Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

, ,

The Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

The Fight Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases Mosquitoes play dual roles in ecosystems worldwide as major pollinators and a key food source. They also spread life-threatening diseases such as Malaria, Zika Virus and Dengue Fever, making them the world’s deadliest organism. Mosquitoes cause between 750,000 to 1,000,000 deaths annually and cost the global economy more than $12 billion each year. Despite the impact of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in low to middle-income countries, mosquitoes remain ecologically important. As a result, scientists are striving to develop creative solutions that prevent, reduce and eradicate these diseases without disrupting natural ecosystems.

Innovative Genetic Solutions

Given the current technology, implementing preventative measures to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases has become a priority. Indeed, scientists are searching for more effective and widespread solutions to decrease the population of disease-spreading mosquitoes. One promising approach focuses on genetically modifying mosquitoes to reduce their population.

This strategy involves releasing mosquitoes carrying a “self-limiting gene” that causes female offspring to die before reaching adulthood. By targeting specific mosquito species known to spread diseases, this approach aims to break the transmission cycle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that this method is reversible; ceasing the release of these genetically modified mosquitoes would allow the population to return to normal levels. Controlling the reproduction of disease-spreading mosquitoes, particularly biting females, could potentially prevent deadly disease outbreaks.

Oxitec’s Pioneering Role in Mosquito Population Control

Oxitec, a U.K.-based biotech company, leads the efforts in genetically modified mosquito (GMM) projects. While their stated aim is to help combat the spread of malaria in Eastern Africa and Central and South America, their broader focus includes decreasing the incidence of all mosquito-borne and vector-borne diseases. Oxitec specifically targets three critical mosquito species: Anopheles stephensi, an invasive species originally from Asia now detected in seven African countries, Anopheles albimanus and Aedes aegypti, native to South America.

Brazil’s Fight Against Dengue

Between 2021 and 2022, Brazil experienced a 400% increase in deaths caused by Dengue. In response, the country has ramped up projects to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Despite these ongoing efforts, Brazil is currently grappling with a Dengue Fever outbreak, with confirmed cases surpassing 5 million. Oxitec has initiated the deployment of ‘just-add-water friendly’ genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) into the local mosquito populations to help curb this epidemic. Reports indicate that in areas where these interventions have occurred, populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been nearly halved. Authorities are aiming for an overall reduction of 20% to mitigate the current state of emergency affecting many regions, including the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Panama’s Use of GMMs

Panama first utilized GMMs in 2014 through a partnership between Oxitec and the Gorgas Institute in Panama City, aiming to decrease the Aedes aegypti population to reduce Dengue transmission. More recently, Panama has been confronting a new Malaria epidemic, with cases in rural communities surging by 65% in 2023. The rise in cases is primarily attributed to an increase in the population of the invasive mosquito Anopheles albimanus. This situation has renewed collaboration between Panama and Oxitec, leading to the release of genetically modified ‘friendly’ Anopheles albimanus mosquitoes intended to diminish the number of this malaria-spreading species.

GMMs in Djibouti

Anopheles stephensi, a mosquito known for transmitting Malaria in South Asia and the Middle East, was confirmed in 2012 to have crossed the Red Sea into the Horn of Africa. Since then, it has been found in seven African countries and is suspected in four others. Djibouti, which nearly eradicated Malaria in 2012 with fewer than 100 confirmed cases, saw cases skyrocket to more than 70,000 by 2020. In May 2024, Djibouti became the first East African country to deploy genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) to combat the rising tide of Malaria.

Looking Ahead

Innovative solutions such as deploying genetically modified mosquitoes present promising methods for controlling mosquito populations and reducing disease transmission without disrupting ecological balance. Countries like Brazil, Panama and Djibouti are already implementing these advanced techniques, underscoring the critical need to continue investing in and developing effective strategies to combat mosquito-borne illnesses globally.

– Philip Mundy

Philip Mundy is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Recycling Waste in Bangladesh

Recycling Waste in BangladeshBangladesh, located in South Asia, is home to more than 170 million people. The capital, Dhaka, has seen its population rise to 9 million. This rapid urbanization, along with an expanding middle class and a robust manufacturing sector, has led to a significant increase in plastic waste production. Each year, the country generates approximately 977,000 tonnes of plastic waste, with a substantial portion originating from Dhaka. A World Bank Blogs report indicates that the average resident of Dhaka produces 22.5 kg of plastic waste annually, a figure that is expected to rise as the city’s population continues to grow.

Health Risks of Waste Disposal

As the volume of plastic waste continues to grow, Dhaka’s recycling sector is increasingly struggling to process it sustainably. While Dhaka’s recycling industry employs approximately 5,400 people, it is a relatively informal sector, exposing many workers to hazardous conditions without effective health protection. Without funding or support, the increasing volumes of waste can potentially overwhelm the current recycling systems. As a result, much of this waste ends up in landfills and into rivers, putting the cities’ population at risk of poor health. The ingestion of microplastics and the contamination of water and soil link to increased dengue fever cases, which claimed 327 lives over seven months in 2023. This crisis strains local health systems and disproportionately affects the poorest citizens, who struggle to afford necessary medical treatments.

Recycling Waste in Bangladesh

Recognizing the strain that escalating plastic waste places on its infrastructure and citizens, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment formulated a National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management. This initiative targets a 50% increase in recycling waste in Bangladesh by 2025 and aims to cut overall plastic consumption by 2030. The plan underscores the adoption of a circular economy to mitigate the hazardous impacts of waste disposal. By enhancing recycling efforts initially and subsequently addressing the fundamental issue of excessive plastic usage, this strategy aims to alleviate waste-related health risks across the nation.

Micro-Enterprises in Bangladesh

While government initiatives address large-scale waste management by implementing policies, the real momentum often comes from grassroots efforts. A recent World Bank Blogs report reveals the work of many entrepreneurs who prioritize recycling plastic waste in their small businesses. With support from the World Bank’s Sustainable Enterprises project (SEP), Md Jashim Uddin, a micro-entrepreneur, for example, recycles waste from local shoe factories to produce new footwear. This small-scale circular economic model not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances local health conditions by reducing pollution and creating new jobs with improved working conditions.

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh faces the escalating issue of plastic waste as urbanization and industrial growth continue. Government initiatives aim to boost recycling rates and reduce plastic use, while grassroots efforts and micro-enterprises contribute to waste management and environmental health. These combined strategies can potentially improve public health and achieve sustainable development. Ongoing dedication to innovative solutions and effective waste management could be vital for Bangladesh’s future.

– Aimee Masters

Aimee is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

How Conflict Fuels Poverty in Syria

How Conflict Fuels Poverty in Syria The Syrian conflict, now stretching into its second decade, has profoundly reshaped the nation’s socio-economic landscape. As the fighting persists, the humanitarian and economic toll intensifies, creating a vicious cycle of poverty in Syria.

Destruction of Infrastructure

Destruction of infrastructure is one of the most immediate and visible widespread consequences of the Syrian conflict. Attacks on various types of infrastructure, including public, private and health care facilities, remain largely unaccounted for. Bombings, artillery fire and ground battles have reduced cities to rubble, destroying homes, schools, hospitals and utilities. With basic infrastructure demolished, economic activities stall. Factories, farms and businesses cannot operate effectively, resulting in significant productivity losses. The lack of electricity, clean water and transportation further hampers efforts to resume normal economic functions, exacerbating poverty in Syria.

Displacement and Loss of Livelihoods

The crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic has displaced more than 12 million people across the region, with 6 million Syrians finding refuge in Egypt, Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Displacement uproots families from their homes and communities, stripping them of their assets and means of income. In displacement camps and host communities, refugees face high unemployment levels. Competition for scarce resources and jobs often results in lower wages and poor working conditions. For those attempting to rebuild their lives, limited access to employment, education and health care perpetuates a cycle of poverty in Syria that is difficult to break.

Health Crisis

Almost a quarter of Syria’s hospitals are nonfunctional and cannot meet the growing health needs. More than 12.2 million people urgently need health assistance, but a shortage of workers and health care infrastructure has led to the collapse of the health care system. This collapse exacerbates poverty by increasing disease and disability burdens. Families must spend limited resources on medical care, often sacrificing other basic needs such as food and shelter. Chronic illnesses and untreated injuries impair individuals’ ability to work, further reducing household incomes and deepening poverty in Syria.

Education Disruption

The war in Syria has severely disrupted the education system, with many schools damaged, destroyed or repurposed as shelters for displaced people. This crisis has left more than 7,000 schools destroyed and resulted in two million children being out of education. A generation of children in Syria is growing up without ever having enrolled in school or received a proper education. To make ends meet, families often rely on child labor, pulling children out of school to work. This not only deprives children of their childhood but also limits their future economic prospects, perpetuating poverty in Syria.

Efforts by UNICEF and OXFAM

Efforts are underway to reverse the cycle of poverty in Syria. UNICEF is addressing this crisis by investing in climate-resilient technologies and systems, promoting learning, rehabilitating schools and scaling up unconditional cash transfers. In addition, OXFAM works across eight of 14 Syria governorates, providing clean water, distributing hygiene kits, promoting good hygiene practices in schools and giving families cash and food to meet their urgent needs.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing conflict in Syria has deeply entrenched poverty, disrupting infrastructure, displacing millions and collapsing essential services such as health care and education. Organizations like UNICEF and OXFAM are actively working to mitigate the crisis by providing crucial resources, rehabilitating schools and supporting basic needs. Despite the significant challenges, these ongoing efforts offer a pathway toward alleviating the severe economic and social impacts on the Syrian population, highlighting the critical importance of sustained international support.

– Rika Mokal

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

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Guatemala’s Economic Growth and Equality

Guatemala’s Economic GrowthIn the past three decades, Guatemala has experienced a steady economic growth trajectory, yet this progress has not translated into significant reductions in poverty or inequality. Since the signing of the 1996 peace accords, which ended a 36-year civil war, the Guatemalan economy has grown at an average annual rate of 3.5%. This period of economic expansion saw the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of 4.1% in 2022 and 3.6% in 2023​.

However, these figures mask a deeper issue: the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed across the population. Urban areas, particularly Guatemala City, have seen substantial investment and development, while rural and indigenous communities continue to lag. This disparity highlights the challenge of achieving inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.

Key Drivers of Economic Growth

Guatemala’s economy is largely driven by the private sector, which contributes approximately 85% of the country’s GDP. The services sector is the largest, accounting for 68% of GDP. This includes a wide range of activities such as banking, tourism, retail and telecommunications. The manufacturing sector, contributing 14%, is also a vital component, with industries such as food processing, textiles and pharmaceuticals playing significant roles​​.

Agriculture, though comprising only 10% of GDP, remains a critical sector, employing a substantial portion of the population and producing key exports like coffee, sugar and bananas. Additionally, remittances from Guatemalans living abroad, particularly in the United States (U.S.), are a crucial economic lifeline, contributing significantly to household incomes and foreign exchange reserves​.

Persistent Poverty and Inequality

Despite Guatemala’s economic growth and stability, poverty and inequality remain pervasive issues. As of 2023, approximately 55.1% of Guatemala’s population lives in poverty, with indigenous and rural communities bearing the brunt of this economic hardship​​. These communities often have limited access to education, health care and employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

The informal sector is a substantial part of the economy, accounting for 49% of GDP and employing 71.1% of the workforce​. This sector is characterized by low wages, job insecurity and lack of social protections, which further exacerbate economic disparities. The country faces significant human capital challenges, with high rates of child malnutrition and limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation and electricity​.

Efforts and Challenges

Various initiatives have been undertaken to address these socioeconomic challenges. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been active in Guatemala, implementing programs aimed at improving financial management, fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to create a more conducive environment for business growth and to empower local entrepreneurs.

However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is often undermined by systemic issues such as corruption and governance weaknesses. Corruption remains a significant problem, affecting public trust and the efficient allocation of resources.

Potential for Future Growth

Guatemala has considerable potential for future growth, thanks to its rich natural resources, cultural heritage and strategic geographical location. The country is rich in minerals such as gold, silver and nickel, which present opportunities for the mining sector. Its cultural heritage and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for tourism, which can be a significant source for Guatemala’s economic growth. 

– Sofia Reynoso

Sofia is based in Tampa, FL, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Addressing Child Marriage in Wales

Child marriage in WalesMore than 41,000 young girls worldwide are subject to child marriage each day. However, on February 27, 2022, the legal age of marriage in England and Wales had risen to 18 years old. Under the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, this is the case for forced, unforced and “traditional” ceremonies that are legally non-binding, but which the parties and their families still view as marriages.

Karma Nirvana campaigned for a long 10 years to fight for the legal age to increase from 16 to 18 to help prevent child marriage in Wales. The “huge leap forward” in tackling “this usually hidden abuse,” said Natasha Rattu, director of the Karma Nirvana charity, which is a member of the Girls Not Brides Coalition exemplifies the progression that is occurring in tackling this truly disgusting arrangement, according to the U.K. Government’s official website.

Legislation and Challenges

Before February 2022, 16 and 17-year-olds could get married or be in civil partnership with parental/guardian consent. Following the passing of the legislation, getting married or a civil partnership under the age of 18 is now illegal and a criminal offence. Causing a child to get married under the age of 18 could result in a prison sentence of up to seven years. Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab MP, said “This law will better protect vulnerable people, by cracking down on forced marriage in our society,” according to the U.K. Government’s official website.

Despite the law being effective in England and Wales, the same cannot be said abroad. Many children are being taken abroad to marry underage. In its 2023 case study, Karma Nirvana reports on a 13-year-old girl whose mother took her to Pakistan to marry her cousin aged 19. Despite social services working on raising awareness, some people did not take the situation seriously.

Child Marriage and Poverty

Around 30% of children in Wales are living in poverty and child marriage could only worsen this figure. Underage marriage and civil partnerships are often people from deprived backgrounds so if the child is part of that 30% then the vicious cycle of poverty could only continue into the next generation. For example, in Africa, girls from socioeconomically disadvantaged families are two times more likely to marry before 18 than girls from wealthier families.

Child marriage deprives girls of “opportunities, education and access to paid employment.” When girls are married young they are much less likely to attend the legal requirement of education and stay in the educational system until they are 18 years old.

Cases

In the U.K., the Home Office’s Forced Marriage Unit supported more than 1,400 suspected cases of forced child marriage in 2016. Also, according to official government data, there were 1,009 marriages involving at least one individual under 18 in England and Wales in 2018. About 165 children in England and Wales were at risk of child marriage between 2018-2019. In 2021, the government’s forced marriage unit provided advice or support in 118 cases involving victims aged under 18.

Despite the law being passed, officially there are “no applicable” records to show the progression made since the law was made. In the hope that the figures have decreased behind closed doors and since child marriage has become illegal, the effects have only been positive for victims who are subjected to unlawful underage marriage.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

,

Unveiling the Realities of Elderly Poverty in Jamaica 

Elderly Poverty in JamaicaAmong the vibrant rhythms of reggae music, the serene sound of the Caribbeans’ turquoise water lapping at Jamaica’s shores, lies the harsh reality of elderly poverty. Behind a picturesque view of the island lives a significant portion of Jamaica’s elderly population, grappling with economic hardship, often unseen and overlooked.

Elderly Poverty in Jamaica

Despite Jamaica’s strides in economic development and poverty reduction, elderly poverty in Jamaica remains a pressing issue. The Planning Institute of Jamaica states more than 18% of Jamaicans older than 60 live below the poverty line. Unveiling this silent crisis affecting Jamaica’s elderly in their twilight years, the statistic reveals how vulnerable and marginalized these senior citizens are.

There is not a singular root cause of the prevalence of elderly poverty in Jamaica. Several factors contribute to its pervasiveness: pension insecurity, limited access to health care and high unemployment rates among older adults. Moreover, Jamaican senior citizens lack the familial support required to have a safety net in times of need. This is due to either familial breakdowns or migration of younger generations.

Hearing from the Elderly

Basil Parchment, 74, was regularly sighted sitting on the side of the road in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Upon The Gleaner, a Jamaican magazine approached him, he explained that the people of the house he was caretaking kicked him out without even a dollar in compensation for his eight years of working for them. Parchment went on to express that the side of the road he sat at was a spot he would often frequent upon taking breaks from work. That side of the road was all he had to call home. Parchment even explained that real poverty is when going to the doctor is impossible and that catching a sickness turns into living with it. He even confided that he has a family who does not bother to support or check up on him.

Many Jamaican families care for their elderly at home. However, while the cost of living increases, salaries remain constant and unemployment increases, younger generations search for opportunities abroad. This may result in further challenges for the elderly in Jamaica moving forward.

Taking Action

Notable achievements have been made due to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The plan includes revising national policies for senior citizens creating a responsive framework that acknowledges and facilitates the enjoyment of human rights by older citizens. The establishment of a non-contributory social pension for persons 75 years and older allows senior citizens to live productively and free of any stress and anxieties included with financial status. A national health promotion campaign called “Jamaica Moves” to prevent and reduce non-communicable diseases for the elderly and the pensionable age adjusted to 65 years for both men and women which focuses on preventing rather than treating, allowing elderly Jamaicans access to the healthcare they require.

Elderly poverty remains an issue in Jamaica. However, the Jamaican government has implemented new strategies and succeeded in the decline of elderly poverty. With further awareness and the attention of policymakers, a rapid decrease in elderly poverty rates in Jamaica can be achieved.

– Rika Mokal

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Protecting the Children of Uruguay

Children of Uruguay Uruguay boasts one of the lowest poverty rates and the third-highest GDP in Latin America, yet despite its relative success, the government continues to fail its most vulnerable citizens. Children from low-income households face danger at every turn — sexual exploitation, food insecurity, homelessness, violence and child labor. While Uruguayan policy has begun to address these preventable and amenable injustices, it has yet to achieve the necessary depth of impact to create lasting, sustainable change for the children of Uruguay.

Poverty and Displacement

An underprivileged child in Uruguay faces immense distress in their critical developmental years, which can potentially cause irreparable, lifelong damage. In 2020, children ages 0 to 5 were nine times more likely to live in poverty than a person more than 65. Some fall asleep in the streets to the sound of their gurgling, empty stomachs, a situation that the COVID-19 Pandemic exacerbated. Amid the outbreak, hundreds of Uruguayan families lost their homes; some took refuge in emergency shelters, while others had no choice but to camp along hazardous roadsides.

Adolescent Vulnerability and Government Efforts

Displaced and houseless families could no longer afford nutritious food. Their children, left to fend for themselves, fell subject to acutely precarious situations. In 2018, an estimated 45% of prisoners in Uruguay were adolescents, primarily young men caught in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and sexual exploitation. Juvenile detention centers, where many of these adolescents end up, offer no respite from tumultuous lives at home; in fact, conditions may be far worse, exposing kids to torture and extreme isolation. While the government has attempted to instate more scrupulous child abuse detection tools, their effort has not gone far enough. In 2016, Uruguay attempted to crack down on child abuse at its borders, which was largely fruitless. 

Humanitarian Organizations and Child Protection

Fortunately, humanitarian groups like UNICEF have been instrumental in Uruguay’s fight against childhood poverty and abuse. With the support of UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Development, the government has strengthened its protection and support for migrant children, adolescents and families through the 24-hour Casa Trampolín care center. Furthermore, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF provides reliable access to clean water in Uruguay and other countries through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program.

Moving Forward

As Uruguay enhances its child protection services, UNICEF plays a critical role as a key partner. The organization has collaborated with the government to develop and implement a policy aimed at adolescent mental health. Additionally, UNICEF is working with the Protection of Children and Adolescents against Violence to relaunch training strategies based on the national model for addressing violence against children and adolescents. These ongoing efforts aim to protect numerous children in Uruguay from abuse and suffering.

– Natalie Kaufman

Natalie is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Remedy for Period Poverty in Ghana Fosters Circular Economy

Remedy for Period Poverty Fosters Circular Economy in GhanaPeriod poverty, a significant issue in Ghana, describes the inability of women to afford menstrual products, which can significantly impact various aspects of their lives. The absence of basic sanitary needs often prevents individuals from attending work or school, adversely affecting the prospects of low-income individuals. Young girls are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of period poverty, which often prevents them from attending school. Girls who lack the financial resources to buy sanitary products may miss up to a week of school each month. This amounts to about a fifth of their school year annually. Ghana’s sustainable solution to period poverty aims to create an economically beneficial circular economy.

Taxation and Economic Burden

In Ghana, period poverty is exacerbated by some of the highest taxation rates on menstrual hygiene products in the world. The Ghana Revenue Authority classifies these products as Finished Goods– otherwise known as final consumer goods, subjecting them to a 20% import tax plus a 15% Value Added Tax.

Research indicates that the average minimum wage for women in Ghana is about $26 a month, while period products can cost between $3 and $7 for just eight pads. This means that out of every 80 cedis earned, 11 cedis are spent solely on menstrual products. This calculation does not consider the number of family members these women need to support with essentials like water, food and clothing. Additionally, families often have more than one member who menstruates, compounding the financial burden, as the 80 to 11 ratio applies to each menstruating individual.

Despite the high rates of period poverty in countries like Ghana, communities and advocates are actively working to address these ongoing challenges and alleviate the financial strain that menstrual products impose on women.

Kodu Technology’s Innovative Solution

Kodu Technology, an organization focused on eradicating period poverty in rural communities through eco-friendly products, actively works to ease the stress of menstruation using banana fibers.

Umar Farouk Mubraka, Co-Founder of Kodu, explains how the company initially intended to make paper from banana fiber. During its research, it discovered that banana and plantain fibers have high absorption capabilities, leading to the development of a new type of sanitary pad. This innovation utilizes by-products from the agricultural industry, fostering a circular economy that benefits local farmers and minimizes waste. Farouk added, “{this project is} positioned as a catalyst for positive environmental and socio-economic change,” in addition to helping the economy and proactively working against poverty. 

Farouk, born in Wa, a town in the Upper West Region of Ghana, is a licensed nutritionist who dedicates her time to facilitating this circular economy and alleviating period poverty. In 2023, Kodu received more than $8,000 after winning the Circular Economy Competition. Circular economies are increasingly seen as a guiding principle in today’s world, helping to generate economic revenue in impoverished nations and sustainably reusing materials to benefit the environment.

Looking Ahead

Ghana’s innovative approach to addressing period poverty through sustainable practices exemplifies the potential for creating impactful change. Initiatives like eco-friendly menstrual products made from locally sourced materials are making menstrual hygiene more accessible and affordable. These ongoing efforts contribute not only to improving the lives of women and girls but also to fostering economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

– Hailey Nurry

Hailey is based in PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Fight Against HIV and AIDS in Burundi

HIV and AIDS in BurundiBurundi faces a significant health challenge, being one of the countries most impacted by HIV and AIDS. Currently, about 2.9% of the population is HIV positive, a crisis intensified by high poverty levels and population density. HIV disproportionately affects different groups within the country. Women and marginalized communities experience higher infection rates, with prevalence rates of 1.2% among women compared to 0.6% among men. Despite these daunting statistics, ongoing efforts provide a hopeful perspective on tackling this health crisis.

Baho Mbeho

The International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), affiliated with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, has been active in Burundi’s fight against HIV and AIDS. In 2023, ICAP launched “Baho Mbeho,” which means “you live, I live” in Kirundi, a native language of Burundi. This program is part of a broader international effort to curb HIV transmission, focusing significantly on urban centers, including Bujumbura, Burundi’s former capital.

The Baho Mbeho plan is set to enhance 161 health facilities over 5 years, employing a human-centric strategy. This initiative engages community organizations to assist health workers, expanding access to essential treatments. With a focus on prevention, the program aims to identify and manage new HIV cases early, a method proven effective in curbing the disease’s spread. It targets testing 141,000 people for HIV, providing a crucial service poised to prevent numerous infections and save many lives. Additionally, the program commits to delivering antiretroviral therapy to pregnant women, significantly reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Other International Aid

The campaign to control HIV and AIDS has garnered significant attention from African nations. Members of Parliament from Bahrain, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda and Chad have proposed strategies to enhance disease transmission prevention. Their recommendations include implementing gender-sensitive policies, expanding outreach to marginalized communities and improving care systems for children orphaned by AIDS. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has actively coordinated the nation’s response, integrating the advice to better address how the disease impacts children.

Organizations such as Expertise France and ANSS have engaged in initiatives to support young people in combating HIV. These ongoing efforts include providing resources for early disease detection through screening and prevention programs. Additionally, they focus on education to challenge and reduce harmful stigmas associated with HIV, aiming to dismantle pervasive stereotypes not only in Burundi but globally.

The National Association for the Support of HIV-Positive People (ANSS) plays a pivotal role in combating HIV and AIDS in Burundi. The organization enhances screening services in Bujumbura and provides support by accompanying individuals to screening and treatment appointments.

A Hopeful Future

Despite significant challenges, Burundi is making promising strides in its fight against HIV and AIDS. This nation, one of the poorest and the second-most densely populated in Africa, deals with severe public health issues, worsened by prolonged civil conflict. However, through focused efforts by both the local government and international partners, Burundi is on track to become the first French-speaking African country to effectively control the spread of HIV. This achievement is highlighted by rising treatment rates and expanded educational campaigns, suggesting that the battle against HIV and AIDS in Burundi might indeed be winnable.

– Molly Ralph

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

Photo: Flickr

,

Child Marriage in Georgia: An Ongoing National Issue

Child Marriage in GeorgiaIn the nation of Georgia, 14% of girls are married before the age of 18. Mountainous regions where religious minorities exist, as well as the province of Kvemo Kartli, have especially high rates of child marriage. However, it exists all over the country.

The Reasons for Its Prevalence

Child marriage stems from a variety of social issues, one being gender inequality. In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reported that there was a 35% pay gap between men and women in Georgia. Because of this inequality, there is immense social pressure to get married in order to be financially secure. A survey conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2018 “indicated that 27% of women between the ages of 20-49 who were married before the age of 18 are in the poorest index quintile.”

Furthermore, culturally, child marriage is believed to legitimize child pregnancy and pre-marital sex. Bride kidnapping is another reason for child marriage in Georgia that is not to be overlooked. Typically, this is an arranged marriage whereby the female is kidnapped and taken to a remote location where she is forced to marry. Between January and September of 2020, there were 34 reported cases of bride kidnapping in Georgia.

Effects of Forced Marriages

Many of these forced child marriages result in domestic and sexual abuse. In 2018, one in seven women experienced domestic violence in Georgia. A particular study by the United Nations (U.N.) Women also emphasized that 9% of women have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.

Solutions

In 2014, the Criminal Code was reformed to outlaw forced child marriage. However, there are still loopholes in the law. For instance, weddings can take place in remote areas and families may delay registering the marriage until the individuals involved are 18 years old. Nevertheless, there has been some progress in recent years. With the rise of social media, hundreds of thousands of women have united to raise awareness about domestic and sexual abuse. It has become more widely accepted to report violence and abuse because of social media and global awareness.

In 2020, Equality Now, an international women’s rights organization, published an article called “Courage: Survivors of Child Marriage Share Their Stories.” The article shared the stories of seven women who escaped child and forced marriages in Georgia. One of the women, Tami, was able to avoid a child marriage at the age of 16. She confided in her teachers and friends about the arranged marriage and they reported it to the authorities. Tami now lives independently and encourages other women to speak up for themselves. She went on to say, “If they remain silent, no one will ever know about their stories.”

Final Remark

Social awareness campaigns can help prevent child marriage in Georgia. These campaigns can educate the public about the harmful effects of child marriage. Additionally, they can challenge traditional norms and cultural beliefs that perpetuate the practice. Campaigns can also emphasize the importance of girls’ education and empowerment. By doing so, they can help reduce the prevalence of child marriage and protect the rights and well-being of girls in the country.

– Madeline Rozmus

Madeline is based in Greenwich, CT, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr