Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

USAID Programs in Nicaragua

USAID Programs in NicaraguaNicaragua remains one of Central America’s poorest countries. In 2016, 24.9% of Nicaraguans were living below the poverty line, a significant decline from 45.8% in 2001, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). From 2000 to 2022, Nicaragua achieved an 18% increase in its Human Development Index (HDI), rising from 0.563 to 0.669. Despite this progress, Nicaragua still ranks 32nd out of 35 countries in North and South America in HDI as of 2022, illustrating persistent development challenges. Limited access to clean water, food insecurity, malnutrition and inadequate access to health care and education mark poverty in Nicaragua, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a critical role in improving well-being in Nicaragua for decades. USAID programs in Nicaragua have supported key initiatives aimed at expanding access to health care and education, strengthening civic institutions and promoting economic growth and stability. However, recent cuts to USAID funding have hindered the progress of many of these initiatives, both in Nicaragua and in other low-and middle-income countries. The gains in personal well-being across Nicaragua throughout the past decade highlight the importance of sustained foreign aid for developing nations. Below are three examples of how USAID programs in Nicaragua have contributed to improving well-being in the country.

Improving Health Care

Over the past decade the Nicaraguan government has committed to improving its health sector programs, a commitment that has steadily strengthened the country’s health care system. These efforts have contributed to improvements in life expectancy, reductions in child mortality rates and higher immunization coverage across the country, according to the World Bank Group.

Although improvements have occurred, significant challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. While the Nicaraguan government offers universal free health care to all citizens, however, unequal distribution of medical supplies and health care personnel leaves many communities underserved, according to Bridge of Life.

In 2019, Salesian Missions, with the help of USAID funding, began constructing a medical clinic for impoverished Nicaraguans living in the cities of EstelÍ, Madriz and Nueva Segovia. The facility has since been completed and offers “high-quality obstetrics, pediatrics and gynecology services,” according to Salesian Missions.

Improving Education

Bettering education and literacy rates has long been a priority of the Nicaraguan government. However, the country still lags behind other low-middle income countries in terms of adult literacy rate—ages 15+. As of 2015, Nicaragua’s literacy rate for individuals aged 15 years or older was 78% for both men and women, notably lower than the median rate of other low-middle income countries, according to the National Education Profile.

Furthermore, a large percentage of school-aged children in Nicaragua do not attend primary or secondary school. In 2015, 18% of primary school-aged children were not attending school, and this figure rose to 43% among secondary school-aged children. Rates of out-of-school children were significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban locations, according to the National Education Profile.

USAID also launched the Community Action for Reading and Security (CARS) program, which improved early-grade literacy along Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast. Across a six year span, the program reached more than 26,000 students and raised reading fluency in early-grade learners. CARS also helped local leaders design and carry out “community action plans” to support long-term education and development, according to DevTech.

Promoting Democracy and Civic Contribution

Nicaragua has long been affected by government mismanagement and dishonest administrations. Corruption and disregard for the rule of law has pushed Nicaragua into political disasters which have had harsh effects on Nicaraguans, according to Global Liberty Alliance. This rocky political history illustrates the necessity of programs to strengthen political transparency and effectiveness.

In 2009, USAID awarded grants to 31 civil society organizations in Nicaragua to promote voter registration, voter education and civic outreach. USAID also trained more than 700 Nicaraguans in anti-corruption practices and taught more than 350 journalists how to improve news quality and access public records, according to the United States Department of State.

USAID also promoted the Citizen Participation Ordinance, which four Nicaraguan municipal councils adopted in 2009. The Ordinance strengthened the role of civil society—community groups, NGOs and everyday people—in helping to shape local projects and policies.

Fostering Economic Growth

USAID helped Nicaragua take advantage of opportunities offered by the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). As a result, in the 2009 fiscal year, more than 9,000 Nicaraguans increased their sales in local, regional and international markets. 

USAID organized training sessions covering “commodity-specific export opportunities, best practices and economic conditions favoring the country,” according to the United States Department of State. More than 2,000 people attended with nearly half of the attendees being women.

Looking Ahead

USAID programs in Nicaragua have directly improved personal well-being by investing in education, health care, civic engagement and economic opportunity. But if funding cuts continue, these gains could be lost entirely. These examples highlight why sustained U.S. foreign aid remains a necessity for Nicaragua and other developing countries working to build a more stable and prosperous future.

– Jordan Venell

Jordan is based in Edina, MN, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

HPV Self-Test Kits: Cervical Cancer Screening in El Salvador

Cervical Cancer Screening in El SalvadorCervical cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers among women worldwide. More than 90% of cervical cancer-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, including El Salvador. In this Central American nation, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, with limited access to traditional screening programs posing a major barrier to prevention efforts.

A Promising Alternative: Self-Collection

To combat this gap in gynecological care, the Salvadoran Ministry of Health partnered with Basic Health International to pilot self-collected HPV testing in rural areas. In the Cervical Cancer Prevention in El Salvador (CAPE) study, more than 500 women participated in self- and provider-based screening. Many preferred self-sampling, citing privacy, comfort and ease of use. This low-cost alternative has the potential to transform cervical cancer screening in El Salvador, especially for women who were under-screened or had never received a cervical exam.

Self-collection allows women to collect cervico-vaginal samples, often at home, using a small brush. This eliminates the need for a speculum exam. Additionally, this is a game-changer for women in rural areas where clinics are far away and stigma around pelvic exams runs deep. In surveys, nearly 40% of participants preferred self-collection and most of those said they would choose it again for future screenings.

Integrating Self-Tests Into National Guidelines

Thanks to strong evidence from pilot studies and advocacy by public health leaders, El Salvador became one of the first countries in the region to integrate HPV testing into its national cervical cancer screening guidelines. This includes the option for women to collect their own samples, a move that improves access and encourages early detection.

The Ministry of Health is committed to screening 70% of eligible women by 2030, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global elimination strategy. Furthermore, the inclusion of HPV self-collection in national policy marks a critical step toward expanding cervical cancer screening in El Salvador to reach the WHO’s 2030 elimination targets.

Scaling up Nationwide

Since self-collection was introduced, cervical cancer screening in El Salvador has grown rapidly. The country has trained more than 4,500 health care workers and screened more than 145,000 women. Screen-positive women are offered treatment at one of 74 centers across the country. Innovations like self-sampling and portable thermal ablation devices are helping to make these services more accessible and affordable, particularly for women in hard-to-reach areas.

A Model for Other Countries

El Salvador’s success shows how simple, scalable innovations can dramatically increase access to life-saving care. Indeed, by removing logistical, financial and cultural barriers, HPV self-collection empowers women to prioritize their health on their terms. As other low and middle-income countries seek to meet the WHO’s 2030 targets, El Salvador’s model offers hope and a blueprint for equitable cancer prevention.

– Anna Chiaradonna

Anna is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

HIV/AIDS in Seychelles and the National Strategic Plan

HIV/AIDS in SeychellesThe population of Seychelles is relatively small, with only around 98,000 people reported living in the country as of 2020. However, the rates of prevalence for HIV/AIDS in Seychelles are relatively high at around 934 people, as last reported in 2020. In addition, new reported cases of AIDS appear to be rising, from 75 new cases in 2016 to 83 in 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Seychelles is experiencing what is termed a concentrated epidemic of HIV. The term concentrated epidemic is specific to the study of HIV/AIDS. It typically discusses a situation where the overall prevalence of HIV is less than 1% of the overall population, but it is sustained through certain high-risk population groups within it.

In the case of HIV/AIDS in Seychelles, the high-risk groups for increased HIV transmission include sex workers, intravenous drug users, migrant workers, adolescents and men who have sex with men. In the past, the local government in cooperation with international organizations, have taken up initiatives towards combating the spread of HIV among the local population. The Seychelles government has termed these the National Strategic Plans (NSPs) which are emblematic of the country’s response to the disease over the last 20 years. Here is some information about the plans.

Information About the National Strategic Plans (NSPs)

  1. The first National Strategic Plan was for 2005-2009, in conformity with the outline that UNAIDS set. With the establishment of the National AIDS Council in 2002, the government of Seychelles opted to move the HIV resistance efforts out of the health sector and pursue a multisectoral approach to combating the disease. International organizations, such as the WHO, UNDP and UNAIDS, also offered their financial and technical support to the plan.
  2. The second NSP was for 2012-2016. This plan was built on the foundation of the 2005 plan and focused on scaling up the response to HIV/AIDS transmission. This plan aimed to help the populations most vulnerable to the disease or the source of the “concentrated epidemic.” By the end of this period, the number of reported HIV infections nearly doubled, while incidence and mortality reduced by more than half. 
  3. The third NSP was for 2019-2023. This plan aims to meet the goal that UNAIDS set, which is the 90-90-90 plan. This objective for HIV/AIDS in Seychelles is to ensure that 90% of people living with HIV is aware of their disease status, that 90% of people living with HIV are undergoing treatment and that 90% of people undergoing treatment have a reduced viral load.

The Success of Addressing HIV/AIDS in Seychelles

Seychelles has almost completely eliminated extreme poverty, which contrasts with many other African countries. Per a recent report by the World Bank as of April 2025, the unemployment rate is only at 3.2%. However, multidimensional poverty remains an issue, since socioeconomic disparities exist due to factors such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. These are key factors that not only increase relative poverty rates and standards of living, but also are key drivers of HIV transmission, since they make up the populations experiencing the concentrated epidemic. The NSPs have specifically been implemented to target these vulnerable populations. A few initiatives that are part of these NSPs that have gone toward addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic include youth-friendly health services with access to post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and condoms and community-based interventions for youth experiencing drug abuse.

Looking Ahead

While Seychelles continues to face its concentrated AIDS epidemic, its strong governmental stance, international cooperation and commitment to short-term goals are strong indicators for the future of HIV prevention and care in the country. 

– Nikhil Kumar

Nikhil is based in Lexington, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Solar Clinics in Malawi: How Off-Grid Power Is Saving Lives

Solar Clinics in Malawi: How Off-Grid Power Is Saving Lives in the Poorest Communities In some of Malawi’s most remote health posts — where fewer than 4% of rural facilities are connected to the national grid — women once gave birth by candle or torchlight. In 2025, with solar-powered “suitcases” and larger photovoltaic systems, these solar clinics in Malawi can refrigerate vaccines, light delivery rooms at night and power vital diagnostics around the clock.

Bringing Light to Rural Clinics

Malawi still faces stark energy inequities: only 11% of the population has grid access (4% in rural areas) and 13% of public health care facilities have no electricity, while another 32% rely solely on unreliable diesel generators. Unreliable power severely hampers vaccine storage, nighttime deliveries and emergency care—contributing to one of the world’s highest maternal mortality ratios.

In August 2024, We Care Solar launched its Light Every Birth initiative in partnership with Malawi’s Ministry of Health and the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Momentum 1-Tiyeni Project. By mid-2025, teams had installed 800 solar suitcases — compact panels, batteries and LED lights — in rural clinics across all three regions and 28 districts. These units provide at least 12 hours of reliable light per night, power fetal monitors and charge mobile devices for telemedicine calls.

Complementing this, the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Solar for Health programme has supplied and installed larger photovoltaic systems at secondary clinics and district hospitals. A 2020 feasibility study reported that 13% of Malawi’s 568 public health care facilities lacked electricity and another 32% depended on diesel, while only 21% had solar systems; UNDP estimates a full solar installation yields a 100% return on investment within 2 to 3.5 years through fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs.

Measurable Health Impacts

At more than 100 rural health centers, We Care Solar and the Judith Neilson Foundation support safer deliveries for at least 80,000 women annually. Midwives report that nighttime delivery complications have dropped by 60% since lights were installed and vaccine cold rooms maintain the required 2–8 °C range, reducing stock loss from 15% to under 1%.

A 2022 report by SolarAid and Mzuzu University found that 76% of off-grid solar systems in Malawian clinics fail within two years because of a lack of maintenance. Their joint pilot introduced local technician training and remote monitoring, achieving 90% system uptime after one year. Scaling this model, UNDP’s capacity-building component trains community-based technicians — 50% women — to install, maintain and repair both Solar Suitcases and larger photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

Sustainable Partnerships and Policy

In late 2023, Malawi’s Ministry of Health adopted a sustainability plan: by 2030, all public clinics will transition to hybrid solar–grid systems, with district health offices responsible for preventive maintenance. This aligns with the national target of 70% off-grid electrification by 2030.

International partners—USAID, UNDP, GIZ and the European Union (EU)—have coordinated through a technical working group to standardize equipment lists, set up long-term supplier agreements and develop an energy-as-a-service model that removes upfront costs for clinics. Community volunteer committees oversee solar equipment maintenance, ensuring that local voices guide the programme’s evolution.

A Model for Low-Income Regions

Off-grid solar clinics in Malawi reveal how decentralized renewable energy can transform health care in low-income settings. Indeed, by combining compact solar suitcases for basic lighting and power, larger photovoltaic systems for refrigeration and diagnostics and strong local capacity-building, clinics gain the reliability once thought impossible beyond the grid. As rural facilities report improved maternal outcomes, reduced vaccine spoilage and greater staff retention, this model offers a scalable blueprint for other countries with similar energy and health care challenges.

– Alexander Broermann

Alexander is based in Frankfurt, Germany and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Public Transportation and Health Access in Malawi

Health Access in MalawiMalawi is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 172nd out of 193 on the UNDP’s Human Development Index. Diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis are rampant and account for a disproportionate number of deaths in the country. As disease is such an issue, accessible health care access in Malawi is a must. Unfortunately, the majority of the population struggles to access these necessary facilities.

Lacking Transportation

Malawi has a population of around 21 million, the majority of whom live in rural areas. Roads lack proper infrastructure and accidents are frequent, and the majority of citizens lack the funds to buy a vehicle.  There are railroads, but they are often insufficient both in convenience and cost. Bikes and taxes are present, but unsafe and costly, so most Malawians must walk to their destinations. Walking is problematic as well, as there is little to no sidewalk present and destinations can take hours to get to. Transportation is even more of a struggle in rural areas, which are often lacking in taxis.

Lacking transportation extends beyond daily activities and into public health care access in Malawi as well. As the population is largely rural, and there is a major lack of funding for health infrastructure, the majority of Malawians must travel long distances to get medical attention.

In 2016, the average travel time between an individual’s home and the nearest health centre was one hour, and 2.5 hours to get to a central hospital. In 2016, roughly 20,000 Malawians died of AIDS and roughly 10,000 of tuberculosis.

Improvement and Aid

Although the state of transportation in Malawi is not ideal by any means, it is not an impossible issue. The South Eastern European Journal of National Health shows that there are multiple paths to improving the standard, such as introducing community funds and increasing the number of hospitals. No solution is simple, however, due to Malawi’s poor economy and the sheer scope of the work that needs to be done.

There are various charity groups that serve Malawi, aiming to improve the state of its health system.  Riders for Health Malawi has been serving Malawi by transporting vital test samples and medical waste since 2011. They have also established a driving school in an attempt to lower the disproportionately high accident rate.

CARE is a group that has a broader approach to aid, but still impacts health services. It provides both access to health services as well as education about health. It also supports hygiene and sanitation, and acts as a major uplifter for women in poverty.

Orant Charities Africa employs highly trained, fully Malawian staff and focuses on health care access.  It established the Kasese Health Care Centre, which acts as the only source for clean medical aid for miles, and provides ambulances when critical patients require higher care. It also sends mobile clinics to rural areas, which struggle most to get care when needed, and has recently renovated its maternity ward, which provides private and clean care for mothers in labour.

Final Remarks

Transportation in Malawi is in a poor state. This affects everything from buying groceries to medical emergencies. With poor funding and lacking infrastructure, establishing proper health connections is a challenge. It is a challenge that can be triumphed, however, and with the aid of those willing to help triumph is certain.

– Cayle Harrison

Cayle is based in Columbia, SC, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Revolutionizing Health Care: 3D Printing in Saudi Arabia

3D Printing in Saudi Arabia3D printing is transforming health care practices across Saudi Arabia. As a regional leader in medical innovation, the country is using 3D printing to advance its health care system. Producing medical devices such as prosthetics, dental implants and surgical tools allows for personalized and cost-effective treatments.

How 3D Printing Is Improving Health Care in Saudi Arabia

  • Lowering the cost of medical care. Saudi Arabians have access to free government-funded health care, but this doesn’t extend to expatriates. Expats, individuals living outside their home countries, make up more than 13 million of the nation’s 38 million residents. Nearly half the population relies on private insurance, either paid out of pocket or provided by employers. 3D printing helps lower the cost of essential medical devices such as prosthetics and surgical tools. By producing these items locally, hospitals reduce their reliance on expensive imports, making treatment more affordable for patients.
  • Accessibility. 3D printing in Saudi Arabia is expanding health care access to rural communities. While 85% of the population lives in urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca, the remaining 15% reside in rural areas with limited access to medical services. This unequal access to health care is partly due to a shortage of health care workers. As of 2023, Saudi Arabia needs 15,000 doctors and 20,000 nurses to meet health care demands. Most medical workers are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. The government program Saudi Vision 2030 seeks to rectify this injustice through its initiatives in 3D printing to localize manufacturing. Instead of having access to supplies needed for specialized care in one hospital in an urban area, 3D printing would make it possible for any medical facility to produce the supplies needed for each patient.The free medical care for citizens also contributes to a lack of quality in the care provided. Public hospitals and clinics are overcrowded and understaffed, resulting in long wait times. 3D printing will help medical staff save time and improve patient care by providing immediate access to the tools they need.
  • Personalizing patient care. Saudi Vision 2030 concentrates on customized prosthetics, surgical tools and medical devices. Traditionally, these items are imported in bulk using a one-size-fits-all approach, which is costly and often results in poor patient fit. Even low-cost 3D printers can produce splints and other basic medical equipment at a fraction of the cost. Widespread access to 3D printing could expand health care access for low-income individuals, including those not protected by minimum wage laws.

Conclusion

3D printing in Saudi Arabia is set to improve public health further as technology advances. Saudi Vision 2030 promises a future of personalized medical care for all, whether low-income, an expat or from a rural area. Sickness doesn’t discriminate and soon, neither will access to affordable health care in Saudi Arabia.

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

IVI and GAVI: The Future of Vaccination in Developing Countries

IVIIn 2024, 4.8 million children below the age of 5 died worldwide, including a staggering 2.3 million newborns. Though the global mortality rate of young children is still far too high, it has almost halved in the past 25 years. In 2000, child deaths worldwide stood at an estimated 9.92 million. This decreased rate is thanks to a myriad of factors at play, but perhaps none more so than the advancement in immunization technologies.

The Work of GAVI and IVI

Organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) are doing life-changing work, especially in developing countries.

Since Gavi’s establishment in 2000, it has aided in vaccinating more than 1.1 billion children in 78 countries; this is one-eighth of the globe’s entire population. These immunizations have, subsequently, averted more than 18.8 million future deaths, decreasing the global mortality rate drastically. Gavi particularly focuses on “zero-dose” children who have not received a single dose of their base-level vaccines and ensures that they are the first to be immunized.

The IVI, established in 1997, devoted itself exclusively to protecting vulnerable citizens of developing countries, who are situationally less capable of receiving necessary vaccinations. The remoteness of these nations creates barriers to immunization, including the lack of concrete infrastructure, weather conditions and political turbulence, among other factors. Currently, IVI operates under a treaty signed by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and 35 countries on several different continents. It is cementing local partnerships in developing countries, which lead to the issuance of immunization technologies in these nations.

Key Players

  • Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Nishtar has devoted her career to campaigning and innovating solutions to global health issues. In 1998, Nishtar founded Heartfile, a nonprofit campaigning for health reform in Pakistan. More recently, Nishtar has focused on the improvement of vaccine delivery for Gavi. She has pioneered the integration of biometric technology into health care delivery, working with organizations like Simprints. Simprints has developed the first open-source biometric digital ID; its issuance in Bangladesh led to a 39% increase in maternal health coverage. Moreover, the introduction of Simprints in the Dhaka and Moulvibazar districts has confirmed the administration of more than 23,000 measles and rubella vaccines in these regions.
  • Dr. Shabir A. Madhi. Madhi is the current Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Immunology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Currently, Madhi is devoted to important work on vaccines that protect both mothers and unborn babies during pregnancy from Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).GBS causes at least 90,000 newborn deaths and 46,000 stillbirths yearly; RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children and causes at least 100,000 infant deaths per year. These deaths are highly concentrated in developing countries. Madhi has recently received licensure for a maternal vaccine that fights RSV. Vaccinating the mother against this virus drastically decreases the risk of disease in infants up to 6 months old.The rollout of this vaccination in developing countries will, undoubtedly, save countless lives. Madhi has also been working on a maternal vaccine for GBS, which, if successful, could have the benefit of protecting the mother, reducing risks of stillbirth and preventing disease in newborns. This vaccine, according to Madhi, should arrive by the turn of the decade.

Conclusion

By 2030, scientists are aiming to reach a neonatal mortality rate of at least 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, as compared to 17 deaths per 1,000 in 2024. With the increasing development and roll-out of advanced immunization technology in developing countries, this process should be faster than it has been in previous years. Deaths claimed by vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are on the decline. Thanks to numerous brilliant innovators, these numbers will keep decreasing.

– Sarina Maloy

Sarina is based in Bath, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Accessible Health Care for Indigenous People in Paraguay

Accessible Health Care Improving for Indigenous People in Paraguay Paraguay has a long history of insecurity in various forms, particularly within Indigenous communities. About 88% of the Indigenous population lives in rural areas that are difficult to access. Due to poor living conditions, such as dirt floors and a lack of running or clean water, diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and other non-communicable diseases are extremely common.

Poverty Leads to Sickness

TB is a disease that is highly concentrated among Indigenous communities, who face a greater risk of contracting it due to ongoing displacement and exclusion from health care and other essential services. These issues are further worsened by food insecurity, inadequate housing and limited access to health care. More than a quarter of Paraguay’s population falls under the national poverty line, which puts people at a greater risk of TB, as well as many other infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Expanding Access to Health Care

In 2023, Paraguay’s Ministry of Health launched a partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to improve access to health care for Indigenous communities. PAHO and WHO made progress through their initiative, Expanding Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care and Integrated Health Services in the XIV Health Region, aimed at enhancing health services and increasing access for Indigenous People in Paraguay.

An outpatient care day event was held to encourage dialogue between health care providers and Indigenous People in Paraguay about the range of available health services through “outreach activities”. The program has also incorporated safeguards and adaptations for certain ancestral practices, such as “horizontal birthing”, to provide more culturally appropriate care. Home births remain the most common among pregnant women, typically with a midwife rather than in a hospital, which raises health concerns and increases the risk of infection.

Technological Innovations

The PAHO/WHO initiative helped to support a “geospatial analysis” device, used to “monitor and manage health services”. This tool has been installed and used in more than 900 Family Health facilities in rural areas of Paraguay. It has improved “service management” by recognizing areas with poor access to health services and locations of at-risk populations. It combines geographical data with “health-service planning,” which in turn helps to distribute resources more effectively.

Health Care Education

Public health training courses held by the Ministry of Public Health, with support from PAHO/WHO, helped improve health care workers’ response to epidemic outbreaks such as TB. The training enabled workers to recognize symptoms quickly, respond appropriately and treat cases effectively, helping to control the spread of these diseases. As a result, preventive actions for various illnesses have greatly improved.

Progress in Motion

The partnership between PAHO/WHO and Paraguay’s Ministry of Health has greatly improved not only the presence of health care and made it more accessible, but also visibility for the indigenous communities. Additionally, it has allowed the Indigenous People in Paraguay to become aware of the facilities that have become accessible to them. Overall, the health system is becoming increasingly supported and reinforced by these improvements and continues to get better each day.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in North Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Gavi Board’s New Plan for Improving Global Health

The Gavi Board’s New PlanThe board for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced adjustments to its five-year plan (2026-2030) following financial withdrawals from some of its donors. The Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health takes into account its limited resources, but also introduces the prospect of new, life-changing projects.

The Impact of Gavi

In the last 25 years, Gavi has reduced child mortality by half. This has been made possible by providing children with access to life-saving vaccines, which is especially important for underserved countries. For instance, regions in West Africa still experience deadly outbreaks of diseases like meningitis, a disease which is extremely rare in the U.S. Developing nations are unable to afford the same vaccination access as countries like the U.S. or the U.K. Gavi aims to help finance this and allow children to be saved from preventable diseases.

Gavi has also helped many countries become financially independent. Nineteen countries that Gavi once supported have now become faithful donors. Not only has the organization provided vaccines for millions, but it has also helped whole countries escape poverty.

The Trump Administration’s Foreign Aid Review

Historically, the U.S. government has been one of Gavi’s largest donors, making up 13% of its total funding. However, this has all changed after the Trump administration’s foreign aid review earlier this year. The administration has announced that its Fiscal Year 2026 budget will not provide funding for Gavi.

Gavi has provided catastrophic estimates that outline what the lack of U.S. funding could mean for the world. Its statistics show that more than 1.2 million children will lose their lives because they will not have access to vaccinations. This is because the help that Gavi provides is only made possible through the support of other countries and organizations. These changes in funding are what inspired the Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health.

Support From the UK

Like the U.S., the U.K. has been a long supporter of Gavi. However, while the U.S. is withdrawing its support, the U.K. is pledging more than $1.5 billion to Gavi. This will provide vaccination access to millions of children over the next five years.

The U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy was quoted as saying: “Our ongoing partnership with Gavi will give millions of children a better start, save lives and protect us all from the spread of deadly diseases.” This pledge will also have a positive impact on the U.K. Working with health organizations across the globe provides jobs for thousands of people within the U.K.

Additionally, by funding Gavi, there is better security for U.K. citizens. Funding research and vaccine development reduces the likelihood of deadly diseases reaching the U.K. This guarantees less stress on U.K. health workers and hospitals.

The Future of Gavi (2026-2030)

The Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health has factored in its limited financial resources. Due to the Trump administration, as well as other donors who have withdrawn their support, Gavi is now operating with $3 billion less than it anticipated for the next five-year period. As a result of these budget cuts, Gavi will be giving less support to immunization programs. Yet, the organization is continuing to ask for more funding from potential donors, so hopefully, this can change in the future.

Despite the financial challenges Gavi is currently facing, the board has announced the creation of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) maternal vaccine program. The details of this program aren’t yet released. However, the organization has stated that it will work to eradicate one of the key causes of pneumonia in children aged less than 5. The board is also now starting its funding for the development of an Mpox emergency vaccine stockpile.

In the case of an emergency outbreak, vaccines would be provided quickly to the areas affected. This is an essential step in working to end the current Mpox epidemic in Africa. Gavi is now working to provide children across the globe with access to vaccines through its first health system strategy. This strategy will create unique programs for a variety of countries with a simpler funding process. Primary health care will be a large focus of this operation.

New funding policies have been implemented as part of the Gavi Board’s latest plan for improving global health. The board has requested that countries participating in its vaccination programs make greater financial contributions. Additionally, an amended Health Systems and Immunization Strengthening (HSIS) policy will be introduced in 2026. This policy will help countries finance their vaccine programs effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, the Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health overcomes the obstacles the Trump administration has put in place. Gavi is still managing to introduce lifesaving programs despite its limited resources. The organization is also hopeful that if other donors decide to re-commit to being sponsors, it will achieve even greater success in protecting the globe against deadly diseases.

– Katie Gray

Katie is based in Glasgow, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

SDG 3 in Brazil: Advancing Health and Well-Being

SDG 3 in BrazilBrazil, Latin America’s largest country, faces a diverse and unequal health landscape. From urban favelas to remote Indigenous communities, access to care varies widely. Millions lack regular health services, and regional disparities in medical infrastructure persist. These challenges make Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3 in Brazil)—ensuring health and well-being for all—a particularly urgent priority.

SDG 3 includes targets to reduce maternal mortality, combat infectious diseases, improve mental health and ensure universal health coverage. Brazil has made significant progress in some areas, although gaps remain. The country is advancing this goal through a combination of public policy, innovation and grassroots action.

According to the Sustainable Development Report, Brazil is making steady progress on SDG 3 in Brazil, particularly in reducing child mortality and expanding access to primary health care. However, ongoing challenges in infrastructure and staffing call for targeted investment and coordination. Here are five ways Brazil is working to enhance the health and well-being of its people.

1. Expanding Universal Health Coverage

Brazil created the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) in 1988, declaring health a right for all citizens. SUS now provides free and universal health care to more than 200 million Brazilians, including vaccines, preventive care, childbirth support and HIV/AIDS treatment.

Despite challenges, Brazil continues to strengthen SUS through mobile health units, telemedicine and community outreach. These efforts, in particular, benefit rural and underserved populations in the Amazon and Northeast. SUS is a cornerstone of progress toward SDG 3 in Brazil, as it reduces inequality and ensures that all Brazilians—regardless of income or location—can access essential care.

2. CONASS and the Oral Health Care Network

Oral health inequality remains a serious issue in Brazil, particularly among low-income populations. Many families cannot afford dental services, and untreated oral diseases disproportionately affect people experiencing poverty. In response, the National Council of Health Secretaries (CONASS) and Conasems created the Oral Health Care Network (RASB) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

This initiative aims to make comprehensive and preventive dental care accessible through the SUS network. The federal government increased investment in oral health programs from R$1 billion to R$4.5 billion, a fourfold rise. This funding supports public dental clinics, mobile services and training for oral health teams. By addressing an often-overlooked dimension of public health, this initiative helps Brazil advance SDG 3 in Brazil more equitably.

3. Addressing Doctor Shortages in Remote Areas

Remote regions of Brazil face a chronic shortage of doctors. In 2023, the government relaunched the Mais Médicos (More Doctors Program) to place trained physicians in underserved areas.

The program now includes incentives for long-term placements, expanded residency opportunities and support for Brazilian medical graduates. Its goal is to reduce turnover and strengthen primary health care delivery where it is most needed. Brazil advances SDG 3 by implementing strategies that enhance continuity of care and guarantee equitable access to health services across all regions.

4. Community-Led Health Outreach in the Amazon

Since 1987, Projeto Saúde e Alegria (PSA) has been working in the Amazon region to deliver health services to remote Indigenous and riverine communities. These groups often lack access to public clinics and face threats from illegal mining and environmental degradation.

PSA operates mobile clinics, provides clean water solutions, and trains community health agents. In response to mercury contamination from mining and the COVID-19 pandemic, PSA expanded its water and hygiene programs. Serving more than 30 villages, PSA shows how grassroots, community-led models can close health gaps and contribute directly to SDG 3 in Brazil.

5. Brazil’s Role in Global Health Policy

In 2024, Brazil hosted the G20 Health Working Group in Salvador, highlighting the need for sustainable financing in primary health care (PHC). To advance SDG 3 in Brazil, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) co-hosted the event, bringing together global leaders to discuss sustainable health financing.

At the summit, Brazil helped launch the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas, a regional initiative to boost PHC investment and resilience. Brazil’s leadership showcased its commitment to building equitable health systems, both domestically and across Latin America. This international engagement reflects Brazil’s growing role as a health leader and its long-term investment in achieving SDG 3 in Brazil.

Progress and Outlook

Through programs such as SUS, Mais Médicos and PSA, Brazil has made significant strides toward achieving universal health coverage, particularly in marginalized regions. Oral health investments and regional partnerships further illustrate its multifaceted strategy to achieve SDG 3 in Brazil. According to recent SDG dashboards, Brazil is showing steady progress in reducing maternal and child mortality and expanding primary health care.

Challenges remain—particularly in infrastructure, staffing and rural care access—but Brazil’s combination of national policy and local innovation is producing measurable impact. Continued investment and coordination will be crucial to sustain progress and enhance the well-being of all Brazilians by 2030.

– Isaac Nelson

Isaac is based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash