Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

,

How ADRA Is Reducing Poverty in Zimbabwe

Reducing Poverty in ZimbabweReducing poverty in Zimbabwe involves understanding the effects of a poor economy and extreme weather events. Based on data from 2019, the UNDP reported in 2023 that an estimated 25.8% of people in Zimbabwe suffer from multidimensional poverty (multi-faceted poverty that goes beyond monetary means). In addition, 26.3% are at risk of falling into multidimensional poverty. Amid severe weather patterns, the nation requires sustainable solutions to help vulnerable and impoverished farming communities establish resilience and protect their livelihoods. Fortunately, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working with communities in Zimbabwe to help them rise out of poverty by centering its efforts around several main focus areas. In particular, ADRA’s environmental efforts provide a lifeline to communities in Zimbabwe facing severe impacts of extreme weather events.

High Unemployment

Environmental changes in Zimbabwe present themselves through droughts, heatwaves and floods and disrupt ecosystems and the food supply chain. This aggravates rural farmers’ income streams and Zimbabwe’s overall economic development. Cities and towns across the country experience heavy monetization due to hyperinflation. This makes basic urban commodities like electricity, food and water too expensive for impoverished people to afford.

Food Insecurity

Environmental changes have also increased food poverty in Zimbabwe. With agriculture serving as the primary source of income for the nation, “low agricultural output” and a growing number of “urban food shortages” have detrimental impacts on urban and rural dwellers.

A more comprehensive picture provided by the World Food Programme illustrates that about 3.8 million people in rural areas and 1.5 million people in the urban population face food insecurity in the nation. This is due to climate challenges and an unstable economy. These environmental changes reduce the primary materials needed to process food in the markets. With the unstable economy, food prices fluctuate, making food security out of reach for impoverished Zimbabwean households.

ADRA’s Environmental Measures

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), a global humanitarian organization that delivers relief and development assistance for sustainable change, is implementing environmental measures for reducing poverty in Zimbabwe. ADRA’s Zimbabwean office spoke to The Borgen Project, saying, “We have experienced climate-induced droughts, El Niño, climate-induced floods, mudslides and cyclones. Farmers are experiencing changing season cycles, animal deaths, etc.”

ADRA celebrated its 40-year anniversary by implementing the #plantafruittree project. This project involves planting 40,000 fruit trees across “schools, farms, homesteads, and institutions” in Zimbabwe from August to December 2023. It aims to reduce extreme weather impacts and raise community health. “As we commemorate ADRA’s 40 years of disaster response, humanitarian relief and development assistance, we are committed to promoting initiatives such as tree plantings that not only can help improve natural air quality, decrease erosion and remove pollution but also generate wellness benefits for residents in all communities,” says ADRA President Michael Kruger on the ADRA website. In August, ADRA planted the first 1,000 trees to commemorate the project.

ADRA’s poverty-alleviating reforestation strategy supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), purifying the air and establishing resilient ecosystems that can minimize the adverse impacts of extreme weather patterns. It can also provide time for governments to plan out disaster response strategies and improve human health in Zimbabwe.

Looking Ahead

The citizens of Zimbabwe struggle to make ends meet under an impoverished economy, an unstable government and drastic environmental changes. Non-governmental organizations like ADRA wholeheartedly deliver environmental relief to this vulnerable population to practically overcome the issue of reducing poverty in Zimbabwe.

– Amy Contreras
Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Top Poverty-Fighting Causes Receive $300 Million in Funding

Top Poverty-Fighting Causes 
In 2023, Open Philanthropy pledged $300 million of funding over the next three years to GiveWell, an organization searching for and highlighting the most cost-effective, top poverty-fighting causes through comprehensive research. Open Philanthropy aims to achieve the best possible, conducting thorough research on the organizations they fund to achieve this. Open Philanthropy’s funding of $300 million to GiveWell will have a huge impact on those who need it most, preventing tens of thousands of deaths and demonstrating Open Philanthropy’s faith in GiveWell as they “set the gold standard in our eyes.”

Open Philanthropy began as an initiative within GiveWell, headed by Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz, later growing into its own independent organization in June 2017. GiveWell and Open Philanthropy still work closely together as they share the mutual goal of finding the top poverty-fighting causes and cost-effective organizations that do the most good. Since the founding of Open Philanthropy, it has awarded GiveWell more than $1 billion in funding. While GiveWell publishes data and research to recommend the most impactful organizations to the public, Open Philanthropy primarily chooses where to give Tuna and Moskovitz’s money, funding a broader range of issues with a focus on how important a cause is, if it is underfunded and if there is a clear way in which funding could accelerate progress. So far in 2023, Open Philanthropy has donated $140,312,603 to organizations recommended by Give Well. 

Sightsavers

Since 2017, Open Philanthropy has been funding deworming programs led by Sightsavers at the recommendation of GiveWell.

In March of this year, they continued their support for Sightsavers, giving a total grant of $11.2 million to fund the next three years of their work. The majority of the funding, $8.3 million, will support already established deworming programs in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, with the other $2.9 million used to develop the program in Chad to cover 10 more regions. 

Sightsavers treat children for the parasitic infection schistosomiasis, which kills 200,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa every year, and intestinal worms. Deworming is recognized as one of the most cost-effective programs in areas where these parasitic infections are high. Without treatment these diseases can affect cognitive and physical development, impacting the child’s health and disrupting their education as they struggle to concentrate or miss school. This can perpetuate the poverty cycle as it is almost impossible to escape poverty without an education. 

Malaria Consortium 

Extending its funding for the seventh year in a row, Open Philanthropy awarded the Malaria Consortium $61.4 million to aid its seasonal malaria chemoprevention programs in Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Togo until 2025. Open Philanthropy is passionate about tackling malaria, as every year it causes 600,000 deaths, 70% of which are children under 5 years old in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its grant to the Malaria Consortium funds the administration of antimalarial drugs to children monthly during the four peak months of the malaria season.

GiveWell recommended Malaria Consortium to Open Philanthropy as seasonal chemoprevention has proven to effectively and significantly reduce the widespread presence and severity of malaria. A longitudinal study conducted in Togo showed SMC reduced the prevalence of malaria by 75% in 2020, while the fourth round of SMC proved to be 96.2% more effective than the first round. As malaria is the leading cause of death in children under five, it is unsurprising that the Malaria Consortium’s effective work is one of GiveWell’s top poverty-fighting causes. 

Helen Keller International – Vitamin A Supplementation 

Open Philanthropy’s grant to Helen Keller International in January 2023 was 17 times larger than the previous year, awarding them more than $67 million to assist with vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger, Nigeria and Mali. Vitamin A deficiency occurs in poverty-stricken areas as their diets lack variation or nutrients and can have detrimental impacts on their health by weakening their immune system, causing anemia, stunting, blindness and complications during pregnancy or birth. Helen Keller International aids in VAS programs for children by providing technical assistance, advocacy and funding for governments to implement the programs. The grant supports Helen Keller’s operations in 8 countries for an extra 18 months, ending in June 2026, and helps them expand to more regions, such as in DRC, where Helen Keller plans to reach 7 new provinces by 2025.

Open Philanthropy’s generous funding of $100 million a year to the top poverty-fighting causes recommended by GiveWell, will save tens of thousands of lives every year. Hopefully, this harmonious partnership will continue to play a massive and vital role in the fight against poverty. 

– Alice Isola
Photo: Freepik

Fighting Poverty in Palestine

poverty in Palestine
Over the past few decades, Palestine has faced financial strife, which the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated because of commercial shutdowns. Prior to 2020, 29% of Palestinians lived below the poverty line. As of 2021, that number increased to 36% of the population. Despite these statistics, the United Nations and various dedicated individuals provided services and information to help reduce poverty in Palestine at an individual and community level.

Efforts to Improve Citizens’ Well-Being

Rainwater collection helps many residents alleviate their water supply. The dry and arid region provides limited access to groundwater. According to a 2019 study published in the European Geosciences Union, approximately 50% of the West Bank and Palestine have the potential to be used for effective rainwater harvesting (RWH). This sustainable form of water collection alleviates some uncertainty. Research shows a 74% overlap between the most impoverished regions and suitability for RWH in the northern regions of Nablus, Jenin and Tubas. The study suggests adding further RWH techniques in those areas to take advantage of the weather. The water collected becomes useful for a variety of professional and personal uses. A clear and reliable source of water renders a better quality of life.

A separate 2022 study published in a scientific journal under the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) measured meat production and distribution in Palestine. Privatized slaughterhouses fail to abide by guidelines that prevent diseases. They also lack infrastructure and authorities who monitor potential foodborne illnesses. Approximately 25% of meat in the region contains salmonella, and 95% holds E. coli. These pathogens often go unreported by both consumers and sellers of contaminated products. To diminish the potential public risk, the United Nations cooperated with local officials to monitor food production to increase compliance with safe practices. This includes the implementation of pasteurizing dairy products to reduce transmission of the infectious disease brucellosis by nearly 80%.

The MDPI study suggests that providing Palestine with effective ways to combat foodborne diseases improves well-being. The increase in food production and quality produces a more thriving society. Factoring in issues such as changing weather patterns and epidemics and documenting all changes to the systems also ensures a positive impact for those facing poverty in Palestine.

The United Nations Helps Fight Poverty in Palestine

For the past 21 years, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with the German Development Bank (KfW) to help meet the needs of Palestinian communities. The UNDP and KfW raised more than $110 million USD for this cause and built more than 260 classrooms in the region. Their continued efforts rendered nearly 600 agricultural greenhouses and 14 water reservoirs to support the communities. Since 2021, this partnership introduced hundreds of permanent jobs and continues through the present day.

Looking Ahead

The attempts to reduce poverty in Palestine remain an ever-present issue. Many international organizations help, yet there remains more work to be done. The water collections, food regulations and international donations improve lives. The United Nations funds various groups that help families improve their living conditions. The Islamic Relief Fund also supplies access to food, health care and hygiene for struggling Palestinians. These dedicated people work toward a goal that becomes closer to becoming a reality every day.

– Abigail Dudley
Photo: Pixabay

Sustainable Projects in Asia: Lifting Communities Out of Poverty

Sustainable Projects in AsiaIntegrating sustainability into business practices is increasingly being acknowledged as both a corporate responsibility and a profitable venture. Asia, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is witnessing a surge in sustainable projects. The sustainable projects in Asia are reaping profits while also playing an essential role in elevating communities from poverty.

Selco Solar

One shining example of sustainable projects in Asia is the rise of startups like Selco Solar, also known as SELCO, in India. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Harish Hande and Neville Williams and based out of Bangalore, Karnataka, SELCO India’s initiatives have had a significant impact on improving the living standards of poor households in rural India, particularly in Karnataka, through solar energy-based interventions. They have been instrumental in empowering lives and fostering entrepreneurship among rural communities across India.

In 2008, SELCO undertook its first urban initiative focused on a slum of over 400 households in Manipal, Karnataka. Although the slum-dwellers were employed and had earned income, their illegal settlement could not access the conventional electricity grid. SELCO’s intervention facilitated electricity access for these households.

Not only that, through various special projects, SELCO India has been able to provide solar energy solutions to schools, hospitals and individual entrepreneurs, aiding in education, health care and livelihood generation in rural areas.

They have installed solar light systems in 350,000 houses, enabling children to study after sunset and reducing health hazards from traditional kerosene lamps. By decentralizing the energy supply, SELCO empowers local entrepreneurs and creates job opportunities.

YAVA Bali

YAVA, or East Bali, is an agribusiness combining profit and social impact. Established in 2012 by Aaron Fishman in the village of Desa Ban, YAVA has empowered local farmers by directly sourcing cashews, bypassing middlemen.

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Indonesia, providing livelihoods for millions. However, many farmers live in poverty due to a lack of access to markets and fair prices for their produce. By eliminating middlemen, YAVA helps to ensure that more of the profits from cashew sales go directly to the farmers.

By integrating eco-friendly practices, they have optimized water usage and reduced waste, leading to a more sustainable agricultural model. The result? YAVA created over 300 jobs, enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the community.

ReForm Plastic

One of the most notable sustainable projects in Asia is the ReForm Plastic social enterprise. They are focused on reducing plastic waste by collecting and recycling low-value plastics, which are then transformed into usable products. They operate in Vietnam and seek to address the challenges posed by plastic waste in a scalable and inclusive manner, ultimately contributing to a circular economy.

The idea for ReForm Plastic began in 2016 during community beach clean-ups initiated by Evergreen Labs. The enterprise moved towards actualization over the following years, with its first full-size facility in Hoi An, Vietnam, receiving permits in early 2020. Currently, ReForm Plastic has six factories processing more than 140,000 kg of low-value plastics and 90,000 kg of plastic waste.

ReForm Plastic fosters economic opportunities by building city-wide collection programs and integrating informal waste collectors into their value chain, which provides stable employment and increased income from collection activities. This addresses plastic waste issues while also transforming the lives of local collectors through direct employment and better income streams​.

Asia’s sustainable projects are a testament to the fact that businesses can thrive when purpose is aligned with profit. With a continued focus on sustainability and community upliftment, the future of the Asian entrepreneurial landscape looks promisingly green.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr

Mental Health in Senegal

Mental Health in SenegalMental health is a critical aspect of well-being that transcends cultures. In Senegal, mental health practices are rooted in cultural and spiritual frameworks. It’s important to recognize the importance of fostering a unique blend of traditional and modern approaches to address the mental health needs of the Senegalese people.

The Stigma of Mental Health in Senegal

Although there are psychiatrists available, Senegalese people are often hesitant to contact them for support due to stereotypes and the stigma of needing help for one’s mental health. On average, there are 178 people per every 100,000 Senegalese admitted into mental hospitals each year.

Schizophrenia and hysteria are the top two mental disorders diagnosed in Senegal.

Many Senegalese people associate psychiatrists with psychiatric medications and serious mental health issues. Therefore, they are less likely to contact them for help for fear of social exclusion. Instead, people prefer to seek help from traditional healers in their community.

Local organizations are working with international partners to raise awareness about mental health. These efforts aim to dispel myths, encourage open conversations and promote seeking help when needed. By aligning these initiatives with cultural values, they are more likely to be accepted and embraced by the community.

Challenges for Mental Health Care in Senegal

Senegal’s first psychiatric unit was established at Fann Hospital in 1956 in the capital of Dakar. Today, only 6% of Senegal’s gross domestic product is spent on mental health in Senegal; resources and psychiatric units are minimal. In Africa, only $0.1 per capita is spent by the government on mental health.

A limited number of mental health providers presents a challenge. There are only “0.33 psychiatrists and 0.03 psychologists per 100,000 people in Senegal.” There is also little guidance available on how to integrate mental health services into primary care practices in Senegal. 

There has been limited research on mental health research done in Senegal. Additionally, the research suggests that there is limited mental health training in the country and there are significant knowledge gaps among Senegal’s medical professionals when it comes to mental health.

This does not mean that nothing is being done about mental health in Senegal. In fact, most of the work around mental health involves the Senegalese community.

Cultural Significance

Communal values play a significant role in shaping mental health practices in Senegal. The concept of “teranga,” or hospitality, underscores the importance of interconnectedness and support within Senegalese communities. Communal values extend to mental health concerns, with family members, friends and other community members helping address mental health challenges and providing a support network.

Spirituality and Healing

Spirituality is intricately woven into mental health practices in Senegal. There are traditional healers in Senegal known as marabouts. These marabouts hold positions of respect within their communities. They often provide counseling, guidance and rituals that are believed to alleviate mental distress. Some of the rituals used to address psychological health include prayer, herbal remedies and other holistic methods.

Senegal’s approach to mental health proves that cultural inclusivity is integral. By honoring traditions, the country is creating a holistic mental health framework that resonates with its residents. Senegal serves as an inspiring example of how culture can be a foundation for resilience and well-being.

– Joy Loving
Photo: Unsplash

,

5 Facts About Gender-based Poverty in the DRC

gender-based poverty in the DRC
Poverty levels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are incredibly high, and women tend to suffer deeper economic violence and injustices. Limited access to education, reproductive and care responsibilities, gender-based violence, unequal laws and the lack of representation of women in decision-making contribute to gender-based poverty in the DRC. 

Women’s Limited Access to Education 

Limited access to education and economic opportunities poses significant challenges for girls in the DRC. Although girls’ enrolment in school has increased from 50% to 78% between 2000 and 2017, women still face challenges to higher education and economic access. The main reason for Congolese girls’ struggle to pursue an education is social norms and expectations — marriage and motherhood. 

Addressing this issue is crucial to guarantee girls’ access to education and therefore reduce gender-based poverty in the DRC. Indeed, providing Congolese women with the opportunity and means to obtain an education increases their chances of obtaining better-paying jobs and allowing women to participate more fully in the political sphere. 

Increasing women’s access to education requires advocacy, improving school infrastructure, providing financial support and combating gender-based discrimination and violence. For instance, the United Kingdom’s new Women and Girls Strategy helps 36,000 girls in the DRC access education in the Kauai province. 

Empowering girls will contribute to social and economic development, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society in the DRC.

Reproductive and Care Responsibilities 

Reproductive and care responsibilities burden Congolese women, hindering their economic empowerment. Women’s value in Congolese society is often reduced to the roles of wife and mother. According to the 2017–18 MICS, nearly 30% of women are married under the age of 18 years old. 

This phenomenon deeply impacts women’s economic agency and thus gender-based poverty in the DRC. Indeed, women’s caregiving roles limit educational and workforce opportunities. 

Actively fighting gender stereotypes and expectations could not only allow women to pursue education but also encourage the equitable sharing of caregiving responsibilities in marriage and provide comprehensive support to women in managing their work and family commitments. 

Gender-based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in the DRC, particularly in conflict-affected regions, impacting women’s physical and mental well-being, as well as partially causing gender-based poverty in the DRC. Indeed, one in two women in the DRC report having experienced physical or sexual abuse at least once in their lives. 

Firstly, fear of violence discourages girls’ education and limits economic opportunities. In fact, girls face increased risks of violence, sexual exploitation and harassment by teachers and harmed forces in school settings. 

Secondly, the economic consequences of gender-based violence are closely linked with harmful conceptions of gender roles. Because the value of women is based on their capacity to marry and bear children, people often view survivors of sexual abuse as “unfit” for such roles, and their socioeconomic status suffers as a result. 

In order to fully address gender-based violence in the DRC, national and international institutions need to implement legal reforms, provide secure learning environments and encourage community engagement to combat harmful norms. 

Unequal Laws and Discriminatory Practices Towards Women 

Unequal laws and discriminatory practices reinforce gender-based poverty in the DRC. Inheritance laws favor male heirs, denying women their rightful property share. Limited access to land ownership and financial services further hampers economic opportunities. Despite their critical role in agriculture, rural development and food security, women own just 25% of land in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

In response to unequal laws and discriminatory practices towards women in the DRC, a range of active solutions have emerged. Advocacy for legal reforms is driving the transformation of discriminatory legislation, ensuring women’s equal rights to property ownership and inheritance. 

The Lack of Representation in Decision-Making 

The lack of representation of women in decision-making perpetuates gender-based poverty in the DRC. Women’s voices are often overlooked in political and community leadership, hindering gender-sensitive policy development. Despite the fact that articles 5, 14 and 15 of the DRC constitution provide a legal foundation for equality and equity policies, women currently hold only 7.2% of positions at the highest level of decision-making at the national level in the parliament and administration. 

Promoting gender equality is a critical objective in the DRC to increase women’s participation in decision-making processes. Gender equality creates a way for women to participate in decision-making arenas by removing deeply ingrained gender inequities and discriminatory standards. 

Trócaire and partners — with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) — have implemented programs to enhance Congolese women’s participation in decision-making processes in more than 27 communities. Following this program encouraging gender equality, 65% of women now participate in and are represented in decision-making organizations in the communities concerned by the project. 

Despite progress, significant challenges persist in ensuring women’s economic empowerment, requiring sustained dedication to create lasting change and put an end to gender-based poverty in the DRC. Addressing gender-based poverty in the DRC demands comprehensive solutions: education access, ending discrimination, combating violence, elevating voices and fostering an equitable future. 

– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Flickr

,

How WEConnect International Supports Women Entrepreneurs

WEConnect International supports women entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges worldwide, ranging from gender-based discrimination and limited access to financial resources to cultural biases and societal expectations. WEConnect International supports women entrepreneurs to overcome challenges by fostering business growth and empowering women-owned businesses in the global market.

What is WEConnect International?

WEConnect International is a global nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering and supporting women-owned businesses to succeed in the global market. The organization’s priority is to connect women entrepreneurs with corporate buyers and assist them in gaining access to new business prospects, networks and training. 

WEConnect International operates in 134 countries around the world, with a particular focus on supporting women-owned businesses in emerging markets and developing countries. 

Although women represent half of the world’s population, they face systemic discrimination in the job market. Women entrepreneurs have a harder time than men getting the resources, credit, knowledge, technology and networks they need to succeed in the workplace. 

WEConnect International’s Initiatives and Programs 

WEConnect International supports women entrepreneurs through several key initiatives. Firstly, the organization offers a certification program for women-owned businesses. This certification assists businesses in gaining recognition and credibility, particularly when bidding for contracts with firms and organizations that encourage inclusion and diversity in their supplier chains. 

WEConnect also provides workshops and capacity-building initiatives to assist women entrepreneurs in advancing their business expertise and knowledge. 

For instance, through a partnership with the Moody’s Foundation, the organization offers free expert-level training programs providing women-owned businesses with expertise and financial skills. 

Additionally, a central aspect of the organization is to provide networking opportunities and market access to women-owned businesses. Women entrepreneurs have a platform to connect with possible partners and customers through WEConnect International. To foster links between firms wishing to diversify their suppliers and women-owned businesses, the organization organizes events, conferences and matchmaking sessions.  

Finally, WEConnect International supports women entrepreneurs by advocating for policies and practices that support women’s economic empowerment and gender equality in business. It also conducts research to identify barriers and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.  

Success Story of Dian Kurniawati and Her Company Tridi Oasis 

Dian Kurniawati established Tridi Oasis to recycle plastic bottles and create income opportunities for local families. Her business rapidly grew and expanded its processing capacity after strategic partnerships. Dian’s quest for growth led her to WEConnect International, where she participated in the P&G Women Academy Training. Through WEConnect International, Tridi Oasis became a proud grant recipient from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, which considerably helped the company grow further. 

Tridi Oasis is still committed to its goal of recycling as much disposable plastic as it can and is now able to increase its positive impact and promote a sustainable future with the support of WEConnect International’s assistance. 

Importance of Women’s Economic Empowerment 

There is significant research on the importance of women’s economic empowerment and the advantages of working with women-owned firms. Women’s economic empowerment promotes gender equality and helps break down traditional gender roles, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society where women have the same opportunities as men to participate in economic activities and decision-making processes.

Additionally, women represent a substantial portion of the global population, and their participation in the workforce can drive economic growth. Women are not only powerful consumers but also influential decision-makers. Businesses that collaborate with women-owned enterprises can access new market niches and better comprehend and serve the needs of female consumers.

According to a report by Booz & Company, women worldwide make up the “third billion” in emerging countries, following China and India’s first and second billion populations. It states, for instance, that the overall GDP would increase by 5% if female employment rates in the United States were to match male employment rates. 

Through its range of programs and initiatives, WEConnect International supports women entrepreneurs and plays a pivotal role in empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive in the global market. As women entrepreneurs continue to make significant contributions to the global economy, WEConnect International remains a driving force in supporting their success, amplifying their voices and advocating for a more equitable future.

– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Flickr

How Different US States Are Fighting Global Poverty

US StatesAcross the diverse landscape of the United States, numerous initiatives and efforts are underway, all united by a common goal: combating global poverty. Various states are contributing in their own unique ways to address the challenges faced by those living in poverty around the world. Whether through innovative grassroots campaigns, educational programs, or partnerships with international organizations, states are proving that the fight against global poverty knows no geographical bounds.

California: Tech-Driven Philanthropy 

California, a hub of technological innovation, has seen numerous tech giants and startups redirect their expertise toward alleviating global poverty. Companies like Google, through its Google.org initiative, are investing in projects that provide technology and education to underserved communities worldwide. By committing $50 billion to education efforts or the same amount to economic development, Google initiatives like expanding internet access in remote areas and using data analytics to identify poverty patterns are working to help the developing world.

For example, this initiative will support the creation of new educational jobs in India, a country that will need more teachers and professors with such a rapidly growing population. Furthermore, it will help children in countries like Brazil receive access to further schooling, even in the case of natural disasters. 

New York: Diplomatic and NGO Nexus 

New York’s international prominence makes it a key player in the fight against global poverty. The state hosts the United Nations headquarters and numerous international NGOs. The city’s diplomats, policy experts and advocates work collaboratively on strategies for poverty reduction, pushing for sustainable development goals and advocating for increased aid to impoverished regions. Furthermore, the McSilver Institute of NYU researches and develops tangible ways to fight global poverty.

Texas: Disaster Relief and Training

Texas has established itself as a hub for disaster relief and emergency response training. Organizations based in Texas, such as the American Red Cross and various disaster relief teams, not only assist domestically but also extend their reach to impoverished areas globally during times of crisis. Their expertise in logistics, health care and infrastructure development becomes invaluable in assisting vulnerable populations abroad.

Almost every developing nation has received aid from the Red Cross; recent examples include Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, given their ongoing political crises. 

Massachusetts: Educational Partnerships

With its renowned universities and research institutions, Massachusetts takes a unique approach to fighting global poverty through education. Collaborations between universities like Harvard, MIT and local NGOs have led to programs that educate and empower individuals in developing countries. These initiatives range from vocational training to entrepreneurship programs, equipping people with skills to lift themselves out of poverty.

Washington: Trade for Development 

The state of Washington, with its strong emphasis on international trade, actively promotes fair trade practices to uplift impoverished communities. By partnering with less-developed nations like India and Vietnam to establish sustainable trade relationships, the state fosters economic growth and job creation in those regions. Additionally, Washington-based companies often engage in responsible sourcing, supporting products that are ethically produced and benefit communities in need.

Illinois: Refugee Support and Resettlement

Illinois has embraced a role in alleviating global poverty by providing refuge and support to those fleeing conflict and poverty-stricken regions. The state’s welcoming stance toward refugees includes comprehensive resettlement programs that offer language training, job placement assistance and access to social services. By providing a stable foundation, Illinois helps refugees rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities.

As of August, refugees are mostly coming from Burma, Syria, Afghanistan and the Congo.

Georgia: Agricultural Expertise Sharing

Georgia’s agricultural industry is playing a pivotal role in the fight against global poverty. Agricultural universities and research centers in the state collaborate with international partners to share expertise on sustainable farming practices, crop diversification and food security. By equipping farmers in developing countries with knowledge and tools, Georgia contributes to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods.

Minnesota: Health Interventions 

Minnesota’s robust health care sector has extended its reach to combat global poverty through medical missions and partnerships. Health professionals from the state volunteer their skills in impoverished areas, providing much-needed medical care, training local health care workers and supporting health infrastructure development. These efforts play a crucial role in addressing preventable diseases and promoting overall well-being.

Fighting Global Poverty 

In an interconnected world, the contributions of these states underscore the collective effort of the United States to address global poverty. Each state’s unique strengths and resources enrich the global fight against poverty, demonstrating that progress knows no boundaries when it comes to creating a more equitable and prosperous world.

– Sahib Singh
Photo: Unsplash

,

3 Solutions for Ending Poverty in Somalia

Poverty in SomaliaThe cycle of poverty in Somalia has become an exceedingly difficult situation to escape and continues to affect future generations. Children make up nearly half of its entire population and 73% of children under 14 live in poverty. This becomes even harder to escape because of the lack of resources for children, such as education, sanitation, clean water, nutrition and even shelter.

Internally Displaced Persons Camps

Many children are forced to live in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps, where poverty in Somalia is the most extreme. Nearly 80% of children in these areas are forced to live deprived of at least one necessary resource, such as education, sanitation or water. According to UNICEF, “water and sanitation conditions can also have a deep impact on health and productivity, and thus in income generation opportunities and future poverty status.” In these camps, less than half of the children can’t even drink water from pipes and must rely on finding other sources of water, which they are unlikely to treat before consuming. 

Shelter is also an issue in IDP camps, where half of the population lives with tin roofs, wood or dirt floors and walls made of plastic sheets. Multidimensional poverty in Somalia affects nearly 90% of these citizens, where the extreme need for education and access to water, sanitation and electricity hinders growth or progress. 

This area is also highly susceptible to natural disasters, including droughts, which decimate crops, livestock and water sources. People must leave their homes in search of lifesaving resources but are being pushed into famine by the widespread food scarcity. Droughts between 2015 and 2017 left 20% of the population vulnerable to food insecurity. According to a 2019 Somalia Poverty and Vulnerability Assessment, the poverty level hovered at 69% and 74% in areas of displaced citizens. 

Improvements

Solutions toward ending poverty in Somalia exist and are being implemented by the Somalian government. The first solution is reallocating resource budgets to increase health and education funding. With support from UNICEF, the government is putting social protection systems in place to address inaccessibility. Social sectors that benefit children received 8% of Somalia’s budget in 2019 and increased the education budget from 2 to 5%. They also doubled the health budget from 1 to 2%. While this is far below the national average, UNICEF and international finance institutions are working to increase Somalia’s ability to spend money on these essential social sectors that provide a necessary future for its citizens.

Another solution is the Social Protection Program, which was enacted in 2019. According to the World Bank, “social protection can address poverty and inequality across the country by providing poor and vulnerable households with support and access to socioeconomic opportunities.” Putting in place national social safety nets provides critical assistance to those who need it most. This Social Protection Program spurned a government-led safety net called Baxnaano, which allows the government to protect human capital and support fulfilling basic needs. Two-hundred thousand poor households, about 1.2 million people, have benefitted from nutrient-linked cash transfers, which allow them to supplement their diets with foods that have not been affected by extreme climate conditions. 

Finally, the “Education Cannot Wait” program is a crucial solution to helping Somalia escape the cycle of poverty. This program sees quality education for children and adults as the key to improving life for future generations. Almost half of the children in Somalia do not attend school due to having to help work at home, lack of teachers, illnesses and general lack of resources. With this program, however, families are given school supplies in addition to supplementary foods and safe drinking water. Partners in this program also provide incentives for teachers to give children a more significant opportunity for enrollment and rehabilitate classrooms. Eighteen thousand children have had access to education since 2019.

Looking Forward

Education is one key opportunity for enhancing accessibility to other necessary resources, but it is not the only way poverty in Somalia can be lessened. Assistance from organizations like UNICEF is helping Somalia take charge of the cycle of poverty by allowing citizens to receive essential, lifesaving resources as simple as clean water to help elevate them and educate them about how to better their futures. Future generations do not have to be swept up in this cycle as long as people are being educated and passing the information along to their children, as they control the future of their country.

– Jennifer Arias
Photo: Unsplash

Noncommunicable Diseases in Barbados

Noncommunicable Diseases in Barbados 
Barbados, an island part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) group, is currently facing a national crisis of noncommunicable diseases that is constraining the nation’s growth and development. The SIDS group is a collection of 39 states that collectively constitute only about 1% of the world’s population, yet due to their isolated geography and small populations, are uniquely vulnerable to difficulties such as poor health that can severely inhibit their ability to develop sustainably – SIDS have the highest rates of diabetes in the world, as well as mental health issues reaching a rate of 15% and hypertension greater than 30%. 

Contributing Factors to Noncommunicable Diseases in Barbados

There are multiple explanations for the presence of unhealthy risk factors that contribute to widespread noncommunicable diseases in Barbados. According to Dr. Kenneth Connell, University of the West Indies, after the industrialization of the Caribbean, the increasingly affluent lifestyle that succeeded was, in fact, more unhealthy, with increased physical inactivity and imported food products. About 23% of adults are obese and 43% are physically inactive, with this rate being doubled in adolescents. 

Barbadian diets overwhelmingly consist of ultra-processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt, which are a product of low-quality food imports that are constrained by transaction and import costs, difficulties with supply chain management and remote geography. There is also a postcolonial dimension to noncommunicable disease in Barbados. The sugar plantations that constituted the main body of colonial Barbados’ economy ensured sugar was a pervasive part of diets, and the ‘defective’ parts of pigs, such as the tails, feet and ears, were given to the plantation workers, pickled or cooked with fat and salt and became a traditional Bajan dish, called souse. 

Health 

As a result of high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, trade limitations, low-quality imports, more convenient lifestyles and the legacy of colonial diets, NCDs account for 83% of all deaths in Barbados, a rate 9% higher than the global average.

Economy 

The noncommunicable diseases in Barbados are having considerable repercussions on the livelihood of Barbadians, as well as the economy of the country. Professor Karl Theodore from the University of the West Indies gauges that noncommunicable diseases in Barbados are costing the nation $375 million annually, a sum that constitutes 3% of the GDP. Dr. Sonia Browne, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados, stated that “NCDs make up the largest area of expenditure in the national health care budget,” a significant financial burden upon the state and a “drain on economic activity.”

In June 2023, SIDS countries held a ministerial conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, for members to acknowledge and act against NCDs and mental health issues. A report from the conference stated that “the enormous problems of the millions of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions … represent an existential threat to human development in the 21st century.”

The conference also outlined how “high levels of NCDs and mental health conditions reduce the quantity and quality of human capital in SIDS with a negative effect on their capacity to generate wealth.” Increased climate change is exacerbating this issue, forcing SID countries into untenable debt levels. On an individual level, cases of noncommunicable diseases in Barbados can curtail household income, which initiates a negative feedback loop called the ‘health-poverty trap.’ The self-fulfilling cycle means it is often difficult for individuals to find ways out of the cycle of poverty, leading to generational patterns. 

Solutions

The 2023 Bridgetown Conference outlined the goal to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030, acknowledging that these deaths are predominantly avertable through increased investment in health care systems and better public policy. The SIDS are therefore undertaking a comprehensive range of actions to reach this goal, including engagement with Heads of State and local community groups, coordinating with the UN, increasing domestic investment in health care, regulating risk factors such as tobacco/alcohol use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, as well as the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and updating food policies to advocate for healthy diets. 

Organizations such as the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) are also working to reduce NCDs in the small island states. Composed of more than 100 civil society organizations, the HCC works with civil, society and national and regional leaders to implement programs to reduce sickness and mortality due to NCDs. They are engaged in a broad range of campaigns, such as the ‘Now More Than Ever: Better Labels, Better Choices, Better Health’ campaign to bring to public consciousness the danger of childhood obesity and NCDs, as well as advocating for access to more nutritional food and garnering support for warning labels on packaging for food high in fats, salt and sugar. This campaign ran repeatedly in 2021, collecting more than 22 million social media impressions, 7 million impressions from programming advertisements and 3 million listeners to radio PSAs. It will run again in 2023.

Conclusion

Widespread deaths and illnesses due to NCDs and mental health issues are preventing SIDS, such as Barbados, from developing sustainably. The creation of health-poverty traps and losses of human capital and productivity are depleting the national workforce and straining economic growth. However, with widespread political and NGO advocacy committed to engaging the public and policymakers in preventative measures, Barbados and other SIDS are on track to transform the nation’s health and recoup their economic losses. 

– Eleanor Moseley
Photo: Flickr