Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Murhaf Hamid: A Story of Grace

Murhaf Hamid
Murhaf Hamid of Southern Sweden has captured the public’s attention and everyone’s affection. Hamid worked for a local campaign that fights poverty by selling “majblomman,” which are “little pins sold by children aged 9–12 to collect money for charity.” By simply selling flower pins, the young boy has raised more than $230,000 for charity and went viral on social media for his gracious acts. 

Who is Murhaf Hamid? 

Although born in Sweden, Murhaf Hamid, 11 years old, was born to Ethiopian parents. In Sweden, many young children between the ages of 9–12 participate in a campaign that sells flower pins for charity. These children also get to keep 10% of the profits that they raise. 

Originally, Murhaf was just hoping to raise enough money to buy food to split with his friends. He went in with no intention of raising a significant amount of money. When Murhaf began to sell his flower pins, many told him to leave the streets and received minimal support from the public. A family friend realized his hard work was not getting the attention it deserved, so then took to social media to help spread the word. 

Praised by Many

Once Murhaf’s efforts were posted on Facebook, the 11-year-old quickly went viral. He made multiple headlines across the globe, including receiving almost an additional $11,000 in tips to continue his campaigning from donors all over.

Not only did his recognition spread across social media, but the prime minister also recognized Murhaf and he even received an invite to The Swedish Parliament and the Town Hall in Malmo. Murhaf was even able to sell one of his pins to the prime minister once he met with him. On top of Murhaf raising this money, it also allowed the charity to gain more publicity, leading to more participants and donors toward poverty in Sweden. 

Poverty in Sweden: How Has It Changed?

Sweden, a socialist state, has received recognition across the world for having a low poverty rate. In fact, Sweden has one of the lowest poverty rates in Europe. It prides itself on having a stable government and an effective welfare system and can provide jobs. Despite this, Sweden has recently struggled with a recession and has a low-performing economy, leaving poverty to skyrocket. Currently, poverty in Sweden is growing “in a way that we have not seen before.” 

Many citizens who were not struggling prior to the recession now find themselves with nowhere to turn and have to rely on Red Cross Shops for their food. Many experts say this recession will last into 2024, and it will take time and effort for Sweden to bounce back from this setback. That is why efforts from individuals like Murhaf Hamid and his dedication hold such significance. 

– Ryan Balberman
Photo: Flickr

How Poverty in the DRC Impacts Epidemics

Poverty in the DRCAround the world, COVID-19 has tested the government’s ability to respond to widespread health crises. It exposed the logistical and institutional hurdles for deploying mass vaccination programs. Furthermore, additional obstacles in developing countries exacerbated the pandemic effects and undermined the government response. In the DRC, one of these obstacles was poverty.

Disease, Vaccination and the DRC

For the African continent, the DRC has a history of being “ground zero for infectious diseases,” according to Foreign Policy. It is plagued with annual epidemics such as malaria, Ebola, polio and cholera. Insufficient financial resources and the country’s territorial size stifle efforts to contain the outbreaks. Still, there have been mass vaccination initiatives from both governments and NGOs to alleviate the impact of epidemics.

This produced a steady increase in immunization rates, both in the DRC and globally. But COVID-19 temporarily reversed this trend. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF collected data in 2019–2021 that showed the percentage of infants who received DTP3 (three doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines) had fallen to 81%. That was five percentage points down from pre-pandemic levels.

In the DRC, the decline in vaccination rates was even greater. UNICEF reported that “the coverage of vaccination against all the recommended early childhood diseases…had decreased between 8 to 10 percent,” and, “coverage of other vaccines against chickenpox, measles, yellow fever…has decreased between 4.5 and 1.5%.”

The Impact of Poverty in the DRC

In these conditions, the many facets of poverty (lack of accessible water, low sanitation levels and food insecurity) in the DRC only exacerbate the disease epidemics. According to Global Waters, in the DRC, “52% of the population…has access to basic water and 29% has access to sanitation.” These two factors have detrimental consequences. First, low sanitation levels mean less preventive protection against disease and more areas where it can thrive. The lack of accessible water forces people to travel longer distances to attain necessary resources, raising the likelihood of interacting with infected persons. Such consequences are not contained in the DRC. Migrating persons and cross-border travelers carry the disease to the populations in other countries.

Another indirect facet of poverty is access to education. Persons who spend their waking hours hungry, laboring or searching for food and water, have less time and fewer resources to allot to other activities. They do not have the luxury of free time or disposable income for education.

In the context of pandemics this lack of education, specifically the lack of access to correct information, increases the susceptibility of persons to be misinformed on vaccines. Videos likely produced outside of Africa containing lies about the vaccine — that it caused death and infertility — fueled a greater distrust in vaccines, according to PBS. This, in turn, discouraged persons from vaccinations, furthering the disease spread in the population.

Recent International Developments

Fortunately, the plight of the Congolese people did not go unnoticed. In 2020, The DRC government invested twice as much in purchasing vaccines, and a range of international organizations and financial partners (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, Rotary, USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) offered assistance in the immunization efforts.

The decline in child vaccinations has been mostly overturned. The WHO reported that “the number of children missing out on any vaccination…improved from 18.1 million in 2021 to 14.3 million in 2022, nearly back to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.”

The DRC still remains a likely epicenter for potential disease outbreaks. But with the assistance of international organizations, the country’s government could play a significant role in containing the next outbreak.

– Nicholas Jaramillo
Photo: Flickr

Empowering Women Through Vocational Training Centers in Pakistan

Vocational Training Centers in PakistanIn July 2012, Farida Afridi, 25, died after being shot on her way to work in the Taliban bastion of Peshawar, Pakistan. Eleven years later, the organization she co-founded, Society for Appraisal & Women Empowerment in Rural Areas (SAWERA), continues to provide skills-based training for women and girls in her honor.

Farida courageously advocated for economic development through the education of local women. Her tragic murder serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women’s rights activists in the FATA (Federally Administrative Tribal Areas) regions of Pakistan. In these parts of the country, women are often expected to strictly follow pardah. This enforces their seclusion and perpetuates their vulnerability. Through providing vocational training to women and girls, Farida’s NGO challenges norms and traditions that threaten both women’s rights and Pakistan’s development.

The Benefits of Vocational Training Centers in Pakistan

Creating a skilled workforce is vital for fighting poverty in any nation. Globally, the work landscape is rapidly evolving with emerging technologies and digital advances. The TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) mission, as defined by Pakistan’s Ministry of Education, is to provide skilled manpower to the labor market, enacting a shift from curriculum-based education to competency-based training. 

In a landscape where a historical caste system has stigmatized many valuable occupations, the government’s support for vocational training centers in Pakistan is much needed. Higher education is often considered the more reputable option, but this prejudice may contribute to stunted economic development. Small-scale vocational institutions can provide quality training with fewer costs than universities. This would make them accessible in smaller towns across Pakistan, enabling more people to increase their human capital and prospects.

Women, who invest 90% of their income back into their communities (as compared to 35% for men), should not be overlooked in this endeavor. In developing countries like Pakistan, leveraging the power of women, who make up half the population, should be high on the agenda. As UN Women states, “When more women work, economies grow.” Estimates suggest that if women’s participation in the labor force equaled that of men, Pakistan’s GDP could increase by 60% by 2025. Yet women make up only 20% of the workforce in Pakistan, lower than the global average of 38.8%. Social norms are a strong contributing factor to this. Expectations for women to perform extensive unpaid household labor and patriarchal mindsets limit their mobility and choice of work.

Vocational Training for Marginalized Women: SAWERA and the Empyrean Foundation

Farida Afridi’s legacy lives on through the organization she co-founded, SAWERA. This women-led grassroots NGO empowers girls and women in FATA through projects that promote literacy, employment opportunities and vocational training. Additionally, it also combats domestic violence. In the FATA region, the dominance of local male elites and the scarcity of local community organizations have left the abuse of women unchallenged in many households. The presence of militant elements has disrupted pro-women reform processes, hindering progress. Despite these challenges, SAWERA has equipped 30 community-based women’s organizations with management skills. This enables them to engage in local business ventures. Even women in acute poverty have received grants to start businesses, offering them a chance to create a brighter future.

Meanwhile, other vocational training centers in Pakistan offer hope for marginalized women who would otherwise encounter limited opportunities for education. In Pakistan, women bear the burden of poverty disproportionately. The Pakistani Poverty Alleviation Fund reported that for every four Pakistanis in poverty, three are women or girls. The Empyrean Foundation provides skills training to emancipate women bound by conditions of poverty from marginalized communities. Its motto is “Empower a Girl, Empower a Nation.”

The Empyrean Foundation’s artisan programs and projects provide life skills and mentoring alongside formal training in fashion design technology and textile and handicraft skills. Furthermore, the organization offers short educational courses in everyday finance, entrepreneurship, job search, counseling and promotion skills, complementing core education diplomas. Empyrean envisions launching a leadership and mentorship program, which would train girls for regional and international development roles.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Pakistan

Clearly, there is a strong impetus for the development of women’s skills. This will help to break the cycle of poverty and challenge deeply rooted stigmas. Farida Afridi’s legacy and the work of organizations like SAWERA and the Empyrean Foundation exemplify the resilience and determination of women striving for economic empowerment for themselves and their nation. While there is much work to be done, these initiatives offer hope for a more equitable and prosperous future for Pakistan.

– Anum Mahmood
Photo: Flickr

Addressing HIV/AIDS in Lebanon 

HIV/AIDS in LebanonThe HIV/AIDS issue in Lebanon began in 1984 with the first recorded AIDS case. Over the years, the number of cases has gradually increased. In 2017, there were 2,200 reported cases of HIV/AIDS. While Lebanon is not among the countries with the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence, individuals living with HIV still face significant challenges.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) established the National AIDS Control Program (NAP) in 1989. NAP is actively working to develop solutions for individuals living with AIDS. Additionally, the program is collecting data on reported cases to help prevent further spread and provide treatment across Lebanon. This proactive approach is crucial to managing the HIV/AIDS situation in the country.

Voluntary Counseling and Testing

To combat HIV/AIDS in Lebanon, the National AIDS Control Program (NAP) has implemented a strategy called Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT). These centers are responsible for testing and monitoring HIV/AIDS throughout Lebanon. VCT has earned recognition as an effective method for enhancing surveillance due to the assurance of confidentiality it offers. This approach has also contributed to reducing the stigma associated with AIDS among affected individuals. Presently, there are more than 60 VCT centers located across the country, providing access to the entire Lebanese population.

Antiretroviral Therapy

Another method currently being used to fight HIV/AIDS is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART is a treatment designed to block the replication of HIV. This prevents further immune damage and other HIV-related illnesses. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) provides this treatment free of charge to Lebanese citizens and Palestinian refugees. From March 2020, almost 1,600 Lebanese Nationals were on ART treatment, and among those on treatment, 92% are virally suppressed. 

Participation in International and Regional Workshops

The National AIDS Program (NAP) also engages in international and regional workshops as a key step. The National AIDS Program (NAP) represented Lebanon in the Global Human Rights on HIV/AIDS forum in Geneva and also presented a poster on the most at-risk population. Along with advocating for treatment for patients and raising awareness, they are developing a National Strategic Plan (NSP) designed to fight HIV/AIDS for the coming five years. This includes prevention, treatment and care for the most at-risk populations. Through advocacy, Lebanon can benefit its population currently suffering from AIDS. 

Looking Ahead

While Lebanon is beginning to tackle HIV/AIDS through various methods, more work is necessary. Voluntary Control Testing (VCT) is a notable effort in monitoring cases throughout the country. Also, there is a need for initiatives that aim to decrease the stigma that affects those with AIDS. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) appears to also be a step in the right direction to end HIV/AIDS in Lebanon.

ART provides those residing in Lebanon with free treatment to prevent the spread of AIDS as well as any related illness that may come with it. Participation in widespread advocacy and enacting new plans, like the National Strategic Plan (NSP), could also benefit those struggling with HIV/AIDS in Lebanon.   

– Sara Agosto
Photo: Flickr

How Women are Supported Through HIV/AIDS in Angola

HIV/AIDS in AngolaAngola is one of the largest countries in Southern Africa and is home to an estimated 33 million people. Its large population requires a robust health service to tackle issues such as high levels of HIV/AIDS infections in the region. However, a civil war lasting until 2002 has piled pressure on Angola’s struggling health service making it difficult to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in Angola without additional support.

The Current Situation

Angola has a relatively low HIV/AIDS prevalence of 1.6% compared to neighboring Namibia and Zambia, with HIV/AIDS prevalence of 11.8% and 10.8% respectively. Even though there is a low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Angola, there are still 16,000 yearly related deaths and 20 new diagnoses in 15-24 year olds daily. 

Verangola  

These numbers disproportionately affect women (who account for 66% of Angolan HIV/AIDS cases) with teenage girls being three times as likely to become infected with HIV/AIDS as boys. In 2022, 7,900 Angolan women were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS compared to 3,800 men. These figures highlight the additional risk women face due to HIV/AIDS in Angola. Angola’s struggle to combat HIV/AIDS in women is linked to its high rates of poverty. Rural areas especially suffer from high rates of poverty, with 57% of rural Angolans living in poverty compared to a national average of 41%. 

Many women living in poverty will turn to prostitution for economic reasons which risks exposing them to the virus. Lack of access to hospitals in rural areas also means women are often left to care for HIV/AIDS patients, increasing the risk of transmission.

International Aid

The international community is providing support to Angolan women living with HIV/AIDS. UNICEF’s funding in Angola has earmarked nearly $5 million (15% of the total package) for HIV/AIDS support and a goal to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) to 3,000 women. Improving access to treatment is especially important as less than half of HIV/AIDS-positive pregnant women are accessing ART and risk transmitting the virus to their babies.

The U.N. Development Program (UNDP) has also allocated $103.2 million to improve health care in Angola. The grant will primarily focus on HIV/AIDS in Angola by providing testing, treatment and “reducing infections in children of HIV-positive mothers”. The funding has an additional $30 million compared to previous years, allowing Angola to increase its efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS.

Local Initiatives

Many Angolans are also getting involved with the fight against HIV/AIDS. Angolan singer Yola Semedo is the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Angola. She expressed her commitment to spreading the message about curtailing HIV/AIDS in Angola.

The organization Mothers2Mothers has been supporting women since 2019. Women living with HIV/AIDS in Angola are able to access treatment through the service to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Mothers2Mothers also offers contact tracing for sexual partners to prevent further spread of the virus. In 2021, more than 10,000 women benefited from these services across 28 locations. 

Locally run groups, such as Bancanas Femininas (Women’s Band) give women living with HIV/AIDS a space to discuss their feelings and provide resources to access support. This organization also educates women about protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS and promotes awareness of treatment. Community counselors also provide essential services by encouraging testing and improving access to ART. These efforts contribute to keeping the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Angola relatively low.

Angola has struggled in past years to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis partly due to high poverty rates. With support from local and international organizations though, there is hope that the situation is improving.

– Jamie Paterson
Photo: Flickr

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How Egypt’s Divorce Laws Put Women at Risk of Homelessness

Egypt's Divorce Laws
Egypt grapples with the highest homelessness rate in Africa, reaching 11.6%. This issue affects a staggering 12 million people, including approximately 3 million children. Notably, Egypt’s divorce laws create vulnerabilities for women, putting them at risk of homelessness due to certain legal disadvantages.

Cultural Norms

Cultural norms and ideas reinforce women’s unequal access to housing from the moment they are born. Families often finance apartments or houses for male siblings but do not ensure female siblings’ housing. Instead, families tell their girls that guaranteeing them a place to live is unnecessary after marriage as this responsibility falls to their husbands. Because of this cultural perspective, women’s access to housing often depends on their marital success, which, in some cases, occurs at a young age. While the rate of early marriages has decreased in recent years, a 2021 survey revealed that 17.4% of women in their early 20s had been married or engaged before turning 18.

Discriminatory Egyptian Divorce Laws

Divorced Egyptian women and their children are particularly at risk of homelessness as Egypt’s divorce laws place them at a disadvantage. According to Egyptian family laws, mothers receive custodial rights to their children until the age of 15, however, a common occurrence is that fathers “kidnap” their children by refusing to relinquish them back to the mother after visitation hours are over.

A woman interviewed by the Egyptian news outlet Mada demonstrated the limited enforcement of mothers’ custodial rights in the country. After her children were kidnapped by her ex-husband, the policemen she spoke to refused to enforce her custodial rights by indicating that “a father does not kidnap his own son.” The legal protection of mothers’ custodial rights also ends when they remarry and a survey that the Association of the Development and Enhancement of Women (ADEW) conducted indicated that 90% of divorced mothers opted not to remarry to maintain custody of their children.

When women do retain custody, courts in Egypt are typically lax when enforcing alimony payments, leaving the already vulnerable women to take care of their children with limited financial means. At the age of 15, children living with their mothers can choose between continuing to live with their mothers or going to live with their fathers. Even if the child decides to keep living with their mother, the father can stop paying alimony. Additionally, he can choose to evict the mother and the children from the custody home. If the father decides to order their removal from the home, mothers have little legal recourse and often end up homeless along with their children.

The Reality of Post-Divorce Life for Egyptian Women

Other factors also make post-divorce life difficult for women in Egypt. In general, they only have access to limited income-earning opportunities. Attempting to reintegrate into the job market is especially difficult as some husbands expect wives to quit their jobs after marriage and divorcees end up with little to no job experience. The stigma associated with divorce also makes divorcees feel alienated and discriminated against. A woman’s plea for help after a divorce could meet disregard from her family due to the taboo of being associated with a divorcee. Even if the marriage ended because of the husband’s physical or psychological abuse, the blame for the end of the marriage falls solely on the wife and she must put up with derogatory labels such as “kharrabet beyout” (home-wrecker), or even “kharg beit” (secondhand).

The Perils of the Divorce Process

Aside from the insecurity divorce brings upon women, it is a much more arduous process for them than it is for men. Indeed, all men need to divorce their spouses is an oral renunciation recognized by a religious notary. They do not even require the assistance of a legal court.

On the other hand, a court has to accept a woman’s proposal for divorce, a process that can take years if the husband refuses. To obtain a divorce with full financial rights, a woman has to provide evidence that her husband has harmed and abused her. Additionally, all women, including those who have testified that their husbands have physically abused them, must attempt reconciliation in a court-ordered mediation process. During the often-long process of obtaining a divorce, women separated from their husbands are not eligible for state financial aid programs, condemning them to homelessness if they do not have any family to help them. In order to shorten the divorce proceedings and avoid homelessness, Egyptian women will sometimes have no choice but to sign away their financial and custodial privileges to the father.

A Catalyst for Disadvantageous Marriage Power Dynamics

Because Egypt’s divorce laws deprive women of economic security after divorce and due to the arduous process involved in obtaining a divorce, many Egyptian women may choose to remain in abusive or unhealthy marriages. Rates of domestic violence are also high in the country, with a study indicating that up to 86% of married women in Egypt have experienced physical or psychological abuse.

The lack of stability after divorce creates dangerous power dynamics within marital relationships. Ghada Abdel Fattah’s story, told by Al Jazeera, illustrates the dire consequences of divorcing in Egypt. After her husband asked for a divorce, Fattah and her daughter were kicked out of their home and would have had no shelter if it was not for her family who provided refuge. She eventually found employment and is now saving money to secure a home for herself and her daughter.

Taking Action

In 2o22, three Egyptian college students started a campaign called “Enty Zel Nafsek” (“You Are Your Own Shadow”) to raise awareness about the issues divorced women face in Egypt and to reduce the unfair stigma associated with divorce. The girls seek to provide emotional support to divorced Egyptian women and also support women’s businesses by advertising the businesses on their social media accounts.

Another organization founded by Engy Raafat, a survivor of domestic violence, helps women get back on their feet after divorce by providing financial, emotional and legal support. Raafat’s organization, called You Can, has had a tremendous impact on the lives of women across Egypt, helping more than 5,000 women find jobs.

– Tatiana Gnuva
Photo: Stockvault

Hawaii’s Tourism Dilemma: Impact on Poverty

Hawaii’s TourismIn recent years, Hawaii’s tourism dilemma has come to the forefront, shedding light on the intricate balance between economic prosperity and environmental and socioeconomic concerns. Local voices have highlighted the trains on resources, rising costs of living and housing and cultural erosion caused by mass tourism. This exploration delves into Hawaii’s tourism dilemma, dissecting its multifaceted impacts and the possibility of a balanced future. 

Strains on Resources 

While tourism breathes life into Hawaii’s economy, it also exerts tremendous pressure on the islands’ resources. The demand for accommodations, water and energy strains already limited supplies. Due to the severe drought and the depletion of water supplies, West Maui residents and Upcountry villages were subject to mandatory water restrictions starting on June 30, 2022. The use of water for non-essential purposes, such as watering lawns or washing cars, might result in a $500 punishment and having their water meters taken away for locals from these regions. However, the tourist sector, which uses 44.7% of Hawaii’s water, is not subject to any water restrictions. This struggle for essential resources often forces residents to contend with water rationing and conservation efforts, affecting their quality of life.

Rising Costs and Widening Poverty Gaps 

The influx of tourists has brought with it rising costs that hit residents hard. The cost of living has surged, particularly in terms of housing and everyday essentials. From 2019 to 2022, Maui County’s housing prices rose by nearly 35%; they had already been rising since the financial crisis. Additionally, based on statistics from the Council for Community and Economic Research, Hawaii had the highest cost of living in 2022. 

Skyrocketing housing and high cost of living prices have led to displacement for many locals, as investors snatch up properties for vacation rentals. 

Cultural Erosion 

The cultural erosion brought about by mass tourism is a poignant concern. Native Hawaiians, who hold a deep spiritual connection to their land, often feel that their traditions and values are commodified for profit. The influx of visitors seeking superficial representations of Hawaiian culture can overshadow the authentic practices and beliefs of the local community, further eroding the island’s unique identity.

Tackling Hawaii’s tourism dilemma involves recognizing the importance of cultural preservation as a means to both attract visitors and empower local communities.

The Positive Impact 

Despite these challenges, the impact of tourism isn’t entirely negative. It has propelled economic growth, generating jobs, investment opportunities and revenue streams that support local infrastructure and services. A quarter of Hawaii’s GDP comes from the tourism industry. The tourism sector in 2019 supported a total of 216,000 jobs across the state. It also resulted in nearly $17.8 billion in tourist spending and contributed more than $2 billion in tax revenue for the state.  

Moreover, tourism provides a platform to showcase Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage and environmental significance to a global audience. By engaging visitors in educational experiences, the islands can foster a greater appreciation for their unique attributes.

Moving Toward a Balanced Future

Addressing Hawaii’s tourism dilemma requires a multi-faceted approach that takes into account the need to alleviate poverty, preserve culture and ensure a sustainable flow of visitors.

A key pillar to finding effective solutions to Hawaii’s tourism dilemma requires involving local communities in decision-making processes. Residents, who are the heart of Hawaii, possess a profound understanding of the islands’ needs and sensitivities. By giving them a voice in shaping tourism policies and regulations, the industry could become more attuned to the wishes and concerns of those who call Hawaii home. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the islands’ well-being. 

Balancing the scales of tourism also means supporting local businesses and economies. Encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known destinations and engage with off-the-beaten-path experiences redirects economic benefits to smaller communities. Promoting sustainable agriculture and indigenous crafts not only diversifies revenue streams but also safeguards Hawaii’s authenticity against a homogenized tourist culture. Additionally, encouraging tourists to explore less crowded areas will prevent damage to vulnerable cultural and natural sites. 

Dr. Agrusa asked hundreds of participating U.S. tourists what they would be prepared to do to make sure their visits benefited Hawaii and its residents. Around four out of 10 respondents stated they would be willing to pay 10% more at restaurants if it meant that local suppliers would profit more from the food supply chain and pay more during their stay to respect Hawaiian culture. 

Hawaii’s tourism challenge stands at a crossroads, casting both concerns and the need for a balanced future. As mass tourism on the islands causes strains on resources, vanishing cultural roots and increasing poverty levels, embracing community voices and fostering local economies emerges as a solution to foster sustainable tourism. 

– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Unsplash

Saving Lives: How Vaccine Campaigns Are Controlling Cholera in Kenya

Cholera in KenyaAs of March 26, 2023, Kenyan authorities have reported more than 7,800 cholera cases and 122 deaths. The outbreak of cholera in Kenya started in October 2022. The severe drought in the region has exacerbated the spread of cholera. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenyan health officials began the country’s first cholera vaccine drive in February 2023.

How Cholera Is Spread

In cases of epidemics, such as the cholera outbreak in Kenya, the bacteria is typically found in food or water contaminated by feces from an infected person. Transmitted through contaminated water and food, cholera spreads quickly in places lacking sanitation, adequate water treatment and hygienic waste disposal. Poverty increases the likelihood of a cholera outbreak due to communities having little access to clean water and sanitation. Kenya’s ongoing drought has only made accessing any source of clean water even more difficult. 

Kenya’s Cholera Vaccine Campaign

Health authorities aimed to vaccinate 1.59 million people in eight of the most high-risk counties in Kenya to control the spread of cholera. The vaccine campaign lasted ten days, from August 3 to August 12. In only ten days, the vaccine drive surpassed its goal. 1.67 million people received the oral cholera vaccine. Dr. Emmanuel Okunga, the head of the Health Ministry’s Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, attributes this success to their vaccination strategy

The Kenyan cholera vaccine drive deployed 1,886 vaccinators and 943 volunteers. These teams vaccinated community members in health facilities, churches, mosques, public water taps and settlements, and they even traveled from home to home. Another part of this successful vaccine drive is that the people in Kenya know the danger of a cholera infection, and they want to protect themselves. Many people crossed county boundaries to receive the vaccine. A single dose of the vaccine protects a person from contracting a cholera infection anywhere between six months and two years. 

Improving Sanitation and Increasing Access to Clean Water

Efforts to improve sanitation and water in Kibera, a neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya, have become part of an ongoing project to boost health and safety in the settlement. In Kibera, 20 ablution blocks, public washrooms with toilets, have been built in parks to give people access to toilets that utilize proper waste management techniques. Along with these governmental efforts, non-government organizations are helping out. 

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is building water ATMs throughout the 13 villages in Kibera. They have already placed 25 water ATMs with plans to build more. A single water ATM can provide safe and clean water to at least 100 households daily. Accessing water through these water ATMs is also cheap.

Most water vendors in the region charge up to 50 Kenyan shillings for a 20-liter can of water. This amount translates to receiving about five gallons of water for $0.37. Many members of the community are unable to afford that. At SHOFCO water ATMs, the same amount of water can be bought for only two Kenyan shillings, which is about $0.015. This water system has drastically changed the sanitation status in many villages because more people can access clean water for drinking, household use and toilets. 

With continued vaccination efforts and access to clean water and sanitation facilities, there is a clear path to control the cholera outbreak in Kenya. 

– Jacey Carey
Photo: Flickr

5 Charities Operating in Ghana

Charities Operating in GhanaAn estimated 2.99 million people in Ghana currently live in extreme poverty. This data means they live on as little as $1.90 a day. While Ghana has made incredible progress in reducing these numbers over the years, inequality and uneven distribution of wealth have led to many people still suffering from the effects of poverty and poor infrastructure. These five charities operating in Ghana are tackling these issues through aid and sustainable practices. With the help of these organizations, many Ghanaian people are learning how to help themselves, building a brighter future for the country.

5 Charities Operating in Ghana

  1. Rural Literacy Solutions – Based in the Northern Region of Ghana, Rural Literacy Solutions is a community-based organization dedicated to improving reading and digital literacy in underfunded regions. Originally made to combat the high illiteracy rates in rural Ghana, the charity operates by providing three key services. They run after-school literacy programs within schools in need, teach digital skills in remote schools to better prepare for the future and give libraries to underprivileged communities. Rural Literacy Solutions aims to empower individuals through education and break down the barriers to further education and employment by promoting reading, writing and digital skills. They are raising money to build 30 small libraries in Northern Ghana to provide books and literacy support to 20,000 children in rural areas, and they aim to help 2 million children by the year 2030.
  2. Self Help International – Inventor and industrialist Vern Schield created Self Help International in 1959. Raised on a farm during the American Depression, Schield saw first-hand how inadequate farming practices and limited means could hinder hard-working farmers. Due to his world travels, he also recognized how developing countries would benefit from the appropriate farming technology. Self Help International began its work in Ghana in 1989 at the request of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, and since then, the organization has been working to end hunger through development projects and sustainable practices rather than simply providing aid. The organization aims to help people help themselves. They hire local skilled professionals to assist in educating small-scale rural farmers on practical agriculture enterprises and provide technology such as drip irrigation to farmers. They also offer small loans to female entrepreneurs ranging from $50 to $300 to help expand businesses and provide training programs on how to run a business. The loans have a 98% repayment average, and once repaid, the money is reinvested into training and financing more women in need. Self Help International works to expand projects, such as its Women’s Empowerment Program and Teen Girls Club. The organization has also ensured over 3,600 Nicaragua natives access to safe drinking water, issued 680 loans to women to grow their businesses and helped over 412 rural farmers develop improved farming methods.
  3. Onechild Ghana – For the last 20 years, Onechild Ghana has been educating some of the world’s poorest children. Spread across 14 locations in the Ashanti region, Onechild Ghana partners with existing vocational schools. The organization consists entirely of volunteers and works to help these schools become more sustainable through project funding and support. The charity has helped fund many different projects, ranging from installing a water system at Otaakom ICCES to purchasing the necessary equipment to set up a bread-making course at Kokoben ICCES, and the charity has helped 1,000 children so far.
  4. Project Maji – Project Maji is a water donation NGO that provides sustainable and solar-powered water solutions to small rural communities typically overlooked by the government and more prominent NGOs. Founder Sunil Lalvini established the organization in 2015 after he witnessed two children drinking from a roadside puddle in rural Ghana. Compelled to help, he developed a solar-powered water pump and deployed it in a single village. Today, the charity operates over 100 sustainable, safe water access points in Ghana and has helped over 145,000 people across Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.
  5. CAMFED – CAMFED is a grassroots movement tackling poverty and inequality through female education and leadership. Focused on vulnerable girls and women in rural Africa, the organization may start in the classroom, but it doesn’t end there. CAMFED supports women in many ways. They work to provide essential materials for female students, such as books, uniforms, safe boarding facilities and even bicycles for girls to get to school more quickly. They also provide teachers with training in child protection and educate young women to be peer mentors for vulnerable young girls. CAMFED also supports young graduates with additional training and resources, allowing them to lead the change needed for the next generation. CAMFED currently works in 38 districts of Ghana, and since its creation in 1998, has supported over 240,000 girls in attending primary and secondary school using donor funds.

In conclusion, charities operating in Ghana play a vital role in addressing the country’s social and economic challenges. Through their various programs and initiatives, these organizations are making significant strides in areas such as education, ​food security, poverty alleviation and promoting sustainable development. With their commitment to creating positive change and improving the lives of Ghanaians, charities are key partners in the country’s journey towards a brighter and more equitable future.

– Jodie Donovan
Photo: Flickr

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Effective Charities Reducing Poverty

Effective Charities Reducing Poverty
One of the most straightforward methods to combat extreme poverty is contributing to charities dedicated to this cause. However, the positive impact a donation can have varies between different organizations. Despite this, only 38% of U.S. donors research where their money is going. Fortunately, websites such as TheLifeYouCanSave and GiveWell provide valuable data to help individuals identify effective charities that reduce poverty globally. Here are three charities reducing poverty. They are different, yet highly cost-effective and impactful, organizations worthy of support.

Effective Charities Reducing Poverty

  1. GiveDirectly: A new and radical way of helping those most in need is through transfers of no-strings-attached cash. This concept has received wide criticism — consider the aphorism, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for the day; teach a man to fish, and you will feed him for a lifetime.” However, Michael Faye, executive chairman and co-founder of GiveDirectly argues, “There is some visceral discomfort with simply giving poor people money. But the evidence, overwhelmingly, is that cash is one of the most effective ways of alleviating poverty.” Using the gold-standard evidence of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), GiveDirectly claims its impact per $1,000 increases earnings by $270, assets by $430 and spending on nutrition by $330, with no effect on alcohol or tobacco spending, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of their method. One research study conducted in Siaya County, Kenya, found the economic impact of a $1,000 transfer to be roughly $2,500 after 27 months. Not only did the economic benefit more than double, but psychological well-being, food security and education all improved too. Although there could be a risk of inflation, in Siaya where over 15% of local GDP was delivered in cash transfers, prices hardly increased — only rising 0.1%. Another study evaluating $1,000 cash transfers to coffee-farming communities in Uganda also found consumption, earnings and food security all improved for those in coffee farmer households as well as those not. GiveDirectly proves that cash transfers can have a huge impact on poverty-stricken communities as they reduce child labor (without reducing adult labor), increase school attendance, and provide economic autonomy and greater diversity in diet. It might be time to trust that those most in need know what they need and are capable of building a future for themselves.
  2. Malaria Consortium & The Against Malaria Foundation: Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in low-income countries, killing more than 600,000 people annually, most of whom are children under 5 years old in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the most effective ways of combating malaria is through seasonal malaria chemoprevention, a preventative medicine. In the Sahel region of Africa, which experiences notably high malaria rates, the Malaria Consortium leads the implementation of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention program. This program involves administering monthly doses of antimalarial drugs to children during the four months when malaria season is at its peak. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the prevalence of malaria attacks and severe cases by approximately 75%, potentially preventing millions of cases and thousands of child deaths. The estimated cost of providing this treatment during the high-risk rainy season is remarkably low, at around $3.40 per child. Another method for malaria prevention is the distribution of bed nets along with education on how to use them. The Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) excels in efficiently distributing bed nets while conducting follow-up audits to ensure the distributed nets are in use and being used correctly. Each bed net from the AMF costs just $2 and can protect two individuals for up to three years. Thanks to sponsor support for additional costs, the AMF is able to allocate 100% of public donations toward the purchase of bed nets.
  3. Helen Keller International: Malnutrition is another main focus for organizations dedicated to eradicating poverty, as every 11 seconds a child dies of malnutrition. According to the WHO, inadequate consumption of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is a form of malnutrition — micronutrients help produce the necessary enzymes and hormones for growth and development. Deficiencies in iron and vitamin A threaten the development and health, especially of pregnant women and children, in low-income countries. More than 200,000 children die every year from vitamin A deficiencies, as they are left vulnerable to deadly infections. Helen Keller International is an effective organization supporting door-to-door campaigns where health workers administer vitamin A supplements to preschool children at their homes and fixed-site campaigns where caregivers travel to health facilities with preschool-aged children to receive the supplements. It is an extremely cost-effective method as it costs only $1.00 to deliver a vitamin A supplement and help save a life.

Looking Ahead

These charities reducing poverty continue to do incredible, life-changing work to reduce extreme poverty. GiveDirectly offers an economic approach by providing families with an allowance to help them not only survive but thrive, while Malaria Consortium, the Against Malaria Foundation and the Helen Keller Foundation focus on health as they try to prevent deaths from malaria and malnutrition. 

– Alice Isola
Photo: Flickr