Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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How Mothers2mothers is Improving Health Care

mothers2mothersPoor health rates paint a dull picture in sub-Saharan Africa, with 9% of its population living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that in 2022, more than 2.5 million Africans had tuberculosis, an infectious disease that primarily targets the lungs. Furthermore, during the same year, 94% of malaria cases worldwide occurred in the area. These illnesses are holding sub-Saharan African regions from reaching their full economic potential. To counter their growing shadow of death and sickness, a non-profit known as mothers2mothers is actively playing a part.

Mothers2mothers: Improving Health Care in Africa

Dr Mitch Besser established Mothers2mothers in 2001 as a small local NGO in Cape Town. Little did its founder know that within 20 years the organization would bloom into one of Africa’s most prominent multi-national non-profits, functioning in 10 countries in the region including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa; receiving numerous certifications and partnerships from other firms equal to its calibre and importance such as USAID, The Johnson & Johnson Foundation and MULAGO.

Mothers2mothers works with women living with HIV and hires them as Mentor Mothers who go to households to provide health education and emotional support for those burdened with the illnesses they also are affected by. They also work with medical professionals to provide health care according to an individual’s needs.

So far, the NGO has created more than 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV. This strategy proves effective as HIV-positive clients are more comfortable opening up and seeking help from those in the same place as them.

Educational Programs

The target demographics for mothers2mothers are women, children, adolescents, male spouses of patients and sexual minorities. The firm runs educational programs in which they explain the causes and symptoms of diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and link potential patients to testing and treatment centers. In 2023, the organization tested 100% of the people referred for TB and all positive individuals received treatment, according to its website.

Moreover, in the same way, Mentor Mothers track infants and children who may be susceptible to HIV transmission and help provide testing facilities to them. They also work with the children’s parents and give guidance on how to raise them to be healthy and mentally active. According to mothers2mothers, 99% of children enrolled in these early childhood development programs achieved their full developmental milestones by their first birthday.

In an interview with Wowwire, Robin Smalley, a co-founder of the organization, shared the inspiration behind mothers2mothers, “When the (HIV) test would come back there would be no one to tell the mother-to-be that she had options. This young woman would be terrified, convinced she and her baby were going to die. These young women were continually falling through the cracks in the medical system. Realizing that the greatest resource we have in Africa is the women themselves, Mitch (Besser) came up with the idea for mothers2mothers.”

Mothers’ Ball

In addition to working through Mentor Mothers, mothers2mothers also runs fundraisers and awareness activities. On November 20, 2024, the organization hosted its second “Mothers’ Ball” in London to spread the word on what they do and raise funds to finance their activities further. Over 300 people attended this event.

Mother2mothers has reached 16 million people who did not know their health issues beforehand or have any idea of how to get help. In 2023 alone it treated 774,307 clients. The Mentor Mother system has been so successful that it became an official South African government policy in 2012.

This system benefits not only the client but the Mentor Mother herself. A mother working for the firm Irene Nkosi stated in Make Mothers Matter, “My job at mothers2mothers has given me peace of mind. Being part of their family brought back my self-esteem and confidence. Sharing what I have learned there about HIV with my family has played a massive role in removing the stigma they had placed on me.”

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Jamaica

Disability and Poverty in Jamaica Disability and poverty in Jamaica are intertwined, perpetuating a cycle of hardship. Despite the enactment of the 2014 Disabilities Act, which aims to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities, many still struggle with maintaining a decent quality of life due to systemic barriers and economic instability. Approximately 200,000 Jamaicans live with a disability and they disproportionately suffer from poverty and unemployment. Census data from 2001 revealed that just over 6% of Jamaica’s population or about 160,000 people, identified as living with a disability. Yet, fewer than 1% of these individuals are in paid employment, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of the disabled community in Jamaica.

Challenges for People with Disabilities in Jamaica

Surviving in Jamaica is particularly challenging for people with disabilities who live in poverty. About 15% of the Jamaican population lives with a disability, yet many lack access to high-quality education and employment opportunities. In 2019, the unemployment rate among disabled individuals in Jamaica reached 90%, severely limiting their ability to maintain a satisfactory standard of living. This high unemployment rate restricts their financial ability to afford food and essential items, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. Consequently, many people with disabilities struggle to achieve independence due to insufficient income and barriers to securing housing. Additionally, accessing many public places remains physically challenging for disabled people.

Globally, half of the people living with disabilities cannot afford health care and among those who can access practitioners, more than double report finding their medic’s skills inadequate for their needs. In Jamaica, access to health care, like many other public services, varies widely based on the individual’s location, the nature of their disability, their mobility and ability to communicate with health care professionals. Consequently, certain groups do not receive the necessary level of treatment and fall through the cracks.

Disability Support Initiatives in Jamaica

  • Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD). JCPD advocates for disabled rights and promotes participatory policies, providing vocational training for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Its programs create pathways out of poverty by improving employability for PWDs.
  • Mustard Seed Communities. The organization provides accommodation, care and vocational training to persons with disabilities, helping them gain independence and learn marketable skills. Its projects focus on engaging participants through practical training in agriculture and construction. Currently, the organization supports more than 440 Jamaicans, including children affected by HIV and teen mothers with their infants.
  • The World Bank. The World Bank has collaborated with Jamaica to enhance the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities through social protection programs. This effort involves collecting data on disabilities to better tailor responses.

Looking Forward

Breaking systemic barriers remains crucial to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Jamaica. Efforts to enhance vocational training, expand employment opportunities and strengthen social protection systems are essential to reducing the socioeconomic disparities they face. By fostering inclusion and accessibility, these ongoing initiatives aim to address the root causes of inequality, offering individuals the chance to lead independent and dignified lives.

– Georgia de Gidlow

Georgia is based in Watford. UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Global Fight for Healthy Diets

Healthy DietsCurrently, 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet and the effects of COVID-19 on trade means more nutritious diets are becoming a luxury and a marker of global economic inequality. The global fight for healthy diets ties in with the battle to eradicate poverty and is now at the forefront of campaigns by international institutions and charities.

Recent Causes: COVID-19 and Inflation

International institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.N. agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continuously recommend how countries can promote healthier diets. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade and inflation meant the most impoverished could not afford a healthy diet. In 2021, the average cost of a healthy diet was 4.3% higher than in 2020 and 6.7% higher than in 2019. This meant that 42% of the world’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2021, an increase of 134 million people compared to 2019.

Although most countries experienced a rebound in gross domestic product (GDP) after the pandemic, the unequal pattern of economic recovery means lower-middle-income countries continue to face a rise in the cost of a healthy diet. The Food Standards Agency in the U.K. found that COVID-19 triggered many British citizens to prepare healthy main meals. However, the pandemic did not change attitudes toward healthy eating in 12 other countries, where 90% of the population cannot afford a nutritious diet consistently.

In Africa, 78% of people cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to just 1% in North America and Europe. The impact of COVID-19 on developing countries has reinforced the need for international institutions to intensify efforts in promoting healthy diets through campaigns and collaborative initiatives.

U.N. and WHO 

The U.N. and WHO have collaborated extensively in the global fight for healthy diets. In 2021, they established the Coalition of Action for Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for All (HDSFS) to promote sustainable food systems that support healthy diets.

Additionally, the School Meals Coalition was launched to ensure that every child in need has access to at least one nutritious school meal by 2030. Both coalitions focus on improving the food supply chain, enhancing the affordability and appeal of nutritious foods and educating families about the benefits of a healthy diet.

GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation focusing on reducing global malnutrition through sustainable and affordable solutions. In 2018, the foundation partnered with local authorities in Indonesia to enhance the domestic fish supply. The following year, it collaborated with Kaduna State in Nigeria on the “Eggs Make Kids” campaign. The organization has made remarkable strides in combating global hunger, impacting more than one billion people worldwide by promoting and providing access to healthy diets.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies launched a Food Policy Program with a $435 million commitment to help public health advocates promote healthy diets in low- and middle-income countries. Recently, this commitment facilitated the creation of the Vital Strategies Healthy Food Policy Fellowship, which financially supports Ph.D. candidates from countries like Brazil pursuing a field of study related to building healthier diets through their national public policy.

Looking Forward

The rising cost of healthy diets disproportionately impacts the poorest populations, increasing their risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This challenge is particularly burdensome for low- and middle-income countries, as unhealthy diets contribute to 70% of global hidden costs associated with NCDs. Promoting healthy diets is a major focus for international institutions and charities, given its critical connection to global development and poverty eradication efforts.

“Healthy diets and sustainably produced, safe food for all is not an out of reach aspiration, but an unavoidable component of global development, a human right and an achievable goal which can be realized through clear, well established and aligned actions,” said Dr. Francesco Branca, WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety.

– Sofia Brooke

Sofia is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: The Progress

Marburg Virus Outbreak in RwandaRwanda is fighting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus and experiencing its third-largest outbreak. As of October 2024, there were 63 cases, with 15 cases resulting in death. The Marburg virus is very contagious but only contracted through bodily fluids and scientists believe the Rwanda outbreak began with contact with contaminated animals.

Animal Contagion

The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda was announced on September 27, 2024, according to Nature. Surrounding countries reported their outbreaks years before, with Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea having their outbreak just last year. At first, the virus’s origins were uncertain; researchers thought it came from an animal but had no proof. Rwanda started contract tracing and an epidemiological investigation to identify the first patients and to determine how they contracted the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the animal of contact was possibly a Rousettus bat, a fruit bat found in mines or caves, because they carry the Marburg virus. “Initially, human Marburg virus infection results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies,” said eMedicine Health.

Progress of the Marburg vaccine

The Marburg virus is a relative of the Ebola virus, both being part of the Filoviridae family. Both viruses have similar symptoms and transmission. According to eMedicineHealth, the Ebola virus has a higher fatality rate of 25%-90% compared to the Marburg virus fatality rate of 24%-88%. Ebola is more virulent but has two licensed vaccines, while the Marburg virus has none.

As of October 2024, the only vaccine for the Marburg virus is experimental. The scientists had the first trial of the experimental vaccine to fight the Marburg virus outbreak in early October. The Sabin Vaccine Institute sent out 700 vaccine doses to health care workers because they are the most at risk. The vaccine is currently in Phase 2, which means it is still undergoing testing. The Sabin Vaccine Institute still monitors people with previous outbreaks in surrounding countries.

“Interim results are expected next year, and Sabin also plans to launch a similar Phase 2 trial in the U.S. next year,” said the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Outside Help

The people of Rwanda are not combating the Marburg virus outbreak alone. They have the support of many, some of which are WHO, Africa CDC and the United States, using a “governmental approach.” The CDC and WHO worked with Rwanda to begin a response to the outbreak and identify the public health needs. Rwanda’s supporters also sent scientists and researchers to help with the epidemiologic investigation and distribution of the vaccine.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has reached level two for travelling which states “Practice Enhanced Precautions.” The WHO and the CDC have released statements about the outbreak and the risks people take if they travel to Rwanda. The supporters of Rwanda during the outbreak have helped create a response plan/program to assist in the public health of the people in Rwanda.

Conclusion

Since the announcement of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, the country has worked effortlessly to stop the virus. Many have come to Rwanda’s aid in their time of need. Their supporters have provided vaccines and plans to help support the public and the health officials/workers. Coming to Rwanda’s aid has allowed the progress of attaining an official and approved vaccine for the Marburg Virus that could prevent any more severe outbreaks in the future.

– Ashley Diaz

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

Photo: Flickr

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Universal Health Care: Improving Diseases Impacting Togo

Diseases Impacting TogoThe top three diseases impacting Togo are lower respiratory infections, stroke and ischemic heart disease. However, Togo’s Universal Health Insurance program could be the solution to reducing the death rate of these diseases.

Health Care in Togo

In Togo, 45% of the population live below the poverty line, which means they face an economic barrier to accessing health care. Moreover, the health care system in Togo is heavily reliant on external funding and resources, so the current system cannot properly aid those suffering from various lethal diseases impacting Togo. This only furthers the need for a proper health care system. However, this need also increases the burden on the present system.

There is less than one doctor for every 10,000 Togolese compared to 36 doctors for every 10,000 Americans. Therefore, there needs to be improvements to access to health care in Togo. This lack of adequate health care coverage is why diseases impacting Togo are the leading causes of death.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Lower respiratory tract infections make up 75 of every 100,000 deaths in Togo. As a result, they are the leading cause of death in Togo, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Lower respiratory tract infections occur when bacteria, viruses or fungi enter the lungs. Common lower respiratory tract infections include the flu, viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Anyone can develop a lower respiratory tract infection. However, young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of contracting these infections and dying from them.

Stroke

The second leading cause of death in Togo is stroke; making up 66 of every 100,000 deaths, according to WHO. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain begins decreasing. The reduction of blood supply prevents the brain from receiving nutrients and oxygen, resulting in brain cell death within minutes. Blood leaking also results in strokes and occurs when leaking blood in the brain increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease causes 45 of every 100,000 deaths in Togo, according to WHO. This heart disease occurs when there is a lack of blood flowing to heart muscles, often caused by fat and cholesterol collecting in coronary arteries. This disease therefore commonly causes chest pain, trouble breathing and heart attacks, which is why it is the third leading cause of death in Togo.

Improvements to Health Care

All of these diseases are preventable and or treatable. Yet, until there is adequate access to health care in Togo, these diseases could continue to be the top causes of death.

The Togolese government passed legislation in 2021 to begin developing universal health care and expects all resistance to have coverage by 2025. The program plans to provide health care for public and private sector employees, along with those on public assistance unable to pay. Employees will receive coverage through their and their employer’s contributions. While people unable to pay will revive funding through the government.

The health care program already has 800,000 people enrolled, which is 50% more than the previous 470,000 covered by the former program.

Investment in universal health care means investment in medical equipment, facilities and workers. Investing in these areas could increase the demand for workers. However, it could also increase the number of those seeking health care positions, which could lead to more health professionals able to help Togolese people.

Therefore, with universal health care, comes help for those suffering from the diseases impacting Togo.

– Nivea Walker

Nivea is based in Elon, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Zanmi Lasante is making an impact in Haiti

zanmi lasanteHaiti is a small country located on the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, carrying a population of 11.72 million. Many problems are actively eroding the country’s prosperity, including poverty, poor health care and malnutrition. UNICEF reports that only 41% of Haitians live above the poverty line and malnutrition affects approximately 25% of children living in the capital. Amid all this anguish, many non-profits have started up in Haiti to help its citizens prosper and flourish. One in particular is Zanmi Lasante, a sister organization of the multi-national NGO Partners In Health, which operates in 11 countries and employs 18,000 workers worldwide.

Zanmi Lasante: HIV Initaitives

Established in the 1980s, Zanmi Lasante has impacted many Haitians. It supports many causes including HIV/AIDS reduction, mental health, nutrition and water sanitation.

In 1990, Zanmi Lasante created an HIV Equity Narrative to supply antiretroviral drugs to poor, rural areas. Patients who have been diagnosed with HIV early on can receive these drugs to prevent its replication. The organization also employs many community workers who distribute medicine to patients and care for them at home. The program also holds screening programs to detect the virus. So far, the program has tested more than 100,000 for HIV this year and an estimated 15,000 people have received antiretroviral drugs during the same period.

Mental Health

Zanmi Lasante expanded its range in 2005 and started focusing on alleviating mental health issues in Haiti; it improved its services in 2012 and now employs community health workers, nurses and psychologists who support patients with depression, epilepsy, psychotic disorders and children with psychological issues. The organization has also created the Zanmi Lasante Depression Symptom Inventory, which is a depression assessment tool manual written in Haitian Creole.

Zanmi Lasante held more than 9,000 therapy visits annually. From July 2023 to June 2024, it held 385 community outreach programs and 408 learning seminars regarding psychological issues.

Malnutrition and Hygiene

Furthermore, since 2013, Zanmi Lasante has been producing the food item Nourimaba, which is an extremely nutritious paste that it distributes for free among Haitians suffering from malnutrition. The organization makes Nourimaba from peanuts, milk powder, canola oil, sugar and vitamins. Consuming this for less than two months consistently can restore a severely malnourished child to health. Today, Zanmi Lasante successfully produces more than 120 metric tons of Nourimaba each year.

In order to improve Haiti’s water sanitation, the NGO provides soap to numerous hand-washing areas and improves old plumbing infrastructure by putting in newer pipes that connect to pure water reserves. The organization targets more than 50,000 people with these activities per year.

Partners In Health and Zanmi Lasante are making big changes in Haiti and increasing the country’s living standards daily. This non-profit’s work is likely to make even more improvements for Haitians and drastically reduce poverty, hunger, and sickness rates in the future.

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Efforts to Stop Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in Indonesia

Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in indonesiaIn 2023, about 570,000 people in Indonesia were living with HIV. Recognizing the urgency, the Indonesian government intensified its efforts to support individuals and prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. Community organizations play a crucial role in this endeavor, providing care and treatment access to those in need.

The Situation in Indonesia

Since 2008, UNICEF has supported the governments of Papua and West Papua in Indonesia in establishing a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) program. This program emphasizes HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment within communities. Providing antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Ideally, since 2009, HIV testing should be part of antenatal care for pregnant women in Indonesia. However, more than a decade later, 37% of pregnant women still do not receive HIV screening. In 2022, only 18% of mothers with HIV accessed antiretroviral therapy.

Current Action to Prevent HIV Transmission

The National Alliance to End AIDS in Children, established in 2023, unites government, international organizations and civil society to improve access to health services and mental support for women and children living with HIV. The alliance focuses on three primary priorities:

  1. Advocating for the specific needs of adolescent girls and children living with HIV.
  2. Raising awareness by disseminating information about PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission), Early Infant Diagnosis and sexual education.
  3. Empowering communities to support children living with HIV effectively.

Importance of the Community

With renewed political commitment, supporting community-based services becomes crucial to providing necessary care and support for women and children living with HIV. Mobilizing community health workers is essential not only to prevent transmission but also to assist those affected by the disease. Organizations like Lentera Anak Pelangi (LAP), operating since 2009, play a vital role in this effort. As Indonesia’s first multidisciplinary service provider focusing on children with HIV, LAP collaborates with volunteers, sponsors and partners to enhance the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Key Focuses of LAP

  • Improving the Quality of Health and Nutrition. LAP offers health and nutrition assessments, family counseling and support during child hospitalizations. The organization also educates on sanitation and hygiene. Additionally, LAP provides monthly free medical checkups, non-BPJS laboratory testing and financial support for medications.
  • Advocating for ARV treatment. Its program raises public awareness about treatment options and conditions through training, social media campaigns and mass media efforts. It also extends its outreach to schools by educating both staff and students.
  • Ensuring the psychosocial well-being of children and their families. The program teaches children life skills and includes a school that monitors their development. It offers vocational training tailored to each child’s talents and interests. Additionally, the organization facilitates peer support groups for parents.

Providing a Community

A mother describes how her daughter’s confidence has grown since joining LAP, highlighting the friendships they have both formed with others in similar situations. Another parent comments on the bonds her son has created and the benefits he has received from LAP’s educational and nutritional support. Despite the stigma in Indonesia, where 33.5% of adults believe children with HIV should not attend school with uninfected children, programs like LAP play a crucial role. They counter isolation and stigma while ensuring families receive necessary support and help prevent the disease’s spread.

– Amelia Short

Amelia is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Barriers to Cancer Treatment in Brazil

Cancer Treatment in BrazilAccess to health care in Brazil is fraught with challenges, particularly for cancer treatment, which remains difficult to obtain for many, especially the country’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. Millions of Brazilians live in favelas, where overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure complicate the delivery of health care and the maintenance of sanitary conditions. Similarly, those in remote areas often face lengthy and costly journeys to reach health care facilities for essential treatments. Although Brazilian law mandates that cancer treatment must begin within 60 days of diagnosis, research reveals a stark gap between policy and reality—60.11% of women living with breast cancer patients are still unable to start treatment within this time frame.

While various organizations are working to improve access to life-saving cancer care for all Brazilians, treatment centers remain concentrated primarily in the southern and northeastern regions of the country. This geographic disparity poses significant challenges for those living in more remote areas, particularly in the Northeast and Central-West regions, where health care infrastructure is less developed. As a result, many patients from these regions face the added burden of traveling outside their municipalities to attend appointments and receive necessary treatments.

Interregional Disparities

Significant disparities in cancer treatment access exist across Brazil’s regions and states, with treatment generally more accessible in the wealthier southern states than in the North or Northeast. This disparity aligns with regional economic conditions: the five richest states are located in the Southeast and West, while the five most impoverished are in the Northeast.

More than half of cancer patients in the Northeast and West regions have to travel outside of their home municipality to receive treatment. For patients in more vulnerable areas, this presents a formidable barrier; many lack personal transportation or funds for public transit, making access to care prohibitively difficult. These logistical and financial challenges can have dire consequences—when patients cannot reach treatment centers promptly, they risk worsening health outcomes or even death due to delayed care.

Poverty

Poverty, along with factors such as race and household position, significantly influences whether a woman with breast cancer in Brazil can access the necessary treatment. There is a clