Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Zero Day Droughts

Zero Day DroughtsAcross the entire world, millions of people are approaching a point known as Day Zero. This is the specific moment when a region or city runs out of water and taps go dry, crops wither and livelihoods collapse. Day Zero droughts are more than just environmental disasters; they are also drivers of poverty and hunger and they are reshaping lives across many countries, including Somalia, Yemen and Haiti.

Water scarcity is something that has many different, far-reaching effects. Without water, livestock die, agriculture fails and food prices soar. In many vulnerable regions that are currently battling conflict and poverty, a Day Zero event can quickly become a full-blown humanitarian crisis. In Somalia, currently, less than 30% of the Somali population has access to clean water. This means that many rural Somali households have to rely on expensive and unsustainable means to access clean, usable water.

The Link Between Poverty and Water

Somalia has had five consecutive failed rainy seasons, which have all but devastated pastures and farmlands. As crops start to fail and animals start to die, many communities lose their primary sources of income and food and families are forced to migrate in search of the most important things they need to survive: food and water. Many families are forced to end up in overcrowded displacement camps and have little access to sustainable agriculture or drinking water, which causes hunger to spread and poverty to deepen.

In Yemen, which is one of the most water-scarce countries in the entire world, the ongoing conflict has completely damaged its water infrastructure. More than 90% of the available water resources are used for agriculture; inefficiencies or depletion of groundwater can threaten not only crops but also rural communities’ survival. Many households in the country often rely on trucked-in water, which can be expensive and consume much of their income. This leaves many families unable to afford enough food as the decline in agriculture drives up the prices of food across the entire country.

In Haiti, a combination of hurricanes and droughts has destroyed much of the country’s farmland and disrupted its rural livelihoods entirely. Many farmers struggle to even irrigate their crops, which leads to widespread hunger and crop failure. As the cycle of drought and disaster repeats, it keeps many rural communities unable to recover between crises and trapped in poverty.

The Global Impact of Day Zero Droughts

Day Zero droughts don’t just mean empty taps, but they also mean empty plates. When water disappears and food production drops, farming collapses and hunger also increases. As the effects of climate instability accelerate, Day Zero droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, increasingly threatening global food security as well.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It works to save lives in emergencies and uses food assistance to build a pathway to stability, peace and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters and climate-related disasters. This organization has a presence in more than 120 countries and works tirelessly to bring life-saving resources to people in need.

According to the WFP, 319 million people are acutely hungry and famine looms for 1.9 million worldwide. It also reports that climate extremes are a key driver of food insecurity and that the climate crisis is exacerbating hunger for many people in need.

Innovative Solutions Bringing Hope

Despite this severe crisis, many communities are working to implement innovative solutions that can combine sustainable agriculture, clean water access and community-led, local governance. In Somalia, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are currently collaborating on a project to help provide sustainable water access for drought-affected communities. The project promises to help more than 120,000 people by harnessing solar energy.

This project aims to strengthen local water governance, ensuring that local communities have access to sustainable sources of water. Additionally, the World Bank’s Somalia Urban Resilience Project Phase II is designed to strengthen urban resilience in Somalia. It aims to rebuild infrastructure, improve water supply and support displaced and drought-affected families.

In Yemen, the UNDP’s Integrated Water Resources Management to Enhance Resilience of Agriculture and Food Security Project (IWRM-ERA) is working to strengthen the country’s food security and agricultural resilience. It does so by ensuring efficient, equitable and sustainable water resource management. The UNDP is also trying to build community wells, improve water harvesting and protect farmland from disastrous floods.

In Haiti, the World Bank approved an $80 million grant to improve rural access to decentralized, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services. The funding will also expand access to resilient and sustainable water systems across rural communities. Additionally, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is supporting the Trois-Rivieres region with a project that combines sustainable agriculture, flood control and better governance for water and land management.

How US Aid Can Help

The U.S. can play a pivotal role in helping prevent future droughts. By supporting sustainable water infrastructure, climate adaptation and drought resilience through international aid, the U.S. can make a lasting difference. U.S. funding for projects like drought-resistant crops, irrigation systems and water governance has the potential to not only save lives but also strengthen global food security.

Additionally, these investments have the potential to create stable, self-sufficient communities that can be better equipped to face the challenges at hand.

– Madyn Lewis

Madyn is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Kotani Pay: Can Blockchain Reduce Poverty?

Kotani PayIn many developing countries, people lack access to financial instruments such as mobile banking. These services often require smartphones and the internet, creating a major barrier for low-income communities and limiting participation in the global economy. As a result, cash is often the only option, leaving individuals without secure ways to save or transfer money. According to the World Bank, 51% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa are without a bank account.

Financial inclusion is crucial for poverty alleviation. Services such as blockchain can expand access to financial systems, reduce transaction costs, and provide security and transparency. Innovative platforms such as Kotani Pay, a blockchain-based system that does not require the internet, are bridging the gaps in Africa.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a decentralized and tamper-proof digital ledger recording transactions across a distributed network. It is a technology which provides security and transparency without the need of traditional intermediaries such as banks. This allows faster, cheaper and more efficient transactions without people needing a traditional bank account.

Key benefits of blockchain include:

  • Security and transparency: Transactions are recorded immutably and can be verified without a central authority
  • Lower costs: Reduces fees compared to traditional banking or remittance services
  • Global access: Enables cross-border payments and international trade even for underserved populations

By reducing these barriers, blockchain can reduce poverty by giving individuals a tool to save, invest, and receive financial support.

Blockchain and Financial Inclusion

Many financial systems are designed assuming users have smartphones, internet access, and identification documents. Throughout Africa, however, millions of people lack these resources, especially in rural areas. Blockchain platforms that adapt to local realities, such as supporting Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) transactions or mobile-money-compatible wallets, can extend financial services to previously excluded populations.

Stablecoins, digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the U.S. dollar, also reduce the risk of currency fluctuations for low-income individuals, making savings and transfers more predictable. By providing low-cost, accessible financial services, blockchain directly contributes to poverty reduction.

What is Kotani Pay?

Kotani Pay is a Kenyan startup which brings financial services to those without internet or traditional bank accounts. Kotani Pay is a service that lets users access blockchain and cryptocurrencies via USSD. Using USSD codes, Kotani Pay enables users to:

  • Send and receive money securely
  • Convert digital assets into local currency
  • Participate in programs such as Universal Basic Income (UBI)

“We built Kotani Pay to bring financial instruments and services to those who do not have access to the Internet or have the capital and credit standing to open a bank account, thus increasing financial freedom.”

How It Works

Users can dial a short code on their phone to access a menu where they can convert crypto to fiat, and vice versa. This simplified process enables users to transfer funds between their blockchain and wallet. Kotani Pay uses a stablecoin, Celo Dollars (cUSD), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, protecting users from the otherwise common volatility of cryptocurrencies.

Because Kotani Pay focuses on helping underserved communities, they correct the typically high fees for cross-border transactions, increasing financial stability for those sending money abroad to their family, or those crossing borders fleeing for safety.

Since its launch, Kotani Pay has reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries, including refugees, gig workers, and rural farmers, UNICEF reports. By providing predictable financial support and easy access to transactions, Kotani Pay helps people start small businesses, save safely, and engage with the economy.

The Future

In the fight for financial inclusion, blockchain could reduce poverty more effectively than conventional banking reforms. Blockchain is not the only and sole solution, but it can play a key role in reducing financial exclusion. If Kotani Pay proves successful, the opportunity for scalability is huge. And with that, reduce global poverty. Its main challenge however, is regulation and legislation. With a mission of serving the entire continent, meeting each countries’ regulatory requirements has slowed its growth. But it has not halted its mission.

Whether blockchain reduces poverty is down to how effectively governments, innovators, and communities can implement inclusive and affordable solutions. By providing secure, low-cost, and accessible financial tools, blockchain platforms like Kotani Pay are helping African communities participate in the global economy.

– Ashley Pfeifer

Ashley is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and NGood News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Guatemala: Hope in the Humble

Poverty in GuatemalaIn Guatemala, more than half the population lives in poverty. However, the statistics alone fail to capture the resilience and humanity of those affected. During spring break, The Borgen Project visited communities where survival is a daily endeavor and individuals like Bonita, a grandmother with a boundless work ethic, embodied strength in the face of adversity. Her story illustrated not just hardship, but a quiet dignity stitched together with grit and grace.

Poverty in Guatemala

As of 2024, 54.8% of the population of Guatemala was reported to be living in poverty. Nearly two-thirds of those individuals survive on less than $2 a day. These figures are staggering, yet they only hint at the lived realities behind them. Each number represents a person, a family and a community striving to endure and overcome systemic challenges.

A Firsthand Encounter

The Borgen Project interviewed Bonita, a Guatemalan grandmother raising her grandchildren alone after her husband’s passing. She operates a small store to support her family. Despite limited resources, Bonita welcomed visitors with warmth and generosity, offering food and soda without hesitation. According to a team member, “Bonita was the softest soul and worked for everything she had.”

In these communities, every member makes a contribution. Teenagers assist their families, older women assist with household chores and men labor in the fields. In places where missing work can mean missing a meal, rest is not a luxury—it’s a risk. Survival functions as a full-time occupation.

Clean Water, Clear Impact

Bonita received a water filter from the Filter of Hope organization. The moment marked a turning point, as access to clean water reduces illness, improves work attendance and offers a safer future for children. A team member recalled, “We gave her grandchildren cups of the clean water and they smiled so big it was something I will never forget.” The gesture underscored how basic resources can transform daily life.

Joy in Simplicity

Despite economic hardship, joy remains a constant presence in Guatemalan communities. Children played soccer in the streets using worn-out balls and improvised goals. One child used a plastic bottle as a toy, demonstrating that happiness often stems from connection and community rather than material possessions.

The visit highlighted the contrast between assumed necessities and actual privileges. Clean water, secure shelter and opportunity are not guaranteed for many. Yet dignity persists—not through wealth, but through perseverance and grace in the face of struggle.

The Illusion of Contentment

Gratitude is common among Guatemalans, but it often reflects limited exposure to broader possibilities. Poverty restricts more than material goods; it narrows perspective. Without access to clean water, its absence may not even be recognized as a deficit.

Approximately 70% of Guatemala’s employed population works in the informal sector, characterized by unstable income, limited benefits and slow long-term growth. Female labor force participation remains among the lowest in the region, at around 42%. These structural barriers hinder families like Bonita’s from reaching their full potential.

Why It Matters

Bonita’s story exemplifies the heart of Guatemala—marked by pride, love and resilience. Yet no one should have to endure such burdens alone. Organizations like Filter of Hope provide more than resources; they offer respect and recognition. Many communities have adapted to survive without assistance, but that should not be the expectation.

Poverty in Guatemala is not just a matter of numbers—it is a human issue. It affects mothers, grandmothers and children who deserve more than mere survival. They deserve the opportunity to thrive.

Resilience should not be mistaken for sufficiency. Strength does not negate the need for support and gratitude does not imply contentment. Bonita’s experience reflects millions of others. While she may never ask for help, her story calls for it because she deserves it. Because they all do.

– Marissa Schoth

Marissa is based in Benton, LA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Senegal’s Film Industry: Source of Economic Opportunity

Senegal’s Film Industry: A Cultural Voice and Source of Economic OpportunitySenegal’s independent film industry has become a vital force in shaping the country’s cultural identity and creating economic opportunities for creative workers. Once silenced by colonial influence, Senegal’s filmmakers have reclaimed the screen to share local stories that reflect their people’s experiences, struggles and resilience. Currently, the industry not only preserves Senegal’s cultural heritage but also generates income, creates jobs and reduces poverty through the growth of the creative economy.

Post-Colonization Spark

After gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegalese artists began challenging colonial narratives that had long dominated the nation’s media. During this period, many Senegalese citizens were still influenced by European ideals. Even the country’s president preferred speaking French over native languages because it was viewed as more “professional.” This tension between colonial legacy and national identity became a central theme in early Senegalese cinema.

Ousmane Sembène, often called the father of African cinema, was one of the first filmmakers to use film as a tool for cultural liberation. His groundbreaking works, such as Xala and Ceddo, exposed the lingering effects of colonialism, class inequality and political corruption. Despite facing censorship from President Léopold Sédar Senghor, Sembène’s films gave Senegal a voice and paved the way for future generations of filmmakers. His legacy established cinema as a medium for self-expression, education and national pride.

Filmmaker Recognition

In recent years, Senegal’s film industry has experienced a creative and financial revival. Filmmakers such as Alain Gomis and Mati Diop have gained international recognition at major festivals, including the Pan-African Film Festival (FESPACO). These events not only celebrate African talent but also help globalize Senegalese cinema, generating exposure and financial opportunities for local artists. However, many award-winning Senegalese films are still co-produced with Western partners, which can sometimes limit creative control and authenticity.

To strengthen its domestic industry, Senegal has taken steps to invest in its creative infrastructure. In 2022, filmmaker Toumani Sangaré opened a film school in Dakar to train young professionals and reinvest in local communities. This initiative helps keep revenue within the country and promotes job creation for writers, directors, technicians and actors.

Cinematic Beauty and Funding Restraints

Senegal’s coastal beauty and cultural richness have also attracted major international productions. Platforms like Netflix have begun filming in Senegal because of its scenic landscapes and favorable climate, further boosting local employment and technical training opportunities. Regional television production has expanded rapidly, with content now available on YouTube, Amazon Prime and other streaming services. This digital accessibility has widened the audience for Senegalese films, helping creative workers reach global markets and generate sustainable income.

The economic impact of creative growth is significant. As film production increases, so do opportunities for small businesses in catering, transportation, costume design and tourism. Each new production stimulates local economies, providing a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. Additionally, international co-productions and streaming partnerships introduce new revenue streams that support long-term economic stability.

However, challenges remain. Senegal’s film industry still faces limited infrastructure, restricted access to funding and a shortage of domestic theaters. Many filmmakers rely on international grants or co-productions to finance their projects, which can limit their creative independence. Expanding government support through funds such as FOPICA (Le Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie Cinématographique et Audiovisuelle) and encouraging private investment could help the industry become more self-sustaining.

Looking Ahead

Despite these barriers, the momentum of Senegal’s creative sector shows how culture and economy are deeply connected. By amplifying authentic Senegalese voices and stories, the film industry strengthens national identity while generating new paths out of poverty. Each project filmed in Dakar or Saint-Louis represents not just art but also economic empowerment, creating jobs, inspiring education and fostering community development.

– Miranda Yacynych

Miranda is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty, Digital Recruiters and Sex Trafficking in South Korea

Sex Trafficking in South KoreaSouth Korea glitters as a high-tech, high-income society. Yet beneath the sheen, a less visible crisis persists. Sex trafficking in South Korea is rooted in economic vulnerability, gender inequality and the misuse of migration and entertainment visa systems. Safety from sex trafficking traps is not only a societal struggle, but a struggle for anyone online, as many perpetrators dwell in chat rooms and live streams. The cases of the “runaway teen,” the migrant entertainer and the mother struggling to survive intersect here, not in spite of wealth, but because inequality persists.

Vulnerability in the Land of Affluence

Despite being classified as a high-income country, South Korea’s economic growth has not ended deep vulnerability for certain populations. According to the RAND Corporation, South Korea continues to have one of the largest gender pay gaps among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development economies (OECD), placing many women, especially single mothers, in precarious positions both financially and socially. Unfortunately, with that trend set, much of the evidence points to traffickers seeking the most impoverished, socially isolated and digitally disconnected people when preying on potential victims.

Online Exploitation

The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report finds that many victims in South Korea are South Korean nationals, such as teenage girls, runaway youth and women in marginalized employment. Traffickers exploit victims online using debt traps, deceptive modeling opportunities or entertainment jobs. Children and adolescents in South Korea face sexual exploitation through chat apps and live-streaming, as they aren’t monitored by parents as much as other social media sites.

Human Rights Watch reported, “The overwhelming majority of the people targeted in digital sex crimes are women—80% in spy-cam cases.” Many victims are persuaded to interact with fake images, as well as false assurances of safety, to be vulnerable and open with the perpetrator. Once lured in, individuals are manipulated into exposing themselves, fearing that their reputation, relationships and personal safety are at risk.

Migration, Entertainment and Tourist Visas

Foreign women from Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and the former Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) enter South Korea under entertainment visas, tourist visas or other categories. A Korean academic study reveals that many women from Russia and Uzbekistan entered the country under tourism or spousal visas. However, a lot of those women transitioned into bar or club work and found themselves unable to exit due to debt or coercion.

A 2023 report by the Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI) states that victim identification remains weak; many migrant women do not recognize they are victims or fear deportation, hindering access to services.

Digital Frontlines and Hidden Coercion

The sex trafficking network in South Korea takes advantage of the country’s highly connected society. Chat apps, encrypted platforms and live-streaming are used to groom and traffic youth and adults alike. The infamous “Nth Room” case targeted young people through Telegram, demanding sexual content for cryptocurrency payments. This is not unique, as online platforms are common for recruiting people into sex trafficking.

Won Eun-ji, a university student who researched Nth Room, said, “They treated women, children and adolescents like products, not human beings.” Eun-ji clicked into a chatroom, thoroughly investigated it and came to realize the horrors associated with online predators. The lengths abusers went to satisfy themselves were overwhelming, causing him to tell his experiences to media outlets to help the public understand South Korea’s hidden sex slavery market.

Why Addressing Poverty and Inequality Matters in South Korea

Trafficking isn’t only a “developing-world” phenomenon. Poverty, limited social support and gendered economic oppression exist in advanced societies and they create ripe conditions for exploitation. In South Korea, youth who run away due to family conflict or educational pressures find themselves with nowhere to turn, making them susceptible to exploiters and sex trafficking.

A 2021 ECPAT study found that exploited male and female youth alike cited social isolation, stigma and lack of safe options as key vulnerability factors. Prevention must not only target “traffickers” but also the structural conditions, such as housing instability, youth outreach, migrant worker protections and a stronger social safety net.

Government Response

South Korea was upgraded to Tier 1 in the 2024 TIP Report, signaling progress in law enforcement, victim services and policy. However, significant gaps remain as victims still sometimes face investigation or deportation rather than protection. In a KWDI research report, experts say identifying victims when they do not self-identify, are undocumented or manipulated through various debts remains the most difficult area of investigation.

Victim identification among youth, migrants and men remains weak, as well as poverty-related vulnerabilities being rarely front and center in anti-trafficking strategies. Survivor-centered reforms are essential, incorporating safe return paths, debt relief, affordable housing and migrant legal aid.

What Can Be Done?

Much effort is focused on enforcement matters, but those alone isn’t enough. Expanding youth outreach and safe shelters for runaway or at-risk adolescents is essential, as well as increasing affordable housing and childcare supports for women with low income, reducing their vulnerability to coercion. Other measures that could help include strengthening protections and contract transparency for migrant entertainers and workers, such as cancelling passport seizure and providing legal recourse without fear of deportation.

Efforts to collaborate with tech platforms to detect grooming, enforce KYC and monitor financial flows linked to trafficking are essential. These measures must be complemented by policies that integrate poverty-reduction strategies into anti-trafficking frameworks, recognizing that economic justice is a fundamental aspect of human rights protection.

It’s Not Over

South Korea’s economic success should not overshadow the fact that pockets of vulnerability remain where traffickers operate, especially online. Poverty, gender inequality, digital recruitment and migration precarity form a potent risk matrix. Ultimately, the measure of a country’s prosperity is how it protects its most vulnerable, not just how many skyscrapers it builds.

– Nicole Fernandez

Nicole is based in Reno, NV, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Best to Help? UK Aid in Myanmar

U.K. aid in MyanmarU.K. aid in Myanmar has risen rapidly since the earthquake of March 2025 and has taken a variety of forms. Different charities have focused on different geographical and societal groups, and have operated with different levels of government involvement.

The Situation in Myanmar

The U.K. has devoted more than £100 million of aid to Myanmar since 2017, according to a statement from Parliamentary Undersecretary in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Seema Malhotra. Rakhine state alone received £108 million on the country’s western coast, which has been involved in a conflict since a military coup in Myanmar in 2021.

Almost half of this aid went towards helping the Rohingya people, and other Muslim groups who have faced persecution by the military government. With Malhotra claiming this aid has reached 1.3 million people since 2022. The earthquake has worsened the political turmoil in Myanmar in March 2025.

In response to this, the U.K.’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), a coalition of charities that the U.K. government supports through the aid match scheme, launched a specific appeal designed to rapidly increase U.K. aid in Myanmar.

Myanmar’s military government blocking aid to areas outside of military control has allegedly hampered this scheme, according to the U.K. governemnt. This raises questions over how U.K. aid in Myanmar can be more effective.

About the DEC

The DEC comprises 15 leading U.K. aid charities that collectively raise funds rapidly during overseas crises. This coalition intends to combine the different charities’ resources in order to reduce administrative costs and distribute U.K. aid in Myanmar and around the world as efficiently as possible.

The U.K. government’s aid match scheme supports the group, whereby the government donates an amount equal to that donated by the public for any given appeal.

Aid match has previously helped raise £50 million for the 2021 Afghanistan Crisis Appeal, and is currently also fundraising for aid schemes in Ukraine and Pakistan.

While aid match has previously been successful, there are fears that closely associating aid efforts with the U.K. government could lead to them being refuted by foreign governments, as is allegedly the case in Myanmar.

ActionAid

The charity ActionAid is a member of the DEC and has been active in Myanmar since 2001.

ActionAid’s primary focuses include defending women’s rights in Myanmar, through schemes that train police officers to enforce laws designed to prevent human trafficking and child marriage.

Earthquake damaged Myanmar’s agricultural sector, disrupting trading networks and destroyed farmland.

ActionAid have attempted to assist in Myanmar’s economic recovery by training women in the worst-affected regions to set up their own small businesses. The blocking of aid to regions outside of direct military control has slowed this process, potentially leaving women in these regions at risk of exploitation.

Independent Aid: Health and Hope

Health and Hope is an independent U.K. charity that works to help those living in Chin state, the poorest state in Myanmar.

Around 73% of people living in the Chin state are not able to meet their basic food needs, compared to 32% of the country as a whole.

Despite not contributing as much funding towards U.K. aid in Myanmar as some of its counterparts in the DEC; Health and Hope has helped train 329 Community Health Workers over the past year.

Health and Hope has, in fact, deliberately maintained as small a workforce as possible to deliver as large a proportion of donations as possible directly to its aid projects in Myanmar. The charity estimates that 88% of all external funding goes directly to aid projects. Their small size has also made Health and Hope less of a target for military blockades, that have prevented larger aid organisations from entering certain regions of Myanmar.

The Government’s Future Role

U.K. aid match has undoubtedly played a vital role in fundraising for various aid projects throughout the last decade, including in Myanmar. This scheme, combined with the public recognition of, and trust in, the DEC and its members, have helped to maximise the value of the aid assigned to Myanmar since the earthquake of March 2025.

– Billy Stack

Billy is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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mRNA: A Key Breakthrough in Developing an HIV vaccine

mRNA: A Key Breakthrough in Developing an HIV vaccine The human immunodeficiency virus, more commonly known as HIV, is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV affects 40.8 million people around the world as of the end of 2024, and in 2024, HIV killed a total of 630,000 people. This article looks at the populations most at risk for HIV, as well as a new study that could lead to an HIV vaccine.

Populations At Risk

While anyone can contract HIV, certain groups face disproportionately higher risks due to social, economic and structural factors. Globally, key populations include gay and bisexual men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and transgender individuals—groups that often encounter stigma, limited access to health care and higher exposure to risk. The southern area of Africa has the highest rates of HIV, with the countries of Eswatini and Lesotho having the highest rates in the world at 27% and 20.5%, respectively. These statistics help paint a better picture of the people that HIV affects the most, as well as point to the need for an HIV vaccine.

HIV Vaccine: Developmental Progress

Recently, researchers published a new study in Science Translational Medicine. According to The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), the tested vaccine uses an mRNA structure similar to the COVID-19 vaccine that could provide cells with the necessary information to fight an HIV infection by creating a membrane-bound version of HIV that would be easier for cells to fight, and develop an immune response that would take effect if it ever came into contact with HIV.

After successful tests in animals, human trials started. While some of the participants developed a rash as a result of the vaccine, the results were overall effective, with many people developing the necessary antibodies to fight against HIV. Overall, the tests proved that there is at least a path forward to developing an HIV vaccine. However, actions by the U.S. government led to a loss of funding, which could stall the progress of an HIV vaccine. But the progress so far shows that an HIV vaccine is possible in the future.

Looking Ahead

HIV remains a major global health concern. The recent mRNA-based study demonstrates that an HIV vaccine is within reach, offering hope that continued research and support could one day lead to a breakthrough capable of saving millions of lives worldwide.

– Charlie Means

Charlie is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Healing the River: Schistosomiasis in São Tomé and Príncipe

Fighting Schistosomiasis in São Tomé and PríncipeSchistosomiasis or bilharzia thrives where people lack safe water and sanitation. Schistosomiasis remains endemic in São Tomé and Príncipe, primarily caused by Schistosoma intercalatum. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies the country as requiring preventive chemotherapy, indicating ongoing transmission. Despite multiple rounds of mass drug administration, the disease persists in certain communities, particularly near streams and rice fields, where children remain at risk. Ongoing surveillance is essential to monitor and address localized transmission hotspots.

A Low-Level but Stubborn Threat

Recent studies confirm that São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a low but persistent level of schistosomiasis transmission, primarily caused by Schistosoma intercalatum. According to research published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2023, national prevalence remains low following repeated rounds of mass drug administration and health education campaigns. Ongoing surveillance continues to identify limited transmission in certain communities, underscoring the need for sustained control measures under World Health Organization guidance.

Momentum Since 2014

After a nationwide mapping survey in 2014, the Ministry of Health launched preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel in schools. In 2015 alone, more than 31,000 school-age children received treatment—an essential step to cut infections and protect those most at risk. Continued surveillance has turned up only sporadic cases, including a rare neuroschistosomiasis report in 2020, underscoring why vigilance still matters even as prevalence drops.

A 2024 Milestone: Halting Mass Drug Administration

Regional partners now point to a major achievement. The WHO Africa region’s ESPEN program reported in its 2024 annual review that São Tomé and Príncipe halted mass drug administration (MDA) in all endemic implementation units, marking a key waypoint toward elimination. ESPEN’s 2025 data updates also list STP among countries that did not conduct MDA in 2024, consistent with a transition from blanket treatment to targeted surveillance and response.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: The Long Game

Treatment alone cannot finish the job. Lasting gains depend on safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) so people aren’t re-exposed to rivers and irrigation canals. UNICEF reports recent WASH actions in STP, including strengthening handwashing behaviours and coordinating a multisectoral WASH platform—efforts that protect families from schistosomiasis and other infections. Global JMP updates from WHO/UNICEF show why this matters: many health facilities and households worldwide still lack basic WASH services, a gap that sustains NTD transmission.

What’s Needed Next

São Tomé and Príncipe continue national efforts aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance to control schistosomiasis. Current work includes post–mass drug administration monitoring, integrating surveillance into primary health care and coordinating with education and water agencies to sustain prevention gains. The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and international partners, maintains praziquantel distribution in areas where transmission remains and tracks infection data to guide control strategies. These ongoing initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to meeting the WHO’s 2030 targets for neglected tropical diseases.

Why it Matters

Eliminating schistosomiasis saves children from anaemia, abdominal pain and missed classes, and it strengthens primary health care. With MDA paused and WASH investments growing, São Tomé and Príncipe has a real shot at stopping transmission. Sustained funding for surveillance and water infrastructure can help the islands turn a quiet success into a permanent victory.

– Katie Williams

Katie is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education or Survival? Educational Challenges in Rural Punjab

Educational Challenges in Rural PunjabThe literacy rate in Pakistan has increased significantly over time, with the national figure now exceeding 60%. Punjab leads this progress with a rate slightly above 66%. However, these statistics do not override the province’s barriers to education, particularly for working-class families. Thus, to learn more about the educational challenges in rural Punjab, The Borgen Project interviewed Laiba Waris. Waris is a 22-year-old girl whose family moved from Sialkot to Islamabad to escape societal pressure and seek better opportunities.

Despite being close to Pakistan’s industrial hubs, rural Sialkot still faces deep-rooted inequality. Most families rely on small trades, farming or daily labor to make a living. For many, educating their children, especially daughters, feels out of reach. Schools are limited, transportation is expensive and traditional gender norms remain strong.

Waris is the only one in her family still in school. Her brothers fully support her, doing what they can despite financial strain. “We do have a small business, but education expenses are a big burden,” she says.

Waris’ Story: Education Beyond Boundaries

To overcome these educational challenges in rural Punjab, Waris’ family moved to Islamabad. This marked a turning point in Waris’ life. “It’s good for my personality development and my life,” she says, explaining that university education has given her confidence and exposure that rural girls rarely experience.

Yet, the journey has not been easy. “I face difficulties in paying my fees and managing transport. My family supports me, but it’s not easy for them,” she adds. Her words reflect the quiet determination of many rural students who leave their homes in search of a better future.

The Gender Divide in Rural Punjab

Educational challenges in rural Punjab are deeply intersectional with gender. This reflects the province’s wider gender gap, where female literacy is just about 63.4% compared to 75.4% for males. In her hometown, education beyond matriculation is not very common for girls. “In our area, education is so difficult for girls after matric, very few continue,” Waris explains. “Most get married early or start working in factories.”

Waris considers herself lucky to have parents who believe in education. “They’re not conservative. They want me to study and have a good job. But there’s still a lot of social pressure. People talk, but my family appreciates me and is standing by me.” Encouragingly, she also notes progress. “In old times, there were very few girls going to school. But now, things are changing. More girls are studying and they’re more passionate than boys.”

Dreams and Determination

Waris’ ambitions stretch far beyond her village. She aspires to enter politics to represent and uplift her community. “Education is as important as water,” she says. “It gives life meaning and power. Without it, people remain trapped.”

Her words carry a powerful message for policymakers and citizens alike: scholarships, free education and transport systems are essential if rural students are to compete equally with their urban counterparts.

The Path Forward

Waris’ story, from rural Sialkot to Islamabad, mirrors the broader dilemma faced by Pakistan’s working class: whether to prioritize education or focus on survival. Her journey highlights the significance and ever-cascading educational challenges in rural Punjab.

She shares her story as both a personal triumph and a reminder that true progress depends on making education accessible to all, regardless of geography, gender or income. For now, Waris continues to study, fueled by hope that one day her success will help open doors for others in her village who still dream of learning.

– Sidra Tahir

Sidra is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Transformation: Humanitarian Aid in South Korea

humanitarian aid in South KoreaSouth Korea is a country in East Asia with a population of around 51 million. It shares the Korean Peninsula with North Korea putting it in a very tense political situation. Its history has been riddled with troubles, the most recent being the Korean War in the 1950s after which South Korea was left extremely impoverished. Since then its been on an incredible recovery path which is even more impressive considering its past.

Transition from Aid Recipient to Donor

Humanitarian aid in South Korea formally began in 1962. Back then, The International Development Association (IDA), a World Bank fund meant for the poorest countries in the world, granted Korea their first financial support. The first project undertaken with the money was a smart investment in infrastructure. The money helped build a railroad line for freight and passengers.

It was the first of many projects as South Korea went on to cooperate with the IDA to develop irrigation, railroads, highways, schools and universities. Soon, Koreans began reaping the benefits of international investment. The country moved onto industrial development, workforce education and R&D.

The history of humanitarian aid in South Korea is truly unlike any other country. In 2009, they became the first former aid recipients to join OECD’s Development Assistance Committee, an organisation of largest worldwide aid providers. The poverty reduction in the country has been incredible with GDP per capita rising from $158 in 1960 to $31 489 in 2020, due to an impressive growth rate of more than 7% a year.

According to OECD, Korea was the 13th largest donor in the world, with $3.94 billion donated in 2024. Its increased humanitarian activities are reflected in the impactful aid agencies, both state and private, established in the country.

Korea on the International Humanitarian Aid Stage

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is an organization the government created in 1991 under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a unified grant issuer. It has since become one of the central institutions shaping humanitarian aid in South Korea, coordinating projects of different government branches. KOICA fights global poverty and supports sustainable economic development while also fostering friendly relationships with recipient countries.

The outreach of KOICA’s work is impressive with work across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  As of 2021, their total financial support amounted to around $636 million with permanent offices set up across 47 countries. The organization is steadily developing its operations. Between 2018 and 2021, the total number of projects carried out increased from 260 to 311.

An interesting initiative of KOICA is the Global Diseases Eradication Fund, which collects money by obtaining a symbolic amount of 1,000 won from each international flight departing the country. KOICA then donates the gathered funds for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in developing countries. The total amount of money the programme collected since 2007 in this way is 385.2 billion won.

A notable project funded by the Global Diseases Eradication Fund is the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation. With a budget of $30 million, KOICA supports the provision of vaccines and medicines necessary for children’s survival, which helps reduce the prices and make these life-saving items more widely available.

Good Neighbour

Established in 1991, Good Neighbour is a humanitarian aid organization in South Korea which aims to free the world from hunger. Its mission is to support neglected communities regardless of ethnicity, religion or ideology. Its first project took place in 1992 in Bangladesh. Besides long-term investments, the organization focuses on responding to humanitarian crises. For example, it took part in helping Somalia in 1993, in Rwanda in 1994 or in Ukraine in 2022. Besides working abroad, the Good Neighbour addresses domestic issues like child abuse. It has created a hotline for reporting abuse and contributed to changing relevant laws.

Council for Overseas Development Cooperation (KCOC)

The Good Neighbour’s international work is impressive, with the organization being one of the founding members of the Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation (KCOC). Its international impact includes helping communities in areas like education, health care, water and income generation.

Dilafruz, a mother of six from Tajikistan, and her entrepreneurial success is an example of the tangible outcomes of Good Neighbour’s work. Her husband used to work in Russia, but he lost his job ,which put the family in a difficult place. Dilafruz recalls “there were days when I didn’t know how I would feed my children”. The community development project carried out by Good Neighbour helped women in the area, including Dilafruz, start small businesses and earn income.

Dilafruz, thanks to Good Neighbour, attended financial literacy, entrepreneurship sessions and consultations which led her to apply for her first loan of $80. She noticed that bread was always in demand in her area and set up a bakery which became a big success. Nowadays she employs several women from the area, who used to be housewives with no income. Even people from the capital drive down to her village to buy the bread. Dilafruz said that “Thanks to Good Neighbours, I found the courage to start. Now I’m helping others do the same”. She has already hosted exchange visits from Tajikistani women who wanted to learn about her business. Dilafruz is only one of many whom The Good Neighbour has helped.

Conclusion

South Korea is an inspiring example that shows how humanitarian aid can transform a country. Today, humanitarian aid in South Korea shows how far the country has come since the 1950s. From being one of the world’s poorest states, South Korea is now one of the biggest worldwide humanitarian aid donors. This change is especially reflected in increasing humanitarian NGO activity. Organisations like The Good Neighbour and agencies like KOICA are reinvesting in the world’s most vulnerable after they have been helped with financial aid themselves.

– Karol Hejduk

Karol is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons