil maps provides important information that can help restore soil and reduce waste. Restoring soil health means more crops can grow, which means more profit for the people who need it most.
  4. Improving nutrition: More nutrients in the soil mean more nutrients in the food that the soil produces. Nutritious food is crucial for preventing malnutrition and health problems in low-and middle-income countries.
  5. Long-lasting solution: Soil maps are a local solution to food insecurity. They are more sustainable than direct aid because they allow for more output year after year. Providing more than just food, the extra crops taken to market can provide other critical needs.

The Global Soil Partnership

Soil mapping supports improvised communities globally, especially through government-run programs. The biggest program of this type is the Global Soil Partnership. The program uses 500 experts from 52 countries to create soil maps and databases to combat problems like food insecurity. These mapping programs are especially helpful in Africa and South America, where the climate can be volatile and many people are malnourished.

What’s Ahead?

Soil mapping demonstrates that technology and progress can also help end poverty. Large problems require innovative and scalable solutions and soil mapping qualifies. It is not necessary to only use traditional human labor to assist those who need help. Technology can assist grassroots and nonprofit groups in providing lasting solutions. The results show the power of human advancement.

– Meredith Wyrick

Meredith is based in Magnolia, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Hunger in Northern Ireland

A collection of U.K. charities have united to advocate for better circumstances for U.K. residents in recipients of universal credit. This comes after a groundbreaking investigation into hunger in Northern Ireland by the Trussell Trust.

The Situation

This issue in Northern Ireland has attracted publicity due to the significant volume of people in the country experiencing hunger. This has gained attraction from multiple news outlets, such as the BBC, which reported that “one in six people in Northern Ireland face hunger or food insecurity.” In an interview with the BBC, Karen Mullan from the Foyle Food Bank said that the figures demonstrate a constant busyness within the food banks: “We have seen over the last couple of weeks and months a real rise in terms of food and energy costs, and inflation is affecting all areas of life.”

Karen Mullan mentioned that the sharp rise in inflation during the U.K.’s cost of living crisis is no coincidence with the rising number of people in hunger. Since 2021, the United Kingdom has been facing an unprecedented rise in inflation, and in October 2022 reaching 11.1% “its highest rate in 40 years.” This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of essentials, such as energy and food.

The Trussell Trust’s report found numerous contributing factors to the significant amount of hungry people in Northern Ireland. Firstly, the report found that 79% of food bank visitors had to rely on the network due to their income being too insufficient to support themselves. The investigation also found that difficulty in finding supportive jobs, especially for marginalized groups such as women and disabled individuals was a contributing factor to the financial hardships experienced.

The Affected Population

When investigating which groups accessed food banks the most in Northern Ireland, the Trussell Trust found that disabled people, women and households with children under the age of 16 are significantly overrepresented. Despite people with disabilities making up 30% of the Irish population, the Trussell Trust discovered that this group make up 61% of people who are referred to food banks (within the Trussell Trust network). This refers to a wider issue, where poverty and health, particularly, mental health correlate.

In addition to this, the investigation found that despite households with children under the age of 16 contributing to 34% of the general population of Northern Ireland, they make up 48% of people visiting these food banks within the network. One reason for this, suggested by the report, could be the financial demands that households with young children face, such as the prices of childcare, as well as higher costs of bills due to more people living in a house. Furthermore, the report found that women are twice as likely to refer to food banks as men. The report attributes this to gender inequalities regarding pay.

Brighter Days Ahead

Despite the findings of the Trussell Trust raising alarms, learning who is affected and why is a large step in combatting hunger in Northern Ireland. The report outlines key issues, such as the basic rate of universal credit being insufficient, gender pay inequality and the financial hardships that marginalized groups can be vulnerable to. Now that these findings have surfaced, there have been calls for urgent policy change to alleviate hunger in Northern Ireland, specifically an increase in universal credit to ensure that it is sufficient enough to support everyone, proposing an “Essentials Guarantee” in Northern Ireland.

The Essentials Guarantee would ensure that universal credit recipients receive adequate monetary support to live with the essentials, including food. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), five in six households on universal credit are going without the essentials. JRF wants the government to back essential guarantees, particularly in families with mental health issues and single parents.

Amnesty International has also campaigned the guarantee, stating that this change is a basic human right, and necessary during times of inflation and for life after COVID-19. The JRW has stated that this guarantee will only positively benefit the economy.

– Ella Turner

Ella is based in St Helens, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Addressing HIV/AIDS in Moldova

HIV/AIDS in MoldovaThe quicker the response to a medical epidemic the better. This proved to be the case for Moldova in their response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. An effective response is one to be learned, repeated and implemented for future use.

Moldova’s Problem

HIV and AIDS cases were the highest in Moldova around the 1990s and began to decrease progressively after Moldova’s response to the epidemic.  The National Institute of Health found that in the “Republic of Moldova during 1987-2013, there were 8,557 reported HIV+ cases, of which 2,464 (28.8%) developed AIDS, 1,752 (20.5%) died.” This is compared to more recent statistics showing that “AIDS was confirmed in 286 cases…Of these, in 168 cases (58.74%) AIDS disease was confirmed in persons diagnosed with HIV in 2019.”

The epidemic originally affected select groups of people and only spread from there. Efforts occurred to target treatments to these select groups; however, more work is necessary to address the problem of HIV/AIDS in Moldova. 

Moldova’s Response to HIV/AIDS

The nation of Moldova began to lead the way in creating services that assist in treating HIV/AIDs quickly. Starting it all was a 1993 law which led to medical reforms and provisions in the Republic of Moldova. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), “the Law on AIDS Prevention of 1993 guarantees people living with HIV/AIDS the right to medical assistance and social insurance.” This was a crucial step toward protecting Moldova’s citizens from the epidemic and providing them with the help they need.

Moldova’s HIV/AIDS National Programme

This law led to the development of the first National Programme on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and STIs which the country established in 1995. This program focused on prevention, improvement and ensuring safety in medical procedures. Prevention is key in stopping the spread, and according to UNAIDS, the priority is for preventing “infections among youth, vulnerable groups, [and] first of all among injecting drug users.” These concentrated groups are still a large focus for the Program today because of the high rates of infection among drug users along with homosexual men.

The National Programme on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and STIs began initially as a response to national statistics and information concerning HIV/AIDS in Moldova. In more recent years (2016-2020), the program has worked to provide more access to NGO testing and various treatments.  The partnerships with various NGOs have expanded the program’s outreach greatly, allotting for a greater amount of testing. 

Furthermore, the improvement of patients’ conditions is a large focus of the program as well as ensuring safe medical procedures. The trifold purpose of this program is something to learn from. Its aim is to reduce the severity and number of HIV/AIDS cases. Currently, HIV/AIDS in “Moldova is classified as a concentrated/low prevalence country”. This may be due to the effective initiatives the country implemented from the beginning. The quick action to prevent but also serve those affected is something inspiring to implement in the future.  

– Abigail Johnson

Abigail is based in Sapulpa, OK, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

A Promise for Improvement: Mozambique Health Care

Mozambique Health CareMozambique ranks extremely lowly among health indicators. Progress has only begun recently. In 2019, the Mozambique president enacted the One District, One Hospital initiative.  The aim of the initiative was to expand the medical infrastructure, providing citizens with better access to health care.

The Current State of Mozambique’s Health Care

Mozambique’s current health care state is dire. There are very few medical centers and frequently, Mozambicans have to walk miles to get treatment. Medicine shortages are common and the small number of medical professionals who are present often need more training.

There is no silver lining to this poor system. Many Mozambicans, about 1.2 million, are ill with either HIV or AIDS. About 200,000 children are also sick with the infectious disease. Many Mozambicans are also plagued by malaria, in addition to other diseases like tuberculosis. So, there is a requirement for improving the Mozambican health care system and the Mozambican government agrees.

The One District, One Hospital Initiative

The One District, One Hospital Initiative aims to ensure that millions of people in Mozambique access good-quality health care. The initiative will establish larger hospitals with new facilities, including operating rooms, radiology technology, blood transfusion equipment and storage, orthopedics and newer laboratories.

In the past six years, the Mozambican government has increased the number of medical workers and caregivers from around 1,000 in 2018 to more than 8,000 in 2022. One way the government did this was by introducing community health workers. By having at least one person trained in health care per community, the health centers would not be as busy with a sudden influx of Mozambicans from all over. This also allows faster treatment in an emergency.

The One District, One Hospital Initiative will also build level two hospitals in the 90 districts that currently lack them. Building hospitals that meet level two requirements ensure that treatment can meet heavy trauma damage and have more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. These new hospitals will also have housing for employees, providing both security in the poverty-torn country and an incentive for Mozambican people to join the medical field.

Impact

The improvements made to Mozambique’s health care system have greatly benefited its people. More than 8,000 medical workers are now active in Mozambique and nearly 2 million households have access to health services—a significant increase from the 240,000 households in 2018. Many health workers in Mozambique are also trained in nutrition, enabling them to benefit young children and educate families on improving health and nutrition through better dietary choices.

Final Thoughts

Mozambique’s health care system was dire about six years ago. However, the Mozambican government has taken steps to provide health care to its citizens and ensure widespread access to medical treatment. The One Hospital One District Initiative has given Mozambicans security in health, as they no longer have to travel long distances to receive necessary medical aid. This initiative was enacted out of necessity to care for its citizens and adhere to the United Nations (U.N.) 2030 Agenda. So, Mozambicans can expect more improvements.

– Paige Tamasi

Paige is based in Los Gatos, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash