Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

Addressing Healthcare in Nepal

Healthcare in NepalNepal is a country in South Asia, home to some 30 million people. The country is located in the Himalayas, bordering China and India. Nepal is also known for being the home of the tallest mountain in the world; Mt. Everest, as well as being the birthplace of the Buddha. Nepal is a developing country, and as a result, it still faces certain challenges when it comes to healthcare. Rural healthcare in Nepal can be particularly challenging.

About Healthcare in Nepal

Nepal is a predominantly rural country. Approximately 79% of the country lives in rural areas. As a result, there is a significant urban and rural divide in the country when it comes to healthcare. Because of the country’s hilly and mountainous terrain, expanding healthcare programs to rural areas can be challenging. Rural areas have fewer clinics, healthcare personnel and medical equipment than urban areas. Rural healthcare in Nepal faces many such challenges. The access to proper healthcare is not distributed evenly throughout the country.

A mix of public and private services provide healthcare in Nepal. The government provides basic healthcare services. Private sectors provide a larger number of services. People in urban areas rely more on the private sector for healthcare. People in rural areas rely more on public healthcare services. Pharmacies are the leading providers in the private sector. But in general, most citizens rely more on the private sector. About 63% of Nepalese relied on the private sector regardless of their economic background. Public hospitals are the primary healthcare facilities in the country, followed by primary healthcare centers, health posts, private facilities and basic healthcare service centers.

Challenges With Healthcare Access in Nepal

About 20.3% of the Nepalese population lives below the poverty line, according to the Asia Development Bank (ADB). The United Nations classifies Nepal as one of the least developed countries in the world. This makes it difficult for the Nepalese government to provide adequate healthcare, especially in rural areas. The country’s economic status makes rural healthcare in Nepal a challenging endeavor for the government.

Despite its economic situation, the Nepalese government has taken efforts to improve the country’s healthcare situation. The country’s constitution declares healthcare a fundamental human right. It also guarantees that every Nepalese citizen has a right to free basic healthcare services from the state. In addition to this, the Nepalese government has initiated a national immunization program to vaccinate the population against various diseases. In 2015, the government passed the Immunization Act, which confirms the right to vaccinations for all children by way of an efficient immunization program.

Nepal has also had programs specifically designed to vaccinate children. About 65% of 1 to 2-year-old Nepalese children have received all necessary vaccines. However, there is still room for improvement. Specifically, there are significant disparities regarding who receives vaccines. Education level and caste play a big role in vaccine distribution. People belonging to lower castes, and those who have not received any education are less likely to be properly vaccinated. The urban and rural divide comes into play here, as people living in rural and remote areas are less likely to have received proper vaccinations due to their caste or education level.

Solutions

In 2012, the country began the Reaching Every Child program to vaccinate all Nepalese children. The program is part of the broader National Immunization Program, designed to properly immunize and vaccinate citizens from deadly diseases. Through this program, the Nepalese government aims to vaccinate every child across the country, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas.

Other strides have been taken to expand rural Nepal’s access to healthcare. The Internet Society is leading an Effective Broadband for Health program for rural areas in Nepal. The program established wireless broadband services in Nepalese villages. It also provided remote villages with telemedicine solutions, and helped build proper healthcare infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

Nepal still has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to expanding healthcare to rural areas. Rural areas still lack things like healthcare infrastructure, personnel, medicine and accessibility. However, the country is actively working to improve the situation. The constitution declares healthcare a human right and gives every citizen access to free basic healthcare services. Additionally, companies like the Internet Society are also working to expand healthcare access to remote areas through wireless broadband services. 

– Samriddha Aryal

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

5 Charities Benefitting Public Health in Trinidad and Tobago

Public Health in Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system is made up of both a federally-funded system and a private sector. As with most countries, the private sector of Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare system grants people access to better hospitals and clinics, thus better care. However, the cost is not feasible for all Trinidadians and Tobagonians. Around 20% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population falls under the poverty line, and the few public healthcare facilities on the islands lack adequate supplies, ambulance services, and technology to provide high quality care.

The non-communicable diseases  heart disease is the leading cause of death in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 60% of deaths in the country. Other causes such as lupus and drowning are low, but they do still contribute to a chunk of the health issues in the country.

From providing civilian training on lifesaving techniques to providing mental health services, here are five charities that are aiming to bring better public health services to the 1.3 million citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

1. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago

The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago believes that behavioral health is just as important as physical health. The organization is benefiting public health in Trinidad and Tobago by providing the support and services that children and young adults with ADHD require to reach their full potential.

The foundation offers aid through many different avenues. It hosts training programs to educate parents of children with ADHD about the condition and give them strategies to better manage their child’s behavior. There are workshops for training teachers on identifying ADHD behaviors and creating an ADHD-friendly classroom environment, and for giving children self-management tools. The ADHD Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago also conducts research to ensure that its intervention techniques are effective and aims to provide low-cost counseling and testing for children with ADHD.

2. Arrhythmia Alliance 

Arrhythmia Alliance originated in 2004 with the goal to improve services for arrhythmias and other irregular heart rhythm disorders in the U.K. The organization comprises health care professionals, patients, caregivers and policy makers. In the past 20 years, Arrhythmia Alliance has expanded to more than 40 countries worldwide, including Trinidad and Tobago. 

Its mission is to “promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias” by educating and bringing awareness to the heart disorder. Arrhythmia Alliance is a partner of World Heart Rhythm Week, which takes place annually during the first week of June, and advocates for enhanced heart rhythm care worldwide. It also sponsors the Know Your Pulse program, which educates the public on the importance of knowing how to take your own pulse to prevent medical emergencies such as strokes.

3. The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society (TTLS) falls under the Royal Life Saving Society. The organization, which is registered in the U.K., covers 31 Commonwealth countries and works to help communities in developing “lifesaving education initiatives and drowning prevention programmes.”

The Trinidad & Tobago Lifesaving Society branch formed in 1948. However, its original name was the Maracas Bay Lifeguard Club and it became known as the TTLS in 1976. The society trains lifeguards, lifesavers, military personnel, schools and public members. As of today, Trinidad and Tobago has more than 600 lifeguards who are actively involved in teaching, lifesaving and contributing to public health improvements in Trinidad and Tobago.

4. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s (TTRCS) main mission is to provide ambulance services that are fully stocked with medical equipment and run by trained paramedics. These ambulances provide many services, including medical care, such as blood pressure and glucose testing, and transport to hospitals. The TTRCS also benefits public health in Trinidad and Tobago by teaching CPR and First Aid training to civilians in order to help people respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.

The TTRCS established the Henry Dunant Clinic in April 2021 with the purpose of bringing some relief to the overwhelmed healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The clinic aims to provide locals with free healthcare thanks to volunteer healthcare professionals.

5. The Voice of Lupus Foundation

The Voice of Lupus Foundation is a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of those lupus has impacted in Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission is to draw awareness to the often overlooked disease by advocating, educating the public and supporting patients and families who have Lupus has affected. Furthermore, through its advocacy efforts, The Voice of Lupus Foundation hopes to amplify the voices of Lupus patients and their families and help them receive access to care and support services.

Looking Ahead

Improving the health care system in Trinidad and Tobago will require a lot of work and committed efforts. However, these five highlighted charities have tackled different aspects of public health, from mental health to emergency response, to try and fill gaps that the government has left and build a healthier Trinidad and Tobago.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

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

Photo: Unsplash

, , ,

Addressing Health Care and Elderly Poverty in Bahrain

Elderly Poverty in BahrainBahrain has a growing elderly population with an expanding health care system. Since the 1990s, health care has been free for all Bahraini citizens. Health care ranges from the private to public sectors in the country. Universal health care helps address elderly poverty in Bahrain by providing the elderly with free health care access.

The BTI 2024 country report said that, “Although there is no reliable data on Bahrain’s poverty rate and the extent of relative inequality, the unequal distribution of wealth remains a major concern.”

Although there has been improvements, the elderly are concerned about their finances and do not believe pensions are helping as much as they could. Due to rising prices, people are becoming dependent on families because of a lack of funds. Meanwhile, the government claims that Bahrain does not have any poverty.

Shortcomings in Health Care for the Elderly in Bahrain

One of the shortcomings in Bahraini health care is a lack of geriatricians, also known as doctors for the elderly. The country has seen an increase in the elderly population from 1981-2024.

Maria Morcos, a certified physician assistant and researcher, said, “In the Bahraini health care system, patients don’t need primary care referrals to specialists—they are able to walk in at their convenience to receive testing or imaging without prior approval.” She further said how anyone can walk in to a specialist without a referral like in the United States.

Citizens can change their provider as they wish which can cause confusion as to if one is getting better. This type of approach is what Morcos calls a “patient-centered approach.”

“A common critique of this patient-centered model of care is the fact that many patients don’t feel well-equipped with medical knowledge to know what to choose or what to do, and some prefer the provider who definitively recommends what they personally think is best,” said Morcos. 

American Mission Hospital

The nonprofit hospital in Bahrain, the American Mission Hospital, is helping citizens, including the elderly, for free. In 2024, the Ministry of Social Development partnered with the American Mission Hospital and a psychiatric hospital to give health checks to citizens 60 years and older. In 2024, the American Mission Hospital also provided educational talks and demonstrations to Bahraini citizens.

“Our community outreach programs are developed around the needs of the people in Bahrain,” said Dr. George Cherian in an interview by Amal Abdullah. “Care of the elderly, the special needs children, reach out to labor camps are some of the activities we are involved in.”

An article by ADHRB said, “Older people in Bahrain often have to deal with several issues, from access to healthcare systems and maintenance of their economic security and independence to fighting social isolation.”

Some of the American Mission Hospital sponsors are BMI Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Rashid Group. One of the ways American Mission Hospital generates income is through an annual golf tournament, where most of the funds go towards medical supplies.

The health care information guide said, “The Ministry of Health extends its support to elderly patients through mobile units and home visits, especially for those unable to access health centers, complemented by the Ministry of Social Development‘s provision of daycare, residential care services, and social assistance for the elderly.”

Looking Ahead

The country formed a national committee for the elderly in 1984. The American Mission Hospital has recently joined the “Mayo Clinic Care Network,” giving them access to different resources. The Mayo Clinic Care Network includes different resources the hospital will be able to take advantage of experience to improve as a whole.

Bahrain continues to make improvements to health care to prevent elderly poverty in Bahrain. The Gulf Press said, “By offering incentives to civil society organizations to establish additional facilities, the Ministry aims to provide seniors with a range of services including social, health, psychological, rehabilitation, and recreational care.”

– Matthew Restrepo

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

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

How Two New Mobile Medical Apps in Cameroon

Medical Apps in CameroonThe leading cause of death in Cameroon is Malaria, with the second being childbirth. Currently, innovative technology in Africa, specifically in Cameroon,  helps to prevent mortality rates in children, pregnant women and many more marginalized groups of people. It also allows easy and affordable prenatal and nonprenatal care for expectant parents and patients. 

Bornfyne App

An effective way technology has improved medical care in Cameroon is through mobile phone apps. The BornFyne app, an app created in 2018 by Miriam Nkangu (Founder), Donald Weledji (Co-founder) and Sanni Yaya (Co-founder) in Cameroon. The objective of the Bornfyne app is to help pregnant women with prenatal and postnatal care. Besides pre- and postnatal care, the app also provides appointments for emergencies, medical advice via offline forums and family planning.  In westernized countries, apps like Bornfyne are readily available, but in countries like Cameroon, receiving medical care can be difficult due to the expenses and many people live far away from hospitals that offer adequate care. The app also allows health care providers to have follow-up appointments and other forms of communication. 

Waspito App

Another innovative app that has improved the health of the people in Cameroon is the Waspito app. Founded in 2020 by CEO Jean Lobe Lobe, the Waspito app is similar to the BornFyne app, except its sole focus is not on parental care. Like the BornFyne app, it allows online communication, consultations and medical advice. The app also connects patients with doctors based on their location, address and affordability.

The unique feature that the Wasptio app has is that it allows at-home labs. Meaning that doctors enter a patient’s home to do labs. These mobile labs enable people to access care without leaving their homes. Since 10.5% of the population in Cameroon is disabled, the app enables disabled people to get adequate care without leaving their own homes. In addition to being inclusive, the app connects users to more than 850 doctors across Cameroon who specialize in various fields. This makes visiting doctors easier, as patients can actively research and choose their doctors.

Looking Ahead

Mobile medical apps like Bornfyne and Waspitomake make health care in Cameroon much more accessible, improving the health care system in new ways. Their accessibility also decreases the maternal and infant mortality in Cameroon. In addition, these apps are important for pregnant women, as Cameroon has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates, with 438 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

– Erin Lee

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

HIV/AIDS in Armenia

HIVAIDS in ArmeniaAlthough Armenia maintains a low national HIV prevalence—less than 0.2%, the number of new infections has steadily increased in recent years. Between January and October 2024, health authorities recorded 462 new HIV cases, bringing the total number of registered infections since 1988 to approximately 6,076. According to Anna Mergelyan, head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Center for Infectious Diseases, the primary transmission route was heterosexual contact (81%), followed by homosexual contact (12%) and injecting drug use (6%).

Rising Infections Among Key Populations

While the national prevalence of HIV remains low, the virus disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) studies and independent reporting indicate that HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) increased from 2.7% in 2018 to approximately 5.0% in 2021. Additional risk groups include people who inject drugs (2.6%), transgender individuals (2.5%) and sex workers (0.2%). These trends underscore the need for targeted prevention services, especially in urban areas like Yerevan and regional centers such as Gyumri and Shirak.

HIV/AIDS Stigma and Health Care Barriers in Armenia

Despite the availability of free HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART), stigma in health care settings remains a significant barrier. People living with HIV/AIDS in Armenia frequently report being denied services, especially in nonspecialized clinics. Zhenya Mayilyan, head of the NGO Real World, Real People, stated, “If we compare the situation 10 years ago and now, a lot has changed – both in the public perception and in the level of people’s awareness. However, people living with HIV in Armenia are discriminated against in various spheres of life, in particular, in medical institutions, where a person has to report his or her HIV status when they need some kind of medical intervention.”

She also highlighted specific instances of discrimination, such as a case where an HIV-infected person with a second group of disabilities was refused a spinal tap in two well-known medical centers in Yerevan. The procedure was only carried out after the intervention of a social worker from a public organization.

National Progress and Global Recognition

Armenia became one of the first countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and syphilis—a milestone officially recognized by the WHO in 2018. The achievement followed years of investment in maternal health screening, antiretroviral access and prenatal care. Between 1996 and 2010, the country registered 968 HIV cases, with more than 400 progressing to AIDS. A peer-reviewed study in the Journal of AIDS and HIV Research found that most infections occurred among men aged 30 to 39 and more than half had links to heterosexual contact or injecting drug use.

More recently, Armenia has made significant progress toward meeting UNAIDS’ “95-95-95” targets. By late 2022, approximately 77% of people living with HIV were aware of their status, 81% of those diagnosed were receiving ART and 86% of those on treatment had achieved viral suppression.

Community Efforts and Harm Reduction

Local NGOs, such as Real World, Real People, Pink Armenia and Right Side, continue to lead the HIV response at the grassroots level. These organizations provide mobile testing services, legal advocacy, peer support networks, and psychosocial care. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access has also expanded through donor-supported pilot programs.

While government reporting suggested that more than 18,000 individuals from high-risk groups received HIV prevention services in recent years, exact figures are not publicly available in English-language government databases. Independent sources note that outreach efforts remain strong, with HIV testing coverage exceeding 90% for groups such as MSM and people who inject drugs.

Moving Forward

HIV/AIDS in Armenia remains a concentrated but growing public health concern. The country has taken bold steps—from eliminating mother-to-child transmission to reaching strong treatment coverage levels—but stigma, rising infections and inadequate legal protections continue to threaten progress. Continued investment in public education, stigma reduction, legal reform and NGO-led outreach can potentially ensure that all Armenians—regardless of background or identity—have access to lifesaving HIV prevention and care.

– Mamie Hirsh

Mamie is based in Berkeley, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything To Know About HIV/AIDS in Mongolia

HIVAIDS in MongoliaMongolia is a vast country in East Asia, bordered by China and Russia, with a population of about 3.5 million people, nearly half of whom live in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Once part of the Mongol Empire and later a Soviet satellite, Mongolia has undergone a rapid political and economic transformation since the 1990s. Today, it is a democratic state with a growing, resource-based economy. However, the country still faces infrastructure gaps, urban-rural inequality and a fragile health system stretched across immense distances.

In the context of public health, Mongolia has been largely spared from large-scale epidemics. HIV prevalence remains low, but that does not mean the risk is absent. For a nation often overlooked in global health discussions, Mongolia’s quiet battle against HIV is a story of early success—and urgent, unfinished business. Here is information about HIV/AIDS in Mongolia and efforts to combat it.

The Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Mongolia

Mongolia has maintained a low overall HIV prevalence, estimated at around 600 people living with HIV in 2023. Men account for a significantly larger proportion of cases than women. While the numbers remain low compared to other countries, the number of cases has been slowly increasing over time. This highlights the need for sustained prevention efforts and real awareness campaigns.

The country reports fewer than 100 AIDS-related deaths annually, a reflection of progress in raising awareness, early detection and improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, treatment coverage remains below international targets; approximately 39% of people living with HIV receive ART, falling short of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals aimed for 2030. Without adequate treatment, the virus risks spreading further, especially among vulnerable populations.

Key Populations Most Affected by HIV/AIDS

Sexual contact is the primary mode of transmission. Certain groups carry a disproportionate burden of HIV infection:

  • Men who have sex with men face stigma and discrimination, which discourages them from seeking timely treatment.
  • Sex workers are at higher risk due to multiple partners and inconsistent condom use, compounded by social barriers to health care.
  • Transgender people experience similar stigma, limiting their access to prevention and treatment services.
  • People who inject drugs face heightened risk due to needle sharing, with limited awareness of safe injection practices in Mongolia.

Poverty and HIV/AIDS in Mongolia

Poverty exacerbates vulnerability to HIV infection and limits access to health care services in Mongolia. Many people living in poverty, particularly in rural and ger (traditional tent) districts around Ulaanbaatar, face barriers such as transportation costs, limited health care infrastructure and social stigma. These challenges reduce access to testing and treatment, increasing the risk of undiagnosed and untreated infections.

Mongolia’s Efforts To Address HIV/AIDS

To address these challenges, Mongolia has implemented several programs focused on vulnerable populations and poverty reduction:

  • Since August 2023, the Payment-for-Results model has incentivized NGOs to increase HIV testing and outreach among key populations, linking funding to performance outcomes.
  • The Undarga microfinance program, piloted since 2010, targets women engaged in sex work, offering financial education and savings services to reduce reliance on risky income sources.
  • Mobile health clinics that have support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners bring HIV testing and health care services to rural and nomadic communities, overcoming geographic and economic barriers.

Looking Ahead

Mongolia has kept HIV prevalence and AIDS-related deaths relatively low, but a slow rise in new cases, especially among impoverished and stigmatized groups, presents ongoing challenges. Addressing poverty’s role in HIV vulnerability and improving health care access through innovative programs and sustained investment will be essential for Mongolia to sustain its progress and meet international targets. With continued commitment, Mongolia can look forward to a healthier future.

–  Julia Skowrońska

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Expanding Health Care Access for Myanmar Refugees

Health Care Access for Myanmar Refugees Refugees from Myanmar face staggering levels of trauma, stress, and mental and physical health challenges, made worse by living conditions in refugee camps across Southeast Asia. The toll on health is especially severe, but telehealth offers hope by expanding health care access for Myanmar refugees.

The Crisis in Myanmar

Since 2017, nearly 1.5 million people have fled Myanmar amid the country’s humanitarian crisis, and 3.5 million are considered internally displaced. Most of these refugees are Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine State, who have lived without citizenship and faced persecution since 1962. Following the military coup in 2021, the military forced additional ethnic groups — including the Shan, Karen, and Kachin, among others —to flee their homes. Around 70% of the refugees are women and children. Many now live in overcrowded camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

The twin forces of violence and displacement have stripped Myanmar’s refugees of their homes, livelihoods, social support networks and health care, leaving them deeply impoverished. UNDP reported that as of 2024, nearly half the population in Myanmar lived below the poverty line, while 76% lived at or close to subsistence level, numbers which surged just in the three years since 2021.

As is common in conflict situations, access to health care is a luxury. This is due not only to cost and shortages of trained medical personnel, but also to the challenge of delivering proper care in temporary and scattered refugee camps.

In Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh, where most refugees have relocated, communicable and waterborne diseases run rampant, and mental health is severely impaired.

Telehealth as a Lifeline

Telehealth expands health care access for Myanmar refugees by connecting them with the care they need. The digital delivery of services simplifies the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and follow-up for many physical and mental health conditions. Patients also do not have to travel as far — Cox’s Bazar is more than an hour by foot from the nearest health center, and clinics within the camp are understaffed and not always open 24 hours a day.

Within a few months of the military coup, the Ministry of Health of the National Unity Government launched its “Telekyanmar” initiative to provide telehealth services to people in Myanmar. The program’s telehealth clinics grew rapidly; by month three, almost all of Myanmar’s 330 townships had a telehealth clinic. As of May 2024, more than 71,000 people have registered with Telekyanmar, with over 178,000 consultations provided by both general practitioners and specialists.

The World Health Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit, also runs a program within Cox’s Bazar and at HOPE Field Hospital inside the camp since 2018. It provides a “specialized medical care that would otherwise not be available,”  drawing on the expertise of volunteer physicians across a range of clinical disciplines, as well as virtual care devices donated by Teladoc Health.

One such device, the wheeled and collapsible Teladoc Health Lite, includes a touchscreen interface, audio system, port panel and a storage compartment for peripherals like stethoscopes and privacy headsets — all enabling clear and seamless video and communication between doctor and patient. Even with subpar Internet connectivity, doctors from anywhere in the world can beam in from their own remote devices, according to the World Telehealth Initiative.

The Global Case for Telehealth

The benefits of telehealth cannot be overstated. Essential health care services remain out of reach for half of the world’s population because they are “inaccessible, unavailable, unaffordable or of poor quality.” Every year, millions die from conditions that would be entirely preventable in high-income countries.

The poor suffer the most from this lack of access to critical health care, and telehealth offers a way to address this by enhancing and simplifying access to specialty providers.

Telehealth brings numerous other benefits:

  • Lower costs for patients and health systems
  • Increased flexibility in scheduling and delivery
  • Elimination of geographic distance
  • Facilitation of mental health support
  • Promotion of health equity
  • Decreased transmission of infectious diseases

The Future

Despite the advantages, challenges remain. Telehealth requires reliable Internet access, appropriate devices, and training for patients on device use and for providers on how to deliver care effectively. Language differences and cultural barriers can also complicate care delivery, and privacy worries are a reality for displaced persons who have not had the best relationship with authorities.

However, these obstacles are not insurmountable, given the ongoing, demonstrable improvements in the technology. Telehealth represents a promising approach with significant potential to expand health care access, improve health outcomes and help chart a pathway out of poverty for one of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

– Amanda Sablan

Amanda is based in Kensington, MD, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Foreign Aid to Peru: Transforming Health Care

Foreign Aid to PeruThe U.K-Peru G2G Agreement is set to improve Peru’s health care infrastructure that has notably faced significant challenges, including fragmented systems, limited resources and disparities in access. A shortage of health care professionals and inadequate funding have exacerbated these issues which have greatly affected the quality of care provided. Despite making progress in the health sector in recent decades, such as the improvement of population health through health care reforms, sadly many issues remain.

These structural issues became ever more apparent with the COVD-19 pandemic as it hit Peru’s vulnerable health care system badly. Experts said that Peru’s largest issue was the insufficient funding and lack of preparation within its health care system. As of July 2022, authorities reported 6,500 COVID-19 cumulative deaths per million people, the highest in the world. The pandemic led to public outcry and put political pressure on the Peruvian government to pass lasting health reforms.

Following these challenges, Peru is moving to reform its health care infrastructure notably with the launch of its National Health Investment Program (PRONIS) in February 2025. Due to the heart of the issue of the pandemic-era being decentralization – this plan prioritizes the construction of Level III-1 hospitals, regional facilities capable of delivering advanced medical scale.

The G2G Model

In August 2024, Peru’s Ministry of Health (PRONIS) and the U.K. government signed a new Government to Government (G2G) agreement worth $630 million USD aiming to bolster hospital infrastructure for 5 million Peruvians in the north of the country. It aims to increase health care provisions in these areas, reducing the regional health care gap in the country via the building of multiple modern hospitals. This marks a modern model of foreign aid to Peru that goes far beyond traditional financial support.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed in March 2025, also commits the British Embassy in Lima and the Peruvian government to promote the development of public-private partnerships for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure developed through Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreements.

The New Hospitals of the Future

There are two flagship hospitals being built under the Peru-UK G2G healthcare partnership aiming to benefit around 5 million in the north. One of them is the Trujillo Regional Teaching Hospital. The president said that more than $327 million USD will go into the health care infrastructure, featuring 28,600 state-of-the-art medical devices.

The Piura High-Complexity Hospital is receiving an investment of $259 million USD and will also be level III-1. The hospital will include 600 beds and more than 7,000 medical devices.

The Government of Peru and the United Kingdom later expanded their collaboration on high complexity hospital infrastructure to incorporate the Guillermo Diaz de la Vega Regional Hospital in Apurimac into the agreement. This will be the first high-complexity facility in one of the country’s most underserved Andean regions. These hospitals will likely be in operation by late 2028.

In Peru, there is an inverse correlation between poverty and access to quality health care. This is higher among the older population. With the focus of upgrading health care infrastructure in rural areas where people often have limited access to quality health care, the foreign aid to Peru from the U.K can help alleviate poverty by reducing preventable illnesses, lowering expenses and enabling individuals to lead healthier lives.

A Healthier Future

This G2G model not only strengthens bilateral ties between the U.K. and Peru but marks a movement to restore confidence in public works. The transformation of health care infrastructure via the new hospitals demonstrate how quality health care can be accessible across the country to all civilians. The targeting of health care gaps in impoverished areas highlights a strategic move towards equal healthcare for all. The G2G model fosters mutual accountability, with Peru maintaining its operational control but with the U.K.’s technical expertise. This serves as a model for future foreign aid – it’s a blueprint for impactful international cooperation that will have transformative results for the people of Peru.

– Hannah Latham

Hannah is based in Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Diseases Impacting Tonga

Diseases Impacting TongaTonga is a country located in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of about 171 islands and atolls. The nation has more than 100,000 people, most of whom live on the main island, Tongatapu. The country is known for its pristine beaches and whale-watching hub. However, Tonga is dealing with many diseases that are impacting the lives of its citizens.

Main Health Issues

The main health concerns impacting Tonga are noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity and diabetes. Tonga has the second-highest obesity rate in the world, with more than 70% of Tongans obese. Additionally, an estimated 40% of Tonga’s population has type 2 diabetes, while 30–40% are affected by NCDs.

The leading cause of NCDs in Tonga is poor diet. Tonga is a developing country and according to the Asian Development Bank, 20% of its population lives below the poverty line. Most people cannot afford healthier food options, relying on cheap imported fat, sodium and sugar foods. Mutton flaps, in particular, are a common and affordable staple despite their extremely high-fat content. Over time, they’ve become a prominent part of Tongan cuisine, with many people developing a lifelong taste for them from childhood.

Smoking is another major contributor to the high rates of NCDs in Tonga. Tobacco use is widespread, with an estimated 30% of adults smoking and 19.5% of youths aged 10–14 also using tobacco. Cigarette use significantly increases the risk of NCDs such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Among communicable diseases, Tonga experienced a measles outbreak in 2019, with more than 500 confirmed cases but no reported deaths. The outbreak affected several Pacific island nations, including neighboring countries like Fiji and Samoa. In Tonga, the outbreak began after rugby players returned from New Zealand.

Solutions

The Tongan government has taken steps to combat the NCD epidemic in the country. It has increased taxes on unhealthy foods such as mutton flaps, turkey tails, corned beef and sugary drinks. The government also plans to make healthier options (such as fish) more available.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including the Pacific Community (SPC) and World Health Organization (WHO), are also active in Tonga. They support awareness campaigns, school-based health programs and community screenings for hypertension and diabetes.

The Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, a local NGO, collaborates with government and international agencies to promote physical activity and reduce tobacco and alcohol use. These combined efforts aim to shift dietary habits and reduce risk factors contributing to NCDs in Tonga.

Conclusion

Tonga faces a severe health crisis driven by poverty, poor diets and widespread tobacco use. NCDs like obesity and diabetes are rampant, affecting a large portion of the population. While government policies and taxes on unhealthy foods help, long-term change depends on partnerships with NGOs like WHO and SPC. These efforts aim to improve public health and secure a healthier future for Tongans through education and prevention programs.

– Samriddha Aryal

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

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

WHO Advocates Progress for Syrian Women’s Health

Syrian Women’s HealthWith more than 6 million women in need of health support in Syria and ongoing challenges like gender-based health care discrimination, political bias and social inequality, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken meaningful steps to improve Syrian women’s health. These efforts include mental and physical support for survivors of gender-based violence, health education and the promotion of women’s rights through a more inclusive, mainstream health care network.

Gender-Biased Laws Upon Women in Syria

Extremist groups Jabhat al-Nusra, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham have imposed strict gender-biased laws upon women in Syria. Women have unlawfully become required to wear hijabs and full-length robes and threatened if they do not comply, according to Human Rights Watch. Failure to conform leads to misogynistically charged discrimination, barring girls from attending schools, moving freely in public and working.

Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War and its backlash effects on women, the WHO has championed programs in Syrian women’s health care that offer rehabilitation and education services alongside their advocacy for systemic changes. Since 2018, the WHO has institutionalized routine care for victims of gender-based violence.

Syria’s Health Care System

The prolonged conflict has desecrated approximately half the health care infrastructure in Syria, resulting in a shortage of medicine, facilities, health workers and equipment. More than 100 health facilities in northwest Syria have sustained severe damage and a loss of complete funding. More than 15.9 million people are left in need of health support, including 257,000 pregnant women, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).

With women making up nearly 50% of Syria’s population and the majority of those displaced in refugee camps, the WHO has launched targeted programs to address their health needs. According to the WHO, these initiatives ensure that “every woman enjoys her right to the highest attainable standard of health.”

Advancing Gender Equality in Syria’s Health System

The WHO base in Syria has “mainstreamed gender equality in its programming.” It assures women the highest standard of care through pregnancy, birth, violence and discrimination. By educating women on how to make informed decisions about their health care, the Syria-based program has made meaningful progress in preventing the rise of mental health issues and gender-based violence.

These efforts empower women with knowledge, helping them protect their well-being and advocate for their rights in a challenging environment. The organization provides essential psychosocial treatments to aid in women’s mental and physical health after facing gender-based violence. According to the WHO team in Syria, these services have been implemented in health facilities around Syria.

The fertility rate in Syria was reported by the WHO at 2.7% per woman in 2021, a reduction from 3.4% recorded in 2010. In light of this, reproductive health care in Syria has been threatened by unjust rulings. The WHO and UNPF support hospitals in northeast Syria by providing natural and c-section births, family planning, nursing and how-to care.

Looking Forward

“As we continue supporting gender mainstreaming in the health sector through research, policy formulation and capacity-building, we draw our inspiration and strength from the women of Syria, who, together with other members of society, drive gender transformative changes in achieving universal health coverage and health for all,” the WHO said.

– Chloe Fox Rinka

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

Photo: Flickr