Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Baby Formula Procurement in Haiti

Baby Formula Procurement in HaitiIt is well-documented that breastfeeding is one of the safest ways to feed a newborn infant. There are wide-ranging benefits to naturally breastfeeding children, the mother and the infant. The act of breastfeeding is connected to protecting a child against life-threatening diseases. It supports healthy brain development and prevents many chronic maternal and childhood illnesses. This in turn can avoid costs of healthcare down the road.

Breastfeeding can be the difference between life and death for newborn infants in developing countries that suffer from widespread malnutrition. So, when a mother cannot produce milk naturally, it can increase the likelihood of child malnutrition and mortality.

Challenges Obtaining BMS

In countries like Haiti, obtaining essential food can be challenging, let alone breast milk substitutes (BMS). Hence, it is crucial for governments and organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to ensure the proper allocation of funds for incentives that promote the heightened procurement of essential BMS.

Recently, UNICEF has taken a significant step forward by updating its guidance on the “Procurement and Use of Breast Milk Substitutes in Humanitarian Settings.” This revision has prompted policy changes. It includes a strategic emphasis on supporting infants below 6 in areas with high humanitarian needs.

Haiti

Haiti is a case study that UNICEF has highlighted directly in a recent report on the issues surrounding the importance of baby formula procurement. In 2021, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, resulting in the deaths of 2,200 people and an estimated 650,000 citizens in need of humanitarian assistance.

In relation to a report conducted by the “Haiti Demographic Health Survey'” (DHS) in 2016-17, only 40% of infants aged below 6 months were exclusively breastfed. For comparison, 25% were bottle-fed. Among all children between 6-23 months of age, only 25% received a diet that met the minimum dietary diversity, which means a diet containing all four food groups. Moreover, just 11% of these children received a minimum acceptable diet. It’s important to note that this data was retrieved before the disaster.

After the disaster, many children who were not breastfed were considered at a very high risk. This was mainly due to the damaged water systems. The deaths of many parents left their children particularly vulnerable. In addition, the death of a breastfeeding mother puts significant strain on the nutritional well-being of her child. As a result, there is now greater concern about the increased malnutrition and death rates among these infant demographics.

UNICEF’s Response in Haiti

UNICEF achieved an early response immediately after the earthquake. This was achieved with high levels of cooperation from the Haitian government, detailing a precise nutrition plan a week after the disaster. The organization’s BMS procurement was swift and, due to internal quality checks, allowed for the distribution of high-quality BMS and RUIF (Ready to Use Infant Formula). Extensive training was also provided to health care workers to ensure that mothers, caregivers and infants had the proper support.

However, despite these achievements, some key challenges that UNICEF recognizes need to be addressed. Despite a swift response, some BMS distribution delay was encountered due to shipping constraints. A notable security situation in Port-au-Prince delayed the training of healthcare workers at the national level. UNICEF outlines in its report many of these challenges so that they can be analyzed and solutions implemented. The report not only chronicles the life-saving interventions that UNICEF makes in countries like Haiti, which desperately need humanitarian aid but also highlights the importance of baby formula procurement in Haiti and across the developing world.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Improving Primary School Teaching Deployment in Zambia

Improving Primary School Teaching Deployment in Zambia A recent United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report highlights Zambia’s significant strides in expanding its education system. However, in the same report, the organization outlines that improvements to education quality have not kept pace in the same way. The country faces a teacher shortage, exacerbated by unequal teacher distribution. Improving teaching deployment in Zambia therefore seems to be of the utmost priority in ensuring an improvement in overall education quality.

The Government of Zambia has made the strengthening of recruitment and placement of teachers a key priority within the Ministry of Education (MoE). As such it has committed to the deployment of tens of thousands of new teachers across the country.

Key findings of the report

UNICEF outlines key findings during its analysis of the current education system of Zambia:

  • Inequitable Distribution of Teachers. The inequitable distribution of teachers contributes to significant disparities in learning conditions and class sizes. The data concludes that larger class sizes are associated with a more negative performance for students at the Grade 7 level.
  • Teachers Allocation. Teacher distribution across Zambia suffers both nationally and locally. While national data examines teacher allocation in large provinces, a closer look at individual districts reveals a more severe problem. Approximately one-quarter of all districts face significant teacher shortages, with pupil-to-teacher ratios reaching 80:1, double the MoE’s target. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to balance teacher distribution and address educational inequalities.
  • Gender-equitable education Access. Remote and rural schools experience severe teacher shortages, with an even more acute scarcity of female teachers. This shortage significantly impacts gender-equitable education access, as UNICEF emphasizes the crucial role of female educators in encouraging the enrollment, retention and education of girls.
  • Pupil-to-teacher ratios (PTRs). Disparities in pupil-to-teacher ratios (PTRs) exacerbate inequities across different grades within schools, notably disadvantaging younger children. The report indicates that lower grades experience significantly higher PTRs compared to higher grades, undermining the quality of teaching for younger students. This disparity severely impacts the development of foundational learning skills at a critical stage in a child’s educational journey.
  • Primary School Teaching Deployment. The Zambian government, recognizing the critical issue of primary school teacher deployment, has taken steps through the Ministry of Education to address it. In 2022, it allocated 30,496 additional teachers and committed to increasing this number in the coming years to meet educational needs.

Recommendations for Policymakers

UNICEF has also outlined some key recommendations for dealing with the problems associated with the key findings of its report:

  • Localized Data. Use localized data in decision-making rather than broader data sourced from the provinces. This will in turn give a more realistic picture of the primary school teaching deployment in Zambia.
  • Teacher Recruitment and Retention. Give greater priority to teacher recruitment and retention in rural Zambia. This can be done by strengthening financial incentives for prospective teachers as well as addressing the physical constraints of living a more remote life.
  • Female Teachers. Address the lack of female teachers in rural areas by encouraging these teachers to move to remote areas by improving safety and security, difficulties in mobility as well as hygiene and sanitation needs. These measures may only be mitigated by additional investment in school infrastructure.
  • Teacher Deployment. Prioritize teacher deployment in the earlier grades by providing policy guidance for the school leaders and incentivizing teachers to spend more time in these classes.
  • Localized Teacher Transfers. Ensure that teacher transfers are localized to districts rather than across the country. This will ensure an equalized teaching standard for that district as well as reduce the risk of displacing teachers, increasing the likelihood of them staying at their assigned schools.
  • Local Authorities. Decentralizing educational powers empowers local actors and community members to be heavily involved in local schooling. These people will have greater one-to-one knowledge of teachers, parents and children and can tailor their needs and preferences. This personalized experience will ensure much better on-the-ground decision-making when it comes to teacher transfers and compliance.

Looking Forward

The Zambian government estimates a need for more than 115,000 more teachers to serve primary-level students adequately. UNICEF hopes its report and recommendations will support the country’s efforts to meet this critical demand for teaching deployment in Zambia.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Vietnam

Poverty in VietnamAccording to research, 37% of children in Vietnam live in poverty. This stark disparity becomes even more pronounced when compared with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) findings, highlighting that only 10% of children in Vietnam benefit from cash transfers or assistance. This staggering statistic underscores the alarming gap in essential cash support for many of the child population. Mainly disconcerting is the situation faced by ethnic minority children residing in rural areas, who confront age-specific risks such as malnutrition.

Poverty in Vietnam

While Vietnam has dramatically reduced its malnutrition rate since 2004, an unfinished agenda remains. While making strides, the present social protection system reveals inherent gaps in cohesiveness, marked by limited coverage and benefits lacking in progressiveness and child sensitivity. As a result, the system cannot address the multiple disadvantages and vulnerabilities affecting children’s well-being.

Reports on development in Vietnam highlight a noteworthy disparity in poverty rates between the majority of Kinh people, constituting more than 88% of the population and ethnic minorities, comprising less than 15%. The poverty rate among the Kinh population in Vietnam stands at a mere 2.9%, showcasing a relatively favorable economic situation. However, a stark contrast emerges among ethnic minorities, where nearly half grapple with the harsh realities of poverty.

Social Protection

For decades, UNICEF has been steadfast in its mission to advance the rights and well-being of the world’s most marginalized and excluded children. This  includes those with disabilities. With a dedicated commitment to securing the full realization of their human rights, UNICEF strives to create environments that uphold quality and inclusiveness. The organization is committed to its pursuit of a world where children, irrespective of disabilities, can thrive, liberated from the shackles of discrimination, stigma, exclusion and violence.

In alignment with this vision, UNICEF actively supports governments, notably in developing child-sensitive social protection systems. This strategic involvement seeks to lay the foundation for a framework that not only safeguards the rights of every child but also addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by those with disabilities.

Children with disabilities are one of the most excluded and marginalized groups. They often face multiple challenges in realizing their human rights. However, UNICEF, through its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS) initiative, has committed to “delivering disability-inclusive support and services for children in their communities,” including those in Vietnam. In 2022, the initiative reached 4.5 million children with disabilities across 142 nations, ensuring “every child has the support they need to be healthy, educated, respected and protected.”

Final Remark

Inclusion of all children with disabilities is one of the goals to achieve sustainable development. To achieve this objective, it is imperative to fortify legal, policy and institutional frameworks when embarking on national social protection reforms, using universal and life-cycle approaches. This strategic approach ensures that the diverse needs of children at different stages of life are comprehensively addressed. The work of UNICEF in Vietnam has led to the development of a child protection system that serves the interests of all children, particularly the most vulnerable.

– An Tran
Photo: Unsplash

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Aid Organizations in the Middle East

Aid Organizations in the Middle EastA region of rich history and political unrest, though renowned for its vast oil reserves and natural gas, poverty is a harsh reality that many face. This article explores aid organizations in the Middle East dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and alleviating poverty.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)

Since 1971, more than AED 52.7 billion has been donated to finance projects in Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The headquarters are in Abu Dhabi, and the central focus is to help such countries reach sustainable growth and reduce poverty. ADFD values include cooperativeness, creativity, competency and commitment.

One way the ADFD helps is through renewable energy, it has an allegiance with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to promote the widespread use of renewable energy. ADFD is also a provider of sovereign loans that meet the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The ADFD Success Story in Egypt

Egypt is one example of a poor nation in the Middle East, and has been a key focus of ADFD since 1974. Its capital Cairo has faced big issues with overpopulation. To curb these struggles, ADFD helped to construct a new city, named Sheikh Zayed City in Egypt in 1995. It provided Egypt with a grant of AED 735 million to facilitate this, and the city now attracts a plethora of tourists from all over the world. More than 70 projects in Egypt including sectors such as agriculture, electricity and water, social and health services, housing, industrial and transportation have been supported by ADFD. Egypt has received a total of AED 4 billion in total aid from ADFD till now.

Project Hope

Since its formation in 1958, Project Hope has worked alongside the Middle East to build skills among citizens and provide humanitarian care for refugees residing in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. It works on the front lines by partnering with health care workers and health facilities, as well as working with public health systems to make long-term changes.

Project Hope Success Story in Syria

Syria’s civil war has been one of the world’s most renowned humanitarian crises. More than 12 million people are suffering from food insecurity since 2011, and millions are internally displaced.

In addition to war, climate shocks have contributed to poverty in Syria. In 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck, killing around 6,000 Syrians and wounding many. After mere hours of the earthquake, Project HOPE activated its Emergency Response Team to provide essential items to those affected, despite difficulties due to the aftershock. HOPE has implemented personnel on the grounds to harmonize a long-term humanitarian response in these surrounding regions.

Project HOPE has teamed with local committees to implement shelter, mental health, mobile medical unit (MMU) and WASH programs. It has identified immense MHPSS [Mental health and psychosocial support] needs for survivors dealing with the long-term impacts of trauma. In northwest Syria, Project HOPE is supporting the nonprofit organization Sened Dernegi in efforts to provide MHPSS post-earthquake destruction.

It has also partnered with Syrian Relief and Development. It supports two mobile medical units in Azaz and Daret Azza districts in Syria. Each unit offers consultations to citizens, whether internally displaced or host residents. Services include reproductive and pediatric health care and nonspecialized mental health care integration. 8412 consultations were offered between March and June 2023 to the earthquake survivors.

Looking Ahead

These aid organizations in the Middle East are setting the tone for a brighter future. Investing in the Middle East is important, as geopolitical conflict has affected levels of tourism, which was once heavily relied on by these regions. Even outside of the main crisis states, such as Syria, Libya and Yemen, poverty remains through the aftermath such as sanctions and fewer investments.

– Sepy Akbarian
Photo: Unsplash

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Ukraine Promotes Human Welfare

Ukraine Promotes Human WelfareIn March 2024, the Grain from Ukraine initiative, launched by President Zelenskyy in 2022, contributed 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour to Sudan. This human welfare effort, facilitated by the German Federal Foreign Office, underscores Ukraine’s commitment to humanitarian assistance. The German Federal Foreign Office funded the operation with a $16 million investment, aligning its mission and humanitarian efforts with the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

In addition, the German Federal Foreign Office bases its actions on key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles emphasize the importance of aiding individuals based on their needs without influence from political, military, economic, or other agendas, ensuring assistance is purely humanitarian.

Engineering the Donation

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the German Federal Foreign Office and the Grain from Ukraine program all maintain political neutrality in their donation efforts. Above all, its primary goal is saving lives and alleviating suffering through humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to underscore the importance of foreign aid and advocacy from one nation to another, focusing on the critical need for continued support.

Data Determines Need

The IPC is a multi-partner program that works to improve food security and perform nutrition analysis. This program analyzes situations of need, adheres to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) process and shares data. Data from the IPC is then utilized by the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The decision-makers like the IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) and HRP use this information to address the situation of food insecurity.

Furthermore, the IPC uses five categories to identify areas of need: minimal/none, stressed, crisis, emergency and catastrophe/famine. The category designation guides decision-makers in prioritizing assistance and intervention efforts on global, regional, or national levels.

Improving Human Welfare

More than 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are facing a severe food security crisis. In Sudan alone, 5 million out of 18 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In addition, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that a shipment of 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour will provide a month’s sustenance for one million people. Arriving in Port Sudan, this wheat flour, distributed by WFP trucks, is crucial for families, especially during May’s “lean season” when food scarcity intensifies.

Moreover, Eddie Rowe became WFP’s Country Director for Sudan in March 2021, overseeing Emergency and Natural Disaster operations, including in Sudan. Rowe expressed, “This donation will enable WFP to support people whose lives have been completely upended. We are deeply grateful to Ukraine and Germany for supporting the Sudanese people in their greatest hour of need.”

Looking Forward

The Grain from Ukraine initiative, backed by the German Federal Foreign Office, is a beacon of hope for millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad. Through collaborative international efforts, this program not only provides essential sustenance but also embodies the spirit of human welfare and solidarity across borders. The commitment to neutrality and impartiality ensures that aid reaches those most in need, free from external agendas.

Above all, as these endeavors progress, they highlight the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in addressing global hunger crises. The partnership between nations like Ukraine and Germany, alongside organizations such as the WFP, sets a precedent for future humanitarian collaborations. Looking ahead, the continued support and generosity of the international community remain vital in combating hunger and building a more secure, nourished world.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr

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Maternal Mortality in Burundi

Maternal Mortality in Burundi Burundi is an Eastern African country that is home to 13,477,247 people. In 2000, the rate of maternal mortality in Burundi was 874 deaths per 100,000 births. However, in 2020, that number dropped to 494 deaths per 100,000 births. Hence, this article explores why it is dangerous for women to give birth in Burundi and changes made to help decrease the deaths by 45%.

Maternal Mortality in Burundi: Risks and Barriers

Out of 1,000 girls ages 15-19, only 54 of those girls gave birth in Burundi in 2021. Girls who give birth between 15-19 are at a much greater risk for postpartum hemorrhaging, poor fetal growth, eclampsia, severe preeclampsia and fetal distress. Moreover, some reasons girls get pregnant young are because of poor communities, adolescent illiteracy, early marriage and lack of knowledge of any contraceptive methods. Unfortunately, the high number of girls ages 15-19 giving birth in Burundi contributes to the high number of maternal deaths.

Furthermore, pregnant women who are infected with HIV are at an increased risk for stillbirths, preterm labor, bacterial pneumonia, abortion, low birth weight babies and urinary tract infections, all of which can lead to a high rate of maternal mortality in Burundi. Moreover, women do not have access to adequate birth and health centers, here are three main reasons why mothers lack access:

  1. Cost. Many mothers do not have the funds to be able to afford proper care. Oftentimes, if a mother does go to a clinic, she will walk away with a bill that she cannot pay. This leads to her having to sell a portion of her crops, land, or livestock. In some instances, mothers may be imprisoned, making it difficult to care for their bodies or their children.
  2. Travel Difficulties. Many women do not have birth or health centers close by. This leads to them having to travel and in case of an emergency, they may not get there in time.
  3. Trained Health Care Workers. Many health centers do not have trained health care workers. This leads to inexperience and a lack of knowledge.

In addition, it can be very hard for mothers to get the care they need if they cannot afford it, cannot travel to it, or if health centers do not have trained health care workers. This leads to a higher maternal mortality rate in the nation.

3 Organizations Reducing Maternal Mortality in Burundi

  1. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF focuses on improving maternal mortality in Burundi. In addition, the organization provides services such as health system strengthening, immunization, malaria prevention and treatment. Additionally, they provide training of health workers, emergency neonatal and obstetrical care, community-level pregnancy follow-up and referral, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and iCCM that bring care close to populations in need.
  2. Concern Worldwide USA. This organization is working to improve access to quality health care in Burundi. Moreover, pregnant girls and women in Burundi need access to the proper care while they are pregnant and also after they give birth. Concern Worldwide USA is striving to give Burundi women proper care.
  3. Pathfinder. Pathfinder aims to strengthen the health system. This is achieved by improving health system resilience to shocks and stressors, providing essential interventions and home-based care for malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia.

Looking Forward

Burundi is making strides toward improving maternal health, thanks to the concerted efforts of organizations like UNICEF, Concern Worldwide USA and Pathfinder. Moreover, these groups are not only enhancing access to quality health care but are also empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to tackle maternal mortality head-on. Above all, as these initiatives continue to expand and evolve, there is a growing sense of optimism that Burundi can further reduce maternal mortality rates, paving the way for healthier futures for mothers and their children.

– Abby Trussell
Photo: Unsplash

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Hydropower Plants Light Up Northern Pakistan’s Path Out of Poverty

Hydropower Plants Light Up Northern Pakistan's Path Out of PovertyIn the heart of Pakistan, where rural areas often face a lack of infrastructure and limited access to amenities like electricity, exacerbating poverty, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has become a beacon of hope. Established in 1982, AKRSP aims at fostering sustainable development and empowering marginalized communities. Furthermore, among its transformative projects are hydropower plants, which illuminate the path out of poverty for Northern Pakistan’s rural communities, ensuring access to reliable electricity and promoting economic growth.

Comprehensive Community-Led Development

AKRSP primarily focuses its efforts on rural regions of Pakistan, spanning provinces such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. It employs a comprehensive approach to community-led development and support projects in agriculture and food security, early childhood development, credit and savings, community infrastructure development and education. Moreover, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme commemorates 40 years of community-led development in Pakistan.

Sustainable Energy Solutions in Chitral

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has installed 148 micro-hydropower plants in Chitral, addressing the area’s significant electricity access challenges. These run-of-the-river systems, which do not require large reservoirs, harness the natural flow of rivers and lakes to generate sustainable energy. Moreover, water is diverted from rivers and channeled to turbines through penstocks and the movement of turbines generates electricity, distributing power to local communities and improving their access to basic needs. This initiative exemplifies a sustainable approach to enhancing rural electrification and living standards.

Local Empowerment and Global Recognition

Part of these installations is getting the local communities involved in running the plants and putting them in control of their own long-term prosperity and energy creation. Furthermore, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) received a global award for a sustainable rural electrification project in Pakistan and it plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation in Chitral, providing access to electricity for 49% of the population. In addition, AKRSP empowers local communities to engage in income-generating activities.

Social and Economic Benefits of Hydropower Plants

The School for International Training’s study highlighted the positive social and economic impacts of micro-hydropower plants. With the newfound electricity access, communities have seen behavioral changes through television viewing, leading to personal development improvements. Additionally, the switch to hydropower from kerosene has resulted in financial savings for families, enabling investment in new activities and business ventures and further catalyzing community growth and prosperity.

Hydropower Plants: Empowering Rural Communities

The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) stands as a testament to the power of community-driven and NGO-backed development can significantly uplift rural areas in Pakistan. Furthermore, by focusing on sustainable hydropower projects, AKRSP not only provides reliable energy but also encourages economic growth and environmental stewardship. Moreover, the initiative’s success highlights the importance of aligning development goals with community needs and aspirations.

In addition, as AKRSP moves forward, its model serves as a blueprint for similar endeavors globally, aiming to achieve sustainable progress and equity. Above all, through continued dedication to empowering rural communities, the organization is helping to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more sustainable future in Pakistan.

– Emily Shapiro
Photo: Unsplash

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6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023 While acknowledging the need for continued progress worldwide, it’s also crucial to recognize significant advances. Moreover, the year 2023 was noteworthy for global health achievements, particularly marking strides away from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s to celebrating six notable global health advancements from 2023.

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate

  1. Disease Elimination. There was an unprecedented amount of disease elimination across the world in 2023, according to WHO. Some examples include Gambinese human African trypanosomiasis in Ghana – a life-threatening sleeping sickness that had threatened rural and impoverished communities. Fortunately, Benin and Mali succeeded in eliminating trachoma, a disease of the eye that can lead to irreversible blindness.
  2. COVID-19 No Longer a Global Health Emergency. After 13.3 billion vaccination doses worldwide and a review of the generally high levels of immunity and the declining COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations, the WHO’s emergency committee declared COVID-19 to no longer be a global health emergency. As a result, this is among the most significant global health achievements in 2023 as the world moves forward from the years of the pandemic.
  3. Bangladesh Triumphs over Kala-Azar. In 2023, Bangladesh eliminated visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, a huge achievement for the country. Caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female sand fly, if left untreated the disease has a survival rate of just 5%. Wiping out kala-azar on a national scale is a significant step forward for Bangladeshi public health.
  4. Egypt Paves the Way for Beating Hepatitis C. Egypt became the world’s leading country in eliminating Hepatitis C in 2023. A virus affecting the liver, that if untreated can lead to serious and possibly fatal damage. Furthermore, Egypt officially achieved the gold tier level in tackling the disease and is collaborating with the Africa CDC (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) to help other Member States achieve similar results.
  5. Adoption of the Rabat Declaration. The 2023 Rabat Declaration pledged to improve migrant and refugee access to health care. Countries adopting the declaration will work to improve the health of migrants and refugees. They advocate for their health care to be included in the national policy of host countries, highlighting the right of every individual to have access to health care. Above all, this declaration is a huge global health achievement. It marks a big step forward in the protection and care of millions of vulnerable people across the world.
  6. The ‘Big Catch-Up’ for Childhood Vaccination. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless children are behind on their routine vaccinations. This has caused vital immunization levels to decrease in more than 100 countries. This has led to a worrying rise in diseases such as measles, polio and yellow fever in children. However, the WHO aims to return essential vaccination levels to pre-pandemic standards. In addition, the WHO announced the ‘Big Catch-Up’ in 2023, working to restore health care workforces and rebuild the trust and understanding in childhood vaccination – to protect as many children and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Looking Ahead

For many, 2023 was the year that started to feel like the world was no longer in the grips of a global pandemic. The first steps being made back to normality. As COVID-19 began to no longer be such a pressing concern, countries were able to turn their focus to tackling other diseases and health care concerns. Consequently, great global health achievements were seen last year. There is hope that with continued efforts and support, there may be many more advancements and milestones reached across the world in 2024.

– Rose Williams
Photo: Unsplash

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How a USAID Program Is Protecting Fisheries in Ghana

Fisheries in GhanaIn Ghana, sustainable management of fisheries plays a crucial role not only in preserving the Ghanaian environment but also in reducing poverty. Ghana is situated in West Africa along the Atlantic coast and has significant poverty levels. As of 2023, 27% of Ghanaians live below the international poverty line and anticipated projections suggest that this figure may increase due to the economic crisis that began in 2022. Consequently, coastal communities have an escalating reliance on Ghanaian fisheries as fishing becomes a primary source of sustenance and employment.

Given this scenario, initiatives like the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) are instrumental in sustainably combating poverty in Ghana while safeguarding the fisheries crucial to the livelihoods of many.

Sustainable Fisheries Management for Poverty Alleviation

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds GFRA in partnership with the Ghanaian government. A five-year program launched in 2021 aims to mitigate the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries like sardines, mackerel and anchovies by establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. Sustainably managing these fisheries and preventing overfishing is crucial for protecting marine ecosystem biodiversity. Similarly, maintaining a source of employment and food for coastal Ghanaian communities alleviates poverty.

Approach To Sustainable Fisheries Management

The USAID-funded program employs a diverse approach to sustainable fisheries management. Tetra Tech, an engineering and consulting firm, administers the program, which focuses on water, environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy and international development. It adopts a multifaceted strategy in eco-friendly fishing management.

Since the program’s inception, one measure implemented has supported establishing a Marine Protected Zone (MPA) in Ghanaian waters. This zone restricts fishing activities within its boundaries and is slated for establishment by the Ghanaian government by 2025. Additionally, the Government of Ghana has committed to mandating the monitoring of all fishing vessels. They ensure compliance with regulations and preserve the health and sustainability of these fisheries.

USAID Bolsters Funding for Ghana Fisheries Program

Amid the declining state of Ghana’s economy since the initiation of GFRA, USAID has taken proactive measures by injecting an additional $6 million in 2023 into the program. This initiative indicates a significant 33% increase, elevating the program’s budget from $17.8 million to $23.8 million. The increased financing has gone toward joint projects with the Ghanaian government and projects meant to diversify the economies of coastal communities away from fishing.

These programs aim to lessen Ghanaians’ excessive reliance on coastal fishing for subsistence, focusing on empowering women and youth. This strategic shift aims to enhance fisheries’ health and bolsters these communities’ economic resilience in adversity.

Moreover, GFRA funding extends to bolstering Ghanaian partners involved in the project. It includes support for organizations like Hεn Mpoano, a Ghanaian nonprofit dedicated to coastal regulation. The Centre for Coastal Management – Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR) established a partnership to support ecological recovery at the University of Cape Coast. These partners will be pivotal in spearheading training programs and conducting research essential to the project’s success.

Conclusion

Collaborating organizations from the United States (U.S.) and Ghana are actively pursuing the GFRA’s mission to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries. They are focused on sustaining local communities nutritionally and economically in the long term. As this program persists amid Ghana’s enduring economic challenges, anticipation builds regarding its transformative impact on its economy, poverty rates and environmental well-being.

– Lyle Seeligson
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Addressing Sanitation in Overcrowded South Sudan Transit Centers

Addressing Sanitation in Overcrowded South Sudan Transit Centers On 29 February 2024, Oxfam warned of the increasing threat of outbreaks of diseases due to overcrowded South Sudan transit centers. Amid Sudan’s conflict fallout, Renk transit centers in South Sudan are bursting at the seams, accommodating more than half a million displaced individuals, three times its capacity. With more than 300 people sharing one water tap, Oxfam raises the alarm over heightened cholera risk due to inadequate sanitation.

Escalation of the Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan

Since its civil war, South Sudan has been an epicenter of humanitarian crises. Extreme violence and food insecurity have left an estimated number of 9.4 million civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. Last year’s conflict in Sudan, which emerged in April, exacerbated existing problems, also encumbering overcrowded South Sudan transit centers. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported 920 violent incidents in three months in 2023, resulting in 405 deaths and more than 600 injuries and abductions. More than 300,000 refugees fled to South Sudan, encountering severe conditions in transit centers.

Overcrowded South Sudan Transit Centers

This crisis worsens the existing cholera challenges in overcrowded transit centers in South Sudan, with 1027 prior cases, prompting urgent calls for intervention to avert disease outbreaks. Currently, Renk’s transit centers, designed to accommodate 4,750 people, now house 15,000, with many more living in open areas without access to water or hygiene facilities. An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report reveals that 46% of South Sudan’s population faces high levels of acute food insecurity, underscoring the critical need for increased international humanitarian funding.

In addition, Oxfam and its partners have successfully delivered clean water and adequate sanitation to more than 70,000 individuals within overcrowded South Sudan transit centers. However, 7 million dollars is needed to expand humanitarian operations, aiming to provide life-saving food, clean water and sanitation facilities to 400,000 people.

Declining International Funding and Its Impact

International efforts have introduced sanctions against South Sudan by the EU and the United Nations Security Council to address ongoing conflicts. Despite these measures, financial contributions to humanitarian aid have seen a significant decline since 2014. In 2024, funding for South Sudan’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan drastically fell to only 3.6% from 51% in 2023, with the EU being the largest donor, contributing 49.5 million Euros.

These funding cuts threaten the execution of critical humanitarian operations within the country. Moreover, Germany leads as the primary donor for South Sudan, contributing 26.2% of the total humanitarian funding reported. In contrast, the United States (U.S.) and Canada are among the lowest contributors, with the U.S. providing only $3,826,798.

Future Prospects for South Sudan Transit Centers

The critical situation in South Sudan’s transit centers underscores a growing need for international solidarity and increased humanitarian aid. Oxfam’s efforts, alongside those of its partners, are pivotal in mitigating the immediate threats of disease and providing necessary resources to those displaced by conflict.

Despite funding challenges, the global community’s commitment to supporting South Sudan can catalyze meaningful change and offer a lifeline to millions in need. The road to recovery is steep, but with sustained support and strategic interventions, there’s hope for a healthier, more secure future for South Sudan. Every contribution, big or small, plays an essential role in building resilience against the cascading effects of humanitarian crises, marking a path toward stability and well-being in the region.

– Naomi Ronner
Photo: Flickr