Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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Chagas Disease in Bolivia: A Public Health Crisis in Rural Areas

Chagas Disease in Bolivia: A Public Health Crisis in Rural Areas Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south and Chile and Peru to the west. With a population of more than 12 million people, Bolivia is one of the most culturally diverse nations on the continent, home to numerous Indigenous groups. Politically, it is a presidential republic and around 78% of its population identifies as Roman Catholic. Despite progress in democratization and economic development, Bolivia still grapples with poverty, limited access to health care in rural areas and stark regional inequalities.

When it comes to public health, Bolivia faces a unique and often overlooked challenge: Chagas disease. Caused by a parasite transmitted by blood-sucking insects, this tropical disease has quietly affected hundreds of thousands, particularly in impoverished, rural communities. Bolivia has one of the highest rates of Chagas infection in the world, making it both a public health burden and a social justice issue. This article explores the reality of Chagas disease in Bolivia and the ongoing efforts to fight it.

Chagas Disease in Bolivia

Chagas disease in Bolivia, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, continues to pose a serious public health challenge across Latin America and Bolivia remains one of the most affected countries. The disease is widespread across Bolivia, with seven out of the country’s nine departments considered endemic, regardless of altitude. Although major international health efforts, especially those targeting insect vectors and the safety of blood transfusions, have led to a significant decline in infection rates over the past two decades, the burden is still considerable.

By 2005, Bolivia reported around 620,000 cases of infection, down from more than a million in the mid-1980s. Before large-scale control efforts began in 2000, infection rates in Bolivia were alarmingly high, with 90% of adults infected. In 2025, approximately 80% of Bolivian territory is considered endemic. Despite progress, health authorities still diagnose more than 10,000 new cases each year.

The Knowledge of Citizens

People living in rural parts of Bolivia are much more familiar with the insect that spreads Chagas disease. In many rural communities, more than 80% of people could easily recognize the vinchuca, a blood-sucking bug responsible for spreading the parasite. In contrast, only about half of the residents in cities like La Paz and around two-thirds in Santa Cruz were able to identify it correctly. Many rural communities know when it’s most active—often during hot and dry weather—and describe how it enters homes from nearby forests or hides near animal shelters. Locals also talk about its nighttime activity and blood-feeding habits. Interestingly, some communities have noticed a decline in the number of vinchucas in recent years, though the threat is still very real.

Fighting the Illness

Since 2015, Médecins Sans Frontières has been working with Bolivia’s Ministry of Health to improve care for Chagas disease, especially in remote rural areas. One of its most innovative efforts is eMOCHA, a mobile system that allows people to report sightings of triatomine bugs (vinchucas) via free SMS messages. The system uses GPS technology to send technicians directly to affected homes for fumigation and follow-up. Previously, this process could take up to a month—now it happens within days. The pilot project in Narciso Campero Province has shown promising results and may be expanded nationwide or adapted for tracking other diseases.

MSF has also provided training to rural health centers, donated medical supplies like electrocardiography devices and rapid tests and helped treat hundreds of Chagas patients in areas like Monteagudo. Its model suggests that it’s possible to deliver diagnosis and treatment at the primary care level—even in Bolivia’s most remote communities. MSF is now working on a comprehensive manual, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, to help scale the program to other endemic regions.

Looking Ahead

While often overlooked, Chagas disease remains a daily reality for many Bolivians—especially those in rural areas. With the impact of community knowledge, international support and smart technology, progress is underway. However, the road to full disease control remains long and sustained investment is essential.

– Julia Skowrońska

Julia is based in Wrocław, Poland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Years-Long Struggle of Cancer Patients in Gaza

Cancer Patients in GazaIn 2021, cancer was one of the leading causes of death in Palestine. Its mortality rate was higher in the Gaza Strip than in the West Bank, whose population exceeds that of the Strip by a million people. The Gaza Strip is flanked by the Rafah crossing at the far south, bordering Egypt and the Beit-Hanoun crossing up north, bordering Israel across 365km². After the Israeli blockade in 2007, the economy and health care took a severe blow and the movement of people, medicine and food shipments in and out of the Gaza Strip has been severely restricted.

Patients seeking treatment in the West Bank or East Jerusalem have been vulnerable to the continuous shutting of both crossings as well as arbitrary travel permit approvals. A weak health care system coupled with strict travel guidelines has made life impossible for cancer patients in Gaza far before the current conflict.

Incidence of Cancer in the Gaza Strip

Cancer is a widespread disease among Gazan civilians. Between 2014 and 2018, 8,326 cases were recorded. The most common types were breast cancer (18%), colon cancer (10.7%), lung cancer (11.4%), leukemia (9.1%), lymphoma (7.9%), prostate cancer (7.7%), bladder cancer (6.3%), brain cancer (5.3%), stomach cancer (3.2%), pancreatic cancer (2.5%) and kidney cancer (2.2%).

Women accounted for 10% more cases than men. For women, the most common type was breast cancer; for men, it was colon cancer. Among the 620 child cases reported, Leukemia was the most prevalent.

Health Care Access Restrictions

Many patients with various illnesses are referred outside Gaza to the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Jordan for specialized treatment. In 2019, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) statewide reported that the number of medical cases referred for specialized treatment was 26,855 cases, with 6,352 children. Gaza City recorded the highest referral rate, accounting for 46% of all cases across the Strip. However, exiting Gaza, even for medical care, is extremely difficult.

Due to the 18-year blockade, civilians must apply for a permit to cross through the Beit Hanoun (Erez) checkpoint far north of the Strip. Israel completely dictates the approval of the permits and the decisions are arbitrary, with some licenses approved after being rejected and others delayed or even dismissed without proper explanation. The delays can be life-threatening, especially for urgent cases; 8.8% of patients succumbed to their illness six months after they applied for their permit. Israel has also been inconsistent throughout the years; in 2012, the acceptance rate was 94%; in 2017, it dropped to 54%; from 2019 to 2021, it reached 65%, regardless of the urgency of the medical case.

The approval of the permits could depend on gender, age and condition; men aged 40 and below and patients with urological conditions have the lowest approval rates, respectively 47% and 44%. Children are the most vulnerable as they require a legal guardian to accompany them, which requires extra approval. From 2019 to 2021, 54% of parents who applied for a permit did not receive the approval in time for their child’s hospital appointment and neither parent didn’t accompany 32% of children. This is due to the rejection of the parent’s permit and the non-application of the parent to be a companion.

Post-War Circumstances

Before the ongoing crisis, the health care system in Gaza was already lacking proper supplies for cancer patients, hence the need for referral. The constant bombing, lack of fuel, medical supply shortages, insufficient staff and the targeting of hospitals and health care workers have shot the struggle of cancer patients in Gaza to unfathomable heights. The Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital was the only hospital in the strip specializing in oncology. However, it was forced to close within the first month of the Israeli attacks on Gaza; 12 cancer patients died within 10 days of its closure.

By May 2025, 94% of Gaza’s hospitals were damaged or destroyed, leaving only 19 operating for more than two million people. Seven of them only offer basic emergency care. Northern Gaza struggles the most as the civilians residing there have practically no access to health care. Leaving the strip is more impossible than ever. On top of the rejection of referral permits, Gazan citizens have to pay the Egyptian travel agency (Hala) $2,500 for a child and $5,000 for an adult to cross the Rafah border leading to Egypt, which is equivalent to more than fourfold the average Gazan’s yearly income.

The situation worsened after the border closed on March 2, blocking life-saving medicine, food shipments and fuel from entering the Strip for over four months. With a surge in critically wounded patients and the total collapse of the health system, hospital occupancy has soared beyond 200%. Meanwhile, 2,000 cancer patients in Gaza are being overlooked, as their conditions are deemed non-urgent.

Conclusion

Cancer patients in Gaza have suffered from more than their illness. Due to the 18-year-long siege on the Strip, many have lost their lives before accessing proper care. The current war has only accentuated their struggle as the collapsing health care system, influx of casualties and incessant bombings and evacuation orders on hospitals have deprived them of life-saving medical attention.

– Yasmine Belabed

Yasmine is based in Algeria and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Organizations Advancing Disease Prevention in Serbia

Disease Prevention in SerbiaSerbia, a country in the Western Balkans between Southeastern and Central Europe, faces many diseases. It is suffering from the dual burden of communicable and noncommunicable illnesses to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading across Europe. Health organizations are working relentlessly to strengthen disease prevention efforts in Serbia.

European Center for Disease Prevention and Control

Over the past few months, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has visited Serbia. It aims to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of Serbia’s handling of communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

AMR is a major global concern as antibiotic use continues. Within the European Union (EU) alone, 35,000 people die each year from antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The visits by ECDC experts ensure that roadmaps can be produced to follow AMR trends across the country, focusing on important sectors such as public safety, human and animal health.

The ECDC organized these visits using a “One Health” approach. The approach is a collaborative, multi-sectoral goal to achieve positive health for humans, animals and the environment, recognizing that the health of these three groups is interconnected. Using the approach, the EU hopes to increase disease prevention in Serbia and throughout Europe.

In addition to supporting the One Health initiative, the ECDC visited Serbia to help strengthen the surveillance of communicable diseases. On March 18, 2025, the agency released a report on its visit outlining several key recommendations:

  • Case definition revision. Revise case definitions within Europe’s most recent legal framework to understand “notifiable” diseases at the EU level in 2025.
  • Decrease surveillance burden for data providers. An automatic “integration of clinical and laboratory data” will decrease the chance of error within the system.
  • Improve notification timelines. Hold more meetings with stakeholders to collect overviews of notifications, which will aid in the surveillance of diseases.

The World Bank Group

The World Bank Group began a Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control Project for Serbia to aid in improving the Serbian health system. Efforts within the project include five main goals:

  • Improving the competence of providers.
  • Increasing accessibility to services.
  • Strengthening clinical and public health services.
  • Supporting project management, monitoring and assessment.
  • Improve government response in cases of emergency.

The World Bank Group initiated the project in December 2024. Efforts in the project are primarily focused on health facilities and construction, with a secondary focus on health and a tertiary focus on public administration. While the completion ratings and results have yet to be reported, the World Bank Group has reported “satisfactory” reviews for its management and progress in achieving the project goals.

Conclusion

The initiatives taken by groups like the ECDC and the World Bank Group are the first but the most important steps in securing a healthy future for the people in Serbia and worldwide. Suppose projects like the One Health approach improve Serbia’s prevention and control of disease. In that case, the broader application of this method can improve health systems in other developing countries.

– Matthew Perduk

Matthew is based in Chantilly, VA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Liberian Women Are Closing the Maternal Health Gap

Women are closing the maternal health gapLiberia’s health care system, devastated by civil war and the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak, suffers from one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, 628 deaths per 100,000 live births. Nonetheless, after the crisis, Liberian women are closing the maternal health gap and quietly spearheading a transformation.

Through decentralized networks of midwives, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and grassroots advocates, they fill the gaps left by a fractured health system. Backed by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Last Mile Health, CARE Liberia and Mercy Ships, these women are lowering maternal mortality rates while challenging gender and political obstacles. Their approach, based on trust and cultural understanding, serves as a worldwide model for recovery in post-conflict settings.

Grassroots Networks: Midwives and TBAs on the Frontlines

In rural Liberia, where 44% of women deliver at home without skilled assistance, community health workers (CHWs) and TBAs are crucial. Initiatives like Last Mile Health have trained thousands of CHWs to provide prenatal care, make emergency referrals and treat malaria, reaching more than one million people in remote areas. Meanwhile, TBAs, often the only providers in villages, now collaborate with clinics through programs that combine traditional knowledge with medical training.

The Liberia Midwifery Program, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Fund (UNFPA), has expanded rural midwifery schools. The project achieved this, though shortages remain, with fewer than 200 midwives serving four million people. “We need midwives who can ensure safe pregnancies before conception,” Bentoe Tehoungue of the Liberian health ministry says. These efforts yield results: maternal mortality has decreased by 64% since 2000, demonstrating the impact of community-driven care.

Women’s Advocacy

Liberian women are closing the maternal health gap as they are not merely caregivers but also policymakers. Female-led local health committees actively lobby for improved clinics and higher midwife salaries. CARE Liberia supports these efforts through its Women’s Voice and Leadership program, which trains women to hold health budgets accountable.

Although patriarchal resistance is still strong, signs of progress are evident. For instance, in 2019, the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery updated its curriculum to emphasise midwives’ roles as leaders, not just service providers. These changes illustrate a broader pattern: when women spearhead recovery efforts, the solutions tend to be more sustainable.

NGO Partnerships: Scaling Local Solutions

International allies offer vital support without replacing local expertise. Mercy Ships, active in Liberia since 2005, trains surgeons and donates equipment to tackle obstetric emergencies such as fistulas. Meanwhile, Last Mile Health helped establish Liberia’s National Community Health Program in 2016, which has become a global model for CHW systems. Challenges remain with USAID funding cuts straining services, but Liberian women maintain resilience.

Looking Forward

Liberia’s maternal health crisis persists, but women are closing the maternal health gap and have demonstrated that community trust can outperform top-down solutions. By blending traditional knowledge with modern health care, pushing for policy reforms and forming NGO collaborations, they save lives and reshape health care leadership. Their approach offers valuable lessons for societies recovering from crises: lasting change starts with those who understand the needs most.

– Emilia Bartle

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Medical Aid in Jordan Receive Major Upgrades

Medical Aid in JordanJordan, a developing nation, continues to face challenges within its health care system. Like much of the world, the country was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus remains one of the leading causes of death in Jordan. Consequently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the nation experienced a decline in life expectancy, dropping from 79.8 years in 2019 to 75.6 years by 2021.

Beyond the direct health toll of COVID-19, which continues to affect the population, Jordan experienced a significant economic downturn during the pandemic. While tourism is not the country’s primary source of revenue, widespread closures of restaurants and local businesses highlighted the pandemic’s broader economic impact. Reduced consumer activity and a sharp decline in domestic and international visitors contributed to revenue losses across multiple sectors.

As a result, poverty levels in Jordan rose during and after the pandemic. According to the World Bank, 15.7% of the population now lives at or below the national poverty line. In comparison, the poverty rate stood at 14.4% in 2010, reflecting a marginal but notable increase over the past decade.

Medical Tourism in Jordan

Beyond its reputation for agriculture and natural beauty, Jordan is also widely recognized for its health care system. It ranks first in the Middle East for health services due to its well-regarded Western‑educated physicians and advanced medical facilities.

Medical tourism is a significant pillar of Jordan’s economy, generating more than $1 billion in revenue annually. It accounts for approximately 4% of the nation’s GDP. The sector has also created jobs for thousands of Jordanians, especially medical professionals.

Medical Aid Centers in Jordan

Medical aid centers in Jordan have increased recently, with the government upgrading six regional medical warehouses in Irbid, Jordan. According to Firas Hawari, the Health Minister of Jordan, “the new warehouses and vaccination center are part of broader efforts to modernize Jordan’s health care infrastructure, ensuring the efficient and equitable distribution of medicines and vaccines.”

The aim of upgrading Jordan’s medical warehouses is to improve access to efficient, high-quality health care services for medical professionals and the public. These upgrades focus on expanding storage capacity for essential supplies, such as vaccines, medications and medical equipment, thereby enabling streamlined distribution across health care facilities in the country.

Following the successful upgrade of the medical warehouse in Irbid, Jordan extended similar improvements to four additional facilities in Ma’an. Jordan implemented the upgrades through a partnership between the Jordanian Ministry of Health, the European Union (EU) and the WHO, further reinforcing the country’s robust health care system.

Jordan’s broader objective is to achieve universal health care coverage for its citizens and everyone else residing within its borders. To support this goal, the government allocated an estimated 850,000 Jordanian dinars (approximately $1.2 million) for the recent upgrade of its medical warehouses. These infrastructure improvements were completed by the end of March 2025, a key step in strengthening the country’s health care delivery system.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of warehouse upgrades across the country is expected to enhance health care delivery significantly. By increasing storage and distribution capacity, Jordan aims to ensure more affordable and accessible health care services. Furthermore, the upgrades are particularly for vulnerable populations, including refugees and citizens who depend on regular access to medication.

– Erin Lee

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

Photo: Flickr

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Diseases Impacting Egypt

Diseases Impacting EgyptEgypt, a country known for its pyramids and ancient civilizations, is facing a public health crisis. Sanitation, lifestyle habits and limited health care access, which are all characteristics of poverty, have led to multiple diseases impacting the Egyptian population. Ischaemic heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and strokes are the prominent diseases impacting Egypt. Though these illnesses are among the top leading causes of death in Egypt, there are organizations and researchers that are successfully making a change that incorporates ending poverty.

Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD)

IHD is the leading cause of death in Egypt. Commonly known as coronary artery disease, the AHA describes it as heart damage due to narrowed heart arteries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is responsible for 129.3 deaths per 100,000 in Egypt. Poor diet and low physical activity are both factors that can cause IHD and are also caused by poverty. Low-income communities are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy lifestyles like poor nutrition and limited health care access because of financial instability.

To fight this disease and any others, poverty has to be addressed. Extending clinics to rural regions with affordable care options will help fight the problem. Community education programs will bring awareness about diseases impacting Egypt and aid prevention. To raise awareness, the Egypt Healthcare Authority and the Egyptian Society of Cardiology teamed up to start the “Discover the Undiscovered” campaign. By partnering with 45 health facilities, they have been able to bring vast awareness to this dominating disease. Not only will each of these actions help IHD victims, but it also actively combats poverty.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease has become an increasing health concern for the adult population and is high among the diseases impacting Egypt. It has become so prevalent that it is among their leading causes of death. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function.

Limited health care access and the lack of annual screenings result in most of their diagnoses occurring at severe stages. Issues due to poverty like contaminated water, limited health screenings and low health literacy have all contributed to the rise in kidney disease. Polluted water can damage kidneys over time, and the effects are more dangerous in areas where there is no proper filtration. In underdeveloped areas, there is a low health literacy and limited access to health care, which leads to a lack of health screenings, and results in the disease advancing. Clean water access, early screening and awareness programs are ways to fight poverty as well as addressing the rise of kidney disease.

The Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation has begun a mission to raise awareness, gain early detection and research into kidney disease. They have successfully collaborated with other medical societies to exchange knowledge and gain expertise. These efforts have made changes to health access and ending poverty.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Another disease that is taking hold in Egypt is liver disease, more specifically cirrhosis of the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, cirrhosis disease causes the advanced scarring of the liver. The most likely cause of cirrhosis is typically alcohol consumption or hepatitis. Poor sanitation, lack of health care access and poor nutrition are poverty factors that have contributed to the rise of this disease. 

The Egyptian Association for Research and Training in Hepato-Gastroenterology (EARTH) aims to advance research and improve treatment for the millions of Egyptians who have liver disease. They have been able to foster research that has led to improved treatment options. EARTH has organized educational conferences with other medical organizations to exchange the latest clinical practices and innovations. They also use peer networking to communicate new knowledge and discoveries that through time leads to research findings that combats this disease. With these new efforts, they are building a stronger domestic health care system by reducing the dependence on foreign aid and making treatment more affordable and accessible. 

Stroke

Strokes are also among the diseases impacting the Egyptian population. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a stroke is a disease in which a blood clot or broken vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. Low health literacy and financial problems that feed into poverty issues have led to treatment delays, thus the acceleration of the disease. Establishing stroke-ready hospitals in rural areas as well as adapting health care access to reasonable levels will fight strokes and poverty.

The Ain Shams Neurology is an Egyptian research department that has made progress in the research and treatment of stroke victims. Ain Shams established the first stroke units in Egypt, and it remains among the leading units in the country. It has not only been able to treat and manage patients, but the department also provides education programs for students. 

Looking Ahead

The people of Egypt face numerous health concerns. The diseases impacting Egypt are in fact poverty-linked. Fighting poverty as well as disease takes time and resources that Egypt is actively trying to find. Through this hardship, there have come many organizations that have fought to help the sick. Researchers have made substantial progress with the research of these diseases, bringing unprecedented attention and progress to Egyptian health care, and in ending poverty as well. 

– Emily Herlehy

Emily is based in Denton, TX, USAand focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Palliative Peace: Cancer Patients in Syria

Cancer in SyriaThe consequences of war are immense; it impacts every aspect of life, from transportation to crop cultivation and the ash and smoke of conflict taints everything. Countrysides are ravaged, cities are turned to rubble and families are displaced, but all that is widely known; however, what is not frequently discussed is the systematic harm.

For 13 years, Syria was plagued by a violent civil war and during this time, people who had cancer found themselves in a precarious situation. Oncology institutions suffered from scarce supplies, staff and necessary medical equipment. Even in the developed world, cancer remains a prominent reason for mortality. With conflict, this issue is exacerbated and worsened.

Challenges

War affects every aspect of ontology care. For one, the ability of patients to continue financing treatment is hindered. Despite the abundance of humanitarian assistance and aid programs, many Syrians experience severe financial distress, with social support, medical insurance frameworks and affordable treatment being conspicuously absent. This burden results in treatment costs exceeding 40% of a household’s capacity to pay. However, this matter is intensified by the number of internally displaced persons living in the territories of the Idleb and Aleppo governorates. It is a structural predicament, derived from the base of all institutions being shaken by the roar of artillery.

It’s not just patients who suffer; the oncology institutions are also affected. Supplies are limited due to the logistical challenges caused by the conflict. Most advanced oncology centers are concentrated in major cities, making it extremely difficult for people in other parts of the country to access essential care. The Al-Bayrouni center in Damascus is responsible for a significant portion of care; further, such an institution is the only location in the country able to address thyroid care. Uncommon cancers can only be treated in specialized departments, which are only present in specified localities.

Confounding factors, such as cost, location and scarcity, combine to worsen the effects of cancer. These barriers prevent patients from accessing essential palliative care, allowing the disease to progress unchecked. As a result, mortality rates rise, with early-stage cancers advancing rapidly to more severe stages. Between 2019 and 2022, 61% of cancer patients in Syria were stage III or above at diagnosis, which exemplifies the issue. Even at the conception of care, the ailment is too far developed for adequate and affordable remedies, making the process easy to ameliorate.

Solutions and Aftermath

The abdication of Bashar Al-Assad has induced a dramatic shift in the domestic conditions of Syria. The underlying conditions for many of the present maledictions abated with the presence of the new administration. The newfound peace rectifies issues derived from logistical limitations; roads no longer carry the burden of armed militants and paramilitary organizations, which means that both individuals can travel with relative ease and supplies can be rendered more efficiently.

In an important administrative step, the debt of Syria has been paid for by the Gulf States, thereby allowing for additional loans from the World Bank. This exciting opportunity heralds the possibility for the revitalization of infrastructure, such as medical institutions, roads and state-sponsored welfare programs. The creation of a robust framework is not possible and, in topological terminology, a base capable of holding additional structures is now present.

If these corrections are implemented, the people of Syria will benefit greatly. Tangible societal changes could make medical care in Syria more affordable, reducing mortality rates and giving low-income populations access to essential cancer treatment. Affordable health care is a cornerstone for survival; it creates a healthier, more productive population capable of working, saving and contributing to the economy. As the conflict subsides, medical institutions could be revitalized through international support, domestic stability and strengthened oncology infrastructure.

Conclusion

Many of the challenges rooted in the conflict may begin to ease as a transitional state takes shape, fostering a fragile but hopeful peace. This shift will directly benefit people with low incomes, who will gain access to a developing market capable of meeting critical health care needs. Additionally, the rate of brain drain is likely to fall, allowing for a stable labor force. A new horizon is emerging, with a bright future dawning over a land once shrouded in darkness.

– Jackson Hufman

Jackson is based in Glenwood, MD, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health Reforms in Uganda

Health Reforms in UgandaLocated in East Africa, Uganda is landlocked between South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Since the late ’80s, when the current government came into power, Uganda has been aiming to improve its health care system through changes in financing, centralization and engagement with the private sector. Health reforms in Uganda are implemented to address infrastructure, human resources and access to health care.

Ministry of Health Strategic Plan

Uganda’s Ministry of Health Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25) guides the country’s health sector priorities in alignment with the National Development Plan III and Vision 2040. It focuses on improving access to quality health care, enhancing health system efficiency and promoting disease prevention.

The plan emphasizes universal health coverage, infrastructure development, human resources and digital health integration. It also outlines strategies for strengthening governance, financing and community health systems to achieve better health outcomes and resilience.

Sector-Wide Approach

In the early 2000s, Uganda’s Ministry of Health implemented a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) as part of its broader health reform strategy. This model aimed to align all stakeholders, the government, donors and implementers, under a unified national health plan. While decentralization of the health sector had already begun in the ’90s, SWAp helped reinforce the process by channeling resources and decision-making to local governments.

A key advantage of SWAp was its role in reducing aid fragmentation. By encouraging pooled funding and sector-wide planning, the approach helped prioritize high-impact investments in alignment with national goals. Though some major global health donors operated outside the SWAp framework, the model enhanced coordination and accountability for many key health programs.

SWAp also strengthened district-level governance. It provided Uganda’s districts with planning, monitoring and performance review tools, while increasing attention to health information systems and evidence-based management. Though the SWAp was initially successful, its impact has declined due to capacity constraints and a weakening Ministry of Health.

The National Health Insurance Scheme

Uganda is currently seeking to establish a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve financial risk protection through pooled contributions, where wealthier individuals subsidize others. Although Parliament passed the NHIS Bill in March 2021, the President has not yet signed it into law. Furthermore, the revised version is pending Cabinet approval.

Currently, health insurance coverage in Uganda remains extremely low. Only around 1% of the population is insured, leaving the vast majority exposed to high out-of-pocket health costs. Many households are pushed into poverty due to medical expenses, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited.

The proposed NHIS, if enacted, would pool contributions from citizens, allowing those with greater financial means to help offset health care costs for lower-income Ugandans.

Moving Forward

Through its strategic health plan, Uganda has formulated a solid plan for moving forward. The future of the health care sector in Uganda is bright, especially with reforms like NHIS, which could be a sustainable way to establish high-quality, accessible health care.

– Ariana Wang

Ariana is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Yemen’s Pervasive Health Care Crisis: Diseases Impacting Yemen

Yemen’s Pervasive Health Care Crisis: Diseases Impacting Yemen It has been more than a decade since the Yemeni civil war has thrust Yemen into one of the most dire humanitarian crises in modern history. Many of Yemen’s hospitals have collapsed or are now severely damaged by the prolonged political crisis, plunging Yemen’s health care system into a complete state of distress. As a result of its current state of political, economic and overall societal turmoil, 15.3 million Yemenis have no access to clean water, sanitation systems or hygiene supplies, leaving the majority of citizens at risk of exposure to diseases like cholera, diphtheria and measles. With a decline in feasible hospital facilities, sanitation systems and hygiene supplies, the risk of disease exposure has become even more probable in Yemen. Below are statistics highlighting diseases currently impacting Yemen and efforts that can potentially alleviate its current health care crisis.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Neglected tropical diseases are diseases that stem from a combination of environmental conditions, poor sanitation infrastructure and poor health care conditions. Malaria, dengue fever, cholera and schistosomiasis are among only some of the most common NTDs. In 2022, an estimated 110,000 cases of malaria were reported in Yemen; there were more than 2.5 million suspected cases of cholera, accounting for the largest case of cholera ever reported. There have been annual reports of thousands of cases of dengue fever. These statistics cover only a fraction of NTD cases that currently taint Yemen’s health care system and are a product of its state of political strife, while simultaneously compounding Yemen’s current humanitarian crisis. 

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is one of the current prime causes of disease risk in Yemen. More than 18 million Yemenis currently struggle with food insecurity and at least 80% of its civilians currently live below the poverty line. More than 45% of children in Yemen suffer from malnutrition and the poverty crisis has left millions of Yemenis at risk of neurological, chronic and other long-term diseases like cystic fibrosis, renal failure, congenital heart disease and neuromuscular diseases.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of COVID-19 completely exacerbated Yemen’s already severe health care and economic crisis. Due to Yemen’s severed health care system, there were only six COVID-19 testing sites available, a fairly limited amount of available protective equipment and a lack of health care professionals equipped to handle the consequences of the pandemic. The disruption of COVID-19 also caused a 19.6% decline in the influx of remittances, sequentially leading to an average 20% household income reduction. While the COVID-19 crisis has since smoothed over, the economic disruption has continued to pervade civilian life, as the percentage of Yemeni civilians susceptible to acute malnutrition and long-term chronic illnesses has increased since the start of the pandemic.

Looking Forward

While tragedy still persists in Yemen, there have been many initiatives dedicated to halting its humanitarian emergency. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently providing medical aid to around 12.6 million people in Yemen, with an emphasis on alleviating acute malnutrition, improving maternal health care and improving disease surveillance, amongst many other focuses. 

UNICEF has also contributed to efforts in increasing health care services by providing primary medical care as well as vaccines, medical equipment and training. Doctors Without Borders has brought medical professionals to Yemen to support hospitals, health facilities and governorates throughout the country as well. The organization’s doctors have also been focusing on “maternal and child health, specialist and emergency care and responding to malnutrition and outbreaks of preventable diseases such as cholera, diphtheria and measles”. Through the efforts of Doctors Without Borders, medical teams in Yemen have admitted 165,200 people to hospitals, conducted 26,900 surgical interventions, enrolled 11,900 children in feeding programs and treated 12,800 patients for measles.

While many humanitarian organizations and nonprofits have contributed to alleviating diseases currently impacting Yemen, issues persist. Sustained humanitarian aid to countries like Yemen depends on continued advocacy to keep the issue a priority for lawmakers. This support is essential for achieving long-term, measurable change.

– Ava Lachini

Ava is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Water Purification in Developing Countries: 5 Techniques

Water Purification in Developing CountriesIn 2025, approximately 2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water worldwide. Three criteria determine clean water access: water must be located at home, available when needed and free from contamination. Many families spend dozens of hours per week collecting water. In particular, women often travel long distances to collect water for their households. Collection locations do not always guarantee uncontaminated water.

Drinking contaminated water can spread disease and may be fatal for entire households. Fortunately, nonprofit aid organizations such as the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Vision and Water.org are implementing various water purification methods in developing countries. Decontamination technology, water infrastructure and sanitation education are vital resources in making safe water accessible to all. 

Methods That Make Local Water Safe to Drink

To make clean drinking water accessible, solutions rely on local water sources. Unfortunately, streams, rivers and lakes are often contaminated. Below are several methods used for water purification in developing countries.  

  1. Membrane Separation Technology. Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration are the two most commonly used membrane separation techniques. Membrane separation uses high pressure to filter water through a porous wall. The permeable barrier prevents bacteria, pathogens and chemicals from passing, only allowing clean water through. Membrane separation technology is versatile and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for rural communities. Membrane separation is especially useful in preventing waterborne illnesses. 
  2. Chlorination. Water chlorination disinfects lakes, rivers and groundwater by adding a sodium hypochlorite solution to contaminated water, effectively killing bacteria and viruses. It is inexpensive, but excessive chlorine intake may pose health risks if used as a sole solution. 
  3. Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS). Solar water disinfection treatment uses ultraviolet rays to kill waterborne bacteria. It is inexpensive and ideal in circumstances where resources are scarce. Families fill 2-litre polyethylene terephthalate bottles with local water and lay them in the sun for six hours. SODIS is primarily valuable for household use, as it disinfects only small amounts of water at a time.  
  4. Filtration Systems. Biosand Water Filtration (BSF) is an inexpensive household filter, making water purification in developing countries domestically accessible. BSF consists of a large container with layers of washed sand and gravel. Local water is poured over the container. The sediment acts as a filter, trapping 90% of bacteria and 100% of parasites, which allows safe drinking water to flow through. 
  5. Wells and Aquifers. Digging wells is a common strategy for improving access to clean water in developing countries. Wells are either hand-dug or drilled underground and pipelines connected to a large pump draw groundwater from a local aquifer. Although wells are a more expensive solution, they can effectively supply water to an entire community.

Long-Term Solutions

Water infrastructure is essential for making clean water widely accessible. Treatment centers, pipelines and pumping networks help distribute decontaminated water over long distances. In Juba, South Sudan, UNICEF’s 2017 Lologo project established a water treatment plant that draws water from the Nile River, decontaminates it and pumps it throughout Juba and local camps. This is one of many infrastructure projects launched globally to support water purification in developing countries.

UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program ensures schools educate students on hygienic toilet use and clean water maintenance. In Bangladesh’s largest refugee camp, Kutupalong, children ages 10 to 15 participate in World Water Day art competitions, drawing images reflecting the importance of clean water and sanitation. WASH workers hold hygiene awareness sessions for Rohingya refugees of all ages to attend. 

Looking Ahead

Water purification is a vital step toward poverty reduction. With continued investment in decontamination methods and infrastructure, access to clean water may soon become a reality for all.

– Helen Cusick

Helen is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good Newsn and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr