Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

The Opioid Trade in Afghanistan 

Opioid Trade in AfghanistanAfghanistan’s opioid trade, the largest in the world, has been thriving under the new Taliban regime. Driven by a desire for economic and political stability, the Taliban’s actions around the opioid trade have serious implications for Afghanistan’s citizens who were plunged into poverty following the group’s takeover in 2021.

The Taliban’s Ban on Drugs

Once processed, opium poppies from Afghanistan sell as opium, morphine and a range of grades of heroin in every region of the world, with the exception of Latin America. The production and sale of drugs constitute a significant portion of the country’s GDP each year.

When the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan in August 2021, it vowed to end the production and trade of drugs in the country. The group, however, faced a production system on an upward trend. In 2020, Afghanistan saw a 37% increase in the area of land used to grow opium poppies compared to the year before. In that same year, Afghanistan produced 85% of the opium consumed across the world.

The History of the Opioid Trade in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been producing opium poppies in large numbers since the mid-1950s. Fraught with political and economic inconsistency for decades, the history of efforts to reduce the opioid trade in Afghanistan is complex. In December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. The war that followed created economic devastation that left many in Afghanistan with no reliable source of income aside from trading narcotics. The Taliban, established in 1994, made significant steps towards banning the trade, halving the land used for growing poppies in the regions of Afghanistan it controlled at the time.

When the Taliban gained power in Afghanistan in 1996, however, it had already relaxed its approach to the drug trade. Instead of clamping down on production, the Taliban began to tax opioid farms and labs and even sought to expand the trade by providing farmers with official government licenses to grow opium poppies. The group declared an outright ban on poppy cultivation in 1999, but by September 2001, it had reversed this decision, and the practice was thriving again.

Under the Afghan government from 2002 to 2021, following U.S. intervention in 2001, drug production and trafficking in Afghanistan soared. International aid funded the majority of counter-narcotic efforts over these two decades. The United States spent more than $8 billion over a 15-year period in attempts to reduce the trade of opioids in Afghanistan.

The Opioid Trade in the New Taliban Regime

In April 2022, the Taliban issued a decree prohibiting all poppy cultivation and narcotics trade, representing a new wave of counter-narcotic efforts in Afghanistan. However, the timing alone of this decree caused many to question the motives of the Taliban, as it came shortly after the largest annual harvest of opium poppies. High-ranking Taliban officials claim that drug production and trafficking are over, but the evidence suggests that the trade is still thriving and may have increased since the regime change.

The gap between the Taliban’s stated intention to rid Afghanistan of drugs and its lack of action is likely due to the fact that it is not currently in its interests, economically or tactically, to crack down on the opioid trade in Afghanistan. Since its formation in 1994, estimates suggest that the opioid trade has accounted for more than half of the Taliban’s revenues, according to Colin Mathers. The Taliban have for many years collected a tax on all opium poppies grown in Afghanistan, all laboratory-based processing of opioids and all trading of these drugs. From 2018 to 2019 alone, the Taliban received more than $400 million from narcotics.

The Economic Impact

To survive as a regime, the Taliban need enough income to be able to keep factions, soldiers and civilians on its side. In the Taliban’s first year in power, Afghanistan’s GDP dropped from $20.15 billion to $14.79 billion due to economic sanctions and the removal of foreign aid. This marked the country’s lowest GDP since the 2008 global financial crisis.

With the country deprived of billions of dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and bilateral aid, reports suggest that the income from opium poppies is more critical than ever to both the security of the Taliban and the stability of the country, according to Brookings. In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that since the regime change, the number of Afghans living in poverty had doubled to nearly 34 million, representing 85% of the country’s population. The removal of the opioid trade would further cripple the Afghan economy and hundreds of thousands of citizens would fall into extreme poverty, creating a serious risk of domestic unrest.

The Future of the Opioid Trade in Afghanistan

For these reasons, the reward remains higher than the risk for those involved in the opioid trade in Afghanistan, which encourages its continuation and expansion, according to UNODC. Forecasts suggest that there is no end in sight for global sanctions and the Afghan economy seems unlikely to grow significantly in the short term. Therefore, the tactical and financial incentives remain for the Taliban to support this industry and Afghans have few viable alternatives to growing opium poppies, according to VOA News.

Nonprofit organizations like Afghanaid have been working closely with those crippled financially by the Taliban takeover. Since August 2021, Afghanaid has provided around 1.8 million men, women and children with emergency aid. The NGO runs schemes across impoverished areas of Afghanistan that could be vital in creating reliable alternative sources of income for those who may otherwise rely on opium poppy cultivation.

For example, Afghanaid supports farmers and village communities in the Badakhshan Province to replant and irrigate their forests. This scheme has led to the employment of members of more than 130 households across the region. And as a result, some families have been able to send their children to school. Schemes such as this support the development of reliable alternative sources of income for impoverished families in Afghanistan. The goal is to minimize or end the country’s reliance on the opioid trade.

Looking Ahead

The opioid trade in Afghanistan is thriving in the current financial crisis, as the trade provides stability for both impoverished citizens and the new Taliban regime. One of the ways to end the opioid trade involves providing viable alternative sources of income for those that rely on the consistency of producing and selling opioid products. In this way, NGOs like Afghanaid could be central in reducing the growth of a trade that has negative impacts worldwide.

– Polly Walton
Photo: Pixabay

The “Game-Changing” New Meningitis Vaccine in Africa

Meningitis Vaccine in AfricaA new meningitis vaccine, NmCV-5, has been successfully tested in the West African countries of Mali and The Gambia. Trialed on a total of 1,800 people from age 2 to 29, the vaccine was shown to produce an immune response against the five main strains of meningitis bacteria that plague those living in what is known as the “African meningitis belt.” Once approved, NmCV-5 could become the most effective meningitis vaccine in Africa, unlocking the potential to prevent the suffering of millions.

What Is Meningitis?

Several different viruses and bacteria can cause Meningitis, a condition that inflames the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. While viral meningitis is more common and less serious than bacterial meningitis, it can still cause long-term problems and even be deadly in countries where populations do not have immediate access to treatment.

The U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) estimates that one out of 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is lethal. Globally, about a quarter million people die from meningitis infections each year. Alarmingly, around 60% of meningitis-related deaths occur along the African meningitis belt, a region that runs from Gambia and Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in easternmost Africa. Furthermore, some 33% to 50% of survivors of bacterial meningitis face at least one permanent health problem. These include seizures, vision and hearing loss, limb loss and cognitive impairment.

Meningitis’ inordinate impact across sub-Saharan Africa is partly due to a lack of access to proper health care, which leads to late diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that bacterial meningitis, which is highly prevalent in the meningitis belt, can kill within as little as 24 hours.

NmCV-5 to the Rescue

The prevalence of five different strains of meningococcal bacteria across the meningitis belt has, until now, hindered efforts to eradicate the disease. That NmCV-5 proved effective in protecting against all five strains marks an unprecedented development in the field of meningitis vaccines in Africa.

The Serum Institute of India developed NmCV-5 in partnership with the global health organization PATH. Since its founding in 1966, the Serum Institute of India’s goal has been to make vaccines high-quality, affordable vaccines available to those around the world who need them most. To date, the company has reached more than 140 countries and supplied vaccines that have helped an estimated 65% of children globally. Significantly, the Serum Institute of India also collaborated with PATH and WHO to develop the Meningococcal A vaccine MenAfriVac, which has “virtually eliminated” this strain of the bacteria in the countries where it has been distributed.

Still, much work remains to reach the WHO’s Defeating Meningitis by 2030 goals, which include reducing meningitis infections by 50% and meningitis deaths by 70%. Fortunately, PATH, a global nonprofit dedicated to “improving public health” around the world, is working to bring vaccines and other forms of vital health care to those most in need. For instance, its “Zero-dose children” campaign centers on closing the vaccination gap for the world’s estimated 17 million unvaccinated children by addressing the socio-cultural and economic inequities that hinder access to immunizations.

Hope for a Meningitis-Free Future

NmCV-5 promises great hope for eradicating meningitis in Africa. Apart from NmCV-5 being effective against the newest emerging X strain of meningococcus bacteria, it also aims to be inexpensive and widely available in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a critical step toward a meningitis-free future, as other vaccines either provide immunity against fewer strains or have remained too costly to have widespread reach.

As Ed Clarke, one of the study’s co-authors, summarized, “We are excited about the results. We expect NmCV-5 to provide children and young adults with reliable protection against meningitis caused by the meningococcal bacteria in Africa.” He anticipates that the vaccine will be “game-changing for epidemic meningitis control in the ‘meningitis belt,’” stating, “We look forward to seeing the vaccine rolled out in the region as soon as possible.”

– Tiffany Chan
Photo: Flickr

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Strengthening Civil Society Through Bottom-Up Development

Bottom-Up Development“Bottom-up” development is an approach to international development that places local communities at the center of the process. It empowers communities to identify their own development priorities, make decisions about how to allocate resources and implement projects that meet their specific needs. Bottom-up development builds the capacity of local actors to drive development in their own communities and nations. This approach stands in contrast to traditional “top-down” development, which is driven by outside actors such as governments, aid agencies or large multinational corporations, who typically dictate development agendas and priorities to local communities. Bottom-up development recognizes that local communities best understand their own needs and have valuable knowledge about the challenges and opportunities they face.

Available evidence suggests that when development involves local adaptation and ownership, it is more likely to lead to sustainable differences. According to reports, strengthening civil society is a vital aspect of bottom-up development because civil society organizations (CSOs) can act as intermediaries between communities and external actors such as international aid agencies or government institutions. Civil society comprises a diverse range of organizations that are independent of the government. This may include schools and universities, advocacy groups, professional associations, churches and cultural institutions.

Civil Society Organizations

CSOs play a critical role in promoting sustainable development and addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, often filling in where the government and the private sector fail to act. These organizations are well-positioned to represent the needs and interests of marginalized communities and are a foundational piece for sustainable development and national unity.

Typically, CSOs work in the following ways:

  1. Providing services and support to marginalized communities, including education, health care and economic empowerment programs.
  2. Advocating for policy reforms and increased transparency and accountability from governments and other stakeholders.
  3. Raising public awareness and mobilizing public support for development issues.
  4. Fostering social innovation and collaboration among stakeholders to identify and address development challenges.
  5. Supporting the capacity-building of local organizations and communities to drive development from the bottom up.
  6. Promoting the peaceful and fair resolution of local disputes.
  7. Increasing involvement in civic and public services by women, girls and other excluded groups.

It is not all talk or theory, as CSOs have made notable impacts around the world. Select examples include supporting vulnerable citizens following civil war in Uganda, helping in the global AIDs and malaria crises, sustaining democracy in Nigeria and reducing corruption in India.

Barriers to Civil Society Development

  1. Lack of funding: CSOs face a host of issues, such as a lack of funding and resources, limited capacity and government restrictions. Often, CSOs lack direct funding from donor organizations, with as little as 1% of bilateral aid going directly to CSO funding. Donors also tend to use CSOs as implementers instead of providing core funding for the organizations. For instance, out of the United States foreign aid budget, only about 15% went to funding CSO development objectives. Moreover, using local CSOs merely as implementers reinforces a paternalistic vision of development that prioritizes Western expertise over local expertise.
  2. Lack of required skills: CSOs may lack the required skills and capacity to carry out their work effectively. This can include skills in areas such as fundraising, program design and management, monitoring and evaluation and advocacy. Historically, CSOs have emphasized setting goals, defining objectives and acquiring the resources needed for growth and sustainability.
  3. Government threats: CSOs in numerous countries encounter government threats that impede operational effectiveness and autonomy. These threats encompass a range of obstacles, including legal constraints such as burdensome registration procedures, onerous reporting obligations and restrictions on foreign funding. Additionally, political pressures like harassment, intimidation, defamation and physical violence targeting CSO members and activists further compound the challenges. Moreover, economic hardships such as inadequate financial assistance, burdensome taxation, and asset seizures exacerbate the situation. Consequently, these threats foster an inhospitable environment for civil society, undermining its potential to contribute to democratic progress and social equity.

Breaking Through the Barriers

Key ways the international community can strengthen civil society to break through the barriers include:

  1. Providing financial and technical support to CSOs to enhance their capacity, sustainability, and advocacy skills
  2. Engaging in dialogue and partnership with CSOs to amplify their voice and influence in policymaking and implementation
  3. Promoting an enabling legal and regulatory environment for CSOs to operate freely and independently
  4. Protecting and defending CSOs from harassment, intimidation, and violence by governments or other actors
  5. Raising awareness and mobilizing public support for the role and value of civil society in development and democracy

What’s Next?

By prioritizing local communities and empowering them to drive their own development, the bottom-up approach holds promise for sustainable change. And CSOs play a vital role in promoting development, addressing challenges and advocating for marginalized communities. Increased financial and technical support, among other efforts, are crucial steps toward strengthening civil society and unlocking its full potential in driving positive change.

– Andrew Giganti
Photo: Flickr

Everything You Need to Know about Weyak: Mental Health in Qatar

Mental Health in QatarQatar is an Arab country located on the western coast of the Persian Gulf Sea. It shares its border with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Qatar, a sovereign and independent state in the Middle East, is one of the world’s largest oil and gas exporters. The country is governed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Its capital, Doha, has nearly 2.7 million residents.
Recently, Qatar is developing strategies and policies to transform its health hcare system. Mental health in Qatar is a key area for development, especially as one-fifth of adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Qatar’s Mental Health Friends Association, better known as Weyak, is a volunteer organization aiming to help people who struggle with mental illness in Qatar.

Weyak Helps More Than 249,000 People

Since 2014, more than 249,000 people have benefitted from Weyak’s services. Weyak’s training workshops for specialists, individuals and organizations are more than 8,000. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization played a vital role by running programs to help people in distress and struggling with feelings of uncertainty or anxiety.

Despite facing difficulties in their first year of service, the organization grew stronger, signing cooperations with several important institutions such as the Ministry of Public Health and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).

The Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

In 2017, at Doha’s Tornado Tower, Weyak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WISH. This establishes a cooperative framework to promote mental health in Qatar. It implements the best and latest international practices to achieve high standards of community mental health. MoU also allows the exchange of mental health information and ideas over various platforms, enabling WISH and Weyak to expand their networks within Qatar.

Further benefits of their collaboration include Weyak’s support of WISH at key mental health events. Its expertise within the community also aids the development of support groups for caregivers and those who suffer from mental health issues.

Weyak’s Free Tele-Counseling Service

As part of its service, Weyak provides free tele-counseling to those who need it. Promoted as a confidential and safe space, individuals can speak to a trained counselor who can offer support, as well as guide them to further resources. The service is available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Tagalog.

In March 2020, Weyak announced an extension of its phone counseling hours. Psychological support is now available for 12 hours daily, significantly increasing its accessibility from 12 pm – 8 pm to 9 am – 9 pm. The service remains free of charge.

Weyak’s Partnership with Oryx GTL

In early 2018, the synthetic fuel plant Oryx GTL provided financial support for Weyak’s psychological counseling program. With this financial aid, Weyak ran hundreds of counseling, educational and psychological sessions.

This is not the first time that Oryx GTL has partnered with Weyak. In 2015, the two organizations joined together to distribute a “self-construction map” to independent and private schools in Qatar. This map raised awareness of comprehensive mental health concepts among students and faculty. With such a partnership, Weyak continues to be able to expand its service to improve mental health in Qatar.

The Future for Weyak?

With increasing developments in Qatar’s mental health sector, organizations such as Weyak provide a valuable service. However, the organization is very reliant on sponsors and funding. Many sponsors and organizations tie funds to conditions and expect immediate results. And ever since the launch of its services in 2014, Weyak continues serving to provide an effective service for those struggling with mental health in Qatar.

– Grace Clay
Photo: Flickr

Everything You Need to Know About Elderly Poverty in Iraq

Elderly Poverty in IraqDespite the vast oil reserves in Iraq, poverty is a huge issue facing the country. Factors such as social inequality, war and terrorism have led to 23% of the population of Iraq living in poverty, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission. Elderly poverty in Iraq is a particular problem requiring government attention.

What is Elderly Poverty?

Elderly poverty is when people over the age of 65 live without a sufficient income or pension. In the countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, approximately 14% of those over the age of 65 live in poverty. In comparison, the rate of poverty across the population of these countries on average is about 11.6%. Globally, elderly poverty is increasing, due to people living longer and having insufficient pensions.

Elderly Poverty in Iraq

Iraq has a population of approximately 41 million people, of which 5.1% (2 million people) are older than 60. According to the United Nations Population Fund, this number is expected to increase to around 7.5 million (10.6%) by 2050. While sources cannot reliably determine the exact rate of elderly poverty in Iraq, fewer than 20% of older people have a pension, which results in many working past retirement age.

In addition to this, literacy rates are lower among the elderly in Iraq, making jobs outside of manual labor difficult to obtain. Among those over 70 years, only 42% are literate; for those between 60 and 69 years, only 63% are literate. Although programs exist to improve literacy rates in Iraq, they focus primarily on the young.

The number of elderly workers has increased significantly in Iraq, making them commonplace, especially among those who fled and relocated due to ISIS. Obtaining work as an elderly laborer can be difficult, as younger workers are more desirable to companies, due to their physical strength and higher rates of literacy. The elderly population of Iraq needs the government to intervene to ensure there are job opportunities for all ages and skill sets.

Women in Iraq and the Impact of Elderly Poverty

Elderly poverty also negatively impacts women, as the care of elderly people usually falls to female family members, limiting their ability to get a job. According to the Iraq Women Integrated Social and Health Survey, 31% of the elderly women interviewed needed help to perform basic daily tasks. The majority of this help comes from their families, as less than 1% have access to external health care workers. This is likely due to costs, as only 59.7% of the interviewed women over 55 were able to afford health care.

In Iraq, aid for the elderly is primarily the responsibility of their families rather than the government, but the lack of government involvement frequently perpetuates the cycle. Many women cannot work due to looking after elderly or disabled relatives, and without work, they cannot gain a pension. This perpetuates a cycle of generational poverty among the elderly. Furthermore, many people in Iraq lost family members during the conflicts, resulting in a number of elderly people who have neither familial nor government assistance.

Organizations Help Solve the Elderly Poverty Issue in Iraq

Fortunately, organizations and programs are in place to improve elderly poverty in Iraq. HelpAge International is an organization centered around improving the lives of the elderly by advocating for greater social protection, better health care and the recognition of the needs and rights of the elderly during crises. Elderly people are often physically unable to flee during conflicts or natural disasters, but aid organizations frequently overlook their specific needs (such as accessible food distribution points or recovery loans). The Jiyan Foundation has partnered with HelpAge International in Iraq, where they provide support to those suffering from the effects of human rights violations and conflict.

The Social Protection Program for Iraq: Leveraging Effective Response and Accelerating Reform is an EU-supported program lasting from April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), alongside the Iraqi government, is working in collaboration with the World Food Program and the International Labor Organization to improve conditions for vulnerable people in Iraq. The program aims to encourage legislative reform around social protection, such as benefits and pension schemes while optimizing existing systems. The overall goal is to ensure that by 2024, vulnerable people such as the elderly, women, the young, the disabled and Internally Displaced People will be able to access income security and social insurance.

Shedding Light on Elderly Poverty Across the World

In recent years, elderly poverty has been gaining more recognition globally. Since 1990, October 1 has been celebrated as the International Day of Older Persons, and in 2010, the U.N. General Assembly created the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging. This group works to improve the human rights of elderly people within international law. Elderly poverty is also becoming more widely studied by academic institutions like Oxford and Harvard. In 2021, the World Health Organization and several U.N. departments published a report on ageism and the need to eliminate it from society.

Elderly people are among the most vulnerable in society, and it is essential that they are included in and protected by government legislation. As life expectancy continues to rise with advancements in technology and science, it is more important than ever to address elderly poverty. With further international support and government initiatives, elderly poverty in Iraq could be significantly reduced.

– Tasha B. Johnson
Photo: Unsplash

Women’s Rights in Chad

Women's Rights in ChadFatime Ali Abakar is a 22-year-old living in Chad. She is one of many young women and girls learning about gender equality from the United Nations (U.N.). Through programs similar to the one that supports Fatime Ali Abakar, the U.N. Population Fund (UNEFPA) seeks to end gender-based violence by 2030. This includes child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal deaths, all of which are prevalent in Chad. The specter of child marriage is an open discussion in Fatime’s classes. As a result, the taboo is challenged and young girls are equipped with ‘evidence-based, girl-centered investments’ that deliver skills, information and services toward eliminating the issue. UNFPA-UNICEF programs have, between 2016 and 2019, helped 22,000 schools deliver targeted education, assisted 11 countries with rolling out ‘national action plans’ and reached 4.2 million individuals with ‘community dialogue.’

Outcomes for Women and Girls in Chad

Chad has the highest rates of child marriage in the world. 67% of girls in Chad were married before age 18 and 30% before age 15. As of 2013, the adolescent birth rate was 179.4 per 1,000 girls aged 15 years to 19 years. In 2018, 16.2% of women and girls (15 years to 49 years) were subject to physical and/or sexual violence and 34.1% of girls and women in the same age groups had undergone female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation or FGM is a widespread practice in Chad. Unfortunately, it is a practice that violates human rights, and is one that is carried out on infant and under-15-year-old girls. A nonprofit organization, 28 TOO MANY, works with communities in Chad with the highest number of cases. On the bright side, there has been some progress in alleviating the issue, with The Reproductive Health Law awaiting support from the office of the President. Efforts to reduce poverty have also yielded positive results. In addition, the in-work poverty rate dropped from 47 % in 2011 to 42 % in 2018. As of 2021, this figure stood at 41%. The figure continues to remain relatively high because women do not have access to dignified work. They engage in activities like procuring water, cooking meals and looking after husbands and children. Women rarely inherit properties, and they mostly depend on men for security and prosperity.

Ongoing Work

Various organizations work to help women and girls in their pursuit of security. CARE International, for example, seeks to provide economic justice to women through access to financial services. CARE International defines economic justice as the ‘right to economic resources’.

These resources target women entrepreneurs, who account for 31% to 38% of small to medium size enterprises in the global south. As a result of this program, 270,000 women in 11 countries have seen their average business earnings increase by 91%. The management of run-off water and the construction of weirs in Chad’s Sahel region is among ongoing efforts. The Sahel is a vast, semi-arid region in Africa. In times of low rainfall, the area becomes highly susceptible to famine. A weir is crucial in these circumstances, as it ensures effective water run-off and consistent water availability. Between 2012 and 2018, the project created 64 weirs. As a result, feed available for livestock has increased ‘significantly’ and grass now grows on arable land for ‘longer periods’. Millet yields have doubled and vegetable yields have risen 23%.

Looking Ahead

Through programs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, efforts are underway to address gender-based violence and improve outcomes for women and girls in Chad. These initiatives aim to tackle issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal deaths, providing girls with skills, information and services to challenge societal taboos and promote gender equality. Additionally, organizations like 28 TOO MANY and CARE International are working to combat practices like female genital mutilation and provide economic justice to women through access to financial services, contributing to positive changes in Chad.

– James Durbin
Photo: Flickr

The Fisherwomen Oyster Harvesting in Ghana

Oyster Harvesting in GhanaOysters, a delicacy in many countries, are a critical food staple and source of income for many fisherwomen in Ghana. The women who harvest this healthy, locally-sourced seafood along Ghana’s coastline are making a vital contribution to improving food security and nutrition in the region. However, in recent years, fisherwomen have been contending with the growing threat of declining stocks that threatens oyster harvesting in Ghana. Fortunately, there are ongoing efforts to restore Ghana’s oyster habitats and introduce sustainable fishery practices that will help replenish its oyster population.

Fisherwomen in Ghana

Fisherwomen in Ghana traverse the estuarine habitats of marshes, mangrove swamps and tidal flats and gather the mangrove oysters that reside within their mud, sand and roots by hand. This manner of oyster harvesting is common in many West African countries, including Benin, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. As most of the shore-based fishers who collect invertebrates like oysters are female — which is a global pattern — collection-based oyster fisheries are particularly important for the lives and livelihoods of women living in the coastal regions of developing countries. Therefore, the radical decline of Ghana’s oyster population, due to a combination of population growth, increased strain on resources and loss of habitats, has potentially devastating consequences.

Tackling the Problem

In response to the decline, the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) has partnered with a local NGO, the Development Action Association, and the Ghana Fisheries Commission to tackle the problem. The initiative focuses on the communities of Tsokomey, Tetegu and Bortianor in the Densu Delta of the Greater Accra region, where much of Ghana’s oyster harvesting occurs. Providing on-the-ground support since 2016, the project has helped local harvesters establish the Densu Estuary Women’s Oyster Pickers Association (DOPA), an organization of more than 150 women who are working to restore oyster habitats and implement sustainable harvesting practices. By providing leadership training to DOPA members and educating them on oyster ecology, reproductive cycles and sustainable aquaculture management, the project is empowering fisherwomen in Ghana to protect the fisheries on which they depend.

Restoring Hope

Restoring local oyster fisheries is critical for sustaining Ghana’s coastal population. For instance, in the Greater Accra region, income from oyster harvesting accounts for an average of 45% of total household income. The harvested oysters are steamed and sold at the local market, and some even sell the shells for use in road construction, poultry grit and lime flour.

Furthermore, oysters are an important part of local diets, especially for women. For example, a 2022 study found that women in Ghana’s Bortianor/Tsokomey region consume up to 1,700 grams of oysters, which is equivalent to about 470 oysters, per month. High in iron, zinc, omega-3 and other fatty acids, oysters are a rich source of protein and nutrients. Their high iron content, specifically, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing anemia, a condition that is alarmingly prevalent in Ghana, especially among pregnant women. In fact, Ghana’s coastal regions have the lowest recorded rates of anemia in the country, with anemia afflicting 4% of the coastal population, as compared to 5% of the population in Ghana’s forest regions and 15% in its savannah regions.

While the loss of important oyster stocks poses a severe threat to both the health and livelihood of fisherwomen in Ghana, USAID and its partner organizations recognize the importance of protecting Ghana’s oyster fisheries and habitats. Its work to support local communities to bolster oyster harvesting in Ghana is also helping to restore hope for the future.

– Amy McAlpine
Photo: Flickr

7 facts about poverty in Kosovo

Facts About Poverty in KosovoSituated in the Balkans, Kosovo, officially known as the Republic of Kosovo, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. However, only 110 U.N. member states acknowledge its status as a sovereign state. Notably, Serbia, Kosovo’s chief opponent, does not recognize its independence and considers it part of Serbia. Furthermore, Serbia’s international allies, including Russia, hamper Kosovo’s bid for EU membership due to the lack of recognition. The combination of limited international security and economic instability has prompted Kosovo’s application for EU membership. The following are seven facts about poverty in Kosovo and why EU membership is so controversial for the country.

7 Facts about Poverty in Kosovo

  1. High poverty rates: Around 40% of the population of Kosovo live below the poverty line, and 17% live in extreme poverty (living on less than $3.20 a day), as defined by the BTI Project. Poverty is widespread, especially in rural areas. The country’s poverty rate is notably higher than its closest neighbor, EU member Bulgaria. 
  2. High unemployment rates: Unemployment in Kosovo was 24.6% in 2020. The BTI Project reports that youth unemployment is exceptionally high at around 50%. This is, in part, because the country is not a great exporter and its workforce has a very high percentage of low-skilled workers. As with poverty rates in the country, unemployment is far worse in rural areas. In the EU, unemployment only averages 6% and youth unemployment is 14.5% in 2023.
  3. Low social safety net: Kosovo has a minimal social safety net, with no real unemployment benefits, maternity allowance or child benefits. The country only spends around 3.6% of its GDP on health care and social security. In comparison, the EU has an average of 20.5%.
  4. Corruption problems: Office abuse, especially corruption, remains widespread despite political leaders’ promise to fight it. The Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency fails to convict members of the political class, and this undermines Kosovan institutions and the state.
  5. Remittance-dependent economy: Kosovo’s economy is significantly dependent on remittances from the diaspora of Kosovans worldwide. When the pandemic hit and much of the diaspora funding dried up, what followed was a noticeable uptick in Kosovan poverty indicators.
  6. Low minimum wage: The Kosovan minimum wage is one of the lowest in Europe. The minimum wage is just €250 net per month. For comparison, the U.K. minimum wage for adults is £10.42. This minimum wage has been a significant part of why many working-class people in the country are in poverty.
  7. Slow economic growth: Kosovo’s economy is growing, but the progress has been slow. The nation’s economy has been growing steadily since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008, with Real GDP increasing by 3.5% in 2022. On the bright side, this has aided poverty reduction.

NGO Efforts

There are NGOs working in Kosovo to help improve these poverty metrics. One example is Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian organization that provides various services to vulnerable groups, including the poor, elderly and children. The organization’s programs focus on education, health, social protection and emergency assistance. Originally becoming active in Kosovo in 1992 to help tackle one of Europe’s highest poverty rates, Caritas continued its commitment and now employs more than 600 people in the country.

Another NGO working in Kosovo is the Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC). The KGSC’s work includes advocacy for gender-responsive policies, training and education on gender-related issues, and awareness-raising campaigns. KGSC collaborates with government institutions, civil society organizations and international partners to advance gender equality in Kosovo. Through its activities, KCGS aims to improve the status of women and girls, combat gender-based violence, increase women’s political participation and promote women’s economic empowerment. The KGSC advocates for paid maternity leave and increased child support, often providing those facilities themselves.

Looking Ahead

Despite the significant challenges Kosovo faces regarding poverty and economic instability, there are organizations like Caritas working tirelessly to make a positive impact. Its dedication, alongside other NGOs, offers a glimmer of hope for the future and the potential for positive change in the lives of those affected by poverty in Kosovo.

– John Cordner
Photo: Pixabay

A Look at Elderly Poverty in Portugal

Elderly Poverty in PortugalThe most recent census in Portugal reveals a 2.1% population decline over the past century, bringing the country’s total population to approximately 10.3 million people. However, during this period, the proportion of elderly residents has substantially increased, accounting for 23.4% of the population. There are expectations about the percentage rising in the future as the average age of Portuguese citizens increases. For this reason, there are growing concerns over the issue of elderly poverty in Portugal.

The Problem

The older demographic faces problems that younger generations do not experience, including elderly poverty in Portugal. As of 2021, the nation saw 17% of elderly people at risk of poverty compared to its 16.4% national average. Older women tend to be more affected by poverty than men, but both carry extra and strenuous burdens.

Older citizens tend to be less engaged in social and cultural activities, and this can result in reduced life satisfaction. In 2021, more than a third of people in the country, aged 16 years or above, reported health problems that limited their participation in activities.

Poverty exacerbates this condition as those with limited resources have less access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Many live in a dependent state without any means to support themselves or provide an independent source of income. Based on data from the statistical office of the EU Eurostat, 37.2% of the elderly population was dependent in 2022.

Being dependent prevents elders from seeking new opportunities and keeps them sedentary.

When the family is impoverished, then the elderly has even less of a chance to get the help they need because care service costs increase with age.

Only 16.8% of Portugal’s elderly population said their health was good or very good. The majority reported their health as fair, bad or very bad with about a third in the latter categories.

According to a study by ScienceDirect, lower income in Portugal correlates with lower life, happiness and health. However, an interesting finding shows that elderly adults in Portugal have high satisfaction with life, even with poor health standards and diminished material wealth. Older Portuguese citizens went through dramatic socio-economic structural changes during the world wars and withstood the Estado Novo regime until 1974. These lifelong experiences contribute to the elderly population’s outlook that they have today, with higher living standards and incomes nationwide.

Future Outlook

Elderly poverty in Portugal will continue for future generations unless continued steps reverse it. Even though the citizenry is getting smaller, the elderly community will rise.

In 2011, Portugal addressed the United Nations (U.N.) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding “the rights of older persons.” The agency stood by its continued efforts to promote the safety, happiness and health of an aging country.

Senior programs make up a large share of government funding and are predicted to gain more support. As of 2021, old age made up 11.9% of total spending on social protection, which was the highest out of any other expenditure. This means more spending on pensions for the oldest citizens and attending to their special needs.

Portugal also has a financial support system for low-income recipients called Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI). Citizens are given financial assistance with incomes below the reference value of €488.21. The estimate paid to these recipients depends upon the difference between the reference value and the pensioner’s income. This allows for the most destitute people to receive more assistance.

More people are covered by the program than in past years. Previously, the reference value was lower at €438.21 which limits the scope of those covered. CSI now has a higher maximum and no longer considers children’s incomes when giving financial assistance.

Looking Ahead

There are challenges regarding elderly poverty in Portugal, but government programs and education on the problem aim to aid those in need. Recent improvements in the nation’s social assistance programs show a positive future for the elderly.

– Emma Ferschweiler
Photo: Flickr

Diseases Impacting Malawi

Diseases Impacting MalawiMalawi is a landlocked Southeast African country that borders Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Mozambique. With an estimated population of 21,279,597 in 2023, the country is rife with poverty and has experienced stagnation in progress due to low education completion rates, slow infrastructure reform and the recurrent shocks of drought and flooding. High dependency on low-yield subsistence agriculture has resulted in high rates of food insecurity and limited the country’s potential for economic growth. Furthermore, limited investment in health care infrastructure, especially in isolated rural areas, has increased the population’s vulnerability to disease: in 2011, there were 1.3 hospital beds per 1,000 people and, as of 2020, Malawi’s health expenditure accounted for only 5.4% of its GDP.

Consequently, many in Malawi are at great risk of contracting and suffering from infectious diseases, including food and waterborne illnesses and diseases transmitted by animals. Malaria, typhoid and cholera are three of the most predominant diseases impacting Malawi. Fortunately, there has been ongoing progress in improving health care services in Malawi and reducing the spread of disease.

Malaria in Malawi

A life-threatening tropical disease, Malaria is caused by one of five species of parasites that can be transmitted to humans through infected mosquitos. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the primary symptoms include fevers and headaches. However, without fast and effective treatment, the disease can lead to more serious symptoms, including anemia, respiratory dysfunction and organ failure, resulting in death.

Difficulty in recognizing the primary symptoms of malaria has contributed to its fast spread. Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Malawi is highly susceptible to malaria outbreaks because much of the population depends on agriculture for income, and farmland and irrigation systems can provide favorable breeding habitats for mosquitos. Climate change is exacerbating the threat of malaria as rising temperatures, rainfall and humidity enable mosquitos to breed in new areas. Additionally, anti-malarial drug resistance, alongside mosquito resistance to insecticides, continues to increase, making it exceedingly difficult to prevent and eradicate the disease.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), “in 2021, there were 247 million malaria cases globally that led to 619,000 deaths in total.” Highlighting the inordinate risk that malaria poses in Malawi, the World Bank recorded 219.2 malaria infections per every 1,000 Malawian people in 2021. More recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) clarified, in its 2023 Malaria Operational Plan for Malawi, that the country’s entire population is at risk, with a projected 9,692,000 malaria cases afflicting the country in 2023.

However, there have been growing efforts to tackle the threat. In addition to USAID’s initiatives, scientists from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Lancaster University are collaborating to fight the spread of malaria in Malawi using drones. By collecting aerial data, they are able to identify, predict and reduce mosquito breeding sites, thus reducing the number of malaria infections.

Typhoid Fever in Malawi

Typhoid fever is caused by ingesting the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which multiplies in the human bloodstream. Easily contracted through contaminated food or water sources, the disease causes symptoms including chronic high fevers, headaches, nausea and diarrhea and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Poor sanitation and lack of access to safe water have made it prevalent in Malawi, recording an estimated 16,000 cases or more of typhoid each year. With children under the age of 15 accounting for about 64% of Malawi’s typhoid infections and 67% of its typhoid deaths as of 2017, increased drug resistance has made typhoid a growing concern in recent years.

A 2021 study found the WHO-prequalified Typbar-TCV vaccine to be not only longer-lasting and more effective than previous vaccines, but also 84% effective and safe for children that are six months and older. Accordingly, in 2022, the Malawian government launched a campaign to distribute the vaccine to all children between nine months and 15 years of age.

Cholera in Malawi

Cholera is another life-threatening disease that is transmitted by contaminated food or water, consequently posing a heightened threat to those who lack access to basic sanitation services and clean water supplies. While most infected people develop no or only mild symptoms, some become severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea, and this can cause death within hours if left untreated. Between March 3, 2022, and February 3, 2023, Malawi had 36,943 reported cases of cholera, with the outbreak causing a reported 1,210 deaths. Fortunately, oral rehydration solutions are effective for treating the disease, and improved hygiene and vaccinations can significantly reduce its spread. WHO and UNICEF have been supporting Malawi in the fight against cholera by promoting these and other forms of treatment and prevention.

For example, WHO has trained more than 800 health care workers to save lives and worked with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to increase surveillance of the disease, provide medical treatment and chlorinated water and improve community hygiene. UNICEF has provided water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and trained 480 Health Surveillance Assistants and community members to detect and report cases of cholera. Furthermore, the organization has supplied affected areas with cholera treatment kits. These include 25 Acute Watery Diarrhea kits, each of which can help treat over 2,000 cases. Working in conjunction with WHO and UNICEF, the Government of Malawi also initiated a national Oral Cholera Vaccination campaign that, as of August 2022, has helped provide life-saving vaccinations to around 1,136,643 people.

Looking Forward

These and other diseases impacting Malawi are placing pressure on the country’s limited health care services, with a lack of sanitation, clean water supplies and knowledge contributing to the escalation. While the situation urgently calls for further funding and support, WHO, UNICEF, the Malawian government and others are making steady progress in the fight to mitigate the spread of diseases in Malawi and alleviate the suffering of affected people.

– Isla Wright
Photo: Flickr