Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

FIAFED: Uplifting Women and Communities in the DRC

FIAFED: Uplifting Women and Communities in the DRCFilles d’aujourd’hui, Femmes de demain (Girls of today, women of tomorrow), or FIAFED  – a simple message and name, but one that carries a great deal of importance in the modern-day Congo. FIAFED was founded in 2000 by Iréne Masanagu Kayembe and is based out of the former Katanga Province – now the provinces of Tanganiyka, Haut-Lomami, Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. The organization has worked tirelessly to provide direct medical aid, schooling and vocational training to communities that require these services most.

Health Care Initiatives

In 2008, FIAFED opened Centre De Santé Moïse K. to serve the rural village of Bungu Bungu and neighboring communities. The Centre has treated thousands of individuals for malaria, malnutrition, cholera and a number of other conditions and diseases which would have otherwise ravaged local populations. Around two years later, the organization decided to open a maternity clinic in the area as well, the Maternité Robert Levi, which has recorded hundreds of deliveries and provided further relief to Bungu Bungu and many adjacent communities. 

FIAFED additionally acted as an “initiator and mobilizer of funds” for the construction and operation of Centre De Santé Prince Pascal K., a medical facility which provides clinical care similar to the organization’s first-built health center. It also expanded its services to include maternal care. Speaking on FIAFED’s mission after the construction of the clinic, Mrs. Kayembe let Radio Okapi know that, “In Djino, there was no clinic. We thought of Djino, Ndea and Katutu. Because there are many cases of malaria and typhoid fever, poorly treated or never treated at all.”

Though not involved directly, the organization is also a major benefactor of Centre De Santé Uchungu Wa Muzazi, which provides clinical and maternal care for the commune city of Katuba, located within Lubumbashi – The DRC’s ‘second city.’ Such efforts suggest that FIAFED works not only to support rural communities but also urban ones, which face their own unique struggles when attempting to access medical care. 

Expanding Access to Education

Beyond providing direct medical aid to underserved communities, FIAFED also works to provide stable education to children who lack proper access to schooling, opening two primary schools and acting as a pillar of support for a distinguished local girls’ boarding school. C.S. Les Huit Colombes – also located in Bungu Bungu – was the organization’s first ever construction project and brought schooling to a region which was in dire need of it. Of the region’s 5,000 inhabitants at the time of construction, 80% of children were unable to access proper schooling and most had to walk more than 10 kilometers a day to get to class.  

In 2010, FIAFED opened E.P. Princesse Onda Onda Numbi in the Kabalo Territory, located within the Taganiyka Province. Here the work has centered around the education of girls in the region, with the organization’s website stating that, “The objective of the establishment of the [school] is to encourage girls to study more and thus fight against early marriage … and other kinds of evils which discourage girls from pursuing their studies.” FIAFED has also long been a dedicated patron of Lycée Lubusha, one of the most renowned girls’ boarding schools in the DRC, located within a mining town roughly 80 km from Lubumbashi. Despite the school’s status, it has been in danger of demolition and disruption for quite some time due to surrounding mining efforts.

Vocational Training and Social Support

Beyond schooling, FIAFED also understands the importance of training and caring for acutely disadvantaged individuals who may not have the ability or time to pursue proper schooling. In 2006, it opened the Coupe Et Couture Centre De Formation, to care for and provide vocational training to “Single mothers, orphans, widows and other disadvantaged women.” The training center has provided cutting and sewing training to hundreds of women and orphans in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. 

This was followed up four years later with the opening of the Foyer Social Elizabeth Kayembe, a social home and training center in the Kabalo Territory for disadvantaged women, especially those who have experienced sexual violence. The home gives these women a place to rehabilitate their confidence, often torn apart by the world around them. It also provides a litany of vocational and general life training, in an effort to prepare women as they work to re-enter their communities. 

Lasting Impact in the DRC

Working tirelessly for more than 20 years, FIAFED has managed to teach thousands of pupils in their schools, deliver thousands of children at their maternity clinics, treat tens of thousands of patients at their health clinics and assist hundreds of orphans and disadvantaged women at their social care centers. An impact that has yet to gain international attention.

– Alex Degterev

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Midwife Training Reduces Maternal Mortality in South Sudan

Maternal Mortality in South SudanSouth Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Today, approximately 1,200 mothers die per 100,000 births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Lack of obstetric training, low rates of hospital deliveries and premature pregnancies are driving factors in this outcome.

A 2017 estimate claimed that health care professionals are only present in one of five childbirths in South Sudan. The majority of South Sudanese mothers give birth in unsanitary and isolated conditions. Forced marriage and adolescent pregnancies are common. A girl in South Sudan is more likely to die of childbirth than finish secondary school. However, maternal health improvement has occurred in the recent decade.

While mortality rates are still high, recent years have shown a decrease: from 2,054 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in 2010 to 1,223 deaths per 100,000 births in 2020. A massive reason for the past decade’s reduction of maternal mortality in South Sudan is an increase in trained midwives.

Hope for South Sudanese Mothers: A Midwife Training Institute

In 2010, the Sudan Relief Fund partnered with Solidarity for South Sudan to support establishing the Catholic Health Training Institute (CHTI). This institute trains young South Sudanese to become certified midwives and nurses in Wau, South Sudan. Its goal is to provide necessary health care to women in need, ultimately reducing the startling rate of maternal mortality in South Sudan.

The institute began with 18 inaugural students but has five times the enrollment today. Notably, one-third of the institute’s students are women. This is a remarkable statistic considering the educational gender gap in South Sudan. The institute serves as a temporary home for its students, providing them with dormitory housing and land to cultivate for the institute’s collective food service. Attending students come from various regions and tribal groups with a shared goal of reducing maternal mortality in South Sudan.

Education

Midwife certification requires a rigorous, 3-year education at Wau’s CHTI. National and foreign medical personnel work together to operate CHTI education. After passing an entrance exam, students are taken through thorough academic study. Students attend lectures and classroom lessons for the entire first year of their program.

Second-year students are taken to hospital facilities to practice hands-on skills such as maternal examinations, IV and immunization insertion and emergency skills like infant rehabilitation. In their third year of study, students are provided internships at Wau Teaching Hospital. Midwifery students will spend time focusing on antenatal care (ANC), learning to care for mothers throughout pregnancy and delivery.

First aid training and disease prevention education are also services provided to CHTI students. Meticulous training prepares CHTI students to impact maternal mortality in South Sudan positively.

Certification

As a result of its excellent education, CHTI renders certified and passionate health care professionals. Since its founding in 2010, the program has educated students to earn their Diploma in Nursing (RN). In 2012, a second certification was added, allowing students to receive a Diploma in Midwifery (RM). CHTI was labeled as the top-performing school of nursing and midwifery in the 2024 National Examination by the South Sudan Ministry of Health. CHTI graduates are among the nation’s first certified midwives, a massive step toward the reduction of maternal mortality in South Sudan. 

Hope for Maternal Health Improvement in South Sudan

Prior to the CHTI’s establishment, the nation only had 10 obstetricians and four pediatricians in total, according to the 2010 issue of the South Sudan Medical Journal. A decade of midwife training has produced more than 350 CHTI graduates. About 85% of the institute’s graduates are currently employed in local hospitals and NGOs.

With a certification in nursing and midwifery, CHTI graduates utilize their skills to aid mothers in safe pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, women are increasing in the institute’s enrollment, a factor further improving health outcomes for female patients. At the program’s graduation, students are ceremonially labeled as “beacons of hope” for their communities.

With organizations like the Sudan Relief Fund and Solidarity with Sudan’s support, CHTI is able to run amid conflict and crisis, encouraging mass reduction of maternal mortality in South Sudan.

– Helen Cusick

Helen is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Mozambique

Poverty in MozambiqueMozambique, situated in southeastern Africa, is endowed with a wealth of natural resources including extensive mineral deposits, fertile land and a coastline rich in fisheries. Despite this, the nation faces a multifaceted crisis of poverty that affects nearly three-quarters of its population. This troubling statistic underscores the dissonance between the country’s economic potential and the persistent structural and social barriers impeding progress. Mozambique’s development paradox presents a crucial case study in post-colonial economic transformation and resilience.

Historical Foundations of Poverty

Understanding poverty in Mozambique requires a historical lens. Portuguese colonialism, which lasted until 1975, focused primarily on extractive industries and left behind an economy devoid of inclusive infrastructure and educational foundations. After achieving independence, Mozambique plunged into a 15-year civil war, from 1977 to 1992, that devastated the nation’s institutional and economic frameworks. The conflict displaced millions, destroyed public services, and halted the creation of a cohesive national economy. The state emerged from the war with limited governance capacity, inadequate administrative reach and minimal investment in human development. These foundational deficits continue to shape the country’s developmental trajectory today.

Healthcare Access and Challenges

In the post-conflict era, Mozambique has struggled to establish a robust social support system capable of addressing widespread deprivation. The healthcare system remains deeply under-resourced, with vast rural regions experiencing severe shortages of personnel, medications and infrastructure. Fewer than half of all Mozambicans have access to consistent medical care, a situation that contributes to high rates of preventable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. These conditions are especially severe in remote areas, where logistical challenges and resource constraints hamper public health initiatives. Urban centers, while marginally better equipped, still face frequent shortages and systemic inefficiencies that degrade care quality.

Barriers to Education

Parallel to the healthcare crisis is a deeply flawed education sector. Only a fraction of children complete primary school, and even fewer proceed to secondary or higher education. Schools often lack basic amenities, textbooks and qualified educators. The cost of uniforms, supplies and transportation further alienates impoverished families from educational opportunities. Moreover, the absence of targeted programs for girls and vulnerable populations exacerbates existing inequalities, creating cyclical disadvantages that span generations. Education is not merely a tool for individual advancement; in Mozambique, it remains a cornerstone yet to be fully constructed.

Environmental Instability and Agricultural Disruption

Environmental instability compounds Mozambique’s challenges. The country is acutely vulnerable to changing weather patters and experiences frequent natural disasters. In 2019, Cyclones Idai and Kenneth devastated the central and northern regions, resulting in widespread infrastructural collapse, agricultural ruin and humanitarian emergencies. These disasters displaced more than 2 million people and caused billions in economic losses. Annual floods and prolonged droughts further disrupt subsistence farming, upon which the majority of the population relies. The volatility of weather patterns presents a constant threat to food security and economic stability, particularly in rural communities with limited coping mechanisms.

Development Efforts and International Support

Nonetheless, there are glimmers of progress driven by collaborative development efforts. The World Bank’s Integrated Agriculture and Landscape Management Project, launched in 2017, has trained more than 100,000 smallholder farmers in climate-resilient practices, improving yields and ecological sustainability. By incorporating market linkages and conservation strategies, the program addresses both economic and environmental vulnerabilities. UNICEF has also made strides in improving educational and sanitation infrastructure. Its programs have facilitated access to clean water, distributed school supplies and implemented teacher training modules that aim to elevate education standards nationwide.

Strategies for Sustainable Growth

To achieve sustained poverty reduction, Mozambique must deepen institutional reform and expand access to essential services. In agriculture, this means scaling up irrigation networks, investing in value-added processing industries and improving transportation infrastructure to connect rural producers to urban markets. In health, comprehensive strategies including mobile clinics, expanded vaccination programs and rural hospital construction are critical. For education, policy must prioritize tuition-free schooling, inclusive curriculum design, and incentives for teachers to serve in under-resourced areas. Multidisciplinary approaches that integrate gender equity and digital inclusion are especially vital in fostering long-term resilience.

The Role of International Cooperation

Furthermore, Mozambique’s development hinges on regional cooperation and foreign investment rooted in equity and sustainability. Engagement with international partners must prioritize capacity building and local ownership of development initiatives. The country also stands to benefit from South-South Cooperation models that allow for knowledge transfer among similarly situated nations. Donor alignment, transparency in governance and civic engagement are essential pillars for ensuring that aid translates into transformative impact.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, poverty in Mozambique is not a static condition but a dynamic challenge that history, policy, environment and global economics influence. With continued commitment to inclusive development, the nation has the opportunity to reimagine its socioeconomic trajectory. If Mozambique’s public and private sectors work in concert with international allies, the country could significantly reduce poverty, advance equity and build a more resilient future within a generation.

– Joseph Hasty

Joseph is based in Winter Park, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Solar-Powered Refrigeration in Haiti is Changing Vaccines

Solar-Powered Refrigeration in HaitiVaccine access has been crucial in Haiti’s fight against infectious diseases. Despite this, recurring conflict and political instability have limited the effectiveness of the national health care system. Health services remain difficult to reach, particularly in rural areas, creating significant barriers to timely vaccination.

Additionally, many rural villages are hours away from the nearest hospital, making vaccination difficult for many. However, Haiti has seen many innovative solutions, such as mobile clinics, which are designed to help treat individuals displaced by the conflict plaguing Haiti. Another creative solution is solar-powered refrigeration in Haiti.

Electricity in Rural Haiti

Reliable vaccine storage requires continuous electricity to maintain appropriate temperatures. However, as of 2021, nearly 75% of Haitians lacked consistent access to electricity. While national figures showed improvement in 2022, with almost half the population having access, rural areas continued to lag significantly behind, with access rates as low as 2%.

Frequent power outages in rural communities cripple vaccine storage capabilities. Furthermore, it increases the risk of spoilage and jeopardizes immunization programs against diseases like measles, polio and diphtheria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cold chain failures contribute to vaccine wastage rates of up to 50% in low-resource settings like Haiti, further complicating efforts to control preventable diseases.

An Innovative Approach

To address this challenge, organizations have implemented solar-powered refrigerators across Haiti. According to UNICEF, solar refrigeration units, powered by solar panels and batteries, have helped maintain stable storage temperatures in areas without reliable electricity. By 2022, more than 900 solar-powered vaccine refrigerators had been installed in Haiti. This was accomplished through support from partners like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Environment Facility. These units enable consistent vaccine storage, reduce spoilage and ensure that essential immunizations can reach even the most remote communities. They’ve become the backbone of routine immunization efforts in many areas, especially during outbreaks and vaccination campaigns.

These solar fridges replaced older gas and kerosene-powered units, improving storage reliability and expanding immunization coverage. Data from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) show that immunization coverage increased from 73.6% in 2017 to 86% within one year of implementation in targeted areas. Additional funding from the Global Environment Facility and IDB helped scale this solution by equipping several villages with solar-powered systems alongside solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti.

The Sunny Impact

The impact of solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti has extended beyond just increasing vaccine coverage for Haiti. By reducing the need to travel long distances for vaccines, rural residents can stay within their communities, conserving time and improving local economic participation. Overall, solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti have equipped mobile clinics with the power to reduce barriers to vaccine resilience and have generally improved multiple communities.

The Future

Solar-powered refrigeration in Haiti represents the first step toward innovating health care across the region. Even so, these innovations have saved thousands of lives by enabling faster access to life-saving vaccinations. While it’s only the beginning, this solution highlights the dedication of organizations worldwide working to serve communities that truly need support.

– Kallen Zhou

Kallen is based in Hattiesburg, MS, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

Updates on SDG 3 in the Russian Federation

SDG 3 in the Russian FederationThe Russian Federation has long borne the burden of chronic diseases. More than 40% of citizens are living with two or more long term health conditions, which cause 86% of deaths in Russia. There are a number of systems addressing this systemic issue, including The Federal Research and Practical Center for Palliative Medical Care in Sechenov University. On June 5th, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated this center as a Collaborating Centre for Training in Palliative Care. This designation reflects Russia’s dedication to improving Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health, by improving the quality and accessibility of palliative medical care in the Russian Federation.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care aims to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life among people with serious illnesses. According to the Osteosarcoma Institute, palliative care involves understanding the symptoms and pain that come with an illness and then, working in collaboration with a medical team to focus on comfort. Examples of palliative care include treatment for terminal cancer patients, Alzheimer’s patients, hospice care and pain management.

How Does Palliative Care Affect Poverty?

Access to health care is so crucial in the fight against global poverty, but why palliative care? As the Osteosarcoma Institute states, palliative care is providing care to those with serious and long-term illnesses. The long-term care necessary for these illnesses can get expensive very quickly, and without accessible palliative care, many can find themselves staring down the barrel of poverty. Palliative care also provides stability to people with these illnesses, which allows them to retain work. Essentially, poverty and palliative care share many connections. If somebody lacks access to long term services, they can quickly find themselves in poverty. Below the poverty line, health care access is even less accessible. Therefore, increasing access to palliative care is an effective method to reduce the number of those living in poverty. 

The Center’s Mission and Objectives

Sechenov University organized The Federal Research and Practical Center for Palliative Medical Care in 2019 to develop the palliative medical care system in Russia. Specifically this institution aimed to bring better health care to Russian citizens. Article 36 of the Russian Constitution defines said health care as a social fundamental right. The Center itself focuses on the organizational side of the mission, by developing and implementing programs that will deliver this care to Russian citizens. By training medical personnel focused on palliative care, they are raising the quality of the health care industry across Russia. By bringing this program to Russia, they are ensuring more people have access to this long-term and expensive care. In doing so, they’re also reducing the presence of poverty. 

Global Implications

The Federal Research and Practical Center for Palliative Medical Care, located in Sechenov University, is a center that is establishing a new standard for medical care in Russia. However, its implications reach much farther than that. The center has long partnered with prestigious medical institutions such as Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and Oxford University. In doing so, they are fostering a new culture in the health care industry and creating a global exchange of research, expertise and medical knowledge. These partnerships develop systems that provide quality palliative care to those in need across the globe. As a result, this institution is strengthening the quality of medical care that Russian citizens have access to. Furthermore, it is cultivating globally competent palliative care and reducing the presence of poverty world-wide.

Challenges on the Path Forward

While major steps have been made toward SDG 3 in the Russian Federation, good health does not come easy. The path to improvement holds a number of challenges: lack of financing, shortfall of medical personnel and distribution of medical care. Specifically, in recent years, as the aggression between Ukraine and Russia deepens, the Russian Federation has prioritized military spending. This leaves the medical industry without the funds they need to progress. As a result of this, there is a blatant shortfall of medical personnel in numerous regions. For example, the Center for Eastern Studies notes that Altai Krai requires more than 1,500 physicians and 1,200 mid-level practitioners.

Moscow, the nation’s capital and largest city, is more fortunate with financial and medical resources. This makes it a hotspot for medical treatment in Russia. Moscow citizens reap the benefits of specialized hospitals, medical professionals and major investments into health care infrastructure. However, those outside the major city receive severely inferior treatment. To work toward the United Nations SDG 3 in the Russian Federation, policymakers must address the uneven distribution of these necessary resources.

A Step Toward Better Care

The World Health Organization’s recent designation of the center as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Training in Palliative Care marks an important step in pursuit of SDG 3 in the Russian Federation. It is a symbol of medical progress in Russia and across the world. Its mere existence fosters global exchange of information that improves the palliative care industry exponentially. By addressing their shortfalls in funding, staffing and infrastructure and redistributing materials more equitably across the nation, the Russian Federation will only continue to propel the medical industry to progress and reduce poverty globally. It is the hope of this center that one day it will not be an isolated example of progress. Instead, it will serve as the national standard for palliative care.

– Caroline May

Caroline is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

5 Diseases in Hawaii

Diseases in HawaiiThough Hawaiians live next to lush nature and clear blue waters, they are vulnerable to several diseases. The state’s 21% shortage of physicians exacerbates their risk, according to the Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, and Hawaii has the third highest cost of living in the United States. Additionally, the population of 1.5 million people, 376,000 of whom are Native Hawaiians, is at the highest levels of poverty in Hawaii. These are five common diseases in Hawaii.

1. Leptospirosis

The first of the diseases in Hawaii is leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease that commonly exists in warm climates; of the 100-200 cases identified in the United States, around 50% occur in Hawaii, as KHON2 reported. Leptospirosis can infect both humans and animals, and symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases are mild, but extreme cases can cause both acute liver and kidney failure or even death if not treated. 

According to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), one of the most common ways people contract Leptospirosis is by swimming in bodies of fresh water such as ponds, rivers or streams; if the urine from an infected animal seeps into a body of freshwater, it an be contaminated, and the bacterium can enter through broken skin, the mouth, the nose or eyes. 

In 2023, Hawaii Pacific University received $50,000 to research how leptospirosis grows in Hawaii’s wetlands and fishponds. To stop the spread, recommendations are that people not swim in freshwater bodies of water, drink from freshwater bodies, keep animals from accessing catchment water-collection areas from tree branches, and vaccinate farm animals and pets. Antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin can treat the disease.

2. Oral Cancers

According to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the rate of oral cancer in Hawaii is higher when compared to the rest of the United States. Early symptoms can include a bump or sore in the mouth that has not healed in two weeks, difficulty swallowing, numbness in your mouth or face or constant earaches, and the survival rate is only 50%, according to Hawaii News Now.

One of the theorized causes of these higher rates is betel nuts. As part of cultural practices in Asia and the Pacific Islands, it is meant to be chewed sometimes with either tobacco or lime, which research suggests can cause oral cancer, according to the National Institute of Health. 

Two organizations fighting oral cancer in Hawaii are the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) and the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center. OCF funds oral cancer research, like through their Oral Cancer Walk in Honolulu that raised more than $5,000 for oral cancer research, and connects people to free oral cancer screening events. At the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, researchers have found new treatments for oral cancer survivors that include exercise. 

Experts encourage individuals experiencing early symptoms to get screened for oral cancer. Additionally, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc. recommends performing monthly self-examinations using a light and mirror to detect any unusual changes.

3. Legionellosis

Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever are both referred to as Legionellosis. It is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. While Pontiac fever is a milder infection similar to the flu, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly lung infection, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii News Now reported that the bacteria can be found in plumbing systems, hot water tanks, water fountains and air conditioning systems. 

In recent years, there have been high-profile incidents of Legionella bacteria being found in water systems that serve a large number of people. In May 2022, the DOH confirmed five people were infected at a hotel in Waikiki. Then, in June 2024, Hawaii News Now reported legionella bacteria were discovered in the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole federal building and courthouse in downtown Honolulu; around that same time, detectable levels of bacteria were found in six other federal buildings.

Though not specifically in Hawaii, there are organizations that provide education, conduct research and advocate among federal and state governments to prevent the spread of Legionellosis. These include Legionella.org and the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires’ Diseases.

Those who are over the age of 50 or have a history of chronic lung disease, weakened immune system or cancer are at an increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease when exposed to Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath or fever.

4. Melanoma

The skin’s overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) from the sun can cause melanoma, and since Hawaii receives so many UV rays, Hawaiians are often more vulnerable. In a study of melanoma cases due to UV radiation across the United States, nearly 97% came from Hawaii; this is according to a study that the International Journal of Cancer conducted. The study also found that 94% of all cases in the United States occurred in non-Hispanic whites.

Organizations in Hawaii work to educate the public on how to reduce the risk of melanoma. In 2021, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center partnered with the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition to educate the public on how to stay safe while in the sun. When the sun is brightest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., they recommend that you seek shade whenever possible. Additionally, they encouraged the use of UV-protecting clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen above SPF 30 and reapplied every two hours.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society in Hawaii provides resources for those battling cancer in Hawaii. They provide both transportation to medical appointments, through the Road to Recovery Program, and housing for Hawaiians battling cancer at the T.C. Ching Hope Lodge.

5. Measles

Another of the diseases in Hawaii is measles. Measles is a highly infectious disease that causes pneumonia, brain inflammation and death; it is also highly contagious, especially in areas with low rates of vaccination. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes that are watery.

According to the DOH, a laboratory confirmed in April that measles infected two people, one school-age child and one adult; this came as measles cases all around the United States rose to more than 1,200. Though almost 90 people were exposed, most were either vaccinated or immune; the DOH said it is important that people in Hawaii are vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

Looking Ahead

Though some of the diseases in Hawaii listed above are present all over the United States, it is important to consider how vulnerable Hawaiians are to these diseases. Considering the rates of poverty and income inequality in the state, especially among Native Hawaiians, those who contract these diseases will have a far harder time affording treatment and care. This underscores the importance of nonprofit work in Hawaii that fights both common diseases and financial insecurity in Hawaii.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Mpox in Burundi and Global Aid Efforts

Mpox in BurundiBurundi, a small land-locked country located in East Africa, is considered one of the most impoverished countries in the world. Burundi is home to 14 million people, with more than half of the population living on less than $2.15 daily. The reason for poverty lies in many circumstances, including a slew of civil wars and political instability, limited resources and a skyrocketing population. Over the past year, Burundi and its neighbors have faced a consequential Mpox (Clade I) outbreak.

While recent numbers suggest mpox infections are decreasing, Burundi still faces other deadly diseases and infections. The leading cause of death for people living in Burundi is lower respiratory infections, with malaria close behind at number two. Access to basic health care and infrastructure is a struggle many Burundi residents face. Nine out of 10 Burundians lack access to sufficient electricity and sanitation. Despite this, Mpox in Burundi is now on a slow declining rate with the help of global organizations.

Mpox (Clade I)

Burundi first declared the Mpox (Clade I) outbreak in July 2024. A few months prior, in April, Burundi suffered from severe flooding, which impacted nearly 250,000 people and left many more susceptible to pox. As of March 2025, there are more than 3,000 confirmed Mpox (Clade I) cases in Burundi. A multitude of factors, such as an overflowing population and restricted access to clean water and essential health care, initially caused Mpox in Burundi. This left many Burundi health care facilities overwhelmed and residents struggling to access necessary treatment.

During the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Burundi, infection rates in children rose substantially. In September 2024, UNICEF reported that in almost 600 cases, two-thirds of the affected population were children and the number of cases grew by more than 40% over the previous three weeks. This caused concern for many, as UNICEF reported that 80% of Mpox-related deaths are in children.

However, since 2025, there has been a noticeable decline in Mpox cases in Burundi. There are less than 50 new cases per week, which is around a 25% average decrease compared to case numbers during the peak of the Mpox outbreak. This accomplishment became possible due to the numerous organizations providing global aid to countries such as Burundi.

Global Aid Efforts

Health care in Burundi continues to face major challenges, particularly due to limited funding for the country’s health systems. In response, several organizations have developed targeted strategies to strengthen health care infrastructure and improve access. Here’s how some are helping residents in Burundi:

  • Village Health Works (VHW) launched the Halting Outbreaks by Mobilizing Essential (HOME) resources initiative in response to the Mpox outbreak. This initiative focuses on supporting women and children, the most affected groups. It provides essential medical supplies and offers training and support to local health care workers to bolster frontline response efforts.
  • Our Children International will volunteer at a medical camp in Karuzi Province in July 2025. During last year’s mission, the organization treated more than 4,500 patients in just four days. Its services include medical and dental care, life-saving medications and nutritional support.
  • UNICEF focuses its efforts primarily on children affected by Mpox. Due to the stigma surrounding the disease, many residents were hesitant to seek treatment. To address this, UNICEF broadcast prevention messages via radio, reaching more than 800,000 residents across Burundi. The organization also supplied medical kits and essential resources to dozens of hospitals. Additionally, UNICEF is working on prevention by training school personnel to recognize early signs of Mpox and promoting community-based education.

Conclusion

Addressing the health care crisis in Burundi requires global attention, community-based support and investment. While this issue is still widespread in Burundi and other countries, organizations like Village Health Works, Our Children International and UNICEF are making meaningful strides.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Health Care in Cameroon: Challenges of Conflict and Disease

Health Care in CameroonCameroon is a lower-middle income country located in Central Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to over 28 million people with a projected 80% population increase by the year 2050. Similar to the skyrocketing population, life-threatening diseases in Cameroon have also been on the rise in recent years.

The top causes of death in Cameroon recorded in 2021 include lower respiratory infections as number one followed by stroke and Covid-19, respectively. Since 2021, there has been a surge of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV in Cameroon and other neighboring countries, highlighting the urgency for accessible health care.

The fragility of the health care system in Cameroon is largely due to ongoing conflicts in the North West and South West regions. Since 2016, Cameroon has experienced violent confrontations between government forces and separatist groups, widely referred to as the “Anglophone crisis”. The violence has resulted in the displacement of millions and the destruction of more than 200 medical facilities. As a result, in 2025, a projected 3.3 million people living in Cameroon will need humanitarian aid.

Malaria

The malaria outbreak began in 2013, initially affecting the northern regions of Cameroon. According to CNN, 800 people died from the outbreak and over 12,000 individuals were hospitalized for severe malaria. However, less than 10 treatment centers were available and qualified doctors were scarce.

In 2021, 50% of hospitalizations in Cameroon were caused by malaria, with the majority of patients being children under 5 years old. Cameroon accounted for 2.6% of global malaria cases and 2.1% of malaria deaths in the following year.

In order to improve health care coverage for citizens in Cameroon, the CDC has supported the prevention and control of malaria since 2017. This collaboration has allowed Cameroon to introduce the Cameroon Field Epidemiology Training Program (CAFETP) in 2010, which has helped provide training to other medical professionals in several surrounding countries. The joint effort helped train hundreds of CAFETP graduates and technicians to effectively recognize and treat malaria.

Cameroon introduced a vaccine for malaria in January 2024, becoming the first country to do so. By December 2024, Cameroon achieved a vaccination coverage rate of 47%. While there are still some regions within Cameroon that lack adequate health care, this accomplishment has made substantial strides toward an equitable health care system.

HIV

As of 2024, Cameroon is estimated to have over 500,000 individuals living with HIV. Despite the substantial numbers, there is a notable drop in the prevalence of HIV between 2011 and 2018 in people ages 15-49. In more recent years, the HIV transmission rate between infants has also decreased, from 3.22% in 2023 to 1.78% in 2024. These achievements are primarily attributable to aid from organizations such as UNICEF and the CDC.

Funds raised by UNICEF brought resources to support HIV transmission rates among infants and young children. In addition, UNICEF supported various HIV interventions for pregnant women, including antiretroviral therapy and testing.

The support of the CDC through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) allows access to HIV health care in all 10 regions in Cameroon. The magnitude of this is substantial, as 95% of individuals receiving HIV treatment in Cameroon are using PEPFAR-supported sites.

In addition, Cameroon launched its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system in April 2023 as part of its effort to increase health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals living with HIV. By December 2024, this program allowed over 3 million people to register for the UHC program while also ensuring free access to HIV services for over 400,000 individuals.

Tuberculosis

In 2021, tuberculosis was listed as the fifth highest cause of death among individuals living in Cameroon, affecting 164 per 100,00 people. The mortality rate has seen a slight decrease since 2015, going from 31 to 30 per 100,00 individuals. More notably, is the tuberculosis mortality rate in individuals with HIV going from 31 to 14 in the same time period.

The CDC played a vital role in this operation, as nearly all tuberculosis patients at PEPFAR facilities have also been tested for HIV. In addition to HIV treatments provided by the UHC program, it provided free consultations to nearly 650 thousand children, along with free tuberculosis treatment to over 27 thousand individuals.

In response to these medical milestones, Cameroon initiated the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), focusing on ending tuberculosis by 2030. This strategy emphasizes screening and early diagnosis, training health care workers, disease prevention, and consistent management of HIV and tuberculosis in affected patients.

A Look Into the Future

While Cameroon continues to face health challenges intensified by internal conflicts, a growing population, and the burden of communicable diseases, recent developments demonstrate meaningful progress. Continued investment in health care access, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations, will be critical to ensuring that the country is equipped to meet both current needs and future demands. With outside support and long-term planning, Cameroon has the potential to strengthen its health care system and improve health outcomes for millions of its citizens.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Transformation of Elderly Poverty in Panama

Elderly Poverty in PanamaOnce a nation where poverty cast a long shadow over its people, Panama has undergone a striking transformation since the late 20th century. In 1995, the poverty headcount ratio for all Panamanians stood at a daunting 21.1%. Over the following decades, steady progress chipped away at this figure—dropping to 14.5% by 2005, 7.7% in 2010 and 4.8% in 2015. By 2019, poverty had fallen to just 2.9%, a symbol of how far the country had come. Yet, in the years that followed, the trend began to waver. The ratio edged up to 3.3% in 2021 and 3.7% in 2023—a subtle but important reminder that even hard-won gains can be vulnerable to shifting economic tides. Still, the broader story is one of resilience, growth and the continuing pursuit of a more equitable future. Here’s information about elderly poverty in Panama and what is being done to address it.

The Influence of Non-Contributory Pension 

In Panama, the elderly make up a significant part of the population, and many are facing tough challenges. Despite efforts underway to support this community, elderly poverty in Panama continues to create harsh realities for many. With pensions often falling short, countless seniors find themselves pushed back into the workforce, not out of choice but necessity, to avoid slipping below the poverty line. Back in 2012, around 26.2% of the demographic are still working, a rate nearly twice as high as that seen in countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD]. But the picture grows even more troubling when it becomes evident that many seniors in Latin America work in informal jobs or self-employment without access to social protections or benefits, which forces them to labor far longer. 

Fortunately, programs like the Non-Contributory Pensions (NPCs) have begun to turn the tide for elderly poverty in Panama, especially those working in the formal sector. These “social pensions” provide a vital financial lifeline to low-income seniors, offering support even when they have not contributed to traditional pension systems. The impact has been significant; it has greatly  reduced extreme poverty by 66.1% and moderate poverty by 56% among Panama’s elderly. While this program does not magically erase poverty overnight, it lays a crucial foundation for organizations to grant  older citizens a chance to live with dignity, free from the constant threat of poverty. 

“Social protection is thus a universal human right.” In line with this principle, Non-Contributory Pensions (NPCs) have seen a substantial increase in coverage across Latin America since the early 2000s. These programs have become an essential mechanism for safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, from the various risks and challenges associated with aging. For example, as of July 2019, Panamanian elderly individuals who qualify for these pensions receive a guaranteed minimum monthly payment of 120 balboas, providing them with critical financial support. 

