Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Child Soldiers in the Central African Republic

Child Soldiers in the Central African RepublicIn June 2023, UNICEF reported that militant groups across the world recruited at least 105,000 children. The Central African Republic (CAR) constitutes a large portion of this statistic and has one of the highest numbers of child soldiers in the world.

Years of armed conflict mean the political landscape of the CAR is highly unstable. Attempts to reduce political volatility including the 2019 peace agreement, have largely been unsuccessful. UNICEF considers the exploitation of children as soldiers, as one of the worst forms of child labor damaging a child both physically and detrimentally psychologically. Here are seven facts about child soldiers in the Central African Republic.

7 Facts About Child Soldiers in the CAR

  1. The Broadness of the Term ‘Child Soldier’ – A child soldier is anyone under the age of 18 who a militant group recruits and uses in any capacity. This encompasses exploitation as messengers, cooks, spies, guards, human shields, combatants and for sexual purposes. Child soldiers in the Central African Republic are not only those involved in direct fighting.
  2. Female Child Soldiers are Silent Victims of War – In 2023, the charity Theirworld estimated that 40% of child soldiers across the world are currently girls. Male combatants predominately use them as sex slaves and refer to them as ‘wives,’ resulting in the girls suffering greater gender-based violence. This is typically less reported and therefore statistics often exclude female child soldiers rendering them silent victims in conflict. In March 2023, the World Bank reported the CAR currently has one of the largest gender inequality gaps in the world ranking 188 out of 191. Greater emphasis on the empowerment of women is necessary to reduce violence against girls and increase awareness surrounding their use as child soldiers in the Central African Republic.
  3. Child soldiers Account for the Most Common Violation Against Children – The 2022 Human Rights Council reported 647 child victims of child rights violations in the CAR which included sexual violence, illegal imprisonment and the use of children in armed conflict. The latter violation was reported as the most frequent. In 2022, the UN reported this figure had decreased since 2021. However, to minimize this statistic, a greater emphasis on preventing the recruitment and subsequent exploitation of children as soldiers is necessary.
  4. The Release of Child Soldiers is Only Half the Battle – In 2022, the UN reported the successful release of 134 child soldiers in the CAR after discussions with militant groups. However, the removal of children from violent conflict does not equate to their immediate return to normalcy. Child soldiers are highly vulnerable to re-recruitment. Stigmatization of child soldiers in the Central African Republic may lead to their alienation from society as they are deemed dangerous and even made scapegoats. This also increases their chances of re-entering conflict and even remaining in it until they are adult soldiers.
  5. Reintegration is Possible Via Entire Community Efforts – Since 2014, the organization World Vision has been active across seven different locations throughout the country. It helps child soldiers by enhancing community relationships, offering protection from violence and improving nutrition and clean water availability. Crucially, it has created child protection programs that work comprehensively with community leaders, families, law enforcement and caregivers to create a safe space for those children associated with armed groups. By 2025, it predicts that it will have improved the well-being of 2.1 million vulnerable CAR children.
  6. Neighboring Conflict Leads to a Higher Risk of Greater Child Soldiers – The recent conflict in neighboring Sudan has led to approximately 14,000 Sudanese refugees and CAR repatriates into the northeast of the country. Rebel groups largely control this area and it is outside of government control. As the number of vulnerable children residing in militant areas increases so does the risk they face of recruitment and exploitation as child soldiers in the Central African Republic. However, in June 2023, the UN reported within the first weeks of conflict beginning in Sudan, they were able to preposition 155 tons of emergency cargo in the northeast of the CAR which has provided life-saving assistance.
  7. Prevention of Child Soldiers Possible Via Reducing Conflict – The CAR ranks as one of the poorest countries in the world with real GDP growth estimated at 0% in 2022. About 71% of the CAR live below the international poverty line. Conflict is highest among countries with the lowest per capita income and economic growth.

Looking Ahead

Where conflict and violence prevail, so too will the existence of child soldiers. Therefore, greater funding to improve the CAR economy including emphasis on employment, health care and education is vital. In 2021, the World Bank reported project PACAD, designed to support committees affected by all displacement had injected approximately $12,279,000 into the local economy.

While the number of child soldiers in the Central African Republic remains critical, investments and greater funding provide life-changing relief. Aid assists by advancing the economy, providing emergency health care relief, de-radicalization and reintegration programs as well as assisting in the prevention of conflict. In the CAR, as children’s chances of exploitation in armed conflict are high, funding can provide indelible change.

– Heidi Helen Horgan
Photo: Flickr

The Gender Wage Gap in Indonesia

Gender Wage Gap in IndonesiaThe gender wage gap refers to the inequality in pay between men and women. This imbalance exists worldwide, with an average gender wage gap of 20%. In fact, for work of equal value, women globally average 77 cents for each dollar their male counterparts earn. 

A variety of factors can attribute to the gender wage gap in lower-income countries. These include social and cultural understandings of the female gender, lack of education and overall low minimum wages. According to The Journal of Indonesia Sustainable Development Planning (JISDP), the upper and middle-class wage gap is under 20%, while the lower-class gap currently stands at 28%. This is critical in developing countries like Indonesia, where this gap poses a threat to those in poverty. Here is information about the gender wage gap in Indonesia.

The Gender Wage Gap in Indonesia

Indonesia currently stands at a 23% difference in pay based on gender. Socio-cultural factors play a large role in this gap. For example, women traditionally have certain household responsibilities and are less likely to join the labor market. 

COVID-19’s Impact on the Gender Wage Gap in Indonesia

COVID-19 heavily impacted the overall job and labor market in Indonesia. Many companies experienced an overwhelming loss of demand for products, resulting in a large number of layoffs worldwide. Women also hold the most jobs in what is referred to as the “informal sector,” which happens to be the job market with the least benefits, such as health insurance and protections.

COVID-19 also heavily impacted the service industries (food, sales, accommodations, etc.), many of whose employees are women. However, it appears that more men than women experienced lay offs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as males dominated the industries that had many layoffs.

The pandemic also largely affected service industries (food, sales, accommodations, etc.), which women primarily had employment in. Women held the most jobs in what is the “informal sector.” In Indonesia, this sector also has the least number of benefits, such as health insurance and protection.

Looking Forward

Although the gender wage gap remains a persistent issue across the world, it is slowly reducing. Indonesia celebrated its first “Equal Pay Day” in 2020, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). With this celebration, Indonesia marks its commitment to reaching equal pay and human rights for women. This serves as a national reinforcement of the work of human rights organizations. 

The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) is a combination of the ILO, UN Women and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This coalition is fighting towards equal pay and gender equality in the workplace, both at a governmental level and with employers. 

Although progress may be slow, it is still progress. Globally, countries such as Indonesia are taking the necessary steps forward to finally abolish the gender wage gap. 

– Sophia Lovell
Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Water Shortages in Punjab, India

Water Shortages in PunjabPunjab is an Indian state located in the northern region of the country. Many know it for its rich culture, unique cuisine and geographical beauty. Recently, Punjabi farmers have been facing a challenge. This challenge is water shortages. Water shortages in Punjab have raised the importance of addressing the issue of water scarcity.

The Issue

Water scarcity is a harsh reality that Punjabi farmers have been facing recently. Punjab, known to many as India’s breadbasket, is home to many rice farmers who rely on water to grow their crops.

A dependency on groundwater is one of the root causes of this issue. Punjabi farmers do not have access to canal water, making groundwater their only option. According to some Punjabi farmers, groundwater was reachable at 4.5 meters deep around seven to eight years ago. As of now, it is only reachable at 21 meters. This change represents the declining groundwater level.

The country of India as a whole relies on the Punjab region for food, especially for wheat and rice. Currently, about 8% of the population lives below the poverty line. If the water scarcity issue continues to worsen, the possibility of a food shortage for the entire nation will arise.

Causes of Water Scarcity

One can attribute water shortages in Punjab to many contributing factors. One key factor is how Punjabi farmers are depleting the region’s aquifers. Water is one of the most important parts of rice and wheat cultivation, forcing farmers to find water wherever possible and acquire as much as they are able to.

The state also deals with inefficient water management systems. One issue with the water management systems is that half of the state’s canal water flows into Rajasthan, a neighboring state. Punjabi government has not been able to find a solution to this issue and farmers remain without access to canal water.

Another major issue contributing to water shortages in Punjab is the pollution of surface water. There are four main polluted stretches of Punjabi rivers. These four rivers are Ghaggar, Beas, Kali Bein and Satluj. Many industries have been emptying toxic waste into Punjabi rivers, resulting in water that is unfit for human consumption and agricultural practices. The industrialization and urbanization of the state is unfortunately accompanied by the harmful discharge of waste and sewage into Punjab’s rivers.

Addressing the Issue

One project that has emerged to assist Punjab’s crisis is a World Bank-supported plan named Hydrology II. This project introduced new technologies and opened reservoir managers’ eyes to the status of the water availability situation. New systems monitor important parts of the hydro-meteorological cycle and utilize digital gauges and sensors to measure water levels.

The Punjab government launched the Paani Bachao Paisa Kamao Scheme in 2018 to incentivize farmers to conserve water and energy. As of now, about 300 farmers are enrolled in this program. These farmers receive cash incentives to save electricity, creating 6-25% in water savings. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) runs the scheme which the state government has encouraged.

Another project working to eradicate water shortages in Punjab is the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project. This project, with funding approved in April 2021, is helping locals switch from using groundwater to surface water sources. The project focuses on two Punjabi cities, Amritsar and Ludhiana. It aims to finance water treatment plans, water pumping systems, transmission lines, etc. The predicted improvements in water supply should benefit more than 3 million people by 2026.

Looking Ahead

Solving water shortages in Punjab is essential to protect its economic stability, food security and the well-being of citizens. With agriculture as its backbone, this state’s future is dependent on water availability. Addressing this challenge will become increasingly urgent as groundwater levels continue to lower.

– Trisha Borde
Photo: Flickr

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How the Pothichoru Scheme is Reducing Poverty in Kerala

Poverty in KeralaKerala is an Indian state on the southwest Malabar Coast. Among its population of 33 million, Kerala has one of the lowest poverty rates in the country which some attribute to its leftist and progressive social policymaking. However, despite this, many still live in poverty and are unable to feed themselves and their families. Yet, since 2017, many Keralans have participated in a novel food parcel scheme called the Pothichoru scheme that has helped those in desperate need. This is how the Pothichoru scheme is reducing poverty in Kerala.

The Problem

In recent years, Kerala has made admirable strides toward eliminating poverty. According to the latest data from the World Bank, only 8% of Kerala’s population now lives below the poverty line. Much of this success is due to progressive social policy-making that has driven egalitarian land reform, registered more children in schools and made health care more widely available. Across the rest of India, in 2017, the national poverty rate stood at 10.4%.

However, despite this success, as of 2016, 84,000 families still live in extreme poverty in Kerala. For many, they have no income, no home and are unable to eat at least twice a day (three determinants of extreme poverty). Some have the added burden of caring for sick and elderly family members. This means the effects of poverty will amplify as households stretch their resources and the time available to work reduces considerably. As a result, many families are struggling to pay medical bills and generate the extra income necessary to care for their relatives. Many people are now going hungry and sleeping in abject conditions, such as on hospital benches and floors to care for relatives because they cannot afford the local accommodation.

What is the Food Parcel Scheme?

The Pothichoru or food parcel scheme is a locally organized program that began in 2017. Participating families cook an extra portion of food in their homes to provide meals for those in need. They then wrap the extra portion in a banana leaf and tie it to form a small parcel or Pothichoru before local volunteers who distribute the freshly made Pothichoru to those who are facing hardship collect them.

One can attribute the success of the Pothichoru scheme to its unique way of providing much-needed support to the poor all while keeping operational costs at a minimum. For example, apart from petrol costs (many deliveries that volunteers make by bicycle are negating this), there is no requirement for a kitchen to prepare everything and therefore no utility bills nor staff costs. As volunteers make the meals in their homes, there is only the requirement of adding extra ingredients so any extra burden on the food preparer is minimal. The use of a rota also means that participating villages and volunteers who only make the Pothichoru three to five days a year divide the cooking tasks. This allows volunteers to prepare meals 365 days of the year with little inconvenience for them.

How it Addresses Poverty in Kerala

India Today tells the story of a local Keralan named Soumya who contributes to the Pothichoru scheme. It is early morning in Kattakkada and Soumya is busy cooking. Stirring the Sambar (lentil stew), she measures out two glasses of rice rather than the usual one-and-a-half normally sufficient to feed her family of four. The rice will accompany the already prepared sambar and thoran (vegetable dry fry) and shortly be collected by volunteers of The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) who will distribute the Pothichoru to 50 hospitals in 14 districts in the state. Assisting those struggling to feed themselves and their relatives, what started with just 300 cooked food packets in 2017 now feeds around 40,000 people every day. This has contributed significantly to aiding those living in extreme poverty.

One can also attribute the success of the Pothichoru scheme to the fact that to those receiving the food, there are no social indicators of who prepared the food. Due to India’s caste system and its history of religious conflict, this could be an issue. As a result, the discretion and impartiality associated with the Pothichoru mean that it traverses cultural and social divisions and reaches as many people as possible.

Looking Ahead

While the Keralan Government has made great strides in reducing instances of poverty within the state, additional action is required to reach those who are struggling, especially those who must sacrifice time and money to care for ill relatives. However, as has been shown where there is community in Kerala there is compassion through the unique Pothichoru scheme that is supporting some of the state’s most vulnerable members. This is an example of how the Pothichoru scheme is reducing poverty in Kerala.

– Cameron Mason
Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in the Canary Islands

Being Poor in the Canary IslandsMany associate the Canary Islands with year-long sunshine and summer weather, a resort holiday destination for many within Europe. What many visitors might not know is that being poor in the Canary Islands is a reality for many; an issue that has worsened after the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article will discuss the current situation of poverty in the archipelago, the reality of being poor in the Canary Islands and the work of local NGOs.

The Current Situation

The Canary Islands is the second poorest region of Spain. In 2023, 36% of the population live at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Even those employed face the risk of poverty due to rising rents and prices undermining their ability to have savings, this year 57% of all Canarians reported they cannot afford unexpected expenses. Being poor in the Canary Islands is also a gendered issue. Poverty in this region affects women more than men and poverty also particularly affects children.

The situation has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is of great importance to the economy of the Canary Islands. In 2019, it accounted for 32.9% of the GDP of the islands and 36.3% of all jobs. As of 2021 (the last year there are figures for), those numbers were much lower at 22.6% and 25.7% respectively. The Spanish government has approved 30 million euros for use in 2023 to tackle this issue. One must note that this is a smaller budget than last year despite poverty figures worsening.

Rescate Canarias

There are several NGOs active in the archipelago fighting against poverty, one of which is Rescate Canarias. The hardest part of being poor in the Canary Islands is the lack of access to food and the growing digital gap, as those poverty in the Canary Islands most affects do not always have access to computers or the internet and now the government’s system to help the poor is fully digital. Founded in 2005, Rescate Canarias has helped Gran Canaria’s poor and most vulnerable for 18 years. Rescate Canarias provides hot meals once a day to 600 people in Gran Canaria from Monday to Friday. The organization also gives out food and clothes, provides showers for people to meet their basic hygiene needs and even runs a charitable hairdressing service.

Although hairdressing may not cross one’s mind as an essential service for the poor, it serves an important purpose. It allows those most vulnerable to still feel part of society, to be able to present themselves as they want and prevents certain issues such as lice, which can be shameful and make entering the job market hard. Another key service it provides to those who live in poverty or are at risk of it is help finding and securing a job.

The COVID-19 pandemic also affected Rescate Canarias, meaning it can no longer offer a hot meal at night, something it is trying to start doing again soon. Despite the setbacks from the pandemic and the limited funds, Rescate Canarias is actively fighting poverty in the archipelago. Recently, it organized an event to collect toys and Christmas gifts that for children at risk of poverty in the islands.

Being Poor in the Canary Islands

Despite the growing poverty figures in the Canary Islands the poor in the archipelago are not forgotten and many NGOs as well as the government, both at the national and local level, work tirelessly to lift people out of poverty and to help those who poverty most affects.

– Sara del Carmen Navarro Galvan
Photo: Flickr

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Water Access for Suriname’s Indigenous Wayana People

Wayana PeopleIn Suriname, 26% of the population lives under the poverty line, according to the World Bank. But out of all the groups who poverty has impacted, as a marginalized group, Suriname’s Indigenous Wayana people face disproportionate effects. The Wayana people are spread across the Northern Amazonian region of Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. About 800 people of Wayana descent reside in Suriname, according to the Mulokot Foundation page. The Mulokot Foundation aims to support Suriname’s Wayana people and help the country move closer to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through several community projects. One of the organization’s goals is to reduce poverty by improving access to water for Suriname’s Indigenous Wayana people.

The Mulokot Foundation

Paramount Chief of the Wayana community, Ipomadi Pelenapin established the Mulokot Foundation in April 2018. The foundation’s website highlights its goals: “…to bring sustainable development to the Wayana community by capacity building, developing management skills, managing projects in the community, providing training, and advocacy.” The Mulokot Foundation serves all of the nine Wayana villages in Suriname.

The Mulokot Foundation explains the situation regarding water on its website. “Villagers from Indigenous communities are mostly dependent on rainwater and the use of water from the nearby rivers. The use of river water is accompanied by serious health hazards. In Suriname, approximately 60,000 kilograms of mercury enters the environment every year. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that is used by thousands of gold miners who operate in large parts of the country.” The mercury and other toxic contaminants end up in the waters of creeks and rivers, posing extreme health risks to those who ingest the water.

Water Support

In Kawemhaken, an area at the border of Suriname and French Guiana, the Wayana people have to claim water from a nearby creek and often unprotected sources of water. During hot seasons, when the creek dries up, the Wayana end up having to take water from the river; another unprotected and unclean water source. The inaccessibility to clean, filtered water poses not only as a health risk by consumption but also by the utilization of it for sanitation purposes.

Furthermore, as illegal gold mining industries set up camp among these water sources, these sources become contaminated with mercury at an unprecedented rate. Mercury, which is tasteless and odorless, poses an extreme health risk among the Wayana population. When left potentially untreated, it has a deadly effect. In 2007, when American researchers came to test the adverse effects of the water source on the Wayana people, 58% of hair samples had mercury levels above the World Health Organization (WHO) safety limit.

Achievements

According to the WHO, every individual needs at least 50-100 liters per day for basic hygiene and sanitation needs. As water quality is declining in their region and the indigenous have to utilize untreated water for their use, the Mulokot Foundation, with support from the Caribbean Development Bank, started a project to increase clean water access for the Wayana people. The project targets all nine Wayana villages.

The project relies on a water purification system that uses Bio Active Carbon and solar pumps for water extraction and distribution. Once filtration is complete, the water travels to a “central water tower in order to gain a certain pressure so that the entire village can access the purified water.”

The running of the project is a collaboration between the Mulokot Foundation and the Basic Needs Trust Fund of the Surinamese Ministry of Finance and Planning. The introduction of the system in the first pilot village occurred at the close of 2022.

Mulokot’s Persistence

The Mulokot Foundation’s development in facilitating clean, filtered water directly to the households of the Wayana people is indeed a remarkable achievement. However, as Suriname has been plagued by illegal gold mining, mercury continues to permeate through the waters that the Wayana people use for consumption. The Mulokot Foundation’s resources are limited and untreated, the Wayana are still utilizing unfiltered water. However, as Mulokot has expanded its goals, so has the number of ongoing projects regarding capacity building. It is still safe to say that the impact of The Mulokot Foundation has indeed bettered the life of the Wayana.

– Aswath Jaiprakash
Photo: Flickr

Mercer On Mission: Clean Water to the Dominican Republic

Mercer On MissionIn the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic boasts stunning beaches and vibrant culture, yet hidden beneath its picturesque surface lie communities struggling for access to clean and safe water. Mercer On Mission, a dedicated group of individuals, is working to change that narrative. 

Its mission involves bringing clean and safe water to underserved communities in the Dominican Republic. This is achieved through the implementation of water purification systems and making crucial infrastructure improvements in collaboration with local communities. However, Mercer On Mission’s impact extends far beyond quenching thirst; it profoundly affects poverty reduction in the region. 

A Struggle for Clean Water

The Dominican Republic, like many developing nations, grapples with water access issues. According to the Dominican Republic Water Sector Report 2021, the Dominican Republic faces several significant challenges in its drinking water and sanitation sector. While 84% of the population has access to sanitation, less than 20% have access to sewage systems with wastewater treatment. In urban areas, the majority of facilities are connected to septic tanks, and there’s a significant lack of infrastructure for septage treatment and safe disposal. 

Furthermore, the quality of service remains subpar, with only about 35% of the population receiving continuous 24/7 water service. In rural areas, particularly those near the Haitian border and impoverished regions, there’s both lower coverage and lower service standards. This dire situation has led to waterborne diseases, economic instability and dire living conditions, particularly for those living in rural areas.

Clean Water: One Cup at a Time

In the Sabana Bonita neighborhood of El Cercado in the Dominican Republic, access to clean water has been a constant struggle. Thus, a group of 20 Mercer University students and faculty joined hands with residents to bring clean water and hope to this underserved community.

One of Mercer On Mission’s notable achievements is the introduction of water purification systems in remote Dominican villages. By implementing these systems, it ensures that communities have a sustainable source of clean water. According to a report from the United Nations (U.N), access to clean water can reduce waterborne diseases by up to 10%, a significant impact on public health. 

Moreover, Mercer On Mission collaborates closely with local communities to establish infrastructure improvements. This includes repairing and building wells, water distribution systems and sanitation facilities. By actively involving the locals in these initiatives, Mercer On Mission empowers them and builds long-lasting solutions. 

A Holistic Approach

What sets Mercer On Mission apart is its holistic approach to addressing the issue of clean water. Students underwent two weeks of intensive training before embarking on the trip, where they honed their engineering skills and journalism expertise. Upon reaching the Dominican Republic, they engaged in a multifaceted approach, working on three primary tasks: water system construction, water testing and community surveys and interviews.

In the Sabana Bonita community, the students and residents faced a significant challenge. The existing 3,000-gallon water system was no longer sufficient to meet the community’s needs. Mercer On Mission rose to the occasion by constructing a new spring box that would house an 11,000-gallon water tank. Dr. Cardelino, who led this aspect of the mission, emphasized that the dedication of local engineers, plumbers and community members working alongside the Mercerians was instrumental in the project’s success. Their commitment was palpable and served as a driving force even on the most challenging days.

Beyond Clean Water: A Hopeful Perspective

As Mercerians delved deeper into their mission, they not only constructed water infrastructure but also repaired damaged water piping in the Manyai neighborhood, a location they had previously assisted in 2022. This demonstrated their dedication to creating sustainable solutions that would serve these communities well into the future.

Mercer On Mission’s work in the Dominican Republic exemplifies a transformative approach to water access and poverty reduction. By providing clean water and fostering economic stability, education and empowerment, the organization demonstrates that addressing basic needs like water access can be a significant step toward reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for countless individuals in the Dominican Republic.

– Suhani Bhattad
Photo: Pexels

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Navigating Clean Water Access for Amputees in Sierra Leone

Clean water access in Sierra LeoneSierra Leone gained independence from the British empire in 1961 and, since emancipation, has faced extreme social and economic challenges. The Sierra Leonean Civil War, lasting from 1991 until 2002, was marked by the forceful amputation of the civilian population by the rebel soldiers. As many as 27,000 citizens are estimated to have had one or more of their limbs amputated during this time. In a population of approximately nine million people, about 70% are multidimensionally poor and only 10% have access to clean water. The prevalence of polluted water contributes to Sierra Leone’s ranking among countries having the lowest life expectancy in the world. Contaminated water sources increase the risk of diarrhea, respiratory infections, worm infections and malnutrition. Children are missing school to travel miles to collect water for their families. The water is most often polluted. This means that every year in Sierra Leone, over 1,200 children under 5 die from water-related diseases. 

Access To Clean Water for Amputees in Sierra Leone

Access to safe drinking water is limited even to individuals without disabilities. Therefore, it is even more severely limited for those who have lost limbs due to military amputation, mutilation or landmines that still reside under Sierra Leonean soil. Recently, The Borgen Project spoke with Sarah Hope, the founder of Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope (ELoH), a charity that formerly gave prosthetics and support to amputees in Sierra Leone. Hope shared her recent visit to Sierra Leone with ELoH’s partner charity, World Hope International (WHI), highlighting the significant challenges faced by amputees. She noted, “It is very challenging for amputees. Many hundreds do not get given any form of prosthetics at all and mobility is almost impossible. Their legs are sore and painful and it is very difficult for them to get around.”

Thousands in Sierra Leone have experienced limb loss either as a result of the Civil War or due to landmines. However, small cuts and grazes also frequently contribute to amputations. Sarah explained, “When children graze themselves playing, their legs become infected and their parents take them to witch doctors. Wounds become infected and this can lead to amputation.”

People with disabilities often face challenges in collecting water. “Sometimes there are taps in villages, but often it is shared between far too many people and is inaccessible for amputees,” shared Hope. The drainage systems are inadequate when it rains. Therefore, spaces become flooded and roads impassable: “The water on the ground becomes dirty and extremely difficult for amputees to navigate around. It has often been washed up from a drain, mixed with soil and sewage. If they do not have clean water, they often must boil it first.” This presents another challenge. “In fact, I would say it is almost impossible for amputees to collect water. If they do not have a prosthetic leg on, they cannot walk to collect water. Even if they have crutches to help them walk, they do not have the arms to carry it.” On her recent visit, Hope shared she met many amputees who “do not go to school as their society believes that disabled children are not worth educating.”

Looking To the Future

Since 2018, WHI and ELoH have worked together to fund Enable the Children, a project that has successfully provided physiotherapy and occupational care to more than 1,000 disabled children in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The initiative works with schools, communities and families to ensure vital developmental support for child amputees.

In December 2020, the Freetown-Blue Peace project was launched collaboratively by the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). This positive initiative aims to leverage innovative financial approaches to create sustainable water access in Sierra Leone. It acknowledges sufficient access to water as an intervention to prevent conflict and build peace. The project has facilitated the establishment of 25 public restrooms and 40 water kiosks in the country’s capital city. 

When Sierra Leone hosted elections in 2023, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) organization actively advocated for parliamentarians, mayors, district chairmen and local councilors to prioritize drinking water. Through intensified advocacy, WASH succeeded in making 258 candidates across the political spectrum pledge to prioritize clean water in their proposed agendas. Historically, political advocacy has demonstrated its capacity to bring about positive change, as evidenced by the creation of a Ministry of Water Resources in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s 2013 election. 

Conclusion

Access to clean water is an essential part of all human life. Without clean water, we cannot survive. It should be freely and readily available, not seen as a luxury. Supporting vital fundraising efforts like these will brighten the future for all amputees in Sierra Leone.

– Sapphire Hope
Photo: Flickr

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USAID Fights Infectious Diseases in Nepal

infectious diseases in NepalNepal is the latest country to receive support from the U.S. as part of efforts to improve the health care technical capacities of 50 countries worldwide by 2025. The December 11, 2023, agreement concerns the control of infectious diseases in the Himalayan nation. A transdisciplinary method to achieve this goal has been created. After experiencing the pandemic and infectious diseases exclusive to the region, people in Nepal can approach their health care in 2024 with reassurance due to the new U.S. measure. 

Infectious Diseases in Nepal in 2023

COVID-19 has infected more than one million Nepalis as of 2023. And though the rate of cases has steadily subsided since September 2023, the one million figure maintains that COVID-19 has impacted over 30% of the population in Nepal. As September brought about the decline of COVID-19 in Nepal, it witnessed an increase in the rates of dengue – the infectious disease spread by mosquitoes that results in headache, fever, rashes and nausea. The tropical disease, most effective in the summer months, had alarmingly high rates in as early as April 2023. As of October 2023, there had been more than a quarter of a million reported cases of dengue, with close to 1,500 associated deaths.

Facing Diseases

In 2019, Nepal’s health infrastructure found itself unprepared to confront the severity of challenges posed by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the U.K. helped thousands by establishing critical response units between 2019 and 2021. The U.S. also stepped in with a significant contribution during the pandemic years, providing a total of $50.9 million in aid. While helping the battle against COVID-19, the support offered by the U.K. and the U.S. apply only a temporary band-aid to a weak infrastructure for health in Nepal.

Nepalese Health Care System

Beneath the band-aid is Nepal’s continued struggle to adapt to the shift from a centralized health care system to a federalized model. The change, which was initiated in 2015, continues to highlight widespread confusion in Nepalese society regarding health care. Additionally, there are issues of poor coordination and, most importantly, a shortage of skilled health care staff in Nepal.

Nepal has only 0.67 doctors for every 1000 inhabitants, a figure that falls significantly below the standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The shortage of skilled workers is exacerbated by the fact that access to healthcare for over 35% of households in Nepal requires a journey of more than 30 minutes. Furthermore, the nation grapples with disparities in access to health care based on rural-urban, male-female and racial divisions.

USAID: Nepal

To address Nepal’s inadequate health infrastructure, myriad inequalities and the 15% figure used to symbolize the amount of Nepalis living in poverty, the U.S. has provided nearly $650 million in assistance to the country. This foreign aid has economic benefits for the U.S., as the nation has become a top trade partner with Nepal.

The Global Health Security Program

December 11, 2023, saw a consolidation of the relationship between the U.S. and Nepal, thanks to the collaboration between USAID and the Nepalese government launching a new global health security program. With support from WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the merger emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interdependence of ecosystems before attempting to tackle zoonotic infectious diseases in Nepal.

The U.S. has pledged close to $7 million over the next three years to boost the health care system in Nepal. This support aims to reduce infectious diseases in the nation and improve emergency response management, enhance biosafety and facilitate upgrades to national laboratory systems both directly and indirectly. The involvement of the U.S. is expected to enhance Nepal’s ability to combat serious pandemic threats and mitigate infectious diseases exclusive to the region. This effort will allow countless Nepalis to approach 2024 with a newfound assurance in their nation’s health care system.

– Joseph Wray
Photo: Flickr

Development Programs in Vietnam to Address Poverty

Development Programs in VietnamIn Vietnam’s 15th National Assembly in Hanoi, the government has focused on development programs targeting reducing poverty in rural regions in Vietnam and its effects on the country’s ethnic minorities. Here is how the country is revamping development programs to address poverty in Vietnam.

The Supervision Delegation’s Report

As Minister Y Thanh Hà Niê Kđăm, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Council of Ethnic Minorities, presented, there remain gaps between the nation’s general development in comparison to the socioeconomic development of Vietnam’s rural regions. A report conducted by the country’s Supervision Delegation that monitors nationwide policy implementation across 11 ministries and 15 provinces noted this discrepancy.

The report by the Supervision Delegation has revealed that poverty in rural regions in Vietnam has persisted despite new development programs due to the central government’s delay in allocating parts of the budget to finance vital municipal and provincial projects. As a result, rural development has stalled and has subsequently fallen into stagnation as regional governments become reluctant to implement new rural construction due to budget limitations. 

Moreover, the report from Chairman Y Thanh Hà Niê Kđăm displays that the country’s ethnic minorities are more prone to experience poverty despite national poverty reduction efforts. Ethnic minorities account for 14.7% of Vietnam’s total population, however, they suffer poverty at disproportionate rates. In 2015, while the nation’s overall poverty rate was 7%, the rate affecting ethnic minorities was 23.1%. Therefore, while poverty has reduced throughout the country, Vietnam’s rural region has continued to suffer in poverty. 

Improvements for Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam

Be that as it may, data from the World Bank has revealed a positive incline in regard to the social and economic welfare of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities throughout the decade. While the impacts of COVID-19 have negatively affected the increase in prosperity and wages, the poverty rate has nearly reduced by 50% for the general population, including ethnic minorities and those living in the nation’s rural and mountainous regions. This came as more and more ethnic minority workers began to leave the agricultural sectors and began to find work in other fields. As of 2020, approximately 23% of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities are employed in manufacturing. 

This parallel between the shift in employment and the reduction in poverty for ethnic minorities is not coincidental. One of the main obstacles that prevents the country’s minorities from socioeconomic welfare is the inequality in land distribution. In 2015, only 26% of Vietnam’s total forest land was due to minority communities, and among that land, only 2% was useful for agricultural purposes. This poses a significant challenge to those relying on agriculture for income. As a result, the transition from agricultural careers to manufacturing has led to positive economic developments for Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. 

Moreover, Chairman Y Thanh Hà Niê Kđăm at the National Assembly has prompted the central government to push for a revitalization of Vietnam’s development strategies for the nation’s rural regions. 

Development Programs in Vietnam

This would mean a reevaluation of the nation’s rural development programs to tackle poverty in Vietnam’s rural regions. Therefore, the National Assembly has agreed to revamp poverty reduction programs for them to be effective and sustainable by setting realistic targets as well as ensuring the importance of allocating the appropriate budget in order to deliver the objectives outlined. However, as a whole, poverty on a national level has reduced drastically. While the poverty rate in 2016 was 9.2%, the rate has steadily declined and has fallen to 4.2% in 2022. 

”It is essential to assess whether poverty reduction efforts are effective,” said Deputy Trần Quang Minh in Vietnam News, “as in some areas, local authorities are only striving to achieve the targets set by resolutions and annual plans, often leading to various approaches with the goal of reducing the numbers. However, the quality of poverty reduction and the sustainable escape from poverty in Vietnam have not been genuinely evaluated.”

– Remigius Kim
Photo: Pixabay