Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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Telemedicine in Mexico Broadens Health Care

Telemedicine in MexicoThe health care system in Mexico is notably flawed. Only 77% of Mexico’s 131 million citizens have access to health care coverage and nearly half of the health spending in the country comes out of the pockets of citizens, not the government. Mexico only allocates 5.7% of its GDP to health care-related costs, far below the average of 9.2% from the other 38 countries that make up the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This leaves the system underfunded and underresourced, particularly in rural locations.

Telemedicine, the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients, is helping fill in the gaps of Mexico’s health care system by making medical advice more accessible to poor and rural communities throughout the country.

Bringing Health Care to Rural Mexican Communities

Founded in 2014, 19Labs aims to make health care more accessible worldwide to people in rural communities. Its GALE platform is a “smart first-aid kit” that is affordable and accessible and it brings the full clinic experience to those unable to go to one in person. The organization has helped people in Guyana, the United States and Lebanon and now it’s expanding its reach in Mexico.

Earlier this year, 19Labs launched a new branch of its telemedicine program in Yucatán, Mexico, to bring health care services to the underserved rural communities in the area. 19Labs GALE eClinics have connected people who had previously faced distance barriers to services such as medical consultations, diagnostic tools and specialist advice and treatments. Using tools such as Zoom and EchoNous, people can now access effective health care treatment from the comfort of their own communities and without the burden of extensive travel.

In less than a year, the impact and benefits of the GALE eClinics have already been seen. In Comunidad Col, a child who was previously diagnosed with a heart murmur was assessed by the GALE eClinic and appropriately diagnosed with and treated for allergic rhinitis. A 6-month-old child in Noh Bec received an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a chronic dermatitis specialist, significantly improving the child’s condition and quality of life.

Maria Magdalena Chan Uluac, Director of the Noh Bec community clinic, credited the GALE eClinics for helping the lives of those in the Yucatán area: “We are at least three hours from Mérida, where the specialists are, so GALE has been a major financial and logistical relief for our patients. This has encouraged seeking medical treatment sooner instead of waiting until symptoms become critical.”

Telemedicine for Mexicans Abroad

MiSalud is a startup that connects Mexicans working abroad to health care. MiSalud’s mission is to provide services such as basic health care, preventative care, nutrition coaching, chronic condition management and mental health support via video, phone or SMS chat. The company also does not charge its users a co-pay and has extended hours for its virtual clinic.

MiSalud primarily works with agricultural, construction, hospitality and manufacturing companies where employees struggle to access health care because of language barriers or a lack of time to make it to a clinic or hospital. Employees of these companies receive MiSalud’s resources as an employer-sponsored benefit regardless of their insurance or full-time or part-time status. The coverage also extends to up to three family members.

Taylor Farms, a major global purveyor of packaged salads and cut vegetables, is one company that partners with MiSalud. Amy Taylor, the leader of Taylor Farms’ wellness initiative, reported that about 5,600 of the company’s 6,400 employees have signed up for MiSalud’s services. More than 2,000 of these employees have utilized the resource at least once.

MiSalud says that 40% of its users have said they would have ignored their health concerns or waited until they could travel back to Mexico to see a doctor without the platform. The company also reports that its users have seen a 56% improvement in depression scores and a one-level drop in diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure risk. In addition, users experienced a 24% improvement in chronic condition management and an average weight loss of 16 pounds.

More Ways to Access Telemedicine in Mexico

MedicallHome is another company working to make health care in Mexico more affordable and accessible. It provides 24/7 telephone access to licensed doctors, costing just $2 to $5 a month. Beyond medical care, the company also offers life insurance and vision and dental coverage.

Medicall is staffed by more than 60 practitioners, nutritionists and psychologists, each with at least two years of clinical experience and required to practice outside the call center to maintain their skills. The center handles about 500,000 calls annually, resolving 62% of cases over the phone and referring the rest for in-person treatment. Customers also have access to a provider network that includes primary care and specialist clinics, laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals.

Conclusion

Telemedicine is a growing field in Mexico and with widespread smartphone adoption by Mexican citizens and improving internet access, it is expected to become more popular. As of 2024, 68% of Mexicans reported preferring video and telephone consultations due to convenience, reduced travel costs and fewer wait times than in-person clinics. Since only half of the population has consistent medical care, the growth of free and accessible telemedicine in Mexico is significant and a welcome change to the health care system.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care in Rural India

Health Care in Rural IndiaIndia is the most populous country in the world, home to some 1.4 billion people. It is a very diverse nation, both demographically and geographically. India is still a developing country; therefore it faces a lot of challenges in terms of healthcare. Health care in rural India, in particular, faces many challenges and obstacles. Access to quality health care is still an elusive goal for many Indians living in rural areas of the country.

Background

According to the country’s Ministry of Finance, approximately 65% of Indians live in rural areas. As with many other countries, India also faces a divide between urban and rural areas. People living in rural areas face significant obstacles that hinder their access to proper health care. Rural areas face a lack of qualified medical professionals, inadequate medical supplies and limited awareness regarding diseases. There is a need to improve health care access in rural India. Proper health care is a right that all humans have. Access to quality health care in rural India needs to be reformed and expanded.

The National Health Mission (NHM)

The Indian government has implemented measures to improve access to proper health care. In 2013, New Delhi launched the National Health Mission (NHM). The purpose of this mission is to improve health care access in rural and underserved areas. The NHM encompasses two sub-missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

The mission aims to expand proper health care access to underserved areas in India. Additionally, the government has also launched a health insurance program (Ayushman Bharat) in 2018. This program provides free health care access to poorer Indians who cannot afford private health care services. Under Ayushman Bharat, the government established Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) throughout the country. These centers aim to bring health care access closer to the people.

First-Hand Problems

The Borgen Project spoke with Arjun Singh, an immigrant from India, on the topic of health care in rural India. Mr. Singh has witnessed first hand the problems that rural areas face in accessing health care. Mr. Singh grew up in a small village in northwestern India. Specifically, he grew up in Rajasthan, a large state situated in western India. Rajasthan is located in the desert. It is a mostly rural state.

Around 75% of people in Rajasthan live in rural areas. Mr. Singh states how difficult it was for him and his family to get access to proper health care. He states that village clinics have inadequate medical infrastructure and they’re routinely understaffed. There is a shortage of qualified medical personnel. One study stated that around 45% of personnel are absent from subcenters and aid posts.

However, Mr. Singh has clarified that things may be different now than they were during his time in India. In the decades since he left India, health care access in rural areas has improved. He stated how government initiatives such as the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat have made significant strides in improving rural access to proper and quality health care.

– Samriddha Aryal

Samriddha is based in Centreville, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UAE Sends Aid To Help in Fight Against Cholera in Chad

Cholera in ChadSince the start of 2025, more than 390,000 cases of cholera have been reported across 31 countries. At least 4,322 of those cases have been fatal. On paper, these numbers can be hard to grasp.

However, to put them in perspective, the number of infections is nearly four times the capacity of Michigan Stadium, the largest stadium in the U.S. The death toll is equally staggering, approaching one and a half times the number of lives lost in the September 11 attacks.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mild cholera cases can be easily treated with oral rehydration solutions, which replace lost fluids and electrolytes. More extreme cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly, though if caught in time, treatment is very effective.

Cholera is a waterborne disease, meaning it is primarily spread through contaminated water sources. This fact is particularly sobering in Chad, where only 52% of the population can access clean drinking water. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where that number drops to just 43.8%.

Cholera in Chad

This global outbreak has hit Chad, a country in north-central Africa, especially hard. Chad has a population of more than 19 million, with 44.8% living on an income below the national poverty line. From July 13 to August 19, Chad recorded 776 cholera cases and 53 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 6.8%.

The disease is believed to have entered Chad from its eastern neighbor, Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a violent civil war that has devastated the country. According to the United Nations (U.N.), the ongoing conflict has triggered a massive refugee crisis, forcing approximately 1.2 million Sudanese to flee across the border into Chad in search of safety and stability.

The cholera outbreak has been further worsened by these cross-border movements and the instability caused by the war. Armed conflict often exacerbates disease spread, making it essential to focus on this region now to prevent outbreaks and further human suffering.

UAE Involvement

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a small but wealthy country on the Arabian Peninsula. In August 2025, its government sent 30 tons of lifesaving medical supplies to Chad to combat the cholera outbreak.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, the chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, confirmed that Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s priority is to continue the country’s “international humanitarian commitment to address health challenges wherever they arise.”

In 2025 alone, the UAE has distributed more than $80 million in health-related aid worldwide, with the primary beneficiaries in West Asia and Africa.

Conclusion

Efforts to contain cholera in Chad are critical. The UAE’s contribution is a meaningful step in the fight against cholera, offering critical relief to one of the regions hit hardest by the outbreak. However, millions remain at risk due to limited access to clean water, basic health care and humanitarian support.

– William Brentani

William is based in San Francisco, CA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Positive Steps in Reducing Cancer in the UAE

Cancer in the UAEThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its beautiful architecture, oil exporting and the emirates that form the country. The UAE has seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai is the most populous of the UAE, with Abu Dhabi being the capital. Although the UAE is one of the richest countries in the world, it still has issues of poverty and cancer.

The UAE has an estimated poverty rate of 19.5%, driven in part by rising living costs and low wages that fail to ensure sustainable conditions for workers. The leading causes of death in the UAE are COVID-19, ischemic heart disease, stroke and breast cancer (in the case of women).

Cancer in the UAE

Diseases and cancers are prominent in the UAE in part because health care is not free for expatriates and foreign residents, who make up 10.04% of the country’s 11.35 million people. This creates barriers to early detection, as many residents cannot afford regular checkups. When cancers are detected, they are often at advanced stages, making treatment more difficult.

Environmental factors also play a role. The UAE’s reliance on oil production and shipments increases the risk of air pollution, with higher levels of carbon in the atmosphere. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause labored breathing, skin irritation and, over time, elevate cancer risks.

The leading cancers in the UAE are breast, thyroid, colorectal, skin and leukemia. While cancers such as breast cancer and leukemia are not directly tied to environmental causes, conditions like skin and thyroid cancer may be linked to pollution and environmental exposure.

Expanding Access to Affordable Cancer Care

In response, hospitals in Abu Dhabi have expanded access to cancer care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, located in the nation’s capital, houses 15 specialized institutes, including one focused on cancer treatment. The clinic is diverse, staffed with doctors from Western countries and operates in Arabic and English.

As a semi-government hospital, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers care at significantly lower costs than private facilities. Government-owned hospitals typically charge between AED 250–400 ($60–$109), while privately owned hospitals cost around AED 600–800 ($163–$218).

Private treatment expenses are often unaffordable for individuals earning less than AED 80 ($22) a day. In contrast, government hospitals provide a more accessible option, particularly for costly treatments like cancer care.

What Does This Mean for People in Poverty?

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides financial assistance for patients unable to afford treatment. Individuals whose annual family income is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) may qualify for free or discounted care. The clinic also collaborates with insurance providers, accepts multiple payment methods and allows for government assistance in covering medical expenses.

Through combined government and hospital support, people living in poverty can access necessary medical care without the overwhelming burden of bills. Early detection of cancers such as breast and skin cancer can ensure that low-income patients receive timely treatment, allowing them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Final Remarks

Government-affiliated clinics like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provide greater access to cancer screenings for impoverished people. Early detection not only reduces cancer-related mortality but also gives individuals in low-income communities the chance to pursue healthier, more productive lives, including improved career opportunities.

– Erin Lee

Erin is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The New Deployment of the Malaria Vaccine in Mali

Malaria Vaccine in MaliThe Republic of Mali, more commonly referred to as simply Mali, is the eighth-largest country in Africa. Mali is located in the Western part of the continent and boasts a population of approximately 25 million as of 2025. Furthermore, Mali has one of the hottest, driest climates in the world.

The Malaria Vaccine in Mali

Mali has joined the growing list of African countries that have introduced the malaria vaccine to their people. Before joining, it accounted for approximately 3.1% of global malaria cases, highlighting the country’s urgent need for innovative health interventions and stronger immunization programs.

The new initiatives on supporting the hybrid approach to the malaria vaccine in Mali began on April 25, coinciding with World Malaria Day. The Ministry of Health is leading the initiative with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Malaria has been a massive issue for sub-Saharan African countries for years. However, recent Gavi studies have shown that a hybrid vaccination approach is practical. Mali is now applying this strategy to protect its population.

What is the New Approach?

Instead of administering the malaria vaccine two doses over a few months, the new approach in Mali provides children ages 3 to 5 with three doses spread across the year, followed by a fourth and fifth dose administered in May or June.

Children are among the most at-risk groups for contracting malaria, which is why they are the primary focus of the new vaccine initiative. Lacking years of exposure, children have not developed natural immunity as many adults have, leaving them dangerously vulnerable.

As a result, malaria remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, making widespread vaccination efforts essential to saving lives and reducing future transmission.

The seasonal doses will help ensure children are as protected as possible from malaria. May and June mark the beginning of the highest transmissions of malaria in the year. Indeed, having additional vaccine doses around these times every year can help ensure that the spread doesn’t begin at all.

Has the New Approach Been Successful?

The new approach to administering the malaria vaccine in Mali has been successful, showing strong potential for long-term impact. According to the WHO, “both [doses] of vaccine reduce malaria cases by about 75% when given seasonally in areas of highly seasonal transmission where seasonal malaria chemoprevention is provided.”

With the number of childhood deaths caused by malaria trending downward, the people of Mali are becoming more optimistic about improving their children’s lives. The new vaccine initiative, coupled with more traditional methods of malaria protection, mosquito nets and repellent, ensures that the number of malaria cases continues to drop.

– Zoe Felder

Zoe is based in Charlotte, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Expanded Care for Endometriosis in Poland

Endometriosis in PolandAn estimated 6-15% of women in Poland are believed to have endometriosis. This painful and immunological disease involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. This statistic is so broad because many women are often told that painful menstruation is simply part of life, which leads to few women seeking medical advice. For the women who do search for an answer to their pain, it can take an average of 8-10 years to get a diagnosis.

However, Poland is making much-needed improvements in care and support for women with endometriosis by launching a new national program.

Flaws in Endometriosis Care in Poland

Endometriosis requires an early diagnosis in order to receive the best care possible. However, the diagnostic process is often long, invasive and exhausting for patients. This process includes a gynecological exam, a transvaginal and transrectal exam, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), a laparoscopy and a histopathological exam. It is also important that these exams be done by a gynecologist specializing in treating endometriosis, which can be hard to find.

Overall, health care in Poland has many flaws. Though Polish citizens have access to a free public health care system, the sector is riddled with organizational problems, outdated technology, underfunded medical centers and a lack of physicians and specialists nationwide.

In Poland, wealth strongly influences health outcomes. About 71% of high-income citizens report being in good health, compared to just 53% of low-income citizens. The country’s life expectancy is around 77 years, ranking 24th in the European Union (EU).

New Care Program for Endometriosis in Poland

On July 1, 2025, Poland initiated its new national system for endometriosis care, including diagnostics and treatment. This program established eight new specialized medical centers throughout Poland where women can access care free of cost.

This program includes free consultations with various specialists and medical professionals, such as gynecologists, surgeons, psychologists, dietitians and physiotherapists. Women can now also easily access ultrasound and MRI diagnostics and pharmaceutical and surgical treatments. The newly established centers will provide surgeries, post-operative care and post-procedural health monitoring.

This wave of reform was set into motion after years of advocacy efforts from the organization Pokonać Endometriozę” (Conquer Endometriosis). The Polish Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, credits Polish citizens and their efforts: “No regulation or law changes reality – it is we, the people, who change it,” she stated.

This new system will benefit lower-income Polish citizens by providing free specialized care. Opening eight new centers throughout the country means more women will have access to endometriosis care and will not have to travel extensive distances to receive medical advice.

Final Remarks

Poland’s new program for endometriosis is a breakthrough in women’s health. With eight specialized centers offering free diagnostics, treatments, and multidisciplinary support, thousands, especially low-income women, will finally access timely care. This reform marks a vital step toward equity. It sets a model for compassionate public health.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Telemedicine in Sudan is Supporting Health care Workers

Telemedicine in SudanThe people of Sudan are enduring one of the most severe humanitarian catastrophes of modern times. After two years of a brutal war, this article explores how telemedicine initiatives in Sudan support health care workers at a time of untold struggle.

The Forgotten War

Following a legacy of colonialism, deep fragmentation and internal conflict, numerous disasters and political insecurities have ravaged Sudan’s public health infrastructures.

Despite being the second-largest producer of gold in Africa, the systemic leveling of homes, schools and hospitals, alongside climate shocks and desertification, are creating a complex crisis where 30.4 million Sudanese civilians are now in dire need of aid.

Here, overseas arms flows perpetuate networks of geopolitical competition and the extraction of natural resources at the cost of innocent human lives, all while Sudan’s health care system is on the verge of collapse.

In the shadows of ethnic cleansing in Darfur and the fall of Al-Bashir’s 30-year dictatorship, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) emerged as a fatal and multi-dimensional struggle.

Reports estimate that up to 150,000 civilians may have died directly or indirectly due to the conflict. As famine spreads, 12 million people had to flee their homes resulting in the largest displacement emergency of the 21st century.

A Health care System in Disarray

At a time when RSF allegedly targets doctors and medical workers for providing care for opposition soldiers, around 80% of health care facilities are out of service in the areas most impacted by the war.

According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a child died of hunger or malnutrition every two hours in the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur last year. These immense challenges have left a struggling health care system overburdened by the conflict, with patients in need of assistance.

Further restrictions and bureaucratic impediments imposed on Sudanese hospitals also highlight the need for rapid interventions and more robust long-term solutions, particularly due to the dramatic increase in reports of sexual and gender-based violence since the conflict began.

In the face of these intersecting challenges, Telemedicine initiatives are helping to support Sudan’s health care systems at a time of growing struggle.

Educast and Telemedicine Initiatives in Sudan

Today, telemedicine offers a wide range of practices such as consultations, triaging, prescriptions, counselling and other referrals. Initiatives like Educast facilitate virtual consultations through hotlines that are accessible to people living across the country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a network of remote doctors provided consultations for displaced populations, as well as disease surveillance support for clinics in war-affected areas. They also use WhatsApp to help provide information on patient health and well-being through the exchange of medical reports and analysis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Sudanese government focuses on expanding its telemedicine capabilities, while recognizing its growing potential to revolutionise and sustain healthcare delivery, particularly during moments of crisis.

The Future of Telemedicine

While there is still an existential need for aid intervention from the international community, the Sudanese government has taken proactive measures to implement programmes like the Gezira Family Medicine Project (GFMP).

The GFMP project trained qualified family physicians to provide accessible health care services by utilising E-Learning platforms. A two-year curriculum aims to train students to provide service provision within their communities.

Despite the progress of Telemedicine programmes, the people of Sudan are still facing untold challenges. Greater attention now goes to address the inequalities that inhibit access to online services, narrowing the digital divide in a nation with one of the lowest rates of mobile access on the planet.

In spite of these obstacles, the early implementation of telemedicine in Sudan is laying foundations for future initiatives, showing promising signs that it can assist health care professionals, facilitate future training and digital campaigns that can support Sudan’s struggling health care system at a time of great need.

Conclusion

While the survival of a nation hangs in the balance, telemedicine initiatives in Sudan offer a small step towards the integration of new and innovative health developments that can improve its emergency response mechanisms, while fostering a more resilient public health system for a people ravaged by war, instability and corruption.

– Gabriel John Gunn

Gabriel is based in Paisley, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ethiopia’s Health Workforce Shortage: Strategies To Train & Retain

Ethiopia’s Health Workforce ShortageEthiopia is one of the most populous nations in Africa. It is dealing with a severe shortage of trained medical providers, particularly in rural and low-income areas. This shortage reduces access to quality health care, undermines the effectiveness of public health initiatives and ultimately affects life expectancy.

Ethiopia’s Health Care Workforce Shortage

Ethiopia has one of the lowest health care worker-to-patient ratios in sub-Saharan Africa, with only one physician per 5,843 people. Many rural clinics operate with just one or two nurses and sometimes, no trained doctors. Programs like the Health Extension Program improve access to basic services.

However, a lack of trained health professionals continues to limit the success of health programming and the overall quality of health care for the population. Key factors contributing to the workforce shortage include a lack of medical training and vocational programs, low salaries, poor working conditions and limited opportunities for advancement. Together, these challenges drive many trained professionals to leave Ethiopia in search of work elsewhere.

Increasing Educational Opportunities

Increasing educational opportunities is an essential component to tackle Ethiopia’s workforce challenges. Ethiopia has made major strides in expanding medical schools and allied health programs nationwide. There has been some success in establishing higher outputs of trained doctors and nurses in a short time.

However, the need continues to grow for trained doctors, nurses and specialists. This requires investments in teaching hospitals, training facilities and qualified faculty. It also calls for partnerships with international universities and health institutions to create opportunities for knowledge transfer, skill development and student exposure to professional exchange programs in global health settings.

Such measures would strengthen medical education in Ethiopia and provide students with valuable pathways to gain experience.

Ethiopia’s Health Care Workers Retention Challenge

Retaining health care personnel is another significant challenge. Many health workers and other health care professionals are often under extreme stress due to a high patient load, old equipment and fluctuating salaries. Such conditions can lead to burnout and increase the likelihood of trained workers leaving their country to work elsewhere for relatively better conditions.

There are many solutions to these retention issues, such as improved standards of care, better health care systems, consistent supply chains for medical equipment and medicines and salaries that are compliant or more than the salaries in the region. Financial incentives such as bonuses for performance or relocation expenses for trained health professionals returning to work in Ethiopia can also boost recruitment and retention of trained health care professionals currently working abroad.

Ethiopia can build a healthier and more robust workforce if it can start to solve retention challenges.

Efforts To Boost the Health Workforce

Technology-based solutions exist to relieve tensions related to the health care workforce shortage in Ethiopia. Programs like the International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation’s (IVeH) telemedicine initiative aim to enhance health care access and education in Ethiopia.

Telemedicine cannot wholly substitute in-person care; however, it is a vital tool to deal with the burden of having limited staff to meet the health care needs of individuals in remote areas for timely consultations.

Public engagement and awareness are also important to create a sustainable health care workforce. Campaigns highlighting the benefits and importance of health care careers can motivate young Ethiopians to pursue medical training and lay a strong foundation for a commitment to service in their communities.

Schools, community settings and social media can all encourage students to consider health care professions. Indeed, by promoting health care as a respectable and impactful career, graduates will be more likely to remain in Ethiopia and support the development of the national health system.

Conclusion

Tackling Ethiopia’s health care workforce shortage has ramifications beyond public health, extending into national development. A stronger and more equitable workforce could expand access to care, prevent avoidable deaths and restore public confidence in the health system.

Training and retaining health care personnel is a health investment and an economic one, as improved health fosters a more productive population capable of advancing national development goals. Furthermore, by aligning efforts in medical education, workforce retention, technological innovation and public engagement, Ethiopia can build a sustainable health care system that meets the needs of its growing population.

– Sophia Scelza

Sophia is based in Lindenhurst, NY, US and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Expanding Access to Maternal Health Care in Tanzania

Maternal Health care in TanzaniaTanzania has made important progress in maternal health, yet preventable deaths remain a challenge, especially in rural areas. The maternal mortality ratio declined from about 980 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 276 in 2023. At the same time, the number of skilled birth attendants has risen sharply in recent years, with national surveys indicating that skilled health providers attended approximately 85% of live births in 2022. These gains show what is possible when facility delivery, trained staff, and essential supplies reach more mothers.

Distance to facilities, shortages of midwives and nurses and inconsistent supplies continue to limit quality care for many women. National strategies highlight the need to strengthen the workforce and ensure integrated services from antenatal through postnatal care. Assessments indicate that Tanzania has not yet achieved the health worker density necessary to meet population needs, which impacts the availability and quality of care in remote districts.

World Bank Support

Through a results-based approach, the World Bank has supported primary health care programs in Tanzania with a strong focus on maternal, newborn and child health. A 2022 financing package under the Tanzania Maternal and Child Health Investment Program is helping improve the quality of essential services and scale up delivery, while 2023 documents outline support for expanding the Safer Births Bundle of Care (SBBC) from antenatal to postnatal services. These efforts aim to improve performance at the facility and local government levels and to strengthen supervision and data use.

Integrating Care Where Women Live

USAID’s Boresha Afya program supported the Government of Tanzania to provide integrated reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services together with family planning, malaria, TB, HIV and nutrition. A midterm evaluation describes implementation across three zones and documents support to more than 1,800 health facilities in the Lake and Western zones, along with community outreach and system strengthening. Implementing partners include Deloitte, Jhpiego, EGPAF, and others working with regional and district teams to improve the quality and continuity of care.

More Facilities, Better Data, Safer Births

National health information shows rising institutional deliveries and better reporting from facilities, which supports targeted supervision and supply chains. Reported institutional deliveries increased substantially from 2016 to 2020, and by 2022, more facilities were consistently reporting on key maternal and newborn indicators. Expanding midwife training and respectful maternity care, together with improved logistics, is critical to sustaining these gains.

The Future

Investing in skilled birth attendance, timely referrals and postnatal care saves lives. Evidence links higher rates of facility delivery and skilled attendance to lower maternal and newborn mortality, and Tanzania’s recent progress reflects this pattern. Continued investment in primary care, workforce capacity, and integrated services can accelerate the decline in maternal deaths and close rural gaps.

World Bank and USAID-supported programs, in conjunction with national strategies such as One Plan III, are expanding access to quality prenatal and delivery care. Strengthening rural facilities, staffing them with trained midwives, and ensuring respectful, integrated services can transform outcomes for mothers and newborns in underserved regions. Indeed, with steady financing and local ownership, Tanzania can continue to reduce maternal deaths and deliver healthier starts for families.

– Joseph Hasty

Joseph is based in Winter Park, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Children International: Lasting Poverty Relief

Children InternationalStarting with a meek beginning in 1936, an organization, not yet formally named Children International, began its outreach out of a one-room medical clinic to help families around Jerusalem.

Over the following decades, the initiative’s care expanded as its positive results increased with the growing care providers. Much of its growth included the development of its own global headquarters, child sponsorship programs, hospitals and many different specialized care opportunities.

By 1989, the organization formally named itself Children International. It began their full-fledged mission to give children poverty relief for a lifetime.

How Children International Works

Children International seeks to provide care and support to all children in need, helping to break the cycle of poverty. Its specialized programs are flexible, adapting to give each child the resources they need to flourish.

One of the organization’s most pertinent parts is sponsorship-supported interventions. These help children and adolescents reach critical milestones and create lasting pathways out of poverty.

Measuring Success

Children International supports its recipients in specific areas to help them achieve lifelong freedom from poverty. The organization’s outreach focuses on the following key aspects of life:

  • Medical Care and Access. Since 2021, Children International has provided more than 100,000 medical and dental services, nearly 40,000 more than in previous years. Additionally, it provided medical support to 20,000 adolescents, giving them access to addiction treatment, contraceptives and other essential services to protect their health and safety. This increased access to health care gave many lower-income families the support they needed to live healthily and adequately.
  • Education Quality and Access. Children International provides students with a wide range of educational resources, focusing on increasing school enrollment, boosting completion rates and improving learning outcomes. Since 2022, 92% of participants in a specialized course designed to help students finish school have completed it. Among youth sponsored by Children International, 99% complete their education. In addition, 150,000 children and youth have been given access to proper technology during their schooling to ensure quality education. Globally, almost two-thirds of children lack internet or technology access, making this service a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
  • Empowerment and Quality of Life. Empowerment and Quality of Life. To lead a higher quality of life, Children International also implements many programs that help youth maintain high emotional well-being. As of 2022, the organization recorded having more than 60,000 participants in its Emotional Well-Being Program. This program aims to improve mental well-being through group settings. Its emotional support services help communities interact socially and strengthen social connections.
  • Into Employment Opportunities. As children and adolescents complete their programs with Children International, they are set up for a proper future that includes poverty relief for a lifetime. This relief includes many meaningful skill learning opportunities such as résumé writing, interview skills, job searching, job applying and other essential career skills. This training allows youth to break the cycle of poverty and gain a life that keeps improving.

A Lasting Impact

Children International aims to create connected, thriving communities for every child, family and individual. The charity allows communities to grow and prosper through programs supporting health, education and careers.

Using targeted outreach strategies, Children International works to break the cycle of poverty and provide families with lasting relief through essential resources.

– Angelina Tas

Angelina is based in Cleveland, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

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