Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

How Frugal Health Care Innovation Is Reimagining Accessibility

Frugal Health CareReports assessing the relationship between extreme poverty and health care accessibility have and continue to prove a cyclical relationship in which each exacerbates the other. Though the availability of health care across the world increases, out-of-pocket costs often force families and individuals below the poverty line. Meanwhile, populations suffering from untreated illness are unable to participate effectively in the workforce.

In short, being sick keeps people from financial earnings, while treatment costs account for most of their spending. Either path hampers the ability to participate in the local economy. In response, frugal health care initiatives have risen in popularity, combating the personal financial aspect of health care accessibility.

How Does Frugal Health Care Work?

Frugal health care works by using low-cost, low-tech solutions that are adapted to local needs. Many solutions arise by repurposing everyday tools or simplifying existing techniques. One early example is the stethoscope, originally made from a rolled piece of paper to preserve a patient’s modesty. Today, frugal innovations include using hardware drills instead of expensive medical ones and placing premature babies in plastic bags to prevent hypothermia.

These practical, outcome-based solutions stand apart from the prevailing model of Western, research-driven progress due to their deep contextualization. While vaccines serve as a universal preventive measure for those with access, innovations like the “Jaipur Foot” address specific local needs. Designed for barefoot amputees, the Jaipur Foot is affordable and effective thanks to partnerships with local artisans and readily available materials. Its success, however, is closely tied to local production capacity, making it a powerful but regionally limited solution.

The Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program

Western University has incorporated research into frugal health care innovation in Canada via its Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program (FBIP). A branch of the Engineering Health Equity (EHE) training program, the institute has partnership sites in Northern Canada, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. The FBIP is hands-on and follows a conceptualize-create-deploy model. This ensures that abstract ideas become a physical reality and are implemented in the low-resource communities where they are needed.

Partnering Universities also lead projects at home with the aid of the Frugal Biomedical Innovations Catalyst Grant program. One example is 3D-printed hands and feet developed by Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia. Another is a low-cost teledentistry system from the University of Nairobi, designed to improve oral health care in rural Kenya. Prototypes are tested in the field with financial support from organizations such as Western University’s Africa Institute and program grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

A Good Enough Future

Hi-tech innovation in health care will and should continue to progress. However, the emerging focus on extending medical accessibility to areas lacking the financial and technological resources to implement it is ushering in a revolution of rural health care access.

The 2025 World Economic Forum identified the need for decentralized, equitable health care systems. Similarly, the 2024 report on Global Health Care Sector Outlook published by Deloitte University suggests multiagency collaboration and taking opportunities to digitalize care delivery.

Decentralization, equity and collaboration are pillars of frugal health care innovation. By prioritizing practical repurposing over novelty, an increasing number of communities will have access to the medical care necessary to facilitate economic growth.

– Emily Galán

Emily is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Addressing Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

Disability and Poverty in TunisiaAccording to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a positive correlation exists between disability and poverty in Tunisia. Disabled people are more than twice as likely to live in poverty. Seventeen indicators determine the MPI, including health care, employment, education, living conditions and physical security. As of 2017, Tunisia’s disability prevalence is approximately 14% within a population of 12 million. Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia has taken action to reduce disability poverty in its communities. The following article will explain the connection between disability and poverty in Tunisia, amplify Tunisia’s recent achievements in reducing disability-poverty and discuss further improvements.

The Connection Between Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

  1. Educational Setbacks: Mental and physical impairments hinder disabled children from attending school. Oftentimes, educational facilities in developing countries do not have accessible transport for students who require wheelchairs or special equipment. Mental disabilities prevent students from learning at the same rate as their peers. This educational gap has direct links to future unemployment and financial instability for disabled persons. 
  2. Lack of Employment: In Tunisia, 40% of disabled people are unemployed, a critical factor in the prevalence of disability-poverty. Inadequate education, limited legal protection and disability stigma drive unemployment. While the statistic is unknown, women with disabilities are more likely to face discrimination according to the Tunisian General Trade Union.
  3. Poor Access to Health Care: Disabled citizens struggle to obtain quality healthcare. Many healthcare facilities are not wheelchair accessible. Hospitals in developing countries often lack basic equipment such as X-ray machines, exam tables and scales, which prevents service to disabled patients. Healthcare services for disabled patients also tend to be more expensive.
  4. Infectious Disease Prevalence: Infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases, are common in Tunisia and worsen disability-poverty. Specifically, infectious disease may cause disabilities, particularly in childhood, by impairing motor, cognitive and sensory function.
  5. Unsafe Living Conditions: Dangerous environmental factors can instigate disabilities. Poor sanitation and dangerous infrastructure increase the likelihood of developing a physical impairment. Additionally, unsafe living conditions worsen the health of disabled persons, hindering employment and access to special services. This enacts a cycle of poverty. Impoverished conditions worsen disability, and disability encourages poverty’s increase.

Tunisia’s Advancements in Disability-Poverty Reduction

  1. Disability Cards: As of 2012, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) administers disability cards to Tunisians with physical and mental impairments. These cards allow disabled persons to acquire special services and government protection from discrimination. Disabled persons holding these cards are also ensured transportation, health care, access to recreational areas and employment opportunities.
  2. Government Funding: The Orientation Act 83 is a federal step to prevent disability and poverty in Tunisia. Organizations are funded in their provision of special education, workshops, vocational training and rehabilitation services. A direct effect of this act is the establishment of four special education institutions in Tunisia.
  3. Official Representation: Tunisia’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) originated in 2008 and provides government protection to disabled persons. Three stakeholders make up the CRPD: the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). These departments are largely responsible for improving the living conditions of people with disabilities.
  4. Social Organizations: Prior to the 2011 Jasmine revolution, social movements fighting disability-poverty were unheard of. Today, numerous associations exist to protect the welfare of disabled persons. The Tunisian Organization of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Tunisian Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Parents and Friends of Persons with Disabilities Association of Tunis are all organizations dedicated to the reduction of disability and poverty in Tunisia.
  5. Election Aid: In 2014, Tunisia implemented the use of sign language in all election-related communication. This applies to voting registration, electoral polls, political speeches and national television programming. In 2019, the country implemented new voting technology — braille and sign language lexicons — further aiding citizens with vision or hearing impairments. As a result, Tunisia’s educational gap is reduced and disabled participation in society has increased.

Barriers in the Fight Against Disability Poverty

  1. Limit Social Stigma: Much of the Tunisian population treats disabled persons as second-class citizens or “charity cases.” Disability stigma results in negative outcomes on employment and educational opportunities for the impaired. Employment’s decrease results in poverty’s increase.
  2. Reliable Enforcement: Although Tunisia has laws to protect the welfare of disabled persons, there is a lack of enforcement of these laws. Disabled citizens’ legal rights are not effectively monitored.
  3. Repair COVID-19 Damage: Disability-poverty increased during the pandemic due to higher unemployment. Not only were jobs harder to find, but disabled persons often require contact assistance, putting them at greater risk for disease transmission. Disabled students struggled with remote education, heightening the education gap. Tunisia’s COVID-19 recovery ended towards the end of 2021, but the impact of the pandemic remains prevalent for the disabled community.
  4. Tunisian Parliament Suspension: The Tunisian Parliament was suspended after the July 25, 2021, constitutional referendum. This suspension has prevented the Parliamentary Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Groups from implementing field programs to aid disability-poverty.
  5. Broaden Disability Diagnosis: Although the disability card has reduced disability poverty in Tunisia, it is difficult to acquire these cards. They are given only after an approved medical assessment. This assessment may not account for all psychological impairments. 

Looking Ahead

Although disability and poverty are still a problem in Tunisia today, significant progress has occurred and points to future improvements. 

– Helen Cusick

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

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Social Programs Improving Health and Poverty in Gabon

Social Programs Driving Health and Poverty Reduction in GabonGabon, though rich in natural resources and boasting a high per capita GDP, still faces widespread poverty. About 33% of the population lives on less than $5.50 per day. However, several social programs are helping to address poverty and improve access to health care. As medical expenses often deepen financial hardship, these programs play a critical role in promoting both health and economic stability.

National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund

The National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund (NHISCF) plays a central role in Gabon’s push toward universal health care. The fund draws support from the government, public sector officials, employers and employees. Initially designed to serve the poor and public employees, the fund now covers more than half of the population. It also supports students and workers in the private sector, expanding access to medical care for low-income groups across Gabon. Through this fund, Gabon has taken significant steps toward closing the gap between income and access to health care. By reducing out-of-pocket medical costs, NHISCF allows many residents to seek treatment without facing financial strain.

The Gabon Indigents Scheme

In 2007, Gabon established the Gabon Indigents Scheme (GIS) under the NHISCF. This initiative targets economically vulnerable residents, representing about 30% of the population, who are at least 16 years old. The government fully funds their medical care and these individuals do not pay contributions. High costs often prevent people in low-income households from accessing essential services. By removing the financial barrier, the GIS ensures that poor residents can receive treatment when needed. This approach not only protects their health but also shields them from falling deeper into poverty due to medical debt.

Cash Maternity Benefits and Birth Grants

Gabon’s social insurance system also offers maternity leave benefits and family allowances. According to the SSA, the system provides 100% of a mother’s final monthly income for up to six weeks before childbirth and eight weeks after. In cases involving complications, the leave period extends by another three weeks. Employers initially pay the benefit, and the government reimburses them for half the cost. Families also receive financial assistance after childbirth. The government provides 8,000 CFA francs as a birth grant and 45,000 CFA francs to help cover expenses for clothing, toiletries and other newborn needs. These programs reduce both physical and financial stress, helping mothers recover and return to work without added pressure.

Toward a Healthier and Stable Future

Gabon continues to make measurable progress in reducing poverty and strengthening public health systems. Government-backed programs provide medical care, maternity support and financial assistance to those who need it most. By prioritizing equitable access and addressing systemic barriers, these initiatives help protect the most vulnerable while building a more resilient population. As Gabon works to expand and improve these services, the country moves closer to achieving its goal of universal health care and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sevyn Whatley

Sevyn is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything to Know About Poverty in Ukraine

Poverty in UkraineAs Ukraine remains in a state of conflict and continues to face challenges related to war, a momentum for change is developing, one marked by resilience, global support and notable advancement to reduce poverty.

Ukraine is actively building and laying the foundation for a better future. International organizations, local NGOs, as well as government efforts are proving that even in the darkest of times, change is feasible. When exploring everything you need to know about poverty in Ukraine, it becomes clear that despite ongoing adversity, progress is taking root in multiple areas of Ukrainian society.

Understanding Poverty in Ukraine

As of 2023, more than 29%% of Ukraine’s population, about 9 million people, lived in poverty. This number rose drastically amid the war with Russia. Since 2020, an additional 1.8 million Ukrainians have fallen into poverty due to widespread job losses and a collapsing economy. One in five adults who had employment before the invasion are now without work, and nearly a quarter of households reported struggling to afford food in June 2023. Conditions would be far worse without international aid. Especially for the United States, which has helped fund critical public services like pensions and salaries for teachers and doctors. The war has deepened economic instability, pushing many working-class families closer to the margins of survival. 

Poverty in Ukraine hits families with children the hardest, especially those with four or more children. These families face poverty rates of more than 80% and children are more likely than adults to live in poor conditions. This puts their education and development at risk. Still, the Ukrainian government has kept most health clinics open and helped nearly 89% of students keep learning, often online. Social support, like steady pension payments, has helped many families survive and avoid even worse hardship. 

Global Aid Drives Impact

In late 2024, the World Bank approved more than $2 billion in financial support for Ukraine. This initiative aims to stabilize the economy and fund essential public services. It introduces key reforms that improve transparency, expand the use of renewable energy and strengthen agricultural production, which is a considerable resolve for Ukraine.

Under the THRIVE project, to boost Ukraine’s health system, a separate $454 million package is being used. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and quality of public health care spending by strengthening national health services and expanding access for underserved communities.

Humanitarian Efforts to Address Poverty in Ukraine

In addition to major international funding, the civil society of Ukraine is playing a critical role in local recovery efforts. Razom, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Ukrainian immigrants, continues to make a significant impact. In 2023, the organization awarded more than $3 million in grants, reaching more than 330,000 people with support for food, shelter, education and attention to mental and trauma care.

Meanwhile, a leading example of trauma recovery emerges as the Superhumans Center located in Lviv is observed. Since its launch in April 2023, the facility has treated more than 1,000 amputees, a majority being treated for war injuries, being provided with prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and physiological care. It stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, making it more than a medical center. 

Understanding poverty in Ukraine means recognizing how both global and local actions are addressing not just economic hardship, but also the human and emotional costs of conflict. These combined efforts are helping restore lives and rebuild communities.

While poverty remains a reality for many Ukrainians, structural progress is underway. In 2024, grain and oilseed exports increased by 20%, and more than 75% of export operations resumed though Black Sea ports, an essential lifeline for the nation’s economy.

The government continues to improve digital infrastructure, expanding access to online services. For the fourth consecutive year, more government websites have met accessibility standards, allowing a greater number of Ukrainians, including those with disabilities, to access essential information and services.

Looking Ahead

Addressing poverty in Ukraine involves more than statistics. It is about the strength of people and institutions forging a path forward. While poverty remains a pressing issue, Ukraine’s path forward is progressively defined by recovery and renewal rather than survival. Efforts to rebuild a strong and inclusive society are in progress, supported by steady advantage in health care, education and economic infrastructure. Although these developments may unfold indistinctly, they are consistent and measurable. From a noticeable increase in clinics to rising export numbers, the country is making true advancements. For many Ukrainians, that gradual progress signals a shift towards stability and hope.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

The Impact of Global Health Equity on Poverty in Kenya

The Impact of Global Health Equity on Poverty in KenyaDespite advances in economic development, millions of Kenyans still live in poverty. In 2022, about 40% of the population lived below the poverty line and at least 32% could not afford an adequate diet. This lack of basic resources prevents many people from living stable, productive lives, despite Kenya’s economic growth. The country has historically faced major health challenges. The prevalence of endemic diseases combined with a lack of access to adequate health care has exacerbated the impact of systemic poverty in Kenya.

Progress Through Global Health Initiatives

Kenya, with a rapidly growing population, is currently home to more than 57 million people. There are still significant social disparities between the rural and urban areas, as 85% of all poor people live in rural areas, while the majority of the urban poor live in slums. Achieving global health equity requires expanding access to clinics, life-saving medicines and trained health professionals.

Over the past two decades, various global health equity initiatives have improved the health landscape in Kenya. The government, supported by international organizations, has focused on preventing and treating infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS. Programs such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), USAID and the World Health Organization (WHO) expanded access to clinics, medicines and trained professionals. These ongoing efforts have significantly improved health outcomes for citizens, leading to a reduction in poverty in Kenya.

Health Access and Economic Growth

Increased access to health care directly correlates with economic growth. Currently, the Kenyan economy is dominated by agriculture and informal micro-enterprises, which do not provide workers with any health coverage. Workers who cannot afford or access medical care often lose valuable workdays due to illness. Inadequate health care services exacerbate the effects of the epidemic diseases plaguing the nation. The inability to treat these diseases early on leads to increased medical costs. People suffer needlessly, children are too sick to go to school and the nation’s overall well-being and economy are affected, creating a vicious cycle of poverty in Kenya that cannot be stopped without health interventions.

HIV/AIDS: Evolution of Global Health Equity

Kenya’s efforts against HIV/AIDS offer an example of how targeted global health interventions can transform a nation’s future. In the late 1990s, HIV prevalence in Kenya was at an all-time high. By 1997, about 37% of men and 45% of women with a sexually transmitted infection also tested positive for HIV. Societal stigma and the high cost of ART limited access to treatment, while the country’s health care system struggled to manage the growing number of cases. This resulted in high mortality rates and large numbers of orphaned children.

To combat the crisis, international organizations began funding HIV relief efforts in Kenya. Groups such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund and USAID increased access to HIV testing, distributed ART and launched education campaigns. As of 2023, around 1.3 million Kenyans were receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

Productivity Gains and Innovations in HIV Treatment

Modern ART has led to improvements in health and productivity for people living with HIV. A significant benefit has been an increase in the country’s productivity. In two studies focusing on agricultural workers in Kenya, researchers found that workers on ART doubled the number of days they could work each month. Participants also showed a 20% increase in labor force participation and a 35% increase in hours worked. These findings demonstrate the economic value of accessible health interventions.

Dr. Ann Kurth, an epidemiologist and leader in global health systems, spoke with The Borgen Project about Kenya’s progress. “Antiretrovirals came to sub-Saharan Africa and made transformative difference,” she said. “Health system strengthening by PEPFAR funding got you 26 million lives saved. Workforce training helped community health workers screen and test people for HIV in people’s homes with oral tests. We did a lot of self-testing in Kenya. These are innovations that were not the norm, but it helped people identify if they had HIV and get treated earlier.”

Equity and Inclusion in Health Care

Despite many advancements in global health equity in Kenya, significant challenges persist. Rural areas continue to struggle with shortages of medical professionals, transportation barriers and inadequate health care infrastructure. Shifting donor priorities can also affect long-term funding. Dr. Kurth emphasized the need for gender equity in care and research. Historically, clinical trials have underrepresented women and ignored key differences in how diseases and treatments affect them. “Women have not always been represented in clinical trials. A lot of assumptions about clinical practice are based on an assumption of it being a male body. There needs to be more gender representation in research and clinical services and not think of women as just about childbearing.”

Looking Ahead

Kenya’s commitment to improving health care access offers a model for other countries facing poverty. Strategic partnerships with international organizations have saved lives, built community resilience and contributed to reducing poverty in Kenya. Continued investment in health infrastructure, gender-inclusive research and rural outreach could be essential. As Dr. Kurth concluded, “We’ve been able to see major investments in the last couple of decades… That led to incredible child survival, maternal mortality improvements, increases in income and some advances in gender equality.”

– Rafe Photopoulos

Rafe is based in Gainesville, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Solar-Powered Clinics: Energizing Rural Health

Solar-Powered ClinicsIn many rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, health clinics often operate without reliable electricity. This lack of power limits their ability to provide essential medical services, especially during emergencies throughout the night or for storing temperature-sensitive vaccines. Now, a growing number of communities across the region are turning to an innovative and sustainable solution: solar-powered clinics.

The Challenges of Powerless Clinics

According to USAID’s Power Africa initiative, nearly 60% of health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and many others operate with unreliable power. This energy gap poses serious challenges to health care delivery, especially in rural regions such as northern Uganda and remote areas of Sierra Leone. Without dependable electricity, clinics struggle to store vaccines, power essential medical equipment or provide emergency services after dark- putting countless lives at risk during childbirth, disease outbreaks and other critical situations.

Powering Hope Through the Sun

Solar energy is increasingly being used to bridge the energy gap in health care facilities across sub-Saharan Africa. Through partnerships with national governments and organizations such as the UNDP, solar-powered clinics are getting the equipment that includes photovoltaic panels, battery storage and lighting solutions. In Uganda, for example, UNDP has worked alongside the Ministry of Health to provide solar energy systems to health centers, enabling continuous operation of critical services such as maternal care, vaccine refrigeration and the use of diagnostic equipment.

Real Impact in Remote Communities

Results show promise when looking at the establishment of solar-powered clinics and overall solar power to health facilities in Sierra Leone. In partnership with the Ministry of Health has commissioned solar energy systems in 25 primary health units (PHUs), as part of a broader initiative to electrify facilities nationwide. This investment is enhancing service delivery by ensuring constant power for lighting, vaccine refrigeration and essential medical equipment. With improved infrastructure, clinics can now operate around the clock, which not only strengthens health care outcomes but also increases public confidence in local health services.

Organizations Leading the Charge

One notable organization making a difference is We Care Solar, founded in 2010. It provides compact, solar-powered suitcases designed specifically for maternal care. These suitcases include high-efficiency lights, medical device outlets and phone chargers- all powered by solar panels. To date, more than 10,000 health centers are equipped with Solar Suitcases in more than 20 countries ultimately serving more than 18 million mothers and newborns.

In 2022, the African Development Bank (AfDB) launched the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to provide solar electricity to 250 million people across 11 countries. A significant portion of this effort focuses on health infrastructure in rural zones.

Solar-Powered Clinics: The Future

Solar-powered clinics represent a practical, scalable solution to improve healthcare access across sub-Saharan Africa. By ensuring round-the-clock care, safe vaccine storage and reliable diagnostics, these clinics are helping to reduce mortality rates and build resilient health systems.

As efforts expand, solar energy may prove to be not only a sustainable energy source but a life-saving one.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Advancements in Health in Kenya

Health in KenyaIn May 2025, Kenya established a National Public Health Institute to consolidate disease prevention, health research and emergency response services. The World Bank, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa and more support the institute. The institute is the latest in a series of health advancements in Kenya. Here are some of the country’s recent health successes.

Increased Sexual Health Access

Unintended pregnancy and maternal mortality are common in remote regions of Kenya. In March 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) donated $100,000 worth of sexual and reproductive health kits to priority areas. The kits contained supplies for childbirth emergencies and miscarriage care. The kits delivered to Samburu County included oxytocin, a medicine to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, ending the county’s shortage.

The initiative also provided family-planning services to 260 people in Laikipia County. Esther Wamuhu, a 20-year-old Laikipia resident, had dropped out of school after an unplanned pregnancy, but the services allowed her to return. “I received a five-year family planning method for free,” she said. “Now, I can go back to school without the fear of another pregnancy.”

Efficient Cholera Response

In February 2025, Kenya declared a cholera outbreak in the Nairobi, Kisumu, Migori and Kwale counties, with an estimated 256 cases to date. In response, health officials and WHO partnered to deliver 1,100 cholera kits to Nairobi and 500 to Migori. The kits contain diagnostic tests, medicine and protective equipment for health workers. Health officials are working to ensure food vendors meet health standards and deliver water-purifying tablets to reduce the risk of further cases.

Digital System To Fight Disease

In December 2024, the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the WHO delivered medicines for tropical diseases, targeting 13 million children. As part of the campaign, 110 health workers used a data collection app developed by the Ministry, the WHO and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Workers uploaded patient information to a live-updated database that health officials could access anytime. Data collection had previously been done by hand, a slower method with a greater risk of errors.

Kenya has had great success in disease prevention. It eliminated Guinea-worm disease in 2018 and plans to eradicate Lymphatic filariasis by 2027 and all neglected tropical diseases by 2030.

Improved Newborn and Maternal Care

Kenyan mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding have increased by 47% since 2003. Exclusive breastfeeding requires mothers to feed their children with only breast milk for the first six months after birth. Breast milk has positive benefits for physical growth, brain development and protection against diseases. However, some mothers and health workers in Kenya use other liquids instead.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health, supported by Irish Aid and the WHO, led a six-day training program on breastfeeding and maternal care in May 2024 to continue progress. Forty health workers from nine counties attended. At Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital, the number of mothers breastfeeding shortly after birth increased by 33% between August 2024 and February 2025.

Conclusion

Kenya is making notable progress in public health through stronger systems, rapid disease response and better maternal care. The new National Public Health Institute marks a key step in unifying these efforts. With global support and local innovation, the country is on track to build a healthier future.

– Tyler Payn

Tyler is based in Allentown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Addressing Mental Health in Mauritania

Mental Health in MauritaniaMauritania is a country located in northwestern Africa and it severely lacks mental health care. The absence of basic necessities, ongoing economic instability and weak social support systems contribute to the development of mental health issues. Additionally, existing vulnerabilities such as discrimination and social stigma often intensify these struggles.

As of 2025, there is no publicly available data more recent than the 2004 joint study by Mauritania’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to The New Humanitarian, the study found that approximately 34% of the country’s population had experienced a mental health issue. This encompasses a range of conditions including stress, depression and schizophrenia.

Poverty’s Effect on Mental Health

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as of 2022, one in four children lives in extreme poverty and 80% are exposed to some form of violence. This contributes to chronic stress and a heightened risk of mental health disorders.

Poverty remains one of the most significant barriers to both physical and mental health in Mauritania. According to the World Bank, rural areas bear the brunt of deprivation due to underdeveloped infrastructure and limited access to essential services. Many Mauritanians rely on informal or subsistence work, which offers little to no financial security, health insurance or protection against job loss.

This instability contributes to chronic stress, especially in households already dealing with illness, trauma or displacement. According to the World Bank, in these communities, even basic health services can be financially and geographically inaccessible, making mental health in Mauritana support a distant priority. The lack of income, combined with social stigma and institutional neglect, keeps many individuals trapped in a cycle where untreated mental health in Mauritania conditions both stem from and contribute to extreme poverty.

Having only one psychiatric hospital, the Nouakchott Centre for Specialised Medicine, with a limited number of beds, the population of Mauritania has very limited access to mental health care. According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), most patients only stay for a few days due to there being a limited number of beds and staff. The hospital only has 20 rooms, according to RFI.

Economic Toll of Untreated Mental Illnesses

The consequences of untreated mental illness in Mauritania extend far beyond individual suffering. They create a significant, long-term burden on the nation’s already fragile economy. Mental health disorders often limit a person’s ability to attend school, maintain employment or care for family members. In a country where 90.9% of Mauritania’s total employment is informal as of 2017, according to the Global Economy, any loss in productivity can have immediate and devastating effects on household income. This is especially damaging for families living at or below the poverty line, who lack savings, insurance or access to consistent medical care.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is estimated that depression and anxiety cost the global economy more than $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. Individuals experiencing mental illness often drop out of school or are unable to secure jobs, reducing their lifelong earning potential. According to the United Nations Foundations, in many cases, caregiving responsibilities fall to women and girls, who may leave school or the workforce to support relatives, further entrenching gender and economic inequalities.

Long-Term Impact

According to a study conducted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in 2016, untreated mental illness can lead to higher health care costs in the long term, as conditions worsen and require more intensive interventions.

Untreated mental illnesses can also lead to social issues such as homelessness. The NIH reported that in 2021, more than 20% of people who experience homelessness also have a mental illness.

Expanding access to mental health care in Mauritania, training professionals locally and integrating psychological support into primary care could reduce long-term public spending while improving workforce participation and overall quality of life. According to the WHO, “every $1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.”

Voices From Nouakchott

Despite limited staff, visitors and patients of the Nouakchott Centre for Specialised Medicine are satisfied with their visits. For example, in 2007, according to TNH, Dianaba Dia took her child to see a psychiatrist at the hospital for violent seizures.

“He was a doctor just like any other,” Dia told TNH. “What counts for me though is that since we saw him my daughter has got better.”

Additionally, the scarcity of mental health resources also profoundly affects individuals like Sidi Lemen after a failed attempt to emigrate to the United States in 2025. According to RFI, this setback led to depression and subsequent substance abuse. He sought help from the Nouakchott Centre for Specialised Medicine. However, due to limited resources, he was only admitted for a few days, highlighting the pressing need for expanded mental health services in Mauritania.

“We need to increase the number of beds,” Dr. Mohamed Lemine Abeidi told RFI. “Lots of patients travel long distances to come here, and there’s no other psychiatric care infrastructure.”

Mauritania faces significant challenges in providing mental health care not only because of the limited number of beds, but also due to a scarcity of trained professionals. According to France 24, all of the country’s psychiatrists have received their training abroad, highlighting the absence of local educational programs in this field.

Hope for Health Care

Mauritania’s mental health crisis is deeply intertwined with poverty. However, recent initiatives offer a glimmer of hope. The World Bank has launched a national program aimed at improving health services for approximately 2.5 million people, focusing on women, children and adolescents in underserved communities. This program aims to improve primary health care and increase access to mental health services.

Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is working closely with the Mauritanian government to integrate refugees into national healthcare systems, including mental health support. These collaborative efforts aim to build a more inclusive and resilient health infrastructure.

Despite these promising developments, significant challenges remain. According to Alima, the Mbera refugee camp is operating beyond its capacity, housing more than 116,000 refugees in a space designed for 80,000. This overcrowding exacerbates the strain on already limited mental health resources.

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Operation Smile in Panama: Changing Lives

Operation Smile in panamaPanama is a beautiful country that connects North and South America. Known for its tropical rainforests, beaches and home to the world-famous Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Although these features bring in tourism and allow for global trade, this country’s economy is full of contradictions. However, Operation Smile is endeavoring to combat.

While Panama City is a bustling metropolis full of international trade, the wealth gap is desperately wide, with many Panamanians who live in rural areas living in extreme poverty. The rural and indigenous communities of Panama lack access to clean water, education and, most prevalently, health care. The Panama health crisis affects many, but one of the less addressed issues is the lack of available medical resources for those born with cleft palates.

Cleft Palates

A cleft palate is a condition where a gap in the roof of a baby’s mouth doesn’t fully close during fetal development. Affecting one in 700 children worldwide, children born with a cleft palate often experience severe difficulties eating. Without access to reconstructive surgery early on in life, this condition can swiftly leave a child more susceptible to infection, malnutrition and in some severe cases, starvation.

However, with 94% of children born with cleft palates coming from low-income backgrounds, this life-changing surgery is simply unobtainable due to the health care poverty that is widespread around Panama. Many families in rural Panama have little to no access to a doctor. They often cannot afford the surgery even if it were available.

How Operation Smile Is Helping

Since 1991, dedicated Operation Smile volunteers, including surgeons, nurses and speech therapists, have travelled across Panama to deliver free and life-changing surgeries to more than 3,000 children. Behind every operation is a network of professionals that aid in bridging the gap in health care within Panama’s most impoverished communities.

In addition to performing surgeries, the Operation Smile team provides a complete package of support, from dentistry and orthodontics to nutrition and speech therapy. These volunteers are vital in ensuring that these children have access to medical and emotional support, ensuring that patients go on to heal from their surgery and thrive into healthy adults.

The Story of Laura Alvarez

One of the most inspiring stories of an Operation Smile volunteer comes from Laura Alvarez. As a Panamanian woman, born with a cleft palate, she has made it her life’s ambition to help others born with the same condition. Although Alvarez could access surgery for her condition, she understood the importance of making medical care available across Panama, where her journey with Operation Smile began.

Alvarez recalls the struggles of growing up with a cleft palate, stating, “After I turned 10 years old, some classmates pointed out how I spoke strangely and looked different from them. ‘You look like a pig,’ they said. These cruel comments made me feel ashamed of myself.” With a first-hand understanding of the issue, Alvarez began working for the organization and soon traveled internationally to speak at the Latin America in Action (LEA) conference.

Conclusion

Operation Smile is bridging the health care gap in Panama by providing free, life-changing surgeries to needy children. The organization delivers critical care through dedicated volunteers and inspires long-term change in communities affected by health poverty.

– Abbey G Malin

Abbey is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Shifting Focus on Mental Health in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Mental Health in Saint Kitts and NevisMental Health in Saint Kitts and Nevis, formally known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, has become a growing concern in recent years. A lack of prior funding and persistent cultural stigma around mental illness have left behind limited infrastructure for the country’s mental health care. Recently, however, the federation announced a shift in strategy, dedicating greater focus and more resources to mental health in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This new approach can potentially redefine how the developing world addresses mental health concerns.

Global Trends in Mental Illness

Mental illness is a growing concern globally, particularly in the developing world, including Saint Kitts and Nevis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, approximately 970 million people had some form of mental disorder. While still a global minority, this accounts for more than 10% of the population who had to deal with additional barriers in their day-to-day lives.

It is also important to note that mental illness does not affect all equally. Other negative situations in life, such as poverty or violence, can cause or worsen mental illness. This makes developing nations particularly vulnerable as they have larger impoverished populations. On top of that, many nations have limited support systems and cultural stigmas on the topic, which prevent many of their citizens from getting the care they need.

Challenges to Mental Health in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis have historically struggled with limited funding for mental health services. In 2007, the Federation raised its spending on mental health services to just 1%. While this was still an increase from even lower rates, which had not been adjusted since 1956, the country still lacked major infrastructure to offer help. Limited resources, including needed medicine and trained staff, mean that only the most severe cases in patients receive treatments. Approximately 1% of the population of Saint Kitts and Nevis has been diagnosed with some form of mental illness.

Poverty has also been a significant barrier to accessing mental health care in Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 2008, about 21.8% of the population was below the poverty line. However, due to increased government response, this percentage began to decline slowly but surely. The government sped this up by simultaneously funding public health, so potential patients did not have to pay out of pocket.

Not only can poverty lead to or worsen mental illness, it can also impact a patient’s ability to get care. Research shows that those living in impoverished conditions are less likely to seek help and less likely to receive it if they do.

Mental Health Initiatives in Saint Kitts and Nevis

On November 27, 2024, the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis launched its Mental Health Service Systems Enhancement Project. The project, supported by the government and funded in part by Taiwan, aims to expand access to mental health services by increasing funding and strengthening mental health infrastructure. The nation’s Prime Minister and head of the health Ministry, Terrance Drew, also emphasized the importance of this initiative and the nation’s renewed focus on improving the mental health of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The most prominent counseling center, known as the Dr. Arthur W. L. Lake Mental Health Day Treatment Centre, offers high-quality mental health services and follows a patient-centered approach. For instance, it aims to fight the stigma around mental illness in Saint Kitts and Nevis by providing home-like and comfortable conditions, and some patients even shared their stories and how the center helped them.

The Future of Mental Health Care in the Developing World

While Saint Kitts and Nevis still have a long way to go, its new focus on mental health care is a refreshing step in the right direction. Despite limited infrastructure and combating a cultural stigma, the islands have been making positive steps towards better care. In particular, increases in government funding and foreign aid have given the country more resources in its fight. If the country sees positive results with this project could serve as a blueprint for effective strategies to address and improve mental health in other developing nations.

– Jesse Correll

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

Photo: Unsplash