Healthy Aging in Panama  

Healthy aging, which the United Nations General Assembly officially declared in 2020, represents one of the most deliberate and strategic approaches to fostering a sustainable society that supports individuals of all ages, with particular emphasis on the elderly. Panama is among the countries encompassed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which prioritizes transforming societal attitudes toward aging, promoting community environments that are supportive and welcoming to older adults, and implementing “person-centered care and primary health services” tailored specifically to the needs of the elderly. Additionally, PAHO focuses on ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure for long-term care to enhance the quality of life for older populations. 

In Panama, elderly individuals hold a position of great respect within the social hierarchy of their households. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial not only for nurturing strong family dynamics but also for extending their ability to participate actively in the labor market. Furthermore, good health among the elderly helps reduce medical expenses [especially for the uninsured], promotes greater autonomy, and contributes positively to broader economic growth. 

The National Plan for the Elderly

The National Plan for the Elderly 2022–2025, which Panama’s Ministry of Social Protection (MIDES) oversees, coordinates a range of programs aimed at supporting the issue with elderly poverty in Panama. This comprehensive plan centers on three key priorities: economic security, health and the creation of sustainable environments. Its objectives include ensuring access to educational benefits, reducing healthcare costs, actively monitoring the health status of older adults to prevent future complications, improving caregiving services and fostering healthier living environments where older adults can thrive. The plan involves collaborative efforts among institutions such as the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Panamanian Social Security Fund. 

Looking Forward  

In recent years, Panama has made significant efforts to strengthen institutions that support elderly citizens, particularly in low-income communities. With the backing of several international organizations, the country has seen notable progress in addressing pension insecurity since the early twenty-first century. A nation’s economy is deeply influenced by the choices it makes, and Panama’s commitment to caring for its aging population is a powerful example. This initiative is not only economically sound, promoting stability and growth, but also reflects a fundamental human right: the right to dignity and protection at every stage of life. 

– LaRaymee Lee

LaRaymee is based in Sugar Land, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

The Positive Situation for Mental Health in San Marino

Mental Health in San MarinoRecent statistics show that the country of San Marino has a suicide rate of 7.59. In comparison, the worldwide average suicide rate as of 2021 is 8.9. Additionally, suicide rates have also dropped in the country, with an 8.01 rate in 2020 and a 7.59 rate in 2021, showing that mental health in San Marino receiving attention on a considerable level.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, San Marino experienced a concerning decrease in the mental health of its citizens and faced hard decisions on how to reintegrate citizens into a post-pandemic lifestyle. Over the last five years, San Marino has found that deteriorating mental health has links to stress, economic pressure and social isolation.

Community-centered environments are a strong deterrent against declining mental health and offer relief from stress, pressure and isolation. Because mental health decreased at the same time social isolation increased during the pandemic, the country focused on creating suitable community-based programs for citizens young enough to be in middle school, and old enough to be in retirement homes.

Mental Health for Old and Young Citizens

To specifically address mental health concerns in younger citizens, San Marino employs many awareness programs that work directly with public education in the country. These awareness programs started in 2021, prompted by COVID-19. The awareness programs involve partnering with police and substance abuse facilities for events to educate students and create environments where they can easily talk about depression and mental strain. Negative mental health for young citizens has almost always had links to academic pressure; citizens who could not perform well in school often felt frustrated and stuck. Interestingly, to San Marino, this meant that if public education could be improved upon and more accommodating for different students, then overall mental health in young citizens would generally increase.

Similar to young citizens, the country found that most of its older citizens over the age of 60 suffer from low mental health, largely due to social isolation. After partnering with the regional office of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), San Marino addressed many concerns with the mental health of older citizens. The country was able to employ more social services for older citizens, and further partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to allow community-based help. The country originally partnered with the WHO in 2013, but after the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020, the country and the WHO made additional projects and plans to facilitate positive mental health.

Since 2020, San Marino’s citizens over 60 years old have had stable and improving mental health. Instead of the majority of elderly people living in retirement homes, the WHO has made it so that systems of care are in place where the majority of elderly citizens can grow old without leaving their original homes. Lowering feelings of depression among the elderly and promoting community-based involvement in neighborhoods due to the system of care in place.

Efforts To Address Mental Health in San Marino

Organizations like the WHO and PAM go to great lengths to ensure that countries like San Marino are well equipped to give citizens an environment that promotes mental well-being. The country also adopted the philosophy of “Parlare Aiuta” or Talking Helps, a national campaign promoting the openness of receiving care for poor mental health and quality conversations around the subject with the correct tones and vocabulary.

San Marino found that in many ways, at least for a small country, the best way to encourage positive mental health is to have productive conversations around the topic. Raising awareness with statistics is not enough; poor mental health has a connection to social isolation, so one of the best ways to help is to encourage citizens to educate themselves on the issue so they can have meaningful conversations when necessary.

Poverty is a contributing factor to poor mental health, but it has remained stable in San Marino over the last several years. The overall poverty rate in San Marino has stayed below 8%. In contrast, the average poverty rate worldwide is about 8.5%.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons