Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

5 Youth Organizations Operating in South Africa  

Youth Organizations in South AfricaYouth organizations play a vital role globally and in South Africa, and serve multiple purposes. Many youth groups in the country focus on promoting political awareness and providing employable skills, which is crucial considering South Africa’s staggering unemployment rate of 32.9% and a low voting turnout of 49.2% among university students in the last election.

The following is a list of five youth organizations in South Africa remedying the current low voting turnout and high unemployment rates.

5 Youth Organizations in South Africa

  1. Xaveri: With the mantra, “(Different, but) South African at Heart” at the core of their vision as an organization, it is clear that Xaveri is serious about creating a better future for South Africans. Xaveri SA, since 2007, aims to create a better future for South Africans by fostering a community of young people interested in social and political issues. The youth group, similar to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, hosts a variety of team-building events from paintballing to community clean-ups.
  2. South African Students Congress (SASCO): As the largest student-led youth organization in Africa, SASCO advocates for equality in terms of gender, race and class, while also striving for improved access to educational opportunities. With a focus on ensuring success within educational institutions, the organization rallies for more equality in access to learning equipment for those who are unable to afford such things – e.g., reduced university fees. The organization has executed several successful events, such as holding guest lectures at universities across South Africa and organizing protests.
  3. Harambee (Youth Employment Accelerator): Harambee, a leading force in poverty reduction in South Africa, has provided support to 3.5 million work-seekers. The organization collaborates with 936 employer partners to address unemployment effectively. Harambee not only assists with job applications but also works closely with its partners to generate income opportunities and offer valuable professional work experience.
  4. Ahmed Kathrada Foundation: The foundation, established in 2008, aims to deepen non-racialism and preserve Ahmed Kathrada’s legacy as a political activist against apartheid in South Africa, spanning from 1948 to 1994. Operating under the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s governance, the “Youth Activism Programme” has successfully set up and maintained 30 youth clubs in various communities across South Africa. In these clubs, youth leaders impart valuable knowledge on effective activism within their communities. Additionally, the Foundation’s website offers a wide range of free resources related to activism, including downloadable workbooks, benefiting young individuals and fostering their understanding of democracy. So far, more than 8000 of these activism workbooks have been distributed.
  5. Livity Africa: This organization for youth in South Africa aims to develop content creation and entrepreneurial skills among its members. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, it offers training to individuals aged 18 to 25. The organization runs a content platform called “Live SA,” which is managed by young people and provides a forum for discussion on topics such as careers, relationships and stock trading. Over the course of 12 months, the platform’s growth exceeded 100%, attracting more than 600,000 content consumers. This platform teaches the important skill of digital literacy as well as research and presentation skills, all of which are in high demand among employers.

These five youth organizations in South Africa are making a positive impact on the community and increasing the chances of young people finding employment. As the country continues to heal from the effects of apartheid, these organizations are promoting inclusivity and a more liberal society.

– Christian Vince
Photo: Flickr

Mental Health in Burkina Faso

Mental Health in Burkina FasoBurkina Faso, the “land of honest men,” is a West African country with a population of 22.1 million. It is one of the poorest 10 countries in the world. As a result of terrorism, internal conflict has internally displaced almost 2 million people, and the U.N. estimates that nearly 5 million Burkinabes need humanitarian aid. Doctors Without Borders has called it the “world’s fastest-growing humanitarian crisis.” Mental health in Burkina Faso is a severe but underrated concern caused largely by violence and poverty.

The State of Mental Health in Burkina Faso

Due to the trauma of witnessing ongoing conflict, displacement or living in perpetual hunger, many Burkinabes suffer psychologically. Unfortunately, low mental health awareness breeds stigma and ignorance.

As of 2021, the government has not yet provided any human or financial resources for the mental health policy they passed in 2020. Mental health remains a largely unexplored subject in Burkina Faso as only 2% of the country’s research output deals with it. The Mental Health Atlas shows that Burkina Faso only has 103 mental health professionals, indicating a significant lack of expertise in this area.

Additionally, internal conflict has affected more than 600 health facilities and shut down 211, some of which provided crucial mental health services. This makes it more difficult to access psychological support, especially in remote areas.

Children are deeply affected by poverty and poor mental health in Burkina Faso. The conflict has pushed more than 1 million children out of classes, making them more vulnerable to psychological harm and causing many behavioral anomalies. This is exacerbated by the prevalence of violence in many economically stressed homes, which almost half of the 360 child participants in a 2016 study had experienced. Violence contributes to depression, trauma and low self-esteem.

On the Frontlines of Improving Burkinabes’ Mental Health

The Mental Health Atlas observed a 112-time increase in the number of community-based mental health services per 100,000 people between 2014 and 2020, suggesting that many citizens are seeking help, even if not through hospitalization.

Abroad, USAID and the EU have pledged $175 million (in 2021) and €25.5 million (in 2023) in humanitarian aid to Burkina Faso, respectively. Much of this is dedicated to human rights, food security and health care, and often funds local efforts to improve Burkinabes’ quality of life.

USAID and the EU have yet to dedicate funds to mental health initiatives in particular. However, improving living conditions and reducing violence preemptively protects Burkinabes against the trauma that contributes to many of their psychological struggles.

In particular, USAID provided furniture to 20 schools in Tatao and 30 in Fada, Gayeri and Matiacoali. This enabled the schools to accommodate more than 5,000 displaced children, creating a routine and sense of childhood amidst extreme turbulence.

Leyla Ismayilova, a University of Chicago researcher, is similarly on the frontlines of improving child mental health outcomes. Her 2017 study revealed that family counseling improved parent–child relationships and decreased symptoms of depression, trauma and low self-esteem in participating children. This suggests that culturally sensitive, relationship-driven mental health interventions have significant potential.

Looking Ahead

Burkina Faso is facing significant challenges in addressing mental health issues. Despite limited resources and expertise, there has been a noticeable rise in community-based mental health services, indicating an increase in awareness and willingness to seek help. Aid from organizations such as USAID and the EU has had a positive impact, improving living conditions and providing stability for displaced children. The work of researchers like Leyla Ismayilova offers hope for culturally sensitive interventions that can effectively enhance mental health outcomes for Burkinabes.

– Faye Crawford
Photo: Flickr

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The Athlete Helping Australian Women and Indigenous Peoples

Australian Women
At the 2000 Olympics, Cathy Freeman ran once more around the track, after winning gold in the Women’s 400 m, draped in the Australian and Aboriginal flags — a historic moment for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Cathy Freeman’s legacy is a notable and influential athletic career, breaking barriers for Australian women and Indigenous peoples. Since retiring in 2003, her inspiring work as an Aboriginal athlete has continued through her philanthropic endeavors to help Australian women and those in the Indigenous community. 

Freeman’s Inspiring Athletic Career

Cathy Freeman’s athletic portfolio exhibits numerous outstanding performances in track and field. She has won multiple World Championships, gold and silver Olympic medals and four Commonwealth Games gold medals. In recognition of these performances, she earned the titles Young Australian of the Year (1990) and Australian of the Year (1998), is forever inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and wears the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Advocating for Indigenous Peoples

Post-athletic career, Cathy Freeman dedicates her efforts to the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Her foundation, the Community Spirit Foundation, established in 2007, aims “to support children and their families recognize the power of education in achieving their dreams.” When the foundation began “more than 90% of Year 7 students living in Palm Island could not read or write at the minimum national standard, truancy rates were as high as 55% and less than 10% of students graduated high school.”

The foundation plays a key role in the lives of thousands of Indigenous children across four remote First Nation communities. In collaboration with local leaders, the foundation provides a suite of education programs for students at each grade level. These programs build confidence, teach goal-setting, increase resilience through education and provide positive role models appropriate to each community context. 

Since its inception, the foundation has been integral to improving access to education, inspiring a newfound sense of confidence as figures consistently reveal annual increases in year 12 graduation across all four partner communities. Of note, between 2017 to 2018 there was a 50% jump in Year 12 graduations. Furthermore, the organization is regarded highly as a recipient of the St. George Foundation Inspire Grant (2020), an investment in support of bridging the education gap in Indigenous communities. 

In addition, for several years, Cathy was an ambassador of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, as well as for the Victorian children’s charity, Cottage by the Sea. 

Freeman’s Legacy Continues

For more than a decade, the Community Spirit Foundation has extended its reach in providing access to quality, sustainable educational opportunities in rural Indigenous communities. In 2021, UNICEF Australia partnered with the Foundation, empowering Freeman’s vision and passion to “implement community-led, long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities, employing local people and working in a sustainable way.” The partnership bases efforts in the Aboriginal community of Woorabinda, where young people (under the age of 20) make up almost half the population and work to create sustainable educational and life opportunities.

Cathy Freeman continues breaking barriers for Australian Women and Indigenous peoples. As her work continues in her community, recognition of women in athletics and Indigenous communities expands to greater heights, creating opportunities in education, work and life.

– Emmalyn Meyer
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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The Chaiim Foundation: A Hope for Women Survivors of Trafficking

Women Survivors
Human trafficking is a grave issue that affects millions of women worldwide. It involves the illegal trade of women for various purposes, including forced labor, sexual exploitation and slavery. This crime thrives on the vulnerability of women, often targeting those from marginalized backgrounds or communities. Trafficked women experience unimaginable abuse and violation of their basic human rights. In 2020, India’s government identified 5,156 trafficking victims. In 2022, the figures increased to 6,622, accounting for kidnapping and drugging.

The fight against trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach that includes raising awareness, strengthening laws and law enforcement, providing support to survivors and addressing the root causes of this crime.

Multiple organizations are working to save the victims from the harsh realities of trafficking and provide them with a safe and secure future. One such organization is the Chaiim Foundation, which focuses on helping survivors to reintegrate into society.

About The Chaiim Foundation

Chaiim is a non-governmental organization located in Mumbai, India that aims to improve the lives of women who have survived human trafficking. Founded in 2013, the organization has been supporting victims who have experienced exploitation due to gender, caste and religious differences. Chaiim provides education and training programs to help survivors join leadership roles within its organization.

Women who have been rescued from vulnerable situations such as prostitution and human trafficking receive the opportunity to improve their prospects through education, vocational training, housing, life skills and other means. Chaiim offers weekly life skills classes to monitor survivors’ progress in dealing with mental trauma, while vocational training courses in areas such as sewing and beauty care are tailored to individual interests and the needs of the local job market.

Living circumstances have deprived many girls of educational opportunities. The Chaiim Foundation steps in to change this, providing access to subjects like math, English and computer skills, paving the way for higher education in the future. Presently, the foundation’s life skills and education program benefits 132 women survivors.

The Chaiim Foundation’s Clothing Business

Humanitarian is a sustainable clothing business that the Chaiim Foundation established in July 2013. It aims to directly support women survivors by providing education, health care, vocational training and housing. The venture provides employment opportunities for women who have escaped human trafficking. Customers can submit their designs and inquiries to the team, who will then provide a production plan with cost and time estimates. Once the plan reaches finalization, the manufacturing team begins cutting and sewing the product before packaging it for shipping.

Other Initiatives to Help Women Survivors

The foundation hosts awareness programs, seminars and workshops to promote the work and efforts of volunteers and women survivors. It also facilitates victims’ reintegration into society, helping them start anew with fresh opportunities and goals. Additionally, it is working on a new venture called “Daag,” which aims to create reusable sanitary pads. This project seeks to promote job opportunities and improve the health of women living in rural areas.

Looking Ahead

In India, efforts to combat women’s trafficking focus on investigations. However, rural women continue to encounter difficulties in this area. Thankfully, organizations like the Chaiim Foundation exist to assist survivors by providing essential support in the form of education, health care, legal aid and housing. These resources help to create a brighter future for those affected by this heinous crime.

– Gurjot Kaur
Photo: Flickr

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World Central Kitchen’s Work in Ukraine

World Central Kitchen's Work in UkraineThe war in Ukraine has posed a significant threat to the region’s food supplies as ports and bridges have been under attack, limiting exports of Ukrainian grains to the rest of Europe. On June 6, 2023, the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam exploded, flooding one of the world’s largest reservoirs and displacing 190,000 people from the Mykolaiv region in Ukraine. Flooding destroyed entire villages and ravaged miles of crops.

This reservoir is known as “Europe’s breadbasket,” and according to The New York Times, it irrigates millions of acres of farmland. Its catastrophic flooding puts food for millions at risk. More than 5 million Ukrainians are already internally displaced, with an additional 8 million seeking refuge outside of Ukraine. Today, one-third of families in Ukraine are food insecure. Here is some information about World Central Kitchen’s work in Ukraine to feed Ukrainian families.

About World Central Kitchen’s Work in Ukraine

Since 2011, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has worked on the front lines of humanitarian crises, feeding those cut off from a stable food source. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, WCK has cooked and delivered 235 million meals to refugees in seven other countries and people still in Ukraine.

On the same day the dam exploded, World Central Kitchen in Ukraine set up sites for evacuees. Volunteer teams from the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions arrived at Pryozerne, a village that was underwater. WCK teams used inflatable boats to transport the supplies to reach families stuck without food or drinking water.

How the World Central Kitchen Works

The goal of WCK is to provide hot, locally sourced meals for those with nothing to eat. First Food Fighters respond immediately to disasters where the need is greatest and then partner with local restaurants to affect long-term change. Its approach has come to include meal kits and bags of groceries.

In an interview on “The Late Night Show,” founder of World Central Kitchen Jose Andres, recipient of the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Culinary Foundation, said of his decision to act: “I think I got tired of sitting in the comfort of my home and seeing that actually big problems had really simple solutions.”

In 2010, Andres went to Haiti to cook for victims of a devastating earthquake. He noticed inefficiencies in existing crisis response systems. Emergency provisions did not arrive soon enough nor stay long enough. To remain community-driven and sustainable, World Central Kitchen partners with local restaurants and chefs. José Andres formed a cooking school École des Chefs alongside a Haitian chef to permanently improve access to quality food in Haiti. Since then, WCK has spearheaded infrastructure that increases food stability in hard-hit regions.

Chefs for Ukraine

Chefs for Ukraine is a branch of WCK. It runs the largest food relief network in Ukraine, with sites in Kyiv, Kramatorsk, Kharkiv and Lviv, among others, despite active missile strikes. In a #ChefsforUkraine interview, a Food Fighter explains, “There is an urgent need for World Central Kitchen. Food is a big contribution because people in the 21st Century are dying of hunger.”

In Kramatorsk, at the end of a train line, World Central Kitchen in Ukraine opened an aid site within hours of Russia’s first attack. As more residential areas are targeted, Chefs for Ukraine sites feed refugees – mostly women, children and seniors. Currently, thousands of Food Fighters run more than 9,000 sites in Ukraine.

Ripple Effect

The impact of giving food and water to those hungry and thirsty is world-changing. José Andres believes WCK is an investment in the people, in democracy and in global interconnectedness. A video for #ChefsforUkraine in 2022 announced 100 million meals served in Ukraine. Andres, in the video, describes how World Central Kitchen’s work in Ukraine is helping fight for “a country of liberty, a country of freedom, and a country that for centuries has been feeding not only Ukraine but has been feeding the world.” Food changes individual lives and, in doing so, changes the world.

– Caroline Crider
Photo: Flickr

Affordable and Efficient Green Hydrogen Technology in Africa 

Africa’s green hydrogen technology is advancing rapidly, providing the continent with a promising opportunity to expand its energy resources while achieving a net-zero outcome. Projections now paint an optimistic future where the energy market harnesses technological potential, promoting sustainable and cost-effective practices. This progress aims to fulfill Africa’s global climate commitments while alleviating poverty for its citizens. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is committed to transitioning to cleaner energy sources. To decarbonize its economy, the continent is actively financing renewable energy projects, particularly green hydrogen alternatives, which domestic resources can produce.

In terms of definition, for hydrogen to qualify as green, it must come from renewable energy sources, unlike black/brown and blue/gray hydrogen, which come from nonrenewable sources, coal and methane respectively. According to the United Nations (U.N.), hydrogen’s power generation source can either be renewable or nonrenewable. In this case, the focus here is on renewable energy for green hydrogen production, capable of storing excess energy generated during peak cycles.

The Impact of Green Hydrogen Fuel

The use of green hydrogen fuel prevents the heating of the atmosphere, reducing the impacts of environmental shocks in African cities and communities. Solar power, wind power, geothermal and biomass are among the domestic resources utilized for green hydrogen production, all of which are renewable energy sources.

Green hydrogen technology can provide significant support to the 600 million Africans without accessible electricity, aligning with the global movement toward more sustainable economies. Many investments into green hydrogen technology have propelled this to become a wider market in Africa as it is an ambitious development with much potential. The International Energy Agency suggests Africa could become a global hub for green hydrogen production due to its abundance of wind and solar energy.

The Just Energy Transition Partnership

Since November 2021, South Africa has been collaborating with France, Germany, the U.S. and the U.K. in its decarbonization efforts through the Just Energy Transition Partnership. This initiative aims to enable South Africa’s economy to achieve its low carbon emission goals while also generating green jobs. The initial phase of funding involves a commitment of $8.5 billion to facilitate the shift away from fossil fuels and to promote investments in green hydrogen and electric vehicles, as reported by the European Commission.

In a speech about the partnership, President Biden acknowledges South Africa as the “largest emitter in Africa,” mainly due to its heavy reliance on coal for power. However, the partnership’s funding aims to assist vulnerable communities, including coal miners, women and youth, as noted by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Researchers have analyzed the potential impact of green hydrogen technology on Africa’s job market. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) predicts that the GDP of six African countries involved in the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritania and Namibia) could increase through market exports and domestic demand for “green hydrogen related products.” The Alliance’s study confirms Africa’s significant potential to embrace local communities in the adoption of green, clean energy sources, creating millions of jobs and fostering a climate-resilient economy.

In 2021, a new project was announced in Namibia, a country that offers significant potential in domestic and international markets for affordable green hydrogen. This project involves a $9.4 billion hydrogen initiative, scheduled to commence in 2026, that reinforces the commitment to producing low-cost hydrogen.

A Look Ahead

The groundwork for many upcoming projects for green hydrogen technology requires financial support due to Africa’s economic viability. Collaborative work has been continuously communicated throughout many nations in an effort to reform policy-making within the energy sector, allowing for economic developments that protect energy security and reduce poverty in African communities.

–Lucy Cosme Vera

Photo: Flickr

USAID and Partners’ Humanitarian Response in Sudan

Humanitarian Response in SudanSince April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces — the national military — and the Rapid Support Forces, an independent paramilitary force. Led by “Hemedti” Mohamad Hamdan Dagalo, RSF is an outgrowth of Janjaweed military groups formerly employed by the government throughout the 2000s and 2010s. These forces have been part of multiple coups over the last five years, perpetrating potential crimes against humanity in the Darfur region.

A humanitarian crisis has erupted in Sudan as a result of widespread destruction and fighting. This is exacerbating the already-present effects of widespread poverty and almost 20% unemployment in 2022. A June 2023 report from USAID has identified and mapped multiple poverty-related crisis categories that must be addressed by a humanitarian response in Sudan. Notably, these are water scarcity and agricultural-nutritional crises. USAID is partnering with organizations such as OCHA, UNFPA and the World Food Program (WFP) to provide the Sudanese with desperately needed resources and aid.

Water Scarcity in Sudan

According to USAID, multiple regions in Sudan such as Khartoum, Gedaref, North and South Kordofan and all of the Darfur region are experiencing water scarcity. Water scarcity doesn’t only affect access to drinking water, but also diminishes a population’s ability to implement adequate sanitation and hygiene practices, putting the public health of thousands of impoverished Sudanese at risk. Sudan also ranks among the most climate-insecure countries in the world, at risk of desertification and extreme heat. Consequently, the Norwegian Refugee Council has emphasized that heat strokes and other sun-related health issues are rampant in areas bordering South Sudan.

To combat this, USAID is providing humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees has helped almost 700,000 Sudanese refugees since 2022 to obtain drinking water, and the International Medical Corps has outfitted hundreds of families in Sudan with sanitation kits this year. The International Organization for Migration is contributing $25 million to USAID and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to implement WASH projects in Sudan. Moreover, the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and shelter projects receive further support with an additional three million dollars from the UN High Council for Refugees. The U.N. Population Fund also contributes another three million dollars to USAID’s response plan for public health implementations in Blue and White Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, and areas of Darfur and Kordofan.

Agricultural Crises

War and climate change have strained farmers and livestock herders across Darfur and Northern Sudan, as well as Kassala, Gedaref and Sennar in the east. Sudan’s livestock industry brought in $143 million in export revenue in 2022, and the World Bank estimates almost half the Sudanese population work in the agricultural industry. This highlights the crucial role of humanitarian response in supporting agribusiness and safeguarding a significant portion of the population from factors leading to poverty, such as unemployment and malnutrition. OCHA’s 2023 response plan outlines the need for $500 million in food security and livelihood aid to assist 75% of the nearly 20 million affected Sudanese. The plan is to source the funding from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and donations to partner organizations like UNICEF.

Food and Nutrition: Crisis & Solutions

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in multiple regions of Sudan, particularly in South and West Kordofan, Kassala in the east, and across central-northwest Darfur. The problem has been ongoing since 2022 but has worsened due to the conflict. According to an IPC report, out of the total Sudanese population of more than 46 million, only 18.6 million people were food secure in 2022. Without international intervention, expectations lean toward a further deterioration of the situation in 2023.

Despite the ongoing dangers, the World Food Program responded in May 2023 by resuming nutritional assistance programs in the country, while contributing more than $140 million in cash transfers. As a result, WFP and BHA have been able to provide more than 800,000 people with thousands of metric tonnes of sorghum grain since mid-May 2023. On top of this, UNICEF has provided citizens in Wad Madani and Khartoum with critical aid such as Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food and truckloads of health and nutrition supplies.

USAID and its partners plan to work diligently to expand the humanitarian response in Sudan throughout 2023 and onward.

– Finneas Sensiba
Photo: Pixabay

Diabetes in Costa Rica’s Elderly Population

Diabetes in Costa Rica’s Elderly PopulationDespite efforts to combat diabetes in Costa Rica’s elderly population, the disease continues to be an ongoing health problem for the Latin American island nation. More than one-fifth of Costa Rica’s elderly population lives with diabetes, and the elderly population is particularly vulnerable to contracting chronic illness. This figure is higher than Costa Rica’s overall prevalence rate of diabetes, which is approximately 9%. And as the population continues to age rapidly, the prevalence of diabetes among the elderly in Costa Rica could also rise.

Prevalence of Diabetes in Costa Rica’s Elderly Population

Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting people of all ages but particularly afflicts those aged 65 and older. Aging, poor diet, physical inactivity and genetic predisposition are all factors that put the elderly at greater risk of contracting diabetes. One factor contributing to this is the impairment of pancreatic islets, responsible for and aiding in insulin production, which occurs with aging.

With elderly people at particularly high risk of contracting diabetes, another factor worrying health experts is Costa Rica’s rapidly aging population. The American Association for Retired Persons outlines United Nations statistics for Costa Rica’s elderly population, which currently represents 11.6% of the nation’s population. Costa Rica’s elderly population has increased by approximately 0.3% each year since 2001. Forecasts suggest the number of elderly Costa Rican could be 1.37 million people by 2050 — triple what it is in 2023.

Impact on Costa Rica’s Health Care Infrastructure

Unlike some of its neighboring nations, Costa Rica’s health care infrastructure is relatively stable. A 2000 survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Costa Rican health care infrastructure as No. 36 in the world, surpassing the United States (U.S.).

Hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and treatment options for patients, including elderly Costa Ricans living with diabetes, are readily available. However, a major obstacle facing some patients is cost. Research finds that health care costs for elderly people living with diabetes are anticipated to fuel rising overall costs. In some cases, patients live undiagnosed or refuse to adhere to their treatment plan, further exacerbating their condition.

Treatment and Assistance Available to Patients

Costa Rica’s national health care system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), commonly known as “CAJA,” provides health coverage to all Costa Ricans, including diabetic patients. Through the system, elderly citizens living with diabetes can receive medication and supplies to effectively manage their condition. The Costa Rican Ministry of Health also provides resources and supplies, as well as education, to patients.

The Costa Rican health care infrastructure provides quality, effective care to its patients, including elderly diabetics. Though diabetes among Costa Rica’s elderly continues to be a health concern for some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, the quality health care infrastructure puts the nation in a good position to care for patients.

– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Unsplash

Everything you need to know about poverty in Lesotho 

Lesotho has faced environmental and social factors that constantly plague its people and halt the country’s essential development. Currently, almost 60% of the population is under the poverty line, 25% is without adequate nutrition and millions of citizens are suffering from appalling diseases. To unpack the gravity of the situation, the following is an overview of the factors influencing poverty in Lesotho.

Food Insecurity in Lesotho

Lesotho heavily relies on internal agriculture for its food supply. However, the country’s climate is extremely unpredictable, with each season bringing different and challenging weather conditions. In the summer, severe droughts cause soil erosion and suboptimal conditions for cultivation. In the fall, heavy rainfall makes land susceptible to severe flooding and the harsh winter temperatures reach the negatives. With such stark contrasts between temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, crops cannot grow properly to sustain the dense population. Consequently, this further leads to severe food insecurity, food shortages and malnutrition in adults and children, which exacerbates the poverty in Lesotho as the climatic conditions force laborers to stay home to find ways to feed themselves and their families rather than go to work.

The Education Crisis

Within classrooms in Lesotho, many teachers do not have proper experience or training and there is a scarcity of furniture for students to write on or sit on. Furthermore, many classes in Lesotho are extremely overcrowded due to the dense population and there are often around 100 students per classroom. Rural children often have to walk miles to attend class, which prompts many children to miss multiple days of school due to unsafe weather conditions for travel. In Lesotho, the dropout rates are concerning, with 94% of elementary school dropouts residing in rural areas, and nearly 89% of higher-level education students also leaving school prematurely. The primary reason for these dropouts is the inability to afford education expenses. Moreover, the inaccessibility of standard education in Lesotho hampers students’ ability to access quality learning opportunities efficiently. 

The Impact of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho

In the past seven years, more than 180,000 people in Lesotho have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, making it the leading cause of death in the country. Unfortunately, Lesotho has not had enough access to funding or treatments since the AIDS epidemic began in 1986 and the lack of adequate health care treatments in Lesotho gives allows the disease to infect more and more people. Moreover, the widespread impacts of HIV and AIDS reduce the healthy population of Lesotho, further handicapping the fragile economy.

The Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 critically slowed down the export business in Lesotho, leaving the economy reeling. The main source of income in Lesotho before the pandemic was the prosperous textile industry, which exported millions of dollars worth of garments. During the pandemic, several clothing factories closed due to health concerns arising in light of the unbridled infection rate. With an initially high vulnerability to the COVID-19 infection in 2020, the Lesotho economy had to take a backseat as the working population of Lesotho recovered. The dwindling GDP of Lesotho, which decreased to a meager -5.6, highlighted the magnitude of the situation.

Lesotho’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen significant growth since then. Nevertheless, the enduring impact of the textile industry’s downturn remains evident in the current state of affairs. Prior to the pandemic, numerous textile factories supplied Western brands. However, with the decline in garment demand during that period, many factories closed at alarming rates, leading to substantial income losses. Over the past year, dozens of factories have shuttered due to dwindling revenue, resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs.

While poverty in Lesotho has dropped over the past 15 years, it continues to impact a significant number of people. Luckily, several efforts are in progress to turn the country back around. 

Efforts to Combat HIV/AIDS

Over the past 16 years, The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has donated more than $600 billion in aid to Lesotho, with a specific focus on combatting the widespread diseases across the country. Due to this vital funding, the organization was able to initiate programs to test the population and expand treatment availability nationwide. By the year 2020, the program successfully tested over 90% of the population and provided medication to over 90% of those who tested positive for the infections.

Since the program began, AIDS-related deaths have plateaued and infection case numbers have decreased from 320,000 to 270,000.

Educating the Youth

Regarding education, the World Bank is actively supporting the strengthening of schooling in Lesotho through substantial financial aid. This program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education through standardized curriculums and implementing necessary changes in the learning environment after the impact of COVID-19. Currently, the program serves nearly 20,000 students and features plans to improve 300 classrooms across Lesotho.

Feeding the People

The World Food Programme in Lesotho has provided seedlings and restored miles of eroded lands for agriculture, aiding the reconstruction of the vast agricultural economy. So far, the organization planted 16,000 seedlings and rehabilitated 620 miles of eroded land. In doing so, the organization reintroduced thousands of people to main food sources, which will battle rampant malnutrition as the program expands its extraordinary influence. 

Looking Ahead

Efforts to combat poverty in Lesotho are showing promising results. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has made significant strides in combatting HIV/AIDS, resulting in a decrease in infection cases and AIDS-related deaths. The World Bank’s support in strengthening education is enhancing learning environments and providing opportunities for thousands of students. Additionally, the WFP’s initiatives in agriculture are restoring eroded lands and reintroducing vital food sources to combat malnutrition. These combined efforts offer hope for a brighter future for the people of Lesotho.

–Divya Shankar

Photo: Pixabay

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Emergency HIV/AIDS Treatment in Ukraine

HIV/AIDS Treatment in UkraineThe ongoing war in Ukraine has contributed greatly to poverty both inside and outside of the country. One contributor is the huge interruption the war enforced on HIV and AIDS diagnosis and treatment in the country. Due to the safety risk, 30 medical institutions that provided these services had to close their doors, putting the lives of patients at great risk by restricting their treatment. However, organizations like the Global Fund and the UNAIDS program have provided emergency HIV/AIDS treatment in Ukraine that has served to combat this, thus softening the effect of the war on those living with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS in Ukraine Before the War

The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Ukraine comes to 0.9%, higher than the world average of 0.7% and one of the highest infection rates in Europe. However, the country looked like it was turning a corner, as in the early 2010s, rates of infection started to decline. This was caused by higher investments in antiretroviral treatment and more support for opioid drug users, who were at higher risk of contracting the disease.

The Effect of the War

After the conflict began in 2014, according to the country director of the UNAIDS program Jacek Tymszko, “HIV totally disappeared from the agenda.” It made providing these vital services much more difficult. More than 30% of people living with HIV/AIDS have experienced an interruption in their treatment since the war began, according to UNAIDS. Equally, many faced displacement as a result of the war and therefore struggled to access these services simply because they no longer had a permanent home.

Emergency HIV/AIDS Treatment

However, due to the help of organizations and programs that focus on providing emergency HIV/AIDS treatment in Ukraine, many HIV/AIDS patients have been able to continue living as normal. In March 2022, the Global Fund provided over $15 million of emergency funding to Ukraine to maintain HIV and TB testing and treatment services and an additional $10.3 million donation in February. These provisions have contributed to retrofitting vans to deliver medicines to patients, community-led organizations that link patients to HIV and TB services and mental health services specifically for those with the disease.

The U.N. has also contributed to providing emergency HIV/AIDS treatment to Ukraine through the Joint United Nationals Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). It released an initial $200,000 in emergency funding in February 2023 to support the seven cities facing significant HIV epidemics. This provided first-aid training and kits to community-based organizations aiming to sustain HIV services, direct humanitarian assistance to those living with HIV with food certificates and STI testing kits and providing shelters for displaced people.

Results of Support

Due to the support of organizations such as the Global Fund and UNAIDS, there has been a reduction in the impact of the war on those living with HIV/AIDS. However, there are still those living with HIV/AIDS that are suffering as a result of the war, highlighting the need for more effort. Prior to the war, the Word Bank estimated that 260,000 people were living with HIV in Ukraine. Since then, around 15,000 of these people have lost treatment due to displacement. There is still room for more support to help affected people access life-saving services and prevent the disease from spreading.

– Erin Latham
Photo: Flickr