Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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HIV/AIDS in Estonia

HIV/AIDS in EstoniaAuthorities reported the first HIV/AIDS case in Estonia in 1988. Since then, the number of people with HIV/AIDS in Estonia has decreased, but the country is still making progress.      

What Is HIV/AIDS?

HIV/AIDs is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system and weakens it, leading to an increased number and severity of infections. People can get HIV/AIDS by having sex with someone who has it and is not receiving proper medical treatment, or by sharing needles and other drug injection equipment with someone who has HIV/AIDS and is not receiving proper medical treatment.      

Without proper treatment, HIV leads to AIDS. Without treatment, someone with AIDS lives about three years. While there is no cure for HIV, people can get antiretroviral therapy, sometimes called ART. With ART, people with HIV can live long, happy lives.      

HIV/AIDS in Estonia

Most new HIV diagnoses in Estonia are in people over the age of 40. Authorities reported that more than half of the new cases of HIV/AIDS in Estonia in people who originally came from outside the country. As of 2023, most of the people who got HIV in Estonia contracted it from heterosexual sex (sex between a woman and a man).     

The capital city of Tallinn and North-Eastern Estonia report the majority of new cases. These areas also have the highest rate of people injecting drugs in the country.      

Treatment and Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Estonia

In 1987, Estonia started biological surveillance of HIV/AIDS. The government developed and adopted the first National Program for AIDS Prevention in 1992. Since then, the government has made improvements in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in Estonia.    

Since 2016, health care institutions provide free HIV testing, and pharmacies sell home HIV tests. Then, since 2017, family doctors in Estonia have had an unlimited budget for HIV testing. This has paid off as the number of people tested has increased since the 2000s.       

Cases of HIV/AIDS have decreased across the country. Particularly among young people. In 2001, there were 560 cases of HIV diagnosed in 15 to 19-year-olds. By 2016, doctors diagnosed only three cases among that age group.

A program of sex education that includes information about HIV/AIDS has been implemented in Estonian schools. The county has also launched multiple media campaigns focused on prompting the use of condoms and HIV testing.       

Poverty and HIV/AIDS can form a vicious cycle. Someone living in poverty is more likely to get HIV than someone who is not. The high cost of treatment can then further increase poverty. By having HIV testing be free, Estonia has addressed this problem.

Looking Ahead

The Estonian government and health organizations need to scale up HIV/AIDS testing and target it more effectively to vulnerable populations, such as sex workers and drug users. There is also a lack of proper preventative equipment, such as condoms and clean needles, within certain prisons in Estonia. However, with continued efforts to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS in Estonia, hopefully, it can become a thing of the past.

– Axtin Bullock 

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

Photo: Unsplash

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5 Ways M-TIBA Kenya Transforms Health Care

5 Ways M-TIBA Kenya Transforms Health Care for Low-Income Communities In Kenya, high out-of-pocket costs and limited insurance coverage continue to make health care unaffordable for millions. But a mobile platform called M-TIBA is changing that by helping users save, manage and spend health funds directly from their phones. Through partnerships with government programs, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and local providers, M-TIBA Kenya has become a model for digital health financing in lower-income settings. 

5 Ways M-TIBA Kenya Transforms Health Care

  1. Mobile Health Wallet for Everyday Use. The development of M-TIBA happened through a partnership between Safaricom, CarePay and the PharmAccess Foundation. It functions as a mobile health wallet, allowing users to save funds specifically for medical expenses. Accessible through even basic mobile phones, the platform helps individuals make payments at nearly 5,000 health care providers, hospitals and pharmacies across Kenya. Users can receive funds from relatives, employers or NGOs and use them to pay for consultations, tests, prescriptions or treatment. The wallet ensures transparency and prevents misuse by restricting the funds for health care only.
  2. Widening Reach Through Public Programs. The Kenyan government and the National Health Insurance Fund have integrated M-TIBA into local health initiatives. In Kisumu County, a pilot program helped more than 270,000 households enroll in community-based health coverage, providing access to maternal care, immunizations and chronic disease management. By digitizing enrollment and payment systems, the platform improves efficiency and reduces paperwork for both patients and clinics. These programs often include subsidies deposited directly into M-TIBA wallets, removing financial barriers to care.
  3. Community Support from NGOs. Organizations like Amref Health Africa have played a critical role in making M-TIBA accessible to underserved populations. Amref supports the initiative by training community health workers to teach families how to use the platform. They also run awareness campaigns to promote health savings and encourage regular medical visits. In areas where digital literacy is low, NGOs have helped distribute phones to trained volunteers, who assist residents with registration, deposits and navigation of health services.
  4. Faster Claims and Transparent Spending. In 2024 and early 2025, M‑TIBA introduced AI-driven processes for claims review and approvals. As of April 2024, the system began auto-processing 40% of claims, cutting approval times to less than 12 hours. By September 2024, approval times dropped by 95% due to automation and real-time analytics. As of February 2025, industry leaders gathered at the Digital Pulse CEO Roundtable in Nairobi acknowledged that AI integration shortened payment cycles by up to 95% and reduced health care costs by as much as 15%.
  5. Building Toward Universal Health Coverage. With more than 4.8 million users, M-TIBA has become a key part of Kenya’s progress toward universal health care. While challenges remain—especially in remote areas lacking mobile coverage or financial access—the platform continues to expand. 

Looking Ahead

M-TIBA Kenya demonstrates how mobile technology, when supported by government and nonprofit partners, can bridge gaps in health access. Furthermore, it can empower individuals to manage their own care. The continued rollout of AI, combined with strong public‑private‑community partnerships, positions M‑TIBA as a key player in Kenya’s push for universal health coverage. The scaling of digital health wallets offers a replicable model for other lower‑income countries seeking to close care gaps and empower individuals to manage their health funds effectively.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care System in Turkey

Health Care System in TurkeyTurkey has made big changes to its health care system over the past two decades. Once floundering with access to medicine and infrastructure, the country boasts near-universal content, high-performing megacity hospitals and medical tourism. However, recent dishonors and public health challenges suggest its success story is still evolving. The backbone of Turkey’s health care reform is the General Health Insurance Scheme (Genel Sağlık Sigortası), introduced as part of the administration’s Health Transformation Program in 2003.

Backed by the Social Security Institution (SGK), the scheme now covers nearly 97% of the population, offering access to public and private providers. The country has a mixed public-private model, with more than 870 public hospitals, 571 private hospitals and 68 university hospitals as of 2022. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports, Turkey spends around 6.3% of its gross domestic product on health, well below the OECD normal of 9.3%, but still achieves good results. Life expectancy has reached nearly 79 times and under 5 years old mortality has fallen by 88% between 1990 and 2021.

Growing Pains

Despite these achievements, systemic problems remain. Turkey faces indigenous differences in child mortality and access to health care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There are also growing concerns about high levels of antibiotic use, air pollution and rising rates of rotundity and diabetes, which now affect around 13% to 17% of people in the country.

Turkey is also a world leader in medical tourism, attracting cases from Europe and the Middle East with affordable dentistry, ornamental surgery and hair transplants. Turkey is also a world leader in medical tourism, attracting cases from Europe and the Middle East with affordable dentistry, ornamental surgery and hair transplants. The government-backed USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.) agency has helped promote these services worldwide. At the same time, numerous hospitals retain Joint Commission International delegations.

However, confidence in the health care system was shaken after serious allegations of fraud and price fleecing in neonatal ferocious care units surfaced. Several croakers and nurses are under investigation and several private conventions have been closed after babies were allegedly transferred from one sanitarium to another to inflate insurance claims.

Following this incident, all private hospitals in Turkey were required to obtain accreditation from the Turkish Health Care Quality and Accreditation Institute (TÜSKA) starting January 2025. A total of 58 standards and 244 criteria will be enforced and hospitals seeking accreditation must report their compliance in detail. While health care system in Turkey has made significant progress in coverage, infrastructure and innovation, it now faces the challenge of maintaining quality and integrity amid rising demand and increased ethical scrutiny.

Looking Forward

Turkey has taken decisive steps to rebuild trust and strengthen oversight in response to recent setbacks. The introduction of mandatory TÜSKA accreditation marks a serious push toward greater transparency and accountability in private care. The Health Ministry has also increased digital monitoring of insurance claims and expanded training for hospital staff. Meanwhile, investments continue in public health infrastructure, with new city hospitals opening and e-health services expanding. These moves show Turkey’s commitment to safeguarding the gains of its health care reform while adapting to new challenges.

– Ksenia Potaturina

Ksenia is based in Antalya, Turkey and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik