Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Empowering Lesotho’s Girls: The Fight Against Period Poverty

Period Poverty in LesothoIn the heart of Lesotho’s Likhoele region, a dire concern grips the community council. Their daughters are missing school, not due to a lack of interest or ability, but because of period poverty in Lesotho. Mathabo Ralengau, a mother in the community council, voices how periods are uncomfortable and humiliating, as even if you do not bleed in public, “you would think people next to you could smell something bad from you.” The potential humiliation faced by girls who attend school while on their periods, unable to afford sanitary products to hide their bleeding, is too profound to bear, placing them at risk of dropping out and being forced into child marriages. Period poverty in Lesotho is rife, due to economic and educational factors.

Economic Factors

Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world, with just under 50% of the population living below the national poverty line. While Lesotho has made progress in reducing poverty for those in urban areas — down from 41.5% to 28.5% — they have struggled to make any impactful change in rural areas, as poverty remains at over 60%. As a result, families living in poverty struggle to make ends meet, leaving little to no resources for menstrual hygiene products. 

Educational Factors

Periods have long been considered taboo in Lesotho, preventing schools from implementing education on menstruation and consequently generating feelings of shame for their girls facing period poverty. In Lesotho, the average girl misses 50 days of school every year, as they lack access to sanitary products and education about menstruation. Consequently, their education suffers, and with it their chances of escaping poverty; in 2017, 61.3% of households led by individuals lacking primary education were considered poor, while only 24% of households led by individuals with a secondary education were poor.

Menstrual hygiene is essential in reaching the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. Without a solution to period poverty, girls and women are excluded from society, as they cannot work or remain in school. Fortunately, the Lesotho government and charitable organizations are working to reach those facing period poverty.

The Vodacom Dignity Campaign 

Since 2019, The Vodacom Dignity Campaign (VDC), a vital initiative under the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation (VLF), has been committed to ending period poverty and tackling the stigma around menstruation. Through implementing education on periods, raising awareness of the obstacles to accessing sanitary products, and providing period-friendly sanitary facilities and products, the VDC has already made huge progress. By Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2022, the VDC had already distributed “ecologically sustainable, reusable, washable, modern, eco-friendly sanitary pads” to 2,500 schoolgirls. 

World Vision Lesotho

On February 1, 2022, World Vision Lesotho (WVL) and the VLF pledged to provide reusable sanitary pads to the most vulnerable and isolated girls from Leribe, Thaba-Tseka and Mokhotlong, aiming to reach 600 girls by the end of 2023. While celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2022, the WVL promoted its goal of “making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.” Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso attended the celebration as the World Vision child protection champion in Lesotho. 

Her Majesty addressed the people, calling for an end to the discrimination of women due to their menstruation, saying, “It is high time that we should have the conversation with the boys… We have to do away with the stigma around menstruation.” While promising to urge the government to end period poverty in Lesotho, Her Majesty also highlighted the disparity in providing free condoms but not free sanitary pads: “This is an emergency, this is urgent, and a natural biological process [but] those ones [condoms] are not emergency.”

Motion on the Provision of Free Sanitary Towels in Schools

In 2019 Mr. Kose Makoa, a Member of Parliament representing the Alliance of Democrats in the National Assembly, proposed the motion of free sanitary pads in schools, suggesting they should be included in the national budget. He recognized the taboo surrounding menstruation was “impacting negatively to their [schoolgirls] normal schooling as they miss classes or end up dropping out of school.”

The motion received support and was passed, urging the government to provide free sanitary products to schools, ending period poverty in Lesotho for good. Although the government responded by occasionally providing free sanitary products to schools and ditching the 15% tax on sanitary products to make them more affordable, they are still too expensive for many families in poverty, and more help is needed, such as implementing the motion of free sanitary pads in schools full-time.

As these organizations and initiatives work toward destigmatizing menstruation and providing free sanitary pads, there is hope that girls in Lesotho will have the opportunity to stay in school and ultimately break free from the cycle of poverty.

– Alice Isola
Photo: Flickr

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How Fonio Boosts Food Security in Northern Ghana

Food Security in Northern Ghana
Nestled in the northern reaches of Ghana, the Amaati organization co-founded by Salma Abdulai and Abdulai Basana has embarked on a transformative mission, centered around the revival of an ancient grain known as Fonio. This resilient and nutrient-rich West African staple, though 5,000 years old, has fallen into obscurity over the years. 

Recognizing the potential of this grain to bring communities out of poverty, Amaati undertook the task of encouraging prosperity with Fonio. Amaati aims to address two interconnected challenges — the rejuvenation of degraded lands and the empowerment of women farmers. Amaati’s inception in 2014 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would weave together environmental sustainability, gender equality and economic upliftment.

Amaati Empowers Women

At the heart of Amaati’s mission lies a commitment to women’s empowerment. In a region where women’s roles in agriculture have often been undervalued, Amaati took a different path. 

The enterprise started by working with a group of 10 landless women, providing them with opportunities previously beyond their reach. Through training and capacity-building, these women embarked on a journey to reclaim degraded lands and transform them into thriving Fonio fields. As these women farmers honed their skills, they not only elevated their economic status but also challenged prevailing gender norms, setting an example for their communities. Now of the 30,000 Fonio farmers trained by Amaati, 80% are female. 

How Amaati Meets its Goals of Boosting Food Security in Northern Ghana

Amaati’s journey of spreading prosperity with Fonio aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the enterprise’s holistic approach to social and environmental change.

Amaati’s focus on rehabilitating degraded lands by producing sustainable agriculture meets the United Nations Climate Action Goal. Furthermore, Amaati’s commitment to the Gender Equality Goal is evident in its efforts to empower women farmers and challenge barriers that hinder women’s sustainable development. Additionally, Fonio’s revival as a nutritious grain plays a pivotal role in combating hunger and enhancing food security to accomplish the Zero Hunger Goal. Amaati’s cultivation of Fonio on degraded lands without excessive fertilizer use demonstrates its commitment to the Responsible Consumption Goal.

Finally, Amaati’s collaboration with landless women transforms their lives by generating income and breaking the cycle of poverty. By fostering a trading relationship and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the enterprise contributes to the UN’s top goal: No Poverty. 

A Nutrient Powerhouse

Amaati does not just promise prosperity with Fonio through its employment opportunities. Bursting with essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, Fonio has earned its reputation as a nutrient-rich powerhouse. Amaati’s revival of Fonio cultivation is aimed at boosting food security in Northern Ghana, bringing to light the incredible health benefits contained within this unassuming grain.

Fonio boasts a diverse array of vitamins and minerals crucial for overall health and well-being. Rich in iron, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins such as thiamin and niacin, Fonio contributes to a balanced and vibrant diet. These micronutrients play vital roles in energy production, immune function and maintaining healthy bones and skin.

The grain’s high fiber content supports healthy digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption and promoting regular bowel movements. A diet rich in dietary fiber has also been associated with reduced risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Fonio is also notably higher in protein compared to many other grains. This makes it an invaluable resource, especially in regions where protein intake is a concern. Fonio’s spectacular health benefits allow low-income communities to maintain a balanced diet and enriched health.

A Sustainable Future

As Amaati pioneers the revival of Fonio in degraded lands, it not only addresses food security in Northern Ghana and poverty reduction but also introduces a sustainable source of nutrition. Fonio’s nutrient richness is more than just a boon for individual health; it is a vital component of Amaati’s mission to empower communities and cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future. Amaati successfully achieves prosperity with Fonio, the grain with the potential to alleviate hunger, improve nutrition and contribute to the holistic well-being of generations to come.

– Marina Blatt
Photo: Flickr

HOPE for Public Health in Micronesia

Public Health in MicronesiaCommemorating 65 years of dedicated service across numerous countries worldwide, Project HOPE has consistently addressed the most pressing needs of people during emergencies and challenging disasters. While their impact has touched the lives of countless individuals globally, their primary focus lies on Micronesia, particularly in the realm of public health education. Approximately 12 years ago, Project HOPE established its presence on the island of Chuuk, within the expanse of Micronesia’s islands, and began disseminating its invaluable services. 

5-Day Plan

Over the course of a mere five days, Dr. Lynn Bemiller and Nurse Maureen Kisicki generously dedicated their expertise to providing essential aid during critical C-section surgeries. However, their contributions extended beyond this immediate assistance; they also engaged in reciprocal knowledge exchange, imparting vital medical procedures to the health care practitioners at Chuuk Hospital. Departing Chuuk, they left behind a legacy of public health education that is poised to yield enduring improvements in well-being for years to come, according to Dr. Bemiller.

Project HOPE’s Beginning

With a vision to revolutionize the health care system, Project HOPE goes beyond mere assistance to global health care; it actively engages in the education of local health care professionals within each nation, fostering the implementation of sustainable strategies for enhanced health care. Rooted in the belief of establishing enduring solutions for the transformation of medical systems across nations, Project HOPE becomes a beacon of hope for individuals in their day-to-day existence, alleviating concerns related to public health challenges.

Dr. William B. Walsh, driven by the harrowing sights he witnessed in the South Pacific during his service in the Navy during World War II, emerged as the visionary behind Project HOPE. Collaborating closely with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Walsh successfully orchestrated the chartering of a U.S. Navy hospital ship at the remarkable cost of $1 per year. This vessel was christened the “SS HOPE.” By 1974, the SS HOPE was ready to set sail, the tangible embodiment of Dr. Walsh’s mission. However, the legacy he established didn’t merely remain at sea; it transitioned onto land, carried forward by the concerted efforts of volunteers, health care experts and collective teamwork across the nation under the banner of Project HOPE.

Micronesia’s Journey Towards Improved Public Health 

According to the World Health Organization, Chuuk State has begun to intensify its public health screenings of Tuberculosis and leprosy in order to control infectious diseases in that nation. This ensures the ongoing health and safety of its population while also contributing to regional and global efforts to curb the spread of these contagious illnesses. Through these rigorous public health measures, Chuuk State plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier future for its citizens and beyond. 

Not confined to Chuuk State alone, the impact of Project HOPE’s medical volunteers resonates across the Federated States of Micronesia, extending notably to Pohnpei. Within this realm, Dr. Bemiller and Nurse Kisicki, steadfast in their commitment, immersed themselves in the tropical climate, tending to an impressive “nearly 300 patients in a single day.” Dr. Bemiller underscores that, while the ailments were not severe, the opportunity to deliver additional insights and health education directly in the patient’s native language proved invaluable. Project HOPE’s ethos transcends the conventional model of rendering aid and then departing; instead, it emphasizes the propagation of transformative medical knowledge, thereby nurturing the growth of self-sustaining medical services in diverse global nations. This approach catalyzes a sustainable health care legacy that continues to flourish even after the volunteers return to the United States.

Future Hopes and Plans

In 2023, reports have detailed the impact of climate change on the Federated States of Micronesia. The report strongly underscores the imperative to both recognize and effectively address the looming issues posed by powerful storms and potentially devastating natural disasters. These significant shifts in the climate landscape give rise to heightened risks impacting citizens’ well-being and raise valid concerns about an upsurge in diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. Against the backdrop of these global shifts, it becomes crucial for the government to proactively implement measures aimed at enhancing the nation’s resilience against extreme weather fluctuations and reinforcing its health care system, all in preparation for the inevitable changes that lie ahead.

Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope exists. The Asian Development Bank has diligently engaged in funding multimillion-dollar projects aimed at aiding Micronesia in fulfilling its comprehensive endeavors toward national improvement, encompassing areas from health care to education and energy. While their financial backing represents a significant initial stride towards Micronesia’s envisaged brighter horizon, sustained and unwavering support remains imperative to effectively tackle the potential long-term operational hurdles that might emerge amidst these encouraging initiatives. Anchored by a national Strategic Development Plan spanning 2004 to 2023, Micronesia’s future presents a vista of promise, brimming with infinite potential to uplift public health standards for its citizens. 

Conclusion

Project HOPE’s 65-year journey is a testament to its unwavering commitment to global welfare, marked by transformative health care interventions. Their legacy spans from emergency responses to focused initiatives in Micronesia, catalyzing enduring improvements in public health education and services. The 5-Day Plan exemplifies their holistic approach, where Dr. Bemiller and Nurse Kisicki’s expertise not only healed but also left behind a legacy of knowledge for sustainable public health methods. The organization’s inception through Dr. William B. Walsh showcases its belief in sustainable health care solutions that transcend borders. Micronesia’s progress, propelled by intensified public health efforts and knowledge sharing, reflects the power of collaboration. Amidst climate challenges and health threats, the future holds promise with initiatives like the Asian Development Bank’s support, underpinning Micronesia’s trajectory towards elevated public health standards.

– Sandy Kang
Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs in Haiti Fighting Poverty

NGOs in Haiti
The Republic of Haiti is a small country between the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Between the breathtaking shorelines and the mountainous terrain, Haiti is full of lush culture – including African, Taino and European influence. Despite Haiti’s rich environment and culture, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haitian people are currently facing poverty rates of more than 90% in some areas, and 4.3 million Haitians are in need of immediate food assistance. Here is information about three NGOs in Haiti that are working to fight poverty.

3 NGOs in Haiti Currently Working to Fight Poverty

  1. Beyond Borders: Beyond Borders is an NGO that targets multiple facets of Haiti’s poverty problems, building movements that provide space for the liberation of the Haitian people. One of the issues it seeks to address is the lack of education among young girls. In Haiti, only a third of Haitian girls complete primary schooling. A lack of education and community support perpetuates unsafe environments for young girls as gender-based violence increases with unequal education. In Haiti, one in six young girls are forced into slavery and a fourth of young girls experience sexual abuse. The physical and mental wellness of these girls diminishes at alarming rates after these traumatic experiences, and this leads to further separation of girls from their education and opportunities. Beyond Borders’ has initiated plans to build more schools and has already empowered change in current educational programs in Haiti. The organization has trained 63 teachers in three secondary schools to integrate equality into class lessons, including gender-based violence (GBV) reduction. Power to Girls, the inclusion lesson, continues to reach more communities as support for the NGO grows. Beyond Borders, together with other NGOs in Haiti, works to improve access to school and long-term education for young women, freeing enslaved girls and preventing further enslavement. 
  2. Partners in Health: In 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, causing destruction across the country. Unfortunately, Haiti’s infrastructure could not withstand a natural disaster like an earthquake, causing it to crumble into rubble, while the density of people in affected areas contributed to the high death rates and chaos. Haiti is still experiencing the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. More than 300,000 people died in the earthquake and even more sustained injuries. Partners in Health is an international nonprofit that provides social and medical assistance to the Haitian people that the earthquake impacted. The organization treats all scales of harm the earthquake inflicted, and since its inception in August 2021, it has been able to receive and treat 67,658 patients. Its treatment includes psychosocial support – something it continues to emphasize in its mission statement. The earthquake led to the ruin of medical care, resulting in challenges with accessing health care. PIH provides free, quality healthcare to the people of Haiti, while also opening new hospitals and providing opportunities to lift families from poverty. 
  3. Agua Pura Para El Pueblo: Cholera, an illness from intestinal infection, is a severe issue for Haitians. Contaminated drinking water often leads to death through waterborne illness, and Cholera has caused more than 820,000 Haitian deaths in the last decade. Agua Pura Para El Pueblo is an NGO that focuses on providing potable water to South American countries that suffer from contaminated water. It has a focus in Haiti to improve its sanitation situation and increase access to clean water. The rate of Cholera in Haiti over the past year spiked to 30,000 cases, leading to 90% of patients being hospitalized. Despite political unrest challenging the distribution of life-saving materials, Agua Pura has been able to manage protective materials and volunteers in heavily affected areas, providing protection and support to those in need. It also provides water testing kits and stations that determine if a family’s water is contaminated, and should they receive a positive result, Agua Pura provides materials and assistance for affected families to ensure safe conditions. The organization has reached thousands of people, sending immediate support and protection from the deadly effects of contaminated water.

Moving Forward

Recovery in Haiti is a gradual process. The people of Haiti continue to show remarkable strength and resilience despite the devastation of their homes and the hardships they’ve faced. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are actively involved in Haiti, working to build earthquake-resistant schools and hospitals. These efforts are laying the groundwork for the nation’s recovery.

– Eden Ambrovich
Photo: Unsplash

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Focusing on the Positives: 5 Ways to Fight Global Poverty

Fight Global PovertyIt only takes a quick look at the headlines about global poverty in major media outlets to realize that media often prioritizes bad news over the good. Over the years, this has led to social psychologists deducing that humans have developed a “negativity bias,” meaning that humans typically pay attention to bad news over the good. Of course, in the fight against global poverty, it is reductive to solely focus on the bad news as this is likely to significantly destroy morale.

At times, it seems that all hope is lost, and it is easy to just throw in the towel and give the fight up, however, this is a morally unthinkable option. This article sets out five crucial ways in which anyone, no matter their age, job or background, can join the fight and help eradicate poverty across the world. Here are five ways to fight global poverty.

  1. Be Kind – This is the first, easiest and most important step when joining the fight against global poverty. Setting a foundation of being kind to others can help people see the fight against poverty in a more optimistic light, incentivizing them to be more altruistic and empathetic. This will then allow people to move on to more specific and time-consuming steps in the fight against global poverty.
  2. Fundraise – It may seem remarkably simple and too good to be true, but studies have shown that fundraising for outstanding charities and organizations that are instruments to fight poverty is one of, if not the most effective ways to help vulnerable people. The school of thought called “Effective Altruism” prioritizes the idea of Giving What We Can (GWWC) to the fight against global poverty, and has a useful charity evaluation guide to help you discern which charity is going to use your fundraising to do the most good to alleviate poverty across the world.
  3. Contact Local Representatives – Of course, very few institutions have the amount of funding and resources as national governments, and getting in contact with your local government representative can prove a very easy way to make a big difference. Contact can be in any form, from an email, a handwritten letter or attending a local surgery, and could be used to persuade your representative to lobby the government to increase foreign aid to countries adversely impacted by high levels of poverty. This could be particularly effective in the U.K., where the foreign aid budget was recently slashed from 0.7% of GNI to just 0.5%, and calls for a restoration of the budget are growing in significance.
  4. Volunteer – Yet, another simple way to join the fight against global poverty, volunteering your time for a charity or organization dedicated to the cause can be an extremely effective method of supporting poverty reduction programs across the world, as well as providing an extremely rewarding experience for the volunteers themselves — from something as local as a food bank to something as international as joining the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program that has a vast network of volunteers and collaborators across the world to locate and help the most vulnerable people suffering in poverty. For example, the Women Economic Empowerment section of the UNV does fantastic work for women and children in Malawi, providing them with entrepreneurship skills and allowing them into the workforce.
  5. Spread the Message – In the fight against global poverty, people are far stronger together than they are alone. Of course, one person can make a difference, but just think about what 10, 20 or even 100 people could achieve by following these steps! Spreading the message, especially in the age of social media, has never been easier. When the world fights global poverty together, it creates a great synergy that can be of great use.

Looking Ahead

While eliminating poverty may seem impossible, the above steps can go a long way. Through making efforts to reduce poverty like volunteering, fundraising or advocating for charitable endeavors, everyone can make a difference.

– Tom Lowe
Photo: Flickr

USAID Programs in Nigeria

USAID Programs in NigeriaUSAID programs stand at the forefront of global development as a pivotal force driving progress, enhancing U.S. national security and fostering economic prosperity. The agency’s impact is a testament to American generosity, working towards empowering self-reliance and resilience in recipient nations.

USAID’s initiatives in Nigeria span a spectrum of vital areas, spanning broad economic growth, food security, health, governance, gender equality, renewable energy access and stability in regions marred by extremist violence. Before USAID programs, Nigeria, boasting the largest national economy in sub-Saharan Africa, grappled with formidable development and governance obstacles. With a staggering estimated population of 214 million, 96 million people endure daily lives on less than $1.90, placing Nigeria as home to the world’s largest extreme poverty-stricken population. 

Nurturing Food Security and Agricultural Vigilance

USAID champions agricultural and food security, invigorating productivity and market participation. Since 2012, the transformative Feed the Future Initiative has empowered 3.6 million farmers with novel tools and technologies. Encompassing rice, aquaculture, maize, cowpea and soy, this initiative links farmers to specialized markets, enhancing competitiveness, boosting incomes and catalyzing employment. The ensuing economic impact not only lifts families out of poverty but also fortifies nutrition and bolsters household resilience against external shocks. 

Energizing Trade and the Economy

Collaborating closely with Nigeria’s government, USAID increased trade activities, prompting customs reform and modernization. Notably, interventions targeting the Lagos-Kano Jibiya Transport Corridor mitigate congestion at the Lagos seaport and amplify transport flows. Concurrently, private enterprises receive a boost, with targeted training and capacity-building fostering export stimulation. These endeavors span diverse domains, from finance accessibility to export competitiveness, amplifying connections to international markets and partners. 

Pioneering Water Sanitation Transformation

Through the innovative Effective Water and Sanitation Hygiene Services (E-WASH) project, USAID addresses urban water and sanitation deficits in six states. The heart of this $60.4 million endeavor lies in empowering Abia, Delta, Imo, Niger, Sokoto and Taraba states to enhance health and hygiene through superior water and sanitation delivery. Rigorously selected based on their reform willingness, infrastructure functionality and potential for positive impact, these states pave the way for clean, piped water accessibility to 500,000 families, ultimately three million Nigerians. 

Elevating Global Health Amid Challenges

Faced with stark health disparities, Nigeria’s pressing need for improved health indicators gains prominence. In a country with a burgeoning population and high mortality rates, USAID tackles this issue head-on. Bridging the gap, the agency aids in expanding access to quality family planning, reproductive health services and vital immunizations. Noteworthy collaborations with the Nigerian government, CDC and the U.S. Department of Defense Walter Reed Program bolster Nigeria’s capacity to manage Tuberculosis cases. This collaboration steers resources toward primary health care reinforcement, preventive measures and early detection and treatment efforts to the disease. 

In a nation where health statistics hold sway over the entire African continent’s well-being, USAID’s intervention extends far and wide, with its multifaceted initiatives spanning domains critical to progress. United under a common banner, these programs reshape Nigeria’s trajectory, fostering empowerment, resilience and a brighter future for all. As the sun rises on Nigeria’s potential, USAID’s steadfast commitment is a beacon of hope, driving positive change and creating a nation primed for prosperity and well-being.

– Hassan Idris
Photo: Unsplash

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Access To Clean Water in Syria

Clean Water in Syria
Since the beginning of the 2011 war in Syria, Syrians have been suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis. It has meant an increase in poverty and has left millions of Syrians unable to access safe, clean, potable water. To put this into perspective, prior to 2010, more than 90% of people in both cities and rural communities in Syria had reliable access to safe water. 

Unclean Water and Increasing Levels of Poverty 

According to UNICEF, 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, leaving millions unable to provide for their families, all worsened by over a decade of deprivation of stable water systems. Equally, damage from the war has rendered only 50% of water and sanitation systems now functioning properly across Syria. UNICEF claims that almost 8 million Syrians are in acute need of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. 

Moreover, continuous deprivation of water stations has left many having to rely on water tank deliveries or dirty water from wells which in many cases has led to infections of Cholera, which worsens the situation for many. For instance, many mothers have to rely on dirty water due to lack of clean water access in Syria which has led to an increase in waterborne diseases in children like diarrhea.  

Water as a Political Weapon

Throughout the war in Syria, some have used water as a political weapon. Since 2019, Turkey has been accused of deliberately cutting off water supplies to more than 1 million people more than 40 times in the region of Hasakah in northeastern Syria. More recently, Turkey was again accused of cutting off water supplies to the Hasakah region. Many accuse Turkey of committing crimes against humanity as the Alouk water station in Hasakah has not been operational for the past 10 months, causing severe water shortages for some 500,000 people. 

Solutions and Humanitarian Efforts

UNICEF has continued to invest in preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera and alleviate its harmful impact on the vulnerable communities affected. Measures include widening the scale of chlorination to disinfect water and the arrival of clean water trucks in affected areas, particularly Northern Syria. In addition, UNICEF has further intervened in Hasakah, meditating with Turkey on the issue and reached an agreement for Turkey to provide water.

Oxfam’s work inside Syria focuses on providing vulnerable families with cash to meet their urgent needs and provision of clean water through repairing water sources and rehabilitation of water infrastructure. 

There have been several other humanitarian aid efforts to improve water systems inside Syria including UNICEF’s WASH projects which aim to provide safe and clean water for millions of Syrians. For example, UNICEF reached 2.1 million people with improved and sustained access to safe water and almost 700,000 people through enhanced sanitation services. Moreover, the distribution of WASH non-food items (NFIs), including family hygiene kits, soap and aqua tabs, reached more than 826,000 people.

Looking Forward

These types of projects provide hope for the future, however, additional funding is necessary for NGOs like UNICEF and Oxfam in order to provide better living conditions for those in Syria who suffer from water shortages, cholera and poverty.

Limited access to clean water means many miss out on career opportunities and feel the effects of poverty on a larger scale. For access to clean water in Syria and to make alleviation of poverty widespread, there is a greater need for operations to reach all 14 governorates of Syria and ensure it is the priority of international organizations to help support access to clean water in Syria. 

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr

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Helping Orphaned Children in Iraq Through Al-Ayn

Children in IraqIraq is a nation tarnished by on-and-off wars for the last 30 years. International sanctions and conflict have led to millions suffering due to these wars, tanking the economy and leading to a high poverty rate within the country. People’s entire lives have been disrupted by conflict, hunger and unstable political situations. Unsurprisingly, all these issues have contributed to Iraq’s massive poverty problem. When faced with these obstacles, it is no wonder the Iraqi people are struggling to get by.

Another factor that has led to a high poverty rate in Iraq is the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is most evident in the rate of impoverished people who are children. According to the Ministry of Planning, nearly 10 million people live below the poverty line in Iraq, accounting for 25% of the population. Of those millions of people, almost 5 million of them are children. In addition, the Iraq wars have displaced more than 1 million people. This issue must be solved because it prevents children from enjoying being children. They have to grow up quickly. 

The Situation

With so many children needing care, the situation may seem hopeless. However, some foundations specialize in helping these children get back on their feet. They provide education, medical care and other needs to help the children recover and break the poverty cycle that has gripped Iraq for years. Al-Ayn is an organization specializing in giving children whatever they need to get back on track.

Al-Ayn is an organization that primarily focuses on sponsoring Iraqi children displaced by war and deals with poverty and many other issues. Founded in 2014, Al-Ayn has been at the forefront of trying to help children who need it most. It does this work in coordination with its sister organization based in Iraq. The primary way they help these children is through sponsorship agreements so people can support the children in lifting themselves out of poverty.

How the Sponsorship Works

As mentioned, Al-Ayn operates by sponsoring children and giving them whatever they need. Whether medical assistance or educational or financial needs, children can look forward to having their basic needs taken care of. First, a child must apply for sponsorship. Once approved, they will have three basic sponsorship packages available to them. They range from the standard option to medical to academic. These sponsorships ensure that no child has the resources to lift themselves out of poverty. Al-Ayn distributes a monthly donation to the child’s mother or a legal guardian if they are orphaned. Al-Ayn makes sure that their futures look much brighter.

What the Organization Has Done to Help

According to its website, Al-Ayn has had a significant impact in helping poverty-stricken children in Iraq. It feels it has “created a measurable, repeatable and systematic method to ensure that orphans are educated, fed, loved and safe.” As of January 2022, they have helped more than 70,000 orphans out of the more than 100,000 registered with their organization. Hopefully, this organization will continue to do great things in the future.

Al-Ayn is an organization that has done countless good for the orphaned and destitute in Iraq. This organization is making a massive difference for a country with too much hardship over the past three decades. Whether through education, basic needs or medical needs, this organization has the best interests of the poverty-stricken children of Iraq at heart. May they be continuously successful in their fight against poverty.

– Calder Miller
Photo: Pixabay

The Impacts of the Bird Flu Epidemic in South Africa

Bird Flu Epidemic in South Africa
A bird flu epidemic in South Africa that began in May 2023 is sweeping across the nation and has reportedly killed about 2 million chickens. In response to this dire situation, the government is taking decisive steps to mitigate the crisis and protect this crucial sector of the economy, as well as the livelihoods of the impoverished communities that rely on poultry farming and sales for income. South Africa intends to accelerate the deployment of vaccines in response to the widespread occurrence of highly contagious bird flu strains affecting the nation’s poultry industry to prevent a worsening of economic strain and poverty.

The Current Strain

This strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been “[moving] at a rapid pace,” as noted by RCL Foods in a report by Reuters. This particular strain of avian influenza, identified as H7N6, is proving to be exceptionally severe and is spreading rapidly throughout South Africa. Compared to the H5N1 virus currently affecting other regions worldwide, H7N6 exhibits substantially higher levels of contagion.

Curiously, this particular strain has not been detected in any other region globally. According to News24, “The [South American Poultry Association] said as of 21 September, the country was dealing with a total of 50 outbreaks of H7 and 10 outbreaks involving the H5 avian influenza strain.”

The avian flu generally does not have a natural tendency to infect humans. However, H5N1 is showing a growing ability to infect mammals across the globe, ranging from sea lions in Argentina to foxes in Finland. This has raised concerns about the potential for easier transmission to humans.

Economic Effects

As one of Africa’s major poultry producers, the effects of the bird flu epidemic in South Africa extend past the nation’s borders. Namibia, a neighboring nation, recently closed imports of live poultry from South Africa. This ban has been set in place for an indefinite amount of time. Within South Africa itself, the poultry industry is bearing the brunt of the crisis. An estimated financial loss of 115 million rand (equivalent to $5.99 million) has been estimated from the lost chickens. Jerry Chifamba from AllAfrica reports that egg and poultry shortages “might linger far into the holiday season as the industry works to gain control of the situation.” These shortages could result in higher prices for these products, impacting the purchasing power of citizens, especially the most impoverished.

The Solution

The bird flu epidemic in South Africa has prompted the government to rely on vaccines to fight back against the virus. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DLARRD) reported that it held discussions with vaccine registration authorities on September 25 and successfully agreed to expedite the vaccine registration process. Flu-Mos-v2 is a modified version of the original Flu-Mos-v1. “Flu-Mos-v1 entered clinical trials in 2021,” wrote CIDRAP. “The newer version targets six strains, including four influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.”

Looking Ahead

This flu vaccine is a crucial tool in the fight against the bird flu outbreak in South Africa. Its effects could expedite the eradication of the virus and help the affected industry recover. The government’s swift actions in registering the vaccine highlight the urgency of the situation and the commitment to restoring this vital economic sector to stability, ultimately preventing an increase in poverty rates.

– Caleb Picone
Photo: Wikimedia

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China’s Housing Paradox

Housing Paradox
Since August 2021, China’s housing market has been in steep decline, which could spell disaster given that real estate constitutes almost a third of China’s economy. With Ghost Cities remaining empty across the country, a housing paradox presents itself, in which there is a huge housing surplus, yet also a large homeless population. Redefining what it means to be homeless in the context of China’s hukou system provides a way forward that could benefit both its affluent, as well as those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

The Hukou

 The hukou is a Chinese registration system that gives citizens preferential access to jobs, health care, land and other services in their birth area. However, this scheme was put in place to curb mass migration towards cities as the country began to industrialize. By prohibiting people from jobs, schools and buying land from areas outside of the space they were assigned to under the hukou, it effectively prohibited internal migration. 

This restrictive system resulted in huge inequalities across the country as Maoist Socialism favored cities due to their economic potential, whilst rural areas were left underfunded and subjected to forcibly low grain procurement prices. Consequently, rural poverty was rampant, reaching a height of 96% in 1980. Fei-Ling Wang, political scientist and author of “Organizing Through Division and Exclusion: China’s Hukou System,” says that the hukou was essentially a caste system in which city babies were born into privilege.

Former Chairman Deng Xiaoping’s government relaxed the system in the 1980s, allowing internal migration. However, people originating from rural regions still lack many rights to formal employment, property and education for their children in cities, allowing inequality to persist. 

While China’s government estimated that just above 1% of the population was homeless in 2019, He et al. advocate expanding the definition of homeless. Rural migrants are forced by hukou restrictions to live in overcrowded and unsanitary informal settlements in cities. Alongside poverty, said settlements are very precarious as they could easily be cleared without any notice, given that migrants have no legal claim to the land. In the American Journal of Sociology and Economics, Huili He et al. expand the definition of homeless to include struggling rural migrants, so that China’s homeless population reaches 300 million, which is more than 20% of the population. Clearly, China’s government is minimizing the homelessness problem, which is better characterized as a crisis. 

The Housing Bubble

While it would be an exaggeration to say that China’s housing market is in freefall, private data shows house prices are steeply declining, with prices in tier 1 cities such as Beijing and Shanghai falling by more than 15%. This is far above government estimates.

China’s huge population created huge demand which propelled the housing market to this size. Also, due to a lack of investment alternatives, many citizens buy secondary or even tertiary homes as a form of investment. These homes are often sold after their prices have increased, or they are given to future generations of children and grandchildren. Regarding supply, Chinese local officials tend to invest in huge housing projects to reach high GDP growth targets and improve their reputation in Beijing. 

Consequently, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, supply began to far outstrip demand as China’s birth rate slowed. The country is littered with ghost cities. These are huge developments with countless towering apartment blocks that are uninhabited. One of the most famous is Ordos City, which attracted attention in 2009 for being empty. A Forbes update in 2016 noted that 100,000 people lived there, although the city was originally built for more than 1 million. 

China’s attempts to achieve ‘zero COVID’ resulted in numerous lockdowns, some lasting into 2022. This had many ramifications. Many property developers risked defaulting on their loans. Chinese properties are often sold prior to their construction and many residents had exchanged their land in return for a newly constructed apartment. However, some construction projects have ground to a halt, resulting in many residing in cramped temporary housing with little hope for a home. With a vacancy rate of over 20%, this contraction in supply has applied no upward pressure to prices.

Regarding demand, the plight of developers has severely shaken consumer confidence, resulting in many choosing to save rather than invest in real estate. The COVID-19 pandemic also diminished purchasing power and increased youth unemployment to more than 20%. Therefore, more young people live with their parents, diminishing the need for secondary and tertiary properties. Real estate demand has steeply fallen, depressing prices. 

The Paradox

China is confronted with a housing paradox. The housing market is crashing, yet more than a fifth of the Chinese population is homeless. While many efforts have focused on curbing rural-to-urban migration, ghost cities present a wiser alternative. The government should focus on ending its concentration of services and opportunities in tier 1 cities and spread them further out across the country in lower tier cities. This would attract migrants away from Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai towards cities that are underpopulated. It would both increase real estate demand and decrease homelessness. 

However, solving this housing paradox demands many prerequisites. First, it would require huge government planning and assistance to facilitate migration and aid those at the bottom of society to get onto the property ladder. While NGOs such as the China Foundation for Rural Development have been very successful at alleviating rural poverty through diverting tourism to these areas, much urban poverty has been ignored. Second, this solution would require abolishing, or at least significantly relaxing, the hukou. The Lowy Institute claims that this would increase housing demand and overall be a significant boost for the Chinese economy. However, relaxations to the hukou have been very slow, and its cultural significance should not be underestimated — meaning that abolishing it is a huge task. 

China’s housing paradox presents the country with a stark truth. If its economy hopes to survive, it needs to significantly reform culturally and end its highly restrictive migration policy in favor of free market labor and service movements. Whether the one-party system is willing to allow this remains to be seen. 

– Ryan Ratnam
Photo: Flickr