Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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USAID Programs in Kazakhstan

USAID Programs in KazakhstanUSAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, is a U.S. government agency that administers foreign development and humanitarian assistance. Its funding policy is aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives. USAID began operations in Kazakhstan when it broke off from the Soviet Union in 1991. USAID’s core activities are global development assistance, global health, humanitarian assistance and economic development, among other priorities. Following the USSR’s disintegration in 1991, USAID began operations supporting development, as mentioned above.

While USAID programs in Kazakhstan contributed to development efforts, broader issues relating to socio-economic indicators continue. According to the World Bank, about 0.04% of Kazakhstan’s population lives below the international poverty line of $3 a day. Indicating a relatively low poverty rate. However, the same World Bank report states that in Financial Year 2027, Kazakhstan’s growth rate would moderate from 6.5% last fiscal year to 4.6%. Meanwhile, Kazinform reports that while Kazakhstan spends about $15 billion or 7 trillion Kazakh Tenge on education, about 73.5% of the expenditure goes to salaries and social payments. These indicators highlight areas that continue to shape the country’s various economic indicators.

Key USAID Programs in Kazakhstan

Here are the key areas where USAID focuses its programs:

  1. Economic Development: USAID provided $39 million in funding for the Power Central Asia program to decarbonize and introduce renewable energy in the country’s energy sector. Emin Hassan’s article provides evidence for this investment. In the article, Mr. Emin talks of how wind energy has one of the highest potentials for renewable expansion, due to Kazakhstan’s arid and windy climate. According to USAID, the agency supported initiatives through the New Silk Road Initiative to diversify the country’s economy and strengthen regional growth.
  2. Rule of Law: Kazakhstan is often considered an “authoritarian, super-presidential” country, where the Kazakh president has sweeping powers; international organizations have reported restrictions on civil liberties and press freedoms. According to USAID, it conducts programs such as projects supporting legal reform, nonprofit advocacy and the independence and professionalism of the Kazakh judiciary. One of those programs was Kazakhstan’s Rule of Law program which receives funding and support from both USAID and the European Union. One of the many objectives included: improving the legal climate for businesses, the legal framework for Civil Society Organizations and Judicial independence and modernization, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). As the Astana Times reported, due to the implementation of this program, Kazakhstan’s overall score at the WJP Rule of Law improved to 0.54. Additional improvements included the expansion of e – Justice systems, regulatory enforcement and anti-corruption frameworks improved, thus showing notable positive movement in the “absence of corruption” and “order and security” subsections of the ranking.
  3. Civil Society and Human Rights Programs: USAID in Kazakhstan has launched multiple programs in Kazakhstan, including the Civil Society Support Program in Central Asia (CSSP) and the Kazakhstan Human Rights Activity. These programs support citizen government initiatives and fund local NGOs. As fundsforNGOs and the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan reported, these programs’ accomplishments include $2,000-$10,000 grants to local civil society organizations and NGOs; funding for high-profile public events such as Almaty’s first “Trash Fleet;” the brokering of partnerships between academics, civic activists and local businesses; and finally, the provision of specialized capacity-building courses for regional civil society leaders.

USAID’s activities in Kazakhstan are part of a broader U.S. – Kazakhstan development cooperation.

The Impact

USAID’s activities in Kazakhstan affect several sectors, including:

  1. Public Health: According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, USAID programs helped combat HIV cases through a massive increase in HIV/AIDS testing and an increase in outreach programs. USAID launched the Central Asia HIV Flagship program to strengthen HIV prevention, testing and treatment in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region. Its objective is to reduce HIV incidence and deaths. Its main group included gay men, sex workers and drug abusers. As of 2020, the program has tested more than 10,000 people through many flagship initiatives, provided life – saving care and support services for more than 3,000 people infected by HIV and upgraded 15 different AIDS centers in Kazakhstan. Recent cuts to these programs put these initiatives at risk of cancellation. UNAIDS reported a 90% reduction in testing.
  2. Civil Society and Media: The Diplomat reported that recent cuts to USAID have put training programs and support for independent media at risk because the funding cuts could force organizations to suspend them.
  3. Economy and Trade: The USAID Power Central Asia regional center has supported diversifying the country’s economy, easing supply chain bottlenecks and mitigating the effects of the war in Ukraine.
  4. Energy and Climate: As the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and Power Central Asia reported, USAID facilitated and funded multiple energy programs in the country, supporting Kazakhstan’s transition to renewable energy. According to USAID, its accomplishments extended to the provision of 1790 MW of renewable energy, the reduction or avoidance of 18 million tons of CO2, $3 billion USD in investments and 2,194 people trained in the Central Asian energy sector.

Challenges That USAID in Kazakhstan Faces

Here are the challenges the organization has faced while operating in Kazakhstan:

    1. Challenges With Operating or Maintaining Programs: Recent funding cuts have hurt operations, sometimes even complete elimination of programs, and delayed expansion in Kazakhstan.
    2. Harm to Publish Health Programs: The same funding cuts have also hurt USAID-sponsored HIV/AIDS testing and other public health initiatives. This has put large parts of the population at higher risk of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, due to low testing and medical outreach.
    3. Censorship: Due to the funding cuts, local NGOs had to censor themselves or cease operations entirely due to operational bans by the Kazakh government. This has fueled public petitions directed towards USAID and the U.S. government due to the inclusion of foreign funding restriction laws and funding cuts.
    4. Restrictions from the Government: The restrictive nature of the Kazakh government has also hampered operations due to the restrictions they place on foreign-funded NGOs operating in the country. This includes mandatory reporting to the state; the NGO needs to list itself on the National registry, including disclosing names and registration numbers.

The Future of USAID in Kazakhstan

Foreign policy priorities will influence the future of USAID in Kazakhstan, congressional appropriations and decisions that the presidential administration made. Recent policy changes have altered funding priorities for some international assistance programs.

– Dhruv Bandhu

Dhruv is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Diseases Impacting Venezuela

Diseases Impacting VenezuelaOutbreaks of infectious diseases are the primary health challenges impacting the population and shelter infrastructure in Venezuela. A June 24, 2026, 7.2 magnitude earthquake along Venezuela’s northern coast affected people significantly, along with a subsequent 7.5 magnitude earthquake that killed 32 people, injured 700 people and devastated areas as distant as La Guaira state 160 km east. The earthquakes impacted 1.7 million buildings resulting in widespread power outages across several states.

Of Venezuela’s 31.7 million population, 20 million (63.1%) already lived in poverty, population susceptibility to contracting infectious diseases was high due to no government epidemiological bulletin publications since 2016 and early economic loss predictions outlines costs of 7% of Venezuela’s $111 billion GDP. Structural losses immediately exacerbated the issue of infectious diseases impacting Venezuelan earthquake victims through eliminating their access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, healthcare workers, hospitals, adequate medical care and nutritious food. Increasing earthquake victims’ susceptibility to infectious diseases such as measles, dengue and yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea and skin infections.

Concerns

  • Infectious Disease Treatment Challenges: Medical care services have been sparse due to the impact of the earthquakes on regional healthcare facilities and the fact that they were already 37% short of essential medicines following years of poor economic investment. A Pan-American Healthcare Association (PAHO) analysis showed that more than 50 hospitals in seven states are still functioning but that many facilities experienced critical structural damage. Additionally, the earthquakes resulted in the evacuation of three hospitals, the damaging of 20 primary care units and overcrowding in healthcare facilities. Corpse remains have also led to disease outbreaks and contamination risks.
  • Rising Fatality and Victim Rates: The Los Angeles (LA) Times reported that Venezuela’s health system, which was already weakened by an eight-year economic depression leading to the departure of more than half of the nation’s doctors and other skilled health professionals, had, by July 11, 2026, helped elevate the earthquake’s death toll to 3,800, with 16,700 people injured.
  • Infrastructure Damage: The earthquake destruction zone now presents economic challenges at an estimated $37 billion in losses, including $24 billion in housing and healthcare damage, $13 billion worth of mostly road and energy generation infrastructure damage, meaning 650,000 people will need humanitarian assistance with approximately 17,000 left homeless. Economic disruption means costs will rise further and shelter and healthcare reconstruction efforts become heavily constrained by a pre-existing weak economy.

Solutions

  • Imminent Infectious Disease Treatment: UN subsidiaries have sent 68 tonnes of medical, WASH and household supplies, alongside contributing primary healthcare services through distributing hygiene kits and further sanitation infrastructure fueled by $306 million worth of funding from The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela and private-sector donations.
  • Managing Fatality and Victim Rates: PAHO has presently recovered 6,400 people by concentrating on early recovery, mobilizing emergency specialist expertise, providing health services such as sanitary post-mortem care, diagnostic imaging and immunizations, alongside pleas for a $24 million emergency fund to enable epidemiological surveillance in the earthquake destruction zone.
  • Remedying Regional Infrastructure Damage: La Guaira state sport complexes are providing their facilities as temporary logistics hubs for the storing of health, water and food aid. Their athletic facilities also offer shelter for thousands of displaced people. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is trying to sustain infrastructure advancements, “seeking $14.85 million to support up to 30, 000 people with shelter and essential aid over the next six months.”

Looking Ahead

June 2026 publications painted a grave picture of what presently, and in the future lay ahead for Venezuela, its pre-earthquake impoverished population of 20 million and its healthcare services. Earthquake destruction zone infectious disease challenges clearly reside, yet by both national and international aid recognizing this issue, prompt economic, shelter and medical relief has advanced future stability against the multitude of current factors that encourage the problem of infectious diseases impacting Venezuela. 

– Oliver Jones

Oliver is based in Cheshire, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Papua New Guinea’s Health Policies

Papua New Guinea's Health PoliciesPapua New Guinea, a nation home to more than 10 million people, has long faced challenges due to geographic fragmentation, infrastructure gaps, limited health care funding and high disease rates. In 2021, the government introduced the National Health Plan 2021-2030, a guide to systemic reform that focuses on targeted initiatives, such as the Emergency Ministerial HIV Response Plan. Here is everything to know about Papua New Guinea’s newest health policies and how they are shifting the nation’s health care toward a more unified and responsive direction.

The National Digital Health Strategy

Papua New Guinea is divided into 22 provinces, each with its own health authority. Due to the fragmented nature of the nation’s health care system, the government has previously struggled to manage and fund these distinct Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs). One of Papua New Guinea’s newest health policies is the National Digital Health Strategy, which aims to unify all 22 of the nation’s provinces under a single digital framework and financial management system and to increase citizens’ access to affordable health services.

Some of the strategies being employed to increase access to health care services include:

  • Implementing user-friendly incentive schemes to encourage communities, especially women, to seek care
  • Strengthening the referral process to ensure all patients can access the level of health care they require
  • Increasing hospital capacity to accommodate more patients and expand outreach to those who cannot access health care on their own

Recently, Papua New Guinea has found evidence of improved communication among the 22 PHAs and improved data collection, thanks to these new approaches. District Health Manager in Wewak, East Sepik, Raymond Pomoni, praised the recent digitalization of the health care system, saying that it “will give [them] timely feedback on what [they] are doing in the district, especially in terms of health service delivery.”

The Emergency Ministerial HIV Response Plan

In 2025, the government officially declared a national HIV crisis and announced that infection rates had doubled in the last five years. The crisis has prompted the government to urgently seek a more modern approach to prevention and treatment.

New strategies include allocating nearly $14 million in emergency funds to improve citizens’ access to testing and treatment for tuberculosis, HIV and malaria. This new funding will also be channeled toward expanding services for specified populations, such as adolescents, women and those living in poverty.

Citizens, HIV advocates and health care workers have already expressed support for these policies, praising the National Executive Council and Prime Minister James Marape for addressing the HIV crisis. One woman living with HIV, who pursued education and raised two children despite her condition, said she is “very thankful,” and that the doctors “helped [her] continue living for [her] children.”

The Health Medium Term Development Plan II 2024-2027

With the aim of reducing child mortality rates and upgrading hospital infrastructure, the Health Medium Term Development Plan II 2024-2027 is one of the more hands-on of Papua New Guinea’s newest health policies.

The plan implements new ideas for how funding flow should be directed, obligating all health agencies to review their budgeting plans and allocate funds to the following key investment areas:

  • Primary Health Care
  • Specialized Health Care
  • Health Infrastructure
  • Specialized Training and Accreditation
  • HIV and AIDS

The implementation of these new funding strategies will lead to the renovation of existing maternal care wards and fund the building of new ones. This is a crucial step toward increasing access to health care for people living in poverty, many of whom were previously unable to afford transportation to the nearest hospital. As the number of hospitals grows, pressure on medical workers is reduced and the distance between patients and the care they need is shortened.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of the National Health Plan 2021-2030 marks a pivotal turning point in Papua New Guinea’s approach to public health care. By addressing systemic issues from three distinct angles, these newest health policies have already unified the provinces, mobilized an urgent response to the HIV crisis, and upgraded health care facilities and funding. While geographical and logistical challenges continue to confront the nation, the new policies and advancements vividly demonstrate the government’s commitment to lowering child mortality rates and protecting the health of the population as a whole.

– Ruby Fraser

Ruby is based in Cannes, France and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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3 Organizations Working to End Poverty in Malaysia

Poverty in MalaysiaPoverty in Malaysia is a prevalent issue, with nearly 1.3 million people living in poverty and close to 300,000 homeowners affected. According to the Straits Times, Malaysia’s population is estimated at 34.3 million. Currently, 15 regions in Malaysia face poverty. Here are three organizations working to end poverty in Malaysia.

Hopes Worldwide Malaysia

Hopes Worldwide Malaysia is a nonprofit NGO working to end poverty among disadvantaged households and minoritized populations in Malaysia. Formed in 2000, its mission is to bring meaning, opportunity and confidence to Malaysian communities. The organization focuses on five areas: health, food, education, volunteering, and corporate partnerships. Health involves providing no-cost essential services and emotional health education to underrepresented populations. The food program offers 30-day food assistance and produce from its community garden to poverty-stricken households. Education initiatives provide school help, English reading and writing services, STEAM robotics, and academic investments for children and adolescents. Volunteering rallies individuals, families and companies to engage in community involvement. Lastly, its corporate partnerships focus on collaborating with enterprises for partnerships that benefit both populations and corporations.

My Kasih Foundation

My Kasih Foundation is a nonprofit that uses technology to supply food assistance and financial education to impoverished households. Its digital payment system ensures clarity and efficiency. The foundation also supports students through its MyKasih “Love My School” program. Founded in 2009 by Tan Sri Dr. Ngau Boon Keat and Puan Sri Jean Ngau, the foundation allows poverty-stricken households to buy food through a digital payment service using their MyKad. In 2012, Love My School partnered with classrooms, giving children the opportunity to participate in everyday academics with a sense of autonomy. The same technology provides children with food they can purchase in cafeterias and school supplies from school bookstores. Other improvement methods include technological learning, athletic development, and STEM education. Since 2012, the foundation has collaborated with government bodies, zakat organizations, private groups, and NGOs to expand its work beyond digital assistance to include wellness examinations and educational and athletic instruction in more than 100 schools. The foundation continues to implement its food assistance and academic services across Malaysia, uplifting people from all walks of life. As the welfare landscape evolves, the foundation remains guided by the belief that when people are treated with care and respect, communities blossom and thrive.

Mohd Khairi Foundation

Mohd Khairi Foundation is a nonprofit established in 2016, driven by the founders’ concerns for Malaysia. The organization aims to help students affected by poverty, as well as support households, schools, and educational institutes. It also assists supervision establishments for the elderly and disabled, temporary homes for unmarried mothers, and other NGOs aiding survivors of natural disasters and community events in Malaysia.

– Leo Hardy

Leo is based in Muncie, IN, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Facts About the Response to HIV/AIDS in Brunei

HIV/AIDS in BruneiAcross the world, countries are working to slow down the spread of HIV/AIDS through several methods. In Brunei, a small country in Southeast Asia, the goal for the HIV/AIDS epidemic is to end it by 2030. According to the International AIDS Society (IAS), since the country reported its first confirmed HIV case in 1986, the number of cases has remained relatively low.

Yet, new cases of infection have continued to emerge slowly. As of 2020, a total of 289 Bruneians and permanent residents had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Brunei. Of that total number, 75% are still living with HIV.

Barriers: Stigma and Discrimination

Brunei continues to face stigma and discrimination, which creates barriers for vulnerable communities seeking opportunities and support. These challenges exist among youth with disabilities (YWDs), who often face difficulties entering the workforce due to prejudice and misconceptions about their abilities. These barriers can prevent YWDs from becoming financially independent and fully participating in society.

A similar pattern of exclusion affects people living with HIV/AIDS in Brunei. Discrimination and homophobia can discourage individuals from seeking HIV testing, treatment and support services. For example, under the Infectious Diseases Act, which Brunei introduced in 2003, people diagnosed with HIV face legal restrictions related to transmission and disclosure. HIV advocates argue that these policies may increase stigma and create fear, making individuals less likely to access health care.

Brunei’s HIV/AIDS Response: Access and Awareness

However, HIV/AIDS in Brunei is supported by the healthcare system and local community organizations that work to address barriers faced by vulnerable populations, including marginalized youth affected by social and economic challenges. These efforts focus on increasing awareness, encouraging HIV testing, reducing stigma, and improving access to healthcare. Here are three facts about Brunei’s response to HIV.

1. Access to HIV Testing

In 2020, Brunei expanded access to rapid HIV testing by offering free screenings at seven private clinics. The partnering clinics are: Ammaan Medical Clinic, C.Y. Lim Clinic, Dr. Prema Clinic, Riverview Medical Clinic, Vitaliv Health and Wellness Clinic, Wholistica Clinic, Wellness and Panaga Health Center.

The rapid HIV testing provides results within 15 to 20 minutes. Then, the early diagnosis allows people living with HIV to seek support services at an early stage. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, which highlighted the importance of creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces for testing while combining medical services with HIV education and awareness programs. In addition, the country conducts approximately 200,000 medical screenings each year, including HIV tests for pregnant women and foreign workers.

2. Self-Testing

The Ministry of Health has approved access to HIV self-test kits. Along with it, institutions like Panaga Health (PH) provide access to these self-test kits at their facility, so anyone and their partners can simply go over the counter at PH and purchase them. The self-test allows individuals to conduct an HIV test in the privacy of their homes, with the results available in about 20 minutes. Also, the self-test does not include needles or blood, only saliva.

PH is a healthcare facility that provides a range of medical services, including primary healthcare, dental care, emergency services and health protection programs. In 2022, PH expanded its services to a wider community; it only supported workers in the oil and gas industry. By increasing access to confidential testing, PH helps reduce fear of discrimination, reduce barriers to care and connect individuals with treatment when needed.

3. Youth Education

In addition to expanding access to testing and treatment, Brunei has also focused on HIV education among younger generations. The HIV Awareness Programme for Peers and Youths (H.A.P.P.Y), which is run by Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAIDS Council), is a youth-focused initiative that teaches students about HIV transmission, prevention and sexual health. 

In 2026, the program reached around 70 students at Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College, where participants learned about how HIV spreads, discussed common misconceptions and explored ways to make informed decisions about their health. In addition, the session emphasized the importance of setting healthy boundaries, understanding sexually transmitted infections and sharing accurate information with peers and families.

Through interactive activities and locally educational materials, H.A.P.P.Y aims to reduce misinformation and encourage young people to become advocates for HIV awareness in their communities.

Addressing HIV/AIDS Conclusion

HIV/AIDS in Brunei has remained relatively low due to the country’s effort in prevention, testing and treatment programs. Continued investment in inclusive health services and public awareness will be essential for Brunei to reach its goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. Also, by addressing these barriers, Brunei’s HIV response helps prevent health challenges from creating further social and economic disadvantages for vulnerable communities. 

– Daniela Escobar

Daniela is based in Huntington Station, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia

SDG 3 in IndonesiaThe United Nations’ third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for everyone. This includes initiatives like reducing maternal and child mortality, improving disease prevention and providing universal health coverage.

These ambitions are closely connected to the fight against global poverty and have prompted many low and middle-income countries to take action. Among them, Indonesia stands out for its planning, financing and unique ability to overcome population challenges. These updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia demonstrate how the country is expanding equitable healthcare access.

Poverty in Indonesia 

It’s important to first recognize the state of poverty in Indonesia. While significant growth over the past two decades has allowed the country to achieve middle-income status, 5.4% of citizens remain in extreme poverty. While this figure may not sound daunting on its own, it does when one recognizes that Indonesia is home to nearly 286 million people and that means that 5.4% equal more than 15 million Indonesians living in extreme poverty. This manifests into real-world effects, such as:

  • Low wages 
  • Job insecurity
  • Lack of infrastructure (i.e. electricity, roads, clean water and more) 
  • Underfunded education systems
  • Poor health and unequal access to healthcare

That last effect is particularly noteworthy. The intersection of extreme poverty and the world’s fourth-largest population has made expanding healthcare access in Indonesia an uphill battle.

Why Population Matters 

How many people live in a country may determine how well the nation’s government is able to respond to the health needs of its citizens. For example, a large population introduces a daunting logistical strain in developing countries with fewer resources. Such nations often lack the infrastructure necessary to provide equitable access to healthcare for their entire population.

India is a key example of a large population impeding the health progress of a developing country. Despite attempts to improve health services, India continues to lack easily accessible healthcare and remains behind on SDG 3 initiatives. A major reason for these gaps is the nation’s status as the most populated country in the world, with more than 1.4 billion citizens.

While having a large population certainly makes it more difficult to improve healthcare access, it does not make it impossible. Indonesia’s recent successes show that the population problem can be overcome through global partnerships, government planning and strategic financing.

How Indonesia is Working Toward SDG 3

Since the Ministry of Health first launched the Health System Transformation Agenda (HSTA) in 2022, Indonesia has undergone sweeping health reforms. This has included efforts to enhance the resilience, workforce and technology of Indonesia’s healthcare system.

Specifically, Indonesia’s government has partnered with organizations like the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to finance the HSTA’s goals. With these investments, Indonesia has managed to:

  • Bring nearly 90% of the population under national health insurance coverage 
  • Increase the amount of high-quality, low-cost community health centers in Eastern Indonesia by 60% 
  • Invest more than $1 billion in nutrition, early child development, and family planning 
  • Expand access to medical equipment in both urban and rural public health facilities 
  • Foster innovations in medical procurement and development

Through these initiatives, the government has vastly improved the state of public health in Indonesia. Prior to the HSTA, financial barriers prevented many citizens from seeking care, with catastrophic health expenditure rates as high as 4.5%. Now, these rates have dropped to 2%, and the national insurance plan covered more than 260 million people.

Vertical Hospitals 

Aside from blanket reforms, Indonesia has also created specialized medical facilities to target specific problems that the HSTA seeks to address. These hubs are known as “vertical” hospitals, and have been strategically constructed across the country to address the needs of both urban and rural populations. Programs offered at these facilities are expansive, including cancer treatment, infectious diseases and even mental health.

In addition to immediate improvements in quality of life, making healthcare more accessible and effective has had a sizable impact on reducing poverty by: 

  • Decreasing the direct cost of treatment 
  • Limiting transportation costs to receive care from distant facilities 
  • Preventing debilitating illnesses that impede one’s ability to work and earn a living

Looking Ahead

While more work is necessary to improve healthcare access around the world, updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia show that significant progress is being made. By leveraging international investments towards better infrastructure, upgraded technology and national healthcare coverage, Indonesia has improved access to high-quality medicine and treatment. 

As Indonesia continues to expand these initiatives, better health may enable citizens to save funds that would have previously gone towards expensive and ineffective healthcare. Improved wellbeing may also allow individuals to work more frequently, earn higher wages and improve their socioeconomic status.

– Brogan Jones

Brogan Jones is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Organizations Fighting Heart Disease in the Philippines

Heart Disease in the PhilippinesOne of the Philippines’ most common crises includes heart diseases like heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and ischemic heart disease. Cardiovascular disease causes one-third of deaths in the Philippines. An example of its impact is during a 6-month period from January to July in 2023, where doctors recorded more than 65,000 ischemic heart disease cases, accounting for 19% of all deaths. This has weakened many Filipinos’ immune systems, making them highly vulnerable. While this remains a severe challenge in the Philippines, three organizations have stepped up to the cause and started fighting heart disease in the country.

The Connection Between Poverty and Heart Disease

The link between poverty and heart disease is striking. As of 2023, 15.5% of the Filipino population lives below the national poverty line. The causes of cardiovascular disease include the inability to afford proper living conditions, limited access to food and dirty water — all challenges that low-income Filipinos face daily. They also confront another difficult sacrifice: a normal heart failure hospitalization in a private hospital costs about ₱42,000, which exceeds 10% of the average Filipino’s annual salary. The nation covers only some of this cost, forcing Filipinos to choose between survival and a long treatment. Research from the University of the Philippines highlights a shortage of doctors relative to the population, and too many cardiovascular disease patients receive diagnoses far too late for quality treatment. Here is information about three organizations fighting heart disease in the Philippines.

1. Children’s Heart Foundation

The Children’s Heart Foundation stands among several organizations working to change the lives of people with heart disease. It works to address heart problems so that future generations experience fewer cardiovascular diseases, improving global health. Volunteers founded it in 2000 and launched it with a fundraiser for a single cardiovascular patient. Since then, it has evolved into a nonprofit organization that serves low-income Filipinos tirelessly. It provides quality medical care for free, stopping many heart diseases before they turn fatal. Partnering with the Philippines Heart Center, the foundation delivers financial aid to those who need it most. It also builds a network connecting young and old patients, creating valuable social opportunities.

2. Gift of Life International

Gift of Life International provides care to children suffering from heart disease in the Philippines. This international organization receives requests to aid certain countries, with the greatest need coming from Manila. It has built strong partnerships with local groups and have saved more than 7,000 Filipino children. Gift of Life International pursues four main goals: securing donations, helping people with cardiovascular disease across multiple nations, handling incoming requests and managing volunteer involvement in ongoing efforts. This organization sets a strong example for others on how to improve healthcare access in the Philippines.

3. The Philips Foundation

The Philips Foundation also tackles the challenge of diagnosing cardiovascular heart disease early so that patients avoid fatal consequences. It raises awareness about global health across communities in the Philippines. Its plan involves training 200 teachers to identify students with cardiovascular diseases, a strategy that could save many lives by allowing teachers to spot warning signs early and enable sooner treatment. Using techniques like handheld ultrasound screeners, the program reaches areas where no nearby medical facilities exist. In the future, this project could expand across the entire Philippines, inspiring further change in the fight against heart disease.

Looking Ahead

Certain organizations are driving real progress against heart disease in the Philippines. Through financial assistance, lifesaving surgery and innovative early detection tools, organizations like the Children’s Heart Foundation, Gift of Life International and the Philips Foundation are changing the numbers for heart disease patients in the Philippines. These efforts create safer and more equitable conditions for Filipinos and their future generations, proving that the fight against heart disease in the Philippines moves in the right direction.

– Brijesh Mohan

Brijesh is based in Kendall Park, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing SDG 3 in Zimbabwe

SDG 3 in ZimbabweIn 2015, the United Nations set an ambitious goal: by 2030, the nations of the world would meet 17  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve peace and prosperity around the globe. These goals delineated strategies to defeat all of humankind’s major injustices, including changing weather patterns, hunger, poverty, education, and of course, health—especially the health of children and infants. The goal with the most objectives under its umbrella is, by far, SDG 3, the quest for good health and well-being; however, four years out from 2030, the target for improvement still seems out of reach. To understand how the SDG has manifested since the UN set its deadline, one need look no further than the SDG 3 in Zimbabwe—and the nation’s incredible efforts to improve infant survival.

SDG 3 in Zimbabwe So Far

Developing countries are, as the name suggests, still developing in many ways—and the global north has let other priorities take the stage. Zimbabwe, a nation situated in Sub-Saharan Africa, provides a standout example of how SDG 3 has panned out. This crucial goal includes 14 areas for improvement—and in Zimbabwe, of those 14, only one has reached official SDG achievement. This standout objective is none other than infant mortality.

In a nation where maternal mortality, neonatal mortality (i.e. death within one month of delivery) and life expectancy at birth have all remained more or less stagnant since 2015, how has infant mortality, of all things, managed to make a comeback?

The Mystery of Survival

Since the functional end of the COVID-19 pandemic, infant mortality rates around the globe have been steadily dropping. In 2023, for example, UNICEF found that the total of infant deaths worldwide had halved compared with 2000. That’s quite a feat for places like Zimbabwe, where good health care is usually scarce and inaccessible. This begs the question: given the state of SDG 3 in Zimbabwe, how can infant mortality be the one thing to improve? 

Zimbabwe’s health, and in fact the health of any nation, is dependent on a number of factors. In 2021, a team of researchers, having observed the declining rates of infant mortality in Zimbabwe, paired with the University of Zimbabwe and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) to develop a special algorithm, all with the goal of discovering the most important factors in the health of infants and children.

The findings were rather interesting: after studying more than 16,000 mothers, these researchers determined that the make-or-break factors in an infant’s survival are, in order of importance: 

  • Breastfeeding within an hour of delivery (which, according to the data, only 17.6% of mothers in the study performed)
  • The weight of the baby at birth
  • Birth order (the more children a mother already had, the more likely newborns were to survive)
  • Whether the mother had given birth to multiple children at a time (the baby was more likely to survive if she had not)

A keen reader might notice that all of these factors tie back to the mother—and the researchers noticed it, too. Concerning the second most important factor, a quote from the study on the National Library of Medicine reads, “Birth weight is a function of overall pre-conception maternal nutrition and health status, and care given during pregnancy.” This same care is the reason why many of the mothers were unable to breastfeed at birth; a mother who is malnourished, especially after hours of labor, often struggles to produce enough milk for her child. If the current state of SDG 3 is anything to go by, one can assume many mothers in Zimbabwe struggle with proper nutrition. The Global Nutrition Report states that 30% of women between ages 15-49 are affected by anemia, and only 50% are able to exclusively breastfeed.

Improvements for Women

So if health care remains scarce in Zimbabwe, and mothers remain malnourished, why have rates of infant mortality been improving? There are two important changes that contribute, and the first answer may lie in another facet of SDG 5, which aims to promote gender equality.

As it happens, conditions for women are actually improving in Zimbabwe right now. According to the official Sustainable Development Report, rates of women in the workforce have not only increased, but actually surpassed the bar for success. Changes like these impact other factors that the researchers identified as important—and sometimes, even the top four. For example, teenage or elderly mothers are more likely to lose their children than mothers in their 20s or early 30s.

If a couple has done sufficient family planning before their first pregnancy, then the target age for the mother is more likely to be met. Family planning also ensures proper recuperation between children, meaning a factor like birth order—which entails how a woman’s body might be strained by back-to-back pregnancies, but also how future pregnancies might benefit from past ones—is already accounted for. More women in the workforce also means the rise of two-income households, increasing the wealth index of families with children. A mother who can afford to eat will deliver a baby with more weight, and can even breastfeed it after delivery.

Vaccinations

There is one final change crushing infant mortality in Zimbabwe. The mother’s health is one of the most important things to look after when a newborn is in the womb; after birth, however, the number one way to improve a baby’s chance at survival is vaccination against disease. One may notice that the rates began to truly improve right after the end of COVID-19—a time when vaccinations were at an all-time high. Infant mortality between 2020 and 2022 increased by a rate of more than 1,000 deaths per year, and perhaps this rise moved Zimbabwe to action.

The SDGs have a defined goal for the number of vaccinations a newborn should have—two, at the least—and Zimbabwe has been gradually increasing vaccination rates, especially for measles, tuberculosis, bacterial infections and cholera. In October of 2025, for example, the government of Zimbabwe held a nationwide vaccination campaign that resulted in “1,730,354 children vaccinated out of a target of 1,769,881,” per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Just a year earlier, in 2024, the government ran a similar vaccination campaign to address cholera. Vaccination rates overall have improved by 60% or more since the 1980s, depending on the specific vaccine. Best of all, these vaccinations aren’t just for kids: their parents have been getting doses, too. The health of a family doesn’t just rely on the children—everyone in the household needs to be cared for.

Looking Ahead

If the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3, are the standard for prosperity, Zimbabwe still has a long way to go. Yet, the infant mortality rate offers a golden example of how these goals intersect. If nations prioritize education, equality and prosperity for their people, then it won’t be long until their populations are a lot healthier and a whole lot happier. 

– Madison Hoar

Madison is based in Birmingham, AL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Nepal’s Female Health Volunteers Save Lives

Female health volunteer in Nepal educates pregnant women on antenatal care.In one of Asia’s most rural and mountainous countries, Nepal’s female health volunteers form the foundation of the public health infrastructure. Established in 1998 by Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population, the Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV) program trains more than 50,000 women to perform essential health care services across all 77 districts of the country, reaching villages that most clinics are unable to serve.

A Program Founded on Community Trust

The community each FCHV serves chooses her directly. Volunteers receive training in newborn care, family planning, nutrition, disease prevention and maternal health. The volunteers reside in the communities they serve and build trust with residents. They counsel pregnant women regarding safe deliveries, refer high-risk cases before they become life-threatening and regularly conduct household visits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the FCHV program is one of the largest and most influential community health worker programs in South Asia. Through the distribution of vitamin A supplements, iron and folic acid tablets at the village level, and oral rehydration salts, the program is closing the gap left by hospital systems in remote terrain.

With the expansion of the FCHV program, Nepal recorded numerous health improvements over the past three decades. According to UNICEF, Nepal’s under-5 mortality rate fell from 162 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, a decline of more than 80%. According to the World Bank, the maternal mortality rate dropped from 901 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. A central driver of this progress has been extensive community outreach, including the impactful work of the FCHV program.

Expanding Beyond Maternal Health

The role originally established by Nepal’s female community health volunteers has grown significantly beyond its initial focus on child and maternal health. A 2020 study published in BMC Health Services Research found that FCHVs played a significant role in spreading COVID-19 awareness and conducting contact tracing in rural Nepal, with the network adapting quickly to rising public health needs. UNICEF has also supported initiatives that train FCHVs in newer health management protocols for pneumonia and diarrhea, two leading causes of child death in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating FCHVs into national campaigns for adolescent health education and tuberculosis detection has transformed Nepal’s public health programs.

A Blueprint for Developing Nations

Nepal’s health volunteers have attracted the attention of global health organizations and governments seeking to create similar models. Countries including Ethiopia and Bangladesh have studied Nepal’s cost-effective approach to replicate community health systems that are sustainable and local without requiring extensive infrastructure. Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population continues to invest in the program, providing cycles of training and incentive packages that sustain volunteer motivation over the long term. Plans to expand training modules to include mental health first aid and non-communicable disease screening signal that the program is continuing to grow in impact and scope.

The success of Nepal’s FCHV program demonstrates that investing in trained women within their own communities produces lasting and measurable results without the infrastructure costs of an established hospital system. The program offers a replicable model for reducing health inequality at scale, standing as one of the most documented community health initiatives in the developing world.

– Saakshi Bhat

Saakshi is based in San Marcos, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Universal Health Care in Mexico: A Fresh Start for Mexican Citizens

Universal Healthcare in MexicoMexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has recently announced a positive health reform aimed at granting universal health care coverage starting in January 2027. Describing this as a “historic step” towards free and equitable health services to all citizens of Mexico. Here is more information about the move toward universal health care in Mexico.

The Current Situation

Mexico, the 13th largest country in the world, with a population of more than 100 million people, is a culturally, socially and economically diverse nation. Although it earns a medium-high income, it still has suffered from inequality, poverty, economic insecurity and mental health disorders.

The current health system in Mexico is divided into three types of services: 

  • Social Security: Only the formal, salaried members of the economy, about 47% of the population, receives this.
  • Those Not Covered by Social Security: The poorest members of Mexican society, about 45% of its population, do not receive social security.
  • Private Providers: Private providers attend to non-insured families who can afford them. This accounts for 4% of the population.

The current health care situation in Mexico is dire. Director of the Mexican Ministry of Health, Mariana Barraza-Lloréns explains that half of Mexico’s population is uninsured and incapable of accessing health care due to financial disparity. Barraza-Lloréns also focuses on the Indigenous communities that the current health care system impacts and marginalizes. These communities have infant mortality rates that are 58% higher and a life expectancy that is five years lower than national averages. Barraza-Lloréns argues that universal health care is a need.

What To Expect

This new health care system will be carried out in several phases, beginning with initial registration for this health care system starting with Mexicans aged 85 and older. Sign-ups will continue throughout the year, organized by age group and an official identification card will be given to each citizen to grant them access to services starting January 2027. By prioritizing emergency care, continuity of treatment across institutions and access to services regardless of insurance affiliation. In this first phase this universal health care in Mexico will mainly cover emergency services, high-risk pregnancies, heart attacks, strokes and cancer diagnosis. By the end of 2027 and starting 2028, Mexico plans to roll out its next phases and extend its promise for health care for all.

Why Is Universal Health Care in Mexico Important?

A WHO study in 2020 offered insights into Mexico’s overall health index. While life expectancy has increased from an initial 34 years in 1930 to 75 years in 2017, there has still been a significant delay with these improvements. With mortality rates in cases such as heart disease and diabetes ranging anywhere from 70-80 deaths per thousand, there is evidence to suggest lack of access to proper health services. Sheinbaum’s new health reform aims to provide care to all citizens regardless of insurance status. With 46% of its citizens under the poverty line, universal health care would provide life-changing services to many. 

Countries such as Sweden, which access universal health care, offer some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, averaging about 81 years. Sweden has seen drastic improvements in overall public health in the last several decades with these universal health reforms. With decreases in mortality, work-related injuries, and mental health, Sweden’s public access to health care has served many.

Universal health care is an object of political, economic and social discussion in many countries across the world. As seen in countries such as Sweden and many others, free public access to health care has proven to be a guarantee for life expectancy and quality of living. Time will tell how Mexico’s health reforms will positively impact the citizens of the country.

– Sadie Lopez

Sadie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons