Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Freedom from Poverty: Malaysian Palm Oil

Malaysian Palm OilPalm oil is the world’s highest-yielding vegetable oil and Malaysia’s third highest-yielding export. For many smallholders in Malaysia, it is also a means of escaping poverty. However, Malaysian palm oil smallholders are facing both domestic and international pressure to improve their sustainability credentials. 

Oil Palm: The Money Tree

Malaysia is one of the largest palm oil producers in the world, second only to neighboring Indonesia. Smallholders, farmers who cultivate oil palm areas of less than 50 hectares, account for 40% of palm oil output in Malaysia. Since the 1960s, land conversion schemes run by the government’s Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) agency have supplied smallholders with land to grow oil palm. These schemes have successfully reduced the poverty rate among smallholders by 90% (from 50% to 5%).

Oil palm cultivation has been an unprecedentedly effective means of reducing poverty. However, even today many Malaysian palm oil smallholders have average incomes below the national poverty line. These farmers and their families experience poor social and environmental standards as a result. 

The Push for Sustainability

In 2013, the Malaysian government set up the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard to regulate the Malaysian palm oil industry. Since 2020, smallholders have been required to have MSPO certification, which aims to improve management practices and reduce the risk of threats to biodiversity, like land conversion. In 2021, the Malaysian government provided 20 million Malaysian Ringgit (RM) to help smallholders acquire MSPO certification. However, mandatory sustainability certification requirements have increased smallholders’ financial burdens, compounding existing problems such as expensive land tenure and limited market access.

The EU Regulation

Malaysian palm oil smallholders are also facing international pressure to improve sustainability. In December, a new EU regulation banned imports of commodities grown on land deforested after 2020. Malaysia — along with Indonesia — has accused the EU of blocking market access for their palm oil and threatened to stop all exports to the economic bloc. In a joint statement, a group of six smallholder associations from both countries said that the EU’s “unrealistic demands on traceability and geolocation” could deny smallholders market access.

Historically, oil palm plantations have replaced swathes of forest and more diversified cropland in Malaysia. According to a study published in January 2023, oil palm is one of the “main crops threatening biodiversity and natural habitats in Southeast Asia” along with rubber. Malaysia’s national sustainability certification program was partly meant to assuage international fears about the deforestation risk associated with palm oil. And although the EU’s new regulation has the potential to harm the income of Malaysian smallholders, it should be considered in the context of Malaysia’s export markets. In 2022, the EU accounted for only 9.4% of Malaysia’s palm oil export volume. 

Looking Ahead

In the face of domestic and international pressure, Malaysian palm oil smallholders are taking steps toward improving their sustainability practices. The Malaysian government’s establishment of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard and financial support for smallholders to acquire certification demonstrates the commitment to enhancing management practices and protecting biodiversity. While challenges remain, including financial burdens and market access limitations, there has been progress toward a more sustainable palm oil industry that can benefit both smallholders and the environment.

– Samuel Chambers
Photo: Flickr

,

How NGOs in Kosovo Tackle food Insecurity 

NGOs in KosovoA country still coping with the repercussions of conflict and economic hardships, Kosovo continues to experience a rise in food poverty. Hence, to address this issue, NGOs in Kosovo including Rahma (Mercy) and Mohanji Act Foundation, continue acting in response to the food insecurity issues affecting residents. These NGOs are implementing innovative strategies and collaborating to ensure that everyone can access nutritious meals.

Background

Between 1998 and 1999, Kosovo went through a devastating war that resulted in the expulsion of approximately 800,000 Kosovans. However, the successful signing of the Peace Agreement enabled 90% of Albanians to return, bringing the overall population to an estimated 1,600,000. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has coordinated with around 200 humanitarian organizations to assist in rebuilding through the provision of aid, including food, medical care, shelter, water and sanitation.

Rahma Mercy

Established in 1999, the Rahma (Mercy) is an NGO that prides itself in providing assistance to alleviate suffering within the Balkan region. Supporting countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo, the Rahma (Mercy) NGO aims to mobilize resources and people to offer affected communities emergency help, including food, water, shelter and medical care.

Generating an income of around £2.83 million in 2022, Rahma (Mercy) aims to help alleviate the effect of food poverty in Kosovo by offering grants to individuals or other organizations; providing finances or services; advocating for human rights. Its efforts have been important in helping to save lives and provide crucial aid.

While relieving food poverty is a concern, Rahma (Mercy) further prides itself on implementing projects targeted toward encouraging sustainable change, through investing in education, housing and health care.

Like many other NGOs, Rahma (Mercy) relies on the kindness and generosity of both donors and volunteers. Its dedication to transparency and accountability is evident in its open disclosure of financial information.

Mohanji Act Foundation

The Mohanji Foundation has a primary goal of reducing suffering among populations. The foundation aims to prevent and relieve poverty, through overseas aid and famine relief projects. Operating in Kosovo among many other countries like Ukraine and Sri Lanka, it achieves this by mobilizing resources such as food and water, providing services and making grants to organizations.

Additionally, it aids the homeless through their food donation programs. Its global platform, ACT4Hunger, is inspired by Mohanji and is used to facilitate food donations.

Looking Ahead

Though NGOs encounter various obstacles in providing aid, the relief efforts in Kosovo to tackle food poverty, have demonstrated the possibility of effective collaboration between local partners and the community. These organizations strive to promote sustainable change and also engage with policymakers to address the underlying causes of food poverty.

– Erdona Sopa
Photo: Unsplash

,

Diseases Impacting India

Diseases Impacting IndiaIn 2023, India became the most populous nation in the world, with the fifth-largest GDP and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world to boot. However, on the other side of this economic prosperity is the growing income inequality within the population. While 64 new Indian billionaires emerged between 2020 and 2022, India also continues to house the most number of people living in poverty, with almost 230 million people living below the poverty line. Many Indians living in chronic poverty are vulnerable to a wide range of diseases impacting India, especially because the cost of health care is practically prohibitive for the Indian poor.

Waterborne Diseases

A significant amount of surface water in India is polluted and unsafe to use. Unfortunately, the unclean water serves as a breeding ground for several waterborne diseases. Approximately 70% of surface water in India is dangerous to drink, including major river channels. Every year, waterborne diseases incur up to $600 million in economic costs in India.

Between 2011 and 2020, India recorded a total of 565 cholera outbreaks, with contaminated water and poor sanitation representing the chief causative factors. The poor hygiene and water conditions of India are also directly related to one of the leading causes of child mortality in the country, which is diarrhea. Around 13% of all deaths of children under the age of 5 are due to diarrheal diseases, making it the third biggest cause of death for children in the aforementioned age group.

Several years earlier in 2014, the government of India recognized the severity of India’s water conditions and launched the Namami Gange project. With a total budget of more than $4 billion, Namami Gange focused on constructing sewage treatment facilities and river-front development in the River Ganges. In 2022, the United Nations (U.N.) recognized the project as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagships for restoring over 900 miles of river length so far.

Tuberculosis (TB)

In 2021, India alone accounted for 28% of all TB cases worldwide, and roughly 500,000 Indians died from TB. Moreover, the global rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis is heavily affecting India as well, with 23% of new cases in India having resistance to some kind of drugs.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced his goal to eliminate TB in India by 2025. In addition to this goal, USAID has been providing TB-related aid to India since 1998 and assigned a total budget of $15 million on addressing TB in India in 2022.

Noncommunicable Diseases Impacting India

Between 1990 and 2016, the proportion of NCD-related deaths drastically increased from 37.9% to 61.8%. Cardiovascular diseases have become the most common and deadly NCD in India, along with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cancer and diabetes.

Long-term day-to-day habits and routines of individuals can cause various NCDs. Smoking, drinking, unhealthy diet and high blood pressure are some of the most common risk factors for NCDs, and many Indians are prone to them. For instance, India is the third biggest producer of tobacco in the world, and the nation itself consumes nearly half of the tobacco production.

NCDs are also closely associated with poverty in India. More than 35% of all Indians do not have any form of health insurance coverage and people usually pay their medical expenses out-of-pocket. A staggering amount of 55 million Indians fell into poverty because of medical expenses in a single year.

In an effort to combat the impact of NCDs on Indians in poverty, the Indian government launched the Ayushman Bharat program back in 2018, a nationwide health protection scheme that aims to provide public health insurance to low-income Indians for free. In 2020, the program received an estimated $1 billion in funding.

The Good News

While India faces pressing issues that demand intervention aimed at ensuring the protection of its citizens from diseases impacting India, ongoing efforts present a reason to hope for a better future. The Indian government is making progress in mitigating major health hazards in the country, while also improving the accessibility of health care for individuals living in poverty.

– Junoh Seo
Photo: Unsplash

Access to Quality Health Care in Jamaica

quality health care in JamaicaIn an interview with The Borgen Project, native Jamaican Shamella Parker describes the dire consequences of a lack of access to quality health care in Jamaica. On an evening in February 2023 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Parker’s aunt Mary, a live-in cook, shared a dish with her employer containing susumba, commonly known as gully bean, a type of green berry popular in Jamaica. Shortly after the meal, both Mary and her employer fell ill.

The man’s family took him to a nearby hospital. “The hospital that he went to, I believe they treated him on the spot because he was wealthy and I guess known in the neighborhood, but my aunt – not being as wealthy – went to another hospital in the area where she was from,” said Parker. In contrast, Mary went to a hospital in St. Catherine and spent a long time waiting to be attended to in the waiting room despite being an emergency case. Eventually, she lost consciousness and became unresponsive. Nurses and doctors attempted to revive her, but it was too late. Parker and Mary’s husband feel the hospital did not do all it could to save her.

According to Mary’s husband, the forensic pathologist was away at his wife’s time of death. For example, in 2015, the Jamaican government employed only two forensic pathologists who perform autopsies for everyone who does not have insurance. When Mary’s husband returned, the pathologist deemed Mary died of an accident – consumption of a poisonous seed. But, to Mary’s family, unequal access to prompt and quality health care in Jamaica stood as the true cause.

A Public Health Crisis

Jamaica’s iconic reggae and beaches backdrop a public health crisis. The legacy of the colonial slave-based economy birthed the traumatic, post-emancipation public health care system present in Jamaica today. Health care is a dimension of poverty on the island; the Multidisciplinary Poverty Index (MPI) of 2022 estimated that 78,000 Jamaicans lived in multidimensional poverty in 2020. The Index splits poverty into three dimensions – health, education and standard of living – and scales the intensity of deprivations for each. Compared to selected other Caribbean and Latin American countries at that time, health care deprivation was greatest in Jamaica, at 52.2%; the next highest was Trinidad and Tobago at 45.5%.

Insurance and Unequal Access to Quality Health Care in Jamaica

The National Health Plan estimates that 500,000 out of 2.7 million Jamaicans have insurance. This means roughly 80% of Jamaicans do not have it and have to rely on public hospitals. These hospitals do not have enough equipment to meet this demand, with World Data estimating that there are 1.32 primary care doctors per 1,000 civilians and 1.7 hospital beds.

Many Jamaicans do not have insurance due to inflated premiums, rendering insurance inaccessible. Even those who have it are discouraged from exceeding the lifetime maximum benefit. As a result of poor insurance or lack thereof, many reserve medical attention for emergencies.

Just taking her aunt to the hospital, Shamella Parker said, meant “it was a serious thing… we do not just go to the hospital for anything.”

Health Education

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) comprise 79% of mortality in Jamaica. These include diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. Teaching healthy habits is one way to combat NCDs. Though there is a National School Feeding Programme, public schools increasingly apply the protocol with “unevenness,” according to the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) report.

As it is, many schools are not mandated to provide nutritional food, exercise programs or health classes that destigmatize illness. According to the Jamaican Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton: “…there is actually a lost generation around that crisis, a cohort of citizens who unfortunately will have to spend the rest of their lives trying to make themselves as comfortable as they can…”

Transportation Infrastructure

Hospitals are difficult to reach. People often live far away from health centers and hospitals. Reliable infrastructure is essential for continual access to health care in Jamaica. However, rural roads are often unpaved, secluded and vulnerable to climate damage. Bad weather resulting in landslides and flooding is common and may disrupt transportation by “cut[ting] off access to health care, education and other essential services,” according to a 2018 report. Blocked roads complicate transporting patients. Jamaica’s “limited funding” for transportation maintenance causes drawn-out repairs when roads erode and bridges collapse.

Ongoing Efforts

In 2020, the Jamaican government signed the Vision for Health 2030, a 10-year health improvement strategy to reorder Jamaica’s fragmented care. Alongside the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), this plan tackles noncommunicable diseases and maternal health by increasing the number of hospitals on the island and modernizing services to boost equity and efficiency while delivering “higher technical quality.”

In 2019, the government introduced the National School Nutrition Policy. This legislation forms part of the government’s efforts to mandate healthy eating and exercise in young people. Its provisions include measures such as color-coding foods permitted in schools and providing competitions to incentivize healthy eating, according to the MOEY report.

Additionally, various efforts are underway to reform infrastructure, according to the National Development Plan (NDP). Goal 9 of the NDP includes the country’s largest infrastructure project worth up to $800 million to upgrade roads and access to water, sewage and internet.

In 2016, UNICEF began assisting the government in adopting regulated, cold-chain transport. It is a temperature-controlled supply chain essential for reducing waste and improving the integrity of goods necessary for health services.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address the public health crisis and improve access to quality health care in Jamaica are underway. The government’s Vision for Health 2030 and collaboration with organizations like PAHO and UNICEF aim to modernize health care services, tackle noncommunicable diseases and enhance infrastructure. The introduction of the National School Nutrition Policy highlights efforts to promote healthy habits among young people. As these initiatives progress, there is hope for a more equitable healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all Jamaicans.

– Caroline Crider
Photo: Unsplash

Aid Efforts and Business Opportunities to Fully Electrify Senegal

Electrify Senegal
Poverty ran at more than 36% in Senegal in 2022. But regardless of this fact, the nation actually has a rather high rate of electrification at nearly 80%, which is one of the highest in Africa. These high electrification rates however mask large disparities across different geographical and income groups, made most evident by the rate of poverty. Here is some information about efforts to electrify Senegal.

The Situation

Senegal’s power generation is highly dependent on liquid fuels, with only 10% of power generation from other sources. The expensive nature of liquid fuels means that the Senegalese government must heavily subsidize electricity generation and yet Senegalese consumers still pay more costs for electricity than other African nations at 24 cents per kilowatt hour. For comparison, the average cost per kilowatt in Nigeria is 6 cents.

To address these issues, the Senegalese government has put in place the Emerging Senegal Plan which aims to diversify and modernize energy sources, as well as increase private sector involvement via relaxing some sector regulations. Several international aid programs support this plan and the wider effort to fully electrify Senegal, thereby posing unique business opportunities for foreign investors.

Power Africa

Power Africa is a U.S. government-led public-private partnership that aims to double electricity access in Africa, with Senegal being one of its focus countries, according to the International Trade Administration. The initiative aims to provide resources for companies operating in the Senegalese power sector and as a possible result, increase efficiency and innovation and bring costs down.

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

A key supporter of Power Africa is the MCC, which in 2018 signed the Senegal Power Compact worth $550 million with the Government of Senegal. The compact targets three areas: improving the transmission network, increasing electricity access in rural areas and improving the governance and financial viability of the sector, all of which could electrify Senegal to a much greater extent.

If achieved, this not only will address geographical inequality but also alleviate the financial burden on the Senegalese government, potentially freeing up finances to refocus on other important areas.

The World Bank

In 2022, the World Bank approved $150 million from the International Development Association (IDA) to increase electricity access to Senegalese households, businesses and public facilities. In practice, this will see 200,000 households connected to the grid, including 40,000 households that are deemed vulnerable or previously difficult to electrify. Around 700 businesses, 200 schools and 600 health facilities will also benefit.

Business Opportunities

Lucrative investment prospects for foreign investors cover several sub-sectors of the Senegalese power industry, including but not limited to gas technologies, new plant equipment, renewable energy, transmission equipment, smart grid technology, household solar panels and energy efficiency technology, according to International Trade Administration.

Renewable energy and related technology are particularly prominent areas for investment as the government has strongly committed to this area as a means to fully electrify Senegal.

International Trade Administration also predicted that the funding from the MCC Compact will create business and employment opportunities for construction, procurement and engineering companies in the building and deploying of new power-generating infrastructure. Furthermore, ensuring energy efficiency and determining environmental impacts will create opportunities for consulting firms.

Looking Ahead

The combination of government focus, international aid and business opportunities suggests that Senegal is in a great position to achieve more widespread, if not full, electrification. Despite a current high electricity supply rate, fully electrifying Senegal could drastically improve power access in more rural areas and as a result, reduce the high rate of over 36% poverty.

– Saul Gunn
Photo: Flickr

The Lack of Internet Access as an Attack on Kashmir

Around 43% of the population in India has internet access. Unfortunately, internet access growth has paused due to economic issues and tight government restrictions. The government usually cuts internet access for “elections, protests, religious festivals and examinations.”

The shutdowns are all over the country but mostly affect the poorer regions of India. Internet access plays a major role in the economy and education equality. The regions that lack stable and affordable internet access face issues such as students dropping out of school, alongside other economic challenges.

Additionally, reports suggest that regions that do not support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruling party suffer restricted internet access. According to these reports, the Kashmir region faces other human rights abuses and the lack of internet access only emphasizes the economic inequalities that other marginalized Indian communities experience.

Understanding the Conflict

Kashmir is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. The region has witnessed numerous violent rebellions. In 2019, the region was reconstituted as two union territories, Kashmir and Jammu, under Indian control. With an increasingly Hindu nationalist country, tensions have heightened due to the majority Muslim population in Kashmir.

Many residents lost a substantial amount of political and civil rights when India gained control over the area. This event resulted in the emergence of opposition and rebellion. The past five years have been marked with violence from anti-Indian separatists, Jihadist rebels and Indian security forces. And the Indian government, BJP, has been training and arming militias to fight “anti-Indian insurgencies,” but it has also been attacking the rebel Kashmir region by cutting off internet access.

Impacts

India has imposed internet shutdowns throughout the country and Kashmir has experienced the majority of these disruptions. The BJP justifies these shutdowns as security measures to combat the ongoing rebellion. Recently, the region endured an 18-month internet shutdown, which further aggravated frustrations. These shutdowns have resulted in human rights violations, hampering communication among residents and limiting access to external information. Journalists have faced challenges in fact-checking and reporting, often having to leave the area.

The 18-month shutdown took an economic toll on the area and its residents. Hospitality services were not able to receive any bookings and had to rely on loans from friends and families to maintain regular bills and payments. The ongoing shutdowns all over India have already cost the economy around $600 million.

Although there has been a restoration of internet access to Kashmir, the region still faces intermittent shut-downs in conjunction with slow and limited access. India has faced backlash from countries, like the United States (U.S.), for allowing human rights violations. But even in the face of such criticisms, internet shutdowns are still prevalent, especially in Kashmir.

Positive Updates

India has made stronger commitments to human rights, with the Supreme Court ruling that access to the internet is a fundamental right. Notwithstanding, the government has yet to cut down the internet shutdowns. However, pressure from other countries and international communities might continue to push India forward in protecting human rights.

A joint letter was published in 2019 on Access Now, calling for India to keep the internet “open and secure” in Kashmir and surrounding areas. This letter was signed by over 20 international organizations to encourage the Indian government to return internet access to the area. Many Indian groups from the ‘#Keepiton Coalition’ have spoken out about the lack of internet access in Kashmir and Jammu.

Looking Ahead

In 2021, some internet access was upgraded to 4G after the Indian Supreme Court, the Apni Party leader, the National Conference president and even some members of Modi’s party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, called for the restoration of 4G internet. Kashmir is slowly rebuilding after the devastation of COVID-19 and the lack of internet access. And as a result, several schoolchildren are finally able to continue their schooling.

– Kathryn Kendrick

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Addressing Worldwide Freshwater Crisis

Freshwater CrisisThe freshwater crisis is one that calls for attention, as water is an essential resource to all living organisms and ecosystems because it provides support to biological functions through the transportation of nutrients, regulation of body temperature and optimal digestion. It sustains life through biodiversity, productivity and adaptability to environmental changes to foster ecological processes.

According to the United States Bureau of Reclamation, approximately 3% of the Earth contains fresh water while the other 97% is saltwater. However, over 68% of the freshwater is in glaciers and polar ice caps, with another 30% in the soil, thereby rendering extraction difficult and expensive. The limited accessibility hampers fulfilling the expanding demand for freshwater resources and exacerbates the current worldwide freshwater crisis.

Earth’s Freshwater Poverty

Water scarcity intensifies as demand for freshwater rises as a result of population development, urbanization and industrialization, all of which diminish the availability of freshwater resources. Other causes that contribute to freshwater depletion include and over-extraction of groundwater.

Freshwater resources are not fairly distributed throughout the world, resulting in discrepancies in access and availability. Some areas, notably dry and semi-arid ones, suffer from chronic water scarcity, whereas others have copious freshwater supplies. This disparity could exacerbate socioeconomic inequities and lead to conflicts over the accessibility of water.

Consequences of Limited Access to Freshwater

Limited access to freshwater impacts human health. Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid flourish in contaminated and poor water sources. A lack of sufficient hygiene and sanitation facilities, particularly in developing countries, further exacerbates these health problems.

According to the World Bank, 70% of freshwater finds its use in agriculture, and this represents the largest consumption of freshwater globally. Water scarcity could have a negative impact on crop production, food security and livestock, affecting overall agricultural efficiency and productivity. The limited access to water for irrigation could force farmers to rely on unsustainable practices, such as inefficient water distribution, limiting crop yields from diversifying and exacerbating the cycle of water scarcity and food insecurity.

The freshwater crisis affects many sectors in the water-intensive sectors, leading to economic consequences. Marginalized communities, particularly women and children, face the brunt of water scarcity because of the need to frequently transport water across great distances. This has a limiting effect on educational and economic empowerment. Moreover, limited access to water contributes to poverty and socio-economic inequalities due to the lack of job opportunities and overall economic productivity.

Overcoming Challenges

An Engineering study reveals an innovative way of capturing water from naturally occurring sources, notably fog and dew. Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi found a novel water-collecting technique using the spontaneous condensation of water vapor onto the surface of an organic crystal undergoing sublimation.

The researchers discovered that as the crystal’s surface sublimated, microscopic channels with varied widths formed, allowing condensed water to travel over the crystal’s surface. This process was responsible for the autonomous flow of dust and metallic nanoparticles along the channels. The researchers discovered a new approach to promote water flow over solid surfaces by exploiting the phenomenon of water condensation and the changing dimensions of the channels.

Efforts to achieve autonomous water flow have traditionally put an emphasis on surface chemical modifications or built microchannels. However, this work takes a completely new approach which was inspired by the natural flow of water over solid surfaces. The authors emphasize the significance of this phenomenon because natural creatures have evolved to efficiently move water for various life-supporting activities, even defying gravity in the case of plants.

This study has far-reaching ramifications, however, the research is still ongoing. These discoveries have the potential to inspire the development of novel methods that maximize the effectiveness of collecting water from atmospheric humidity, providing a new option for solving the global freshwater crisis.

Looking Ahead

The freshwater crisis remains an issue that requires proactive measures in order to secure a future of sustainable water supply. And while the discovery of humidity-capturing crystals presents a promising solution, reports suggest that further research is necessary to optimize the development of the project.

– Cherine Jang
Photo: Flickr

Fighting HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso

HIV/AIDS in Burkina FasoBurkina Faso, located in West Africa, has faced significant challenges that include extreme poverty, community displacement and ongoing HIV transmission. Although there have been improvements in health care and a substantial decline in the country’s overall HIV rates over the past few decades, certain communities remain particularly vulnerable to the disease. Fortunately, the government, international partners and NGOs have been taking the initiative to increase HIV awareness and prevention and improve access to HIV testing and treatment.

Decreasing HIV Rates

Marking a substantial reduction in new infections, the World Bank recorded that Burkina Faso’s HIV incidence rate among people aged 15 to 49 dropped from 4.8% in 1990 to 0.1% in 2021. Furthermore, the country has made significant progress in reducing the HIV prevalence rate, which reached an all-time low of 0.6% among the aforementioned age group in 2021. These milestones highlight the success of increased access to testing and treatment and awareness campaigns aimed at combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso.

Vulnerable Populations

Unfortunately, the disease continues to disproportionately afflict key populations in Burkina Faso. For instance, as of 2021, UNAIDS estimated that sex workers had an HIV prevalence rate of 6.8%, while homosexual men had a prevalence rate of 27.1%. These high numbers highlight the need for targeted interventions and tailored approaches that address the specific vulnerabilities and challenges that these populations face.

Increasing Treatment, Awareness and Health Care Access

According to UNAIDS, Burkina Faso has already made significant progress in increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS. For example, data reported in 2021 suggest that 84% of adults and children living with HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso are receiving ART coverage. Additionally, UNAIDs reported a 52% decline in AIDS-related deaths since 2010, a strong indicator of the positive impact that increased access to antiretroviral treatment has had.

According to Integrated Behavioral & Biological Surveillance (IBBS) data published in 2022, 57% of sex workers and 61.4% of homosexual men are now being tested for HIV, becoming aware of their status. Furthermore, the condom use rate among this group has reached 69.5%, indicating a relatively high awareness of condom usage as a preventive measure.

But while these numbers indicate progress, only 18.2% of sex workers have coverage for HIV prevention programs and only 15% of homosexual men have ART coverage.

Fighting for the Future

The low rates of health care coverage among vulnerable communities underscore the need for targeted interventions and enhanced support to ensure that these populations have access to vital prevention services and ART treatment. Addressing this need, the Burkina Faso Government, the Global Fund and health partners are collaborating to advance the fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases and strengthen Burkina Faso’s health systems. In 2021, the partnership announced the allocation of four new grants, from 2021 to 2023, to accelerate HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. Furthermore, the partnership is working to ensure sustained investments and collaborative efforts to achieve lasting change in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Additionally, Frontline AIDS and Initiative Privée et Communautaire de Lutte Contre le VIH/SIDA (IPC) are collaborating to advance this mission by providing funding, training and technical assistance for 113 community-based organizations in Burkina Faso. In 2019, IPC’s HIV prevention initiatives reached more than 40,000 people, of which 27,000 were sex workers. The organization has also enabled more than 28,000 marginalized individuals to receive testing and know their HIV status.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing Interventions serve as valuable models for addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso and promoting the well-being of its most vulnerable communities. Continued efforts to strengthen partnerships, invest in targeted interventions and guarantee access to comprehensive health care services for all present hope for long-term progress.

– Freya Ngo
Photo: Flickr

Hope for Stopping Period Poverty in Bhutan

Period Poverty in BhutanSurrounded by soaring Himalayan peaks in South Asia, Bhutan has been cited as a “development success story” by the World Bank. The country offers its people the option to reflect on whether or not they receive happiness in nine key areas. From psychological well-being to health, good governance and culture, leaders of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” or Druk Yul, make an effort to display their interest in their people’s well-being. The country has a smoking ban and a negative carbon footprint, and outlets such as CNN claim it passes no law that is not in favor of its citizens’ holistic improvement. But things are not all perfect in Bhutan, as the country still struggles with issues such as period poverty.

What Is Period Poverty?

Period poverty refers to the inability to pay for menstrual products. Numerous countries impose additional taxes on period products, such as sales tax or value-added tax (VAT). Imported sanitary products from countries without a free trade agreement with Bhutan will have an added 30% import fee and a 5% sales tax. Bhutan treats tampons and sanitary pads as luxury products. However, products like condoms are categorized as “hygienic and pharmaceutical articles” and are zero-rated, meaning there is no applied duty or tax to the final price. Placing sanitary products in the same category could be a solution to period poverty.

The Effects of Period Poverty on Bhutanese Women

Lack of access to period products can cause various health problems, including toxic shock syndrome and urinary tract infections (UTIs). In 2017, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) collaborated on a study with the Ministry of Education, the Bhutan Nuns Foundation, the Religion and Health Project and the Ministry of Health to “assess the current issues facing Bhutanese schoolgirls and nuns during their menstrual period.”

Findings revealed that around 3% of schoolgirls do not wear any absorbent material during their periods. Additionally, only about half of these girls knew of any health implications associated with menstruation. Many people feel ashamed to seek menstrual products due to stigma and false information surrounding the topic. As a result, they may not know which product is best for their body, where to find it or how to use it properly. Period poverty in Bhutan often goes unnoticed due to a lack of advocates speaking out about it.

How Period Poverty Affects Girls’ Education

As of 2017, 8.2% of people in Bhutan lived below the national poverty line, with many residing in rural areas. Girls in these areas are highly susceptible to period poverty and taboos around menstruation. A study showed that, in both urban and rural areas, approximately 44.7% of schoolgirls claim they missed from one to four days per cycle. This can lead to a decrease in learning and lower academic performance in comparison to the girls’ male counterparts. A lack of education has strong links to poverty, creating a harmful cycle of persistent financial struggle.

Solutions Implemented So Far to Combat the Issue

Organizations such as JICA, UNICEF and Save the Children partnered with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development in Bhutan in 2020 to alleviate this issue by providing free sanitary products in schools.

The findings of the 2017 UNICEF study disclosed that “over half of schoolgirls…were unaware of [any] risk from UTIs.” In addition, “over…a quarter of schoolgirls [used] only water for cleaning sanitary materials,” when 91.9% used sanitary napkins meant for only one use. Pain, discomfort and fear of ridicule also contributed to school absenteeism. After the study, UNICEF created a menstrual hygiene management (MHM) program for schools. After the program, more than 80.6% of adolescent girls had a good knowledge of menstruation, compared to 37.9% of girls without the MHM program.

Due to this initiative, each school in Bhutan now must have a trained school health coordinator. The initiative helps to detect illness among pupils, refer them to medical services, offer basic first aid treatment and promote key hygiene behaviors. The country has also started to observe menstrual hygiene day, held on the 28th of May, to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic of menstruation and to work toward ending period poverty in Bhutan.

Bhutan Can Do More

Bhutan has taken significant steps to address its period poverty issue and improve the well-being of its women and girls. Collaborations between organizations like JICA, UNICEF and Save the Children, along with the Ministry of Education, have resulted in the provision of free sanitary products in schools, helping to alleviate the financial burden. Initiatives such as the menstrual hygiene management program have also led to increased knowledge and awareness about menstruation, empowering girls and reducing stigma. These efforts demonstrate Bhutan’s commitment to achieving gender equality and ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.

– Camilla Sechi
Photo: Pixabay

How Mission Rabies is working to eradicate Rabies in India

Rabies in IndiaRabies, a virus present in animals that spreads onto humans via “the bite of a rabid animal,” is a highly preventable, but extremely deadly disease that claims around 59,000 lives annually. From this number, rabies in India makes up 36% of the total rabies deaths in the world, making India a hotspot for this fatal condition.

On the bright side, there is one charity that aims to eradicate rabies in India: Mission Rabies. It works tirelessly to stop preventable deaths and provide the most vulnerable rural communities with safety from this disease.

Mass Vaccination Programs for Dogs

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 99% of human rabies cases come from domestic or stray dogs. This is why Mission Rabies makes canine vaccination one of its top priorities. With its operations spanning three main regions: Goa, Ranchi and the city of Bengaluru, it aims to vaccinate the canine populations present among communities.

The organization does this with domestic pets through home visits, or with wild populations by capturing dogs and releasing them after vaccination.

Through this initiative, more than 170,000 dogs received vaccinations against rabies nationally in 2021 alone, reducing the chances of human infection dramatically. Since 2013, there have been 4 million doses of the vaccine provided in Goa, the largest long-term initiative involving rabies prevention in India.

Surveillance Efforts

In order to maintain the reduction of rabies in India, there is a need for surveillance of canine populations and public cases to be at the forefront. Mission Rabies implements this by doing routine checks of dogs in the areas it operates while vaccinating new individuals too.

The organization also established one of India’s two rabies hotlines, which members of the public with concerns can call if they see a dog they believe to be showing symptoms. Being able to identify infected individuals quickly can help in the containment of disease spread, thereby saving lives.

The All-Terrain Clinic (ATC)

With the most prevalent hotspots of rabies in India being in remote rural areas, there is often a lack of veterinary care available close by. Mission Rabies has solved this by introducing its mobile surgery, which can travel to even the most remote areas. This means it can provide much-needed and free veterinary treatments to high-risk dogs.

The team working aboard the ATC also strives to educate the public on rabies as a disease and the welfare of dogs around them. Through continuous efforts, the public can play a part in ensuring the prevention of rabies cases and keeping community members safe.

Education to the Masses

Although vaccination programs could be the best way to eradicate rabies in India, increasing awareness of this deadly illness and its preventable nature appears to be a step in the right direction. Therefore, Mission Rabies carries out an education program through schools.

The charity works to educate children on the causes, symptoms and threats of rabies, highlighting best prevention practices. It also teaches life-saving first aid in case of infection. This knowledge aids communities in understanding what to do upon encountering exposed animals while encouraging more people to vaccinate their pets.

Looking Ahead

In the fight against rabies in India, Mission Rabies is making significant strides through its mass vaccination programs for dogs, surveillance efforts and mobile veterinary clinics. The organization’s dedication to educating the public, particularly through school programs, helps raise awareness about the disease and its prevention. By combining these initiatives, Mission Rabies is working toward eradicating rabies in India and providing safety to vulnerable communities, offering hope for a future free from this deadly disease.

– Annabel Kartal-Allen
Photo: Flickr