Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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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

A Look At Regenerative Farming in India

Regenerative Farming in India
Since 2019, India has attempted to put additional focus on their agricultural development. However, their plan to become land-degradation-neutral by 2030 has proven to be challenging, primarily due to an increased need for eco-friendly technology. Luckily, regenerative farming in India, a modern solution that emphasizes soil health and protects the environment, has the potential to make Indian farming more eco-friendly while also boosting the income of India’s farmers. 

Long-term studies have found that regenerative agriculture is not only more efficient than regular farming methods but is also more friendly to the environment. As a result, this new method not only benefits the farming community but can also have a significant impact on poverty in India, as the quality and quantity of food is substantially improved. Organizations such as Regenagri and Regenerative Organic Certified are spearheading this initiative due in part to its potential to alleviate poverty in India. 

India’s Land Degradation Crisis

As of 2023, roughly 30% of India’s total geographical area is degraded land, unfit for growing quality crops. Although land degradation caused by soil erosion is a natural part of the farming process, the loss of topsoil due to erosion occurs at a rate faster than soil can regenerate. As a result, nations such as India are at risk of desertification, which poses a considerable threat to the well-being of the nation’s population. 

Desertification leads to a lack of accessibility to natural resources required for human survival and development, also known as “ecological poverty.” Ecological poverty has inextricable ties to income poverty; if ecological poverty is not averted, then the fight against global poverty can never succeed. 

Regenerative Agriculture’s Impact on Poverty

To fight off desertification and land degradation, certain organizations are encouraging the utilization of regenerative agriculture, an eco-friendly strategy that prioritizes soil fertility and improves water and energy management. The primary goal is to heavily alter the agricultural process in order to guarantee a more plentiful and stable yield while keeping financial and environmental costs low. 

This is achieved through various eco-friendly additions to the farming process, such as covering bare soil to prevent carbon dioxide from escaping into the atmosphere, integrating livestock more seamlessly and attempting to protect the soil from as many disturbances as possible. 

The end result of this strategy is a farming method that is not only beneficial for the environment but also considerably boosts the quality and quantity of crops produced while farming. Consequently, the utilization of regenerative agriculture can improve the availability of food and other goods in India, thereby fighting back against poverty in the nation. This coincides with the need to combat ecological poverty. By utilizing regenerative agriculture, the health and accessibility of necessary natural resources have significantly improved. 

Current Initiatives and Organizations

Regenagri, developed jointly by Solidaridad and Control Union, is one organization that has already seen success in India with its regenerative agriculture initiative. Regenagri has brought regenerative agriculture processes to 1.25 million acres of land. Regenerative Organic Certified, an initiative made up of several organizations and companies such as Patagonia, is the other main body pursuing regenerative farming in India. Major food companies such as Nestle are also pursuing efforts in the regenerative agriculture sphere. 

With a considerable number of organizations already partaking in this initiative, India’s farming methods should see considerable improvement. If regenerative agriculture proves to be successful, India will be one step closer to their land-degradation-neutral goal.

– Liam Kahan
Photo: Flickr

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How the UK is Helping Expand Rwanda’s Education System

Rwanda’s Education System
On August 31, 2023, the U.K. announced that Foreign Office Minister Andrew Mitchell will visit Rwanda for the commencement of a new education initiative, Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL). Mitchell will attend the annual Gorilla naming ceremony, symbolizing the United Kingdom’s commitment to battle poverty in Rwanda. Here is how GIRL is helping address the limitations of Rwanda’s education system. 

About the Struggles of Rwanda’s Education System

The National Institute of Rwanda’s 2022 report illustrated the need for reform of Rwanda’s education system, with a mere 25% of students advancing from primary to secondary school. This lackluster education is reflected in the labor force, as the national report displays that only 17% of the labor force has a secondary school education. With a small proportion of the population gaining secondary education, most youths are fighting for the same jobs, with the stiff competition for work resulting in a 22% youth unemployment rate as of 2020. 

Rwanda’s educational struggles have culminated in a poor economy, with the UN reporting in 2021 that around 44% of the population is in poverty and another 22% is at risk of falling into poverty. With poverty impacting nearly half the nation, severe economic pressure ends up on the children of the nation to assist the household, contributing to the lack of educational participation.

About the GIRL Initiative

Mitchell proclaimed that with the U.K.’s involvement and investment into Rwanda, they will be able to tackle “a range of issues important to both nations and the region, including climate change and women and girls’ education.” The U.K.’s GIRL initiative focuses on funding the education of girls in Rwanda whose economic situation would not allow them to pursue education. 

With the program drawing from a fund of 60 million Great British Pounds, the GIRL initiative will last until 2030 and improve the learning conditions in nearly half of the poorest schools in Rwanda. Mitchell declared that through “our support to help eradicate poverty, educate children, especially girls, and provide British expertise to improve the delivery of public services for all,” the initiative will likely impact nearly 700,000 children. 

The GIRL initiative will provide services, including programs that assist those with disabilities, formulating a system to prevent girls from prematurely dropping out of school and a digital library for students to access resources. 

How UNICEF is Helping

Additionally, UNICEF backs the GIRL initiative. UNICEF allocated more than 12 million pounds on top of the preexisting 60 million. With both the U.K. and UNICEF showing support for Rwanda’s education system, the nation is finally receiving the attention and backing required to propel itself out of the poverty plaguing the nation. 

While the U.K. has begun implementing the GIRL initiative, the U.K. will continue to build its relationship with Rwanda. Meeting in April 2024 at the U.K.-African Investment Summit, the U.K. displays continued interest in assisting the nation in its battle with poverty. 

To support Rwanda’s fight against poverty, UNICEF plans to support the children of Rwanda and provide them with adequate infrastructure to rise above poverty.

– Dimitri Lykidis
Photo: Flickr

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How the Arbaeen Pilgrimage Helps Combat Poverty

the Arbaeen Pilgrimage
Every year, millions travel to the holy city of Karbala, Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, an occasion which marks 40 days after Ashura, when the grandson of the Holy Prophet, Imam Hussein, was killed in 680 AD. The pilgrimage consists of walking 50 miles from Najaf to Karbala and is a show of support for social justice, dignity and compassion. The official number of visitors during the 10-day period surpassed 22 million people on September 6, 2023, making it the largest and most peaceful gathering in the world. Shia Muslims largely attended the commemoration, as well as many Sunni Muslims and Christians who also visited to pay their respect to Imam Hussein. Here is how the Arbaeen pilgrimage helps those in poverty.

Hospitality and Kindness in the Face of Poverty 

One of the most beautiful elements of the Arbaeen pilgrimage is the extensive hospitality that participants offer to all kinds of people. Participants provide water, food, shelter and transportation to visitors for free, no matter their age, ethnicity or religion. Along the walking path from Najaf to Karbala, there are thousands of food and refreshment stalls with spaces for resting and medical attention, set up to serve all passers-by. One table holds the world record for the world’s largest dining table.

UNICEF’s 2020 Report 

UNICEF reports that 4.5 million Iraqis are now below the poverty line for socio-economic and COVID-related reasons. Iraq, with a poverty rate of 31.7%, still makes room every year for millions of visitors to commemorate the family of the Prophet, and in doing so provides stability and hospitality to the many Iraqis who are unable to make ends meet. The scale of hospitality led one visitor to claim that it makes one “want to give back.” The event helps those who don’t have access to basic human necessities such as food, water and shelter and helps combat poverty.

Helping the Poor Worldwide During Arbaeen

During the period of Arbaeen, there are several independent organizations that operate inside Iraq and outside, to help combat poverty. For instance, the charity Who Is Hussain, a grassroots social justice movement, operates on five continents to help feed and clothe the poor. Overall, it has accumulated around 50,000 blood donations, saved more than 140,000 lives and helped feed more than 700,000 people. During the period of Arbaeen, its teams provide voluntary initiatives around the world like donating blood, alongside distributing food, drink and masks to citizens, to countries including “USA, France, Britain, Pakistan, Lebanon as well as African cities and countries suffering from poverty.”

Looking Forward

Despite Iraq’s many years of war and suffering, every year the Arbaeen pilgrimage showcases the many beautiful things Iraq has to offer, demonstrating its resilience and hospitality to the world. The hospitality of Arbaeen helps those who may not have a place to sleep at night or a warm meal to come home to, providing hope to Iraqis — and all humanity.

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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WaterAid India: A Country in Need of Clean Water

A Country in Need of Clean Water
According to UNICEF India, about 67% of the 718 districts within India have been impacted by water depletion, making access to clean water challenging. Not only is clean water vital for basic sanitation and hydration, but it is also significant in shaping the lives of women and children. More often than not, women and children in India bear the responsibility of water collection when there is a lack of clean water. This means the number of children attending school in India declined, with children focusing on providing for their families. In addition, women who must collect water instead of working contribute to a loss of wages as well as overall productivity within the country. 

Therefore, the provision and maintenance of a clean water system are essential to creating an efficient economy as well as positive welfare for the citizens of a country. WaterAid India works toward the goal of improving India’s quality of life through the implementation of WASH (the water, sanitation and hygiene strategy) as well as clean tap water.

Waterborne Diseases

According to UNICEF, India’s lack of access to clean water creates a threat of waterborne diseases not only to India’s residents but also its economy, as mentioned above. One can also attribute poor water quality to a lack of efficient waste disposal. Untreated wastewater flows into groundwater, rivers and lakes, contributing to the risk and spread of waterborne diseases. In addition to unsafe and unsanitary water, India’s cities and rural areas lack quality control, leaving the issue of clean water under-prioritized.

Waterborne diseases spread rapidly through contaminated water containing pathogens such as bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global disease may be prevented through the development and implementation of systems that effectively provide and maintain clean water supply, hygiene and sanitation. Annually, waterborne diseases affect around 37.7 million people in India, while estimates have indicated that 1.5 million children in India contract diarrhea leading to fatality. Cases of waterborne diseases resulting from a lack of clean water flare up during rainy months because of a lack of proper management of and care for India’s water. In addition to waterborne diseases, infections also pose a serious threat due to contaminated water. 

The cause of unhygienic water supply and poor management of water is correlated with rapid economic growth, dense population, substandard housing and deficient political governance. In addition, India, and especially the rural parts of India, lack knowledge about proper water management and sanitation, resulting in unsafe defecation practices, water pollution and poor hygiene. 

WaterAid

WaterAid focuses on developing sustainable systems for communities in need of help. The non-governmental organization is committed to providing assistance for remote and rural communities which are often located in areas a distance away from a reliable and sanitary water source. 

The strategy that WaterAid implemented involves the installation of taps as well as first analyzing various factors regarding the challenge of tap installation. WaterAid’s process involves assessing the community’s landscape, water source and safety. Then the organization conducts tests on the community’s water to look at PH, iron and sodium levels to name a few. In conducting a test of the community’s water, WaterAid provides the necessary sterilization tools to provide clean water. Following water testing, WaterAid conducts a search for nearby institutions which may also need access to water such as schools or health care facilities. Then it is crucial for WaterAid to analyze the climate in order to follow up with the engineering and construction of taps for the community. 

WaterAid India

The primary goal of WaterAid India is to implement the water, sanitation and hygiene strategy, or WASH. WaterAid India focuses on sustainable strategies to provide clean water access and sanitation. The organization educates the country’s local communities, integrating conservation and water harvesting and promoting skills for water management. 

India’s state of Madhya Pradesh has integrated WaterAid as a member of the state-level Task Force, and as a result, WaterAid has implemented tap water systems within the state. In the city of Delhi, India, WaterAid India has encouraged water distribution models for the community. In addition, WaterAid India and the Jal Jeevan Mission of Assam signed a Memorandum of Understanding ensuring the provision of sanitary tap water in rural India. WaterAid India not only creates a meaningful impact by building resources and disseminating knowledge but also strives to work in collaboration with governments, local organizations, businesses, utility companies, governments and development partners to work with the people of India and strengthen access to clean water. 

WaterAid India’s influence can be heard through countless stories sharing the improved quality of life of residents. In the village of Govardhanpur, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the drains lining the community are now clean, a testament to the success of WaterAid’s efficient strategy and implementation. Govardhanpur’s drains are no longer congested with trash, and waterborne diseases have declined. Prior to WaterAid’s assistance, the main issue causing the village’s contamination was due to improper garbage disposal and management which would allow garbage to flow into the water. WaterAid India worked with the community to create a waste collection system, making way for a cleaner, more sanitary community. 

Conclusion

All in all, the WaterAid network and WaterAid India have created systems whereby communities in need of clean water (basic human rights) are now able to live and maintain hygienic lifestyles. So far, WaterAid India says the organization has “helped more than 3.7 million people gain access to safe water, and 9.7 million people gain access to proper sanitation.” 

– Bianca Roh
Photo: Flickr

How Supporting Artisanal Work Helps Developing Economies

Artisanal Work 
Handcrafting is the second-largest industry in the developing world. With an estimated global market value of $32 billion, artisanal work occupies an essential place in the world market. Yet, handcrafters in developing areas are often undervalued and underpaid. Supporting organizations that improve conditions for crafters helps alleviate global poverty and empower women employed in that sector. 

Artisans’ Role in the Global Market 

Many consumers do not recognize the importance of artisanal work when it comes to making purchases. For instance, stores like West Elm collaborate with more than 20 artisan groups in 15 countries. IKEA, the home-furnishing company based in Sweden, collaborates with rural artisans worldwide. Still, many artisan communities lack the resources they need to access consumers and earn sufficient income.

If the artisan sector were a country, it would make up the fourth-largest workforce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Hundreds of millions of workers string beads, sculpt clay and weave tapestries, among other crafts, each day. The cultural influence of artisanal artwork in everyday products reflects the importance of the handcrafting sector, whether it be in tablecloths, bed linens or placemats sold all over the world. 

Women’s empowerment is another important reason to support the artisan sector: As the single largest employer of women, handcrafting provides women in developing countries with greater opportunities. When women are able to achieve greater economic stability and market access, that nation’s gender equality and overall stability increase.

The Need for Improvement 

Despite the heavy demand for artisanal products worldwide, many enterprises in developing countries lack access to important financial services like credit. These companies also suffer from unpredictable cash flows and seasonal sales, making profits short-lived and unreliable. 

Entrepreneurs often lack opportunities to access the global market through established supply chains that guarantee steady paychecks. Thus, by supporting companies that work to improve sales and conditions for artisan workers, people can help improve developing economies all over the world. Here are some places to shop that include artisanal work:

ClothRoads 

ClothRoads specializes in authentic work from indigenous artists. It provides access to the global market for groups like Federation Sahalandy, a traditional silk-weaving company based in Madagascar. Sahalandy trains women to be skilled employees in all aspects of the production process, from raising silkworms to spinning, weaving and completing sales. Seven weaving cooperatives work collaboratively, representing over eighty weavers in the mountain area of Sandrandahy, Madagascar. Female workers comprise the majority of the association, making it an important source of female empowerment in the area.

Ethik

Ethik is an organization that works to connect talented crafters with companies that provide them with access to more buyers. Inspired by the fact that most handcraft producers live in extreme poverty, Ethik focuses on workers in developing communities. According to its 2022 Impact Report, Ethik sold 247,722 handcrafted products last year. It worked with 748 artists from 14 countries, including Palestine, Ghana and Madagascar. Nearly 500 of those workers were women. 

Ethik’s report highlights the Young Living Foundation, one of its largest consumers. In 2022, the foundation ordered more than 19,000 candles from Ethik’s Rwandan partner, Beeutiful Creations. That single purchase employed 40 artisans and nearly 4,000 fair-pay work hours. 

Indego Africa

Indego Africa is a nonprofit that works to empower artisan women in Rwanda and Ghana. The organization partners with 1,000 African artisans to sell home décor, apparel and accessories. All of those proceeds go back into business and entrepreneur training programs to better equip the artisans with financial stability opportunities. By bringing handcrafted products into the international market, Indego Africa provides artisans with consistent and sufficient income.

Empowering artisans is essential for promoting gender equality and poverty alleviation in developing nations. By directing one’s purchases to companies that specialize in authentic handcrafts by artisans through these organizations, individuals, as consumers, can make a positive change. 

– Lindsey Osit
Photo: Flickr

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How WRC-23 Reduces Poverty

WRC-23 Reduces Poverty
The modern age of the internet has shaped nearly every facet of modern-day life. However, access to this revolutionary technology still needs to catch up. It may appear obvious, but widespread communication and the internet are efficient ways to bring the entire globe into a prosperous age. The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is an international event that occurs every three to four years to set and revise global standards used for international radio and communication. This year’s conference, WRC-23 in Dubai, maintained a focal point of improving communication and internet access across developing nations. This year, the conference aimed efforts at areas across southeast Asia and Africa. WRC-23 reduces poverty using tools like 5G and internet bands (GHz). 

While the internet and communication may seem like commodities compared to adequate food and housing when examining poverty, a case study in Mexico found that inequitable access to the internet and communication was a driving force for poverty. Access to these factors bolstered education, health care and other factors. The study showed that people lacking access, on average, had less access to health care, housing and education. This case study in Mexico displays how WRC-23 reduces poverty using developed technologies with fair access to create advantages for people. 

5G and the Internet in Asia

For the greater Pacific-Asia region, WRC-23 presents the opportunity to revolutionize radio frequency. The main idea is to use 6Ghz — a high-speed internet band — to skyrocket the accessibility and sustainability of 5G. An astounding 5 billion people use mobile phones every day, and increasing its capacity presents further opportunities for education and health care — key pillars in fighting poverty. Furthermore, the European Investment Banks predicts that 5G can reduce energy consumption by 50% to 95%. Increasing the availability and reducing the cost of energy can have a massive effect on ways the WRC-23 reduces poverty. 

China has already committed to this new wave of 5G and began implementation on July 1st. Other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Myanmar, have also demonstrated interest in using 6Ghz to improve mobile access. This innovation could potentially reach 1.5 billion people and improve the lives of many. 

Mobile in Africa 

On a global scale, 45% of the world lacks access to the internet. Those disconnected fall into two groups. Some fall into the coverage gap: people who live in areas with zero mobile networks. Others fall into the usage gap: people without broadband access but who create a mobile footprint. Africa houses a disproportionate number of disconnected who fall into the coverage gap group, 61% of people lack access to mobile networks. The chief causes of this are the usage and affordability of networks. 

Causes being discussed at WRC-23. The conference is focused on using low and mid-band spectrums to tackle the coverage gap. Low and mid-band spectrums being discussed in WRC-23 contain massive impacts on digital access in Africa. The continued use of 3.5GHz and the expansion of 3.8 GHz has the potential to create a dream vision for mobile in Africa, echoing massive benefits for those in poverty. The addition of the lower band 470-694 MHz can also further bolster the impacts of improved access. Powerful potential is being forged helping the WRC-23 reduce poverty. 

Looking Forward 

It is evident that the projects at WRC-23 can make massive strides in the fight against global poverty. All it takes is the approval of countries participating in the conference for improvements in the lives of many.

The GMSA is a global network of more than 1,000 operators that focuses on improving sustainability and equality in the mobile industry. It has identified three actions to make change. It is urging countries to:

  1. Allocate the 470-694 MHz band. 
  2. Identify the 3.3-3.8 GHz band3. 
  3. Start up the 6GHz band. 

These actions will have massive ramifications for assisting the WRC-23 to reduce poverty. 

– Aditya Arora
Photo: Flickr

HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone

HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, the HIV and AIDS epidemic has been raging on since 1987, with the condition being characterized as “stable” according to the National Institute of Health. 

The low-income West African country has dealt with many issues over the years, including economic and political instability, public health scares such as the Ebola epidemic which lasted two years between 2014–2016 and civil war. 

Prevalence and Statistics 

A 2017 report “has estimated that since the beginning of the global HIV pandemic in 1981, 35.4 million acquired immunodeficiency syndromes” which means that many people living with HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone have severe health problems that are linked to the condition. Furthering this is “a disproportionately high number of the global total deaths (70%) occurred in sub-Saharan Africa.” 

Why is HIV/AIDS So Prevalent in Sierra Leone?

Estimates have indicated that the large prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the country is due to social and economic factors, with the epidemic having “been fueled, in part by a severely under-resourced health care system, a decade-long civil war (1991–2000) and disruptions in HIV care due to the recent Ebola epidemic (2014–2016). In addition to this, treatment is also not accessible to most due to the extreme poverty much of the population faces, with there being an estimated 67,000 HIV infected people, with less than 30% receiving ART.”

ART, in particular, is a form of medication that helps treat those with the condition and lower the viral load in the bloodstream of HIV, which means it is unlikely that the infected person will spread the disease to others. Due to the large number of people not receiving treatment in the country, the worrying fact is that HIV will spread to others and create an even bigger epidemic of suffering in Sierra Leone. 

UNICEF: Tackling HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone

However, despite the severity of HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone being particularly worrying, the charity UNICEF is currently providing vital support for those suffering from the condition to ensure those affected get access to treatment.  

 A story that demonstrates this is that of a lady named Edith who learned she had HIV after she lost her husband, father and children.

Edith herself stated “When I was diagnosed as HIV positive, I was sad, angry, confused and unsure about what to do next. I did not have a lot of information about this condition and was afraid that being a widow with little resources, taking a lifelong medication would be too expensive.” However, due to the help and support of UNICEF, Edith no longer has to live in fear, as Edith goes on to state  “I receive my ARVs free of charge and this has helped me with treatment adherence and helping me to remain healthy and strong. Today I use the lessons and experiences I have had from taking ARVs to advise other people living with HIV on the importance of taking ARVs every day at the same time, even when the CD4 count gets high.” 

The treatment UNICEF has provided Edith with has also helped to prevent it from spreading to Edith’s new husband and the baby. This is because the use of ARVs contributes to reducing HIV-related morbidities and mortalities across Sierra Leone. 

 Overall, UNICEF serves as an example of what charities and governments can do to prevent the epidemic of HIV and AIDS from both spreading further afield and impacting the lives of those living in underdeveloped countries. Through providing access to treatment and testing facilities, people will no longer have to live in fear of the disease and the implications of it. 

– Megan Rose Miley
Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Education in India

Education in India
India’s education system is one of the largest in the world. In 1947, when the country gained independence, the literacy rate was only 18% for men and around 8% for women. With steady reforms, India has come a long way to revamp its education system. According to the National Survey of India, the literacy rate has increased in the past 13 years from 73% in 2011 to more than 77.7% in 2022. However, this statistic is still lower than the global literacy rate which is around 86.5%. Illiteracy plays a major role in continuous and generational poverty in India. Luckily, there are efforts in place to improve education in India.

Discrimination in Education in India

Gender disparity and inequality are some of the main reasons for the stark difference in literacy rates between women and men. The male literacy rate is 84.7% whereas the female literacy rate is disappointingly lower at 70.3%. In some states such as Bihar, the female literacy rate is shockingly low at 51.50%. During the pandemic, 6 million children were out of school and a majority of them were girls. This difference in education between men and women has inevitably led to a higher rate of female poverty in India.

Social and cultural beliefs about the inferiority of women are still widespread. Studies have shown that gender violence is prevalent throughout the country, especially in domestic households where women have to perform unpaid labor whereas men do not. A survey has shown that 54.4% of people agree that a woman deserves to be beaten and physically assaulted if she leaves the house without permission. 

Girls are often seen as less important and less deserving of education in India. They have to stay at home and engage in household chores. Many people still think that when a girl is born, she is “paraya dhan”, meaning that she is an object or possession that a family must groom in order to marry off and will eventually hand over to a man and in-laws. The tradition of the bride’s family giving a dowry (money, property or goods) to the groom’s side of the family upon marriage exemplifies this. 

Societal pressures to marry and bear children are so high that young girls have to drop out of school just after primary education. A lack of sanitary productions and taboo surrounding periods has also persistently kept girls from attending school. 

In rural areas, people from scheduled castes and tribes, particularly women and girls, experience exclusion from education altogether. Women thus face low economic prospects and struggle to be financially independent as a result of a lack of proper education. Deep-seated gender stereotypes and cultural beliefs about the Caste System have led to a spread of inequity in education and basic standard of living, increasing the rate of poverty in India.

Rote Learning in Education in India

Many critics have argued that the primary secondary curriculum in India, called Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is often memory and textbook-based, without much attention to vocational and skills-based training at all. Sometimes called “text-book culture,” rote learning is the primary method of teaching in both government and private schools, with teachers having little to no autonomy in the classrooms. Repetition of information as an approach to pedagogy is common across the country. 

Consequently, studies have shown that students are not stimulated to creativity and originality. Textbooks include impractical pieces of information and are of little use for developing analytical and reasoning capabilities. Intelligence is thus often linked to the ability to memorize huge amounts of information, and tested with standardized examinations that high-stakes competitions fuel.  Academics also believe that this system received encouragement during the British Raj and is a consequence of colonists wanting to establish a country of obedient followers instead of original thinkers.

In contrast, some critics have also argued that the connection between memory and rote learning is misleading and a misconception. While rote learning does not typically help in forming complex connections between old and new information, memory can help retrieve information, apply it and use it in new modes and forms. For this to happen, the curriculum must encourage the skills of analysis and interpretation in students.

Pressure From Society

Children’s parents also pressure them to take up traditional professional occupations. It seems to be part of the culture to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer. An incredibly competitive job market has resulted in parents wanting their children to have secure and high-paying jobs. Consequently, many students are suffering from depression and end up taking up professions that they are not passionate about. Ironically, because of the scarcity of opportunities, even graduates of professional occupations struggle to secure a job. 

Looking Ahead

In 2020, the government introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) in an effort to revolutionize the system by encouraging a more holistic and skills-oriented approach to education. Students should now have exposure to a flexible choice of subjects for higher education and vocational streams at a young age. It also states that a Gender Inclusion Fund and Special Educational Zones will emerge for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society.

With the government’s continued reforms and intervention, including more job opportunities for young graduates, the education system can help rapidly alleviate poverty in India.

– Sharvi Rana
Photo: Flickr

How Lebanon’s Economic Crisis Is Affecting Its People

Lebanon’s Economic Crisis
Lebanon has been suffering through a brutal economic crisis for more than a year; the resulting financial insecurity has thrown an estimated 1.4 million people into high levels of food insecurity. However, efforts are underway to combat Lebanon’s economic crisis.

Hyperinflation

As of May 2023, inflation rates in the nation reached a shocking 260%, and since July 2022, the Lebanese currency has lost 70% of its value. This has contributed to the food Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (SMEB) increasing by 230% in the same period. The IPC defines the SMEB as “a benchmark to estimate the cost of food and other basic needs of a refugee family in Lebanon.” Thus, it is becoming progressively more difficult for the people of Lebanon to sustain themselves. 

Political Uncertainty

Since the end of the presidential term in October 2022, there have been multiple failed attempts to elect a new leader. This has dropped the nation into a state of dramatic institutional uncertainty. Lebanese politics’ current chaotic state makes it extremely difficult for the government to deal with the economic issues they are facing and is the catalyst for the continuation of this crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has claimed that if the political situation is not resolved and drastic reforms are not made in the near future, Lebanon could fall into a perpetual crisis.

Unemployment in Lebanon

Unemployment in the nation is decreasing but still stands at one-quarter of the population. These figures are much higher for certain groups, with women and young people facing almost 40% unemployment.

The nation is also harboring a large number of Syrian refugees. Accessing formal employment for these groups is incredibly difficult leading them to fall into more informal work that often leads to them suffering through extremely exploitative working conditions. Nearly 30% of Syrian refugee households in Lebanon have no working members and temporary labor in agriculture and construction is the primary source of income for these groups, behind humanitarian assistance.

The effects of the crisis are by no means even and universal for the entire country. Certain regions are feeling the strain to a far greater extent than others. In El Hermel, 82% of Syrian refugees cited humanitarian aid as their main source of income.

Food Insecurity

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 37% of the Lebanese population is in a state of acute food insecurity. The WFP goes on to state that due to hyperinflation, reduced access to basic services and increasing social tensions, the difficulty of finding a sufficient source of food will only increase.

Humanitarian Food Assistance (HFA)

Currently, 28% of all Lebanese residents and 75% of all Syrian refugees in the country are receiving Humanitarian Food Assistance (HFA). In April 2023, the number of people receiving HFA in the nation reached 1.12 million. Although this is going a long way to limit the suffering the people of Lebanon are facing as a result of the crisis, more action is necessary to find a real long-term solution. 

Recommended Actions

The IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis gives multiple recommendations for potential solutions to Lebanon’s economic crisis. It suggests there needs to be an expansion and standardization of the social safety nets that the Lebanese government has provided to ensure security for the nation’s poorest citizens.

Livelihood support programs need to be scaled up, particularly in the agricultural sector to provide stable sources of income and to mitigate the resulting loss of purchasing power that the nation’s extreme levels of inflation have caused. There needs to be an increase in asset creation, again mainly in the agricultural sector, to allow citizens to not only make a livelihood but also to allow people in poorer areas to support themselves through personal food production. However, to achieve reforms this substantial, increased political stability is necessary.

Conclusion

Although Lebanon’s economic crisis is ongoing, the continued support from HFA and a clear plan of action that the IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis has laid out presents a sliver of hope for a brighter future. 

– Henry Tuppen
Photo: Flickr