Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

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

,

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

, ,

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

, ,

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

,

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

, ,

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

, , , ,

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

, ,

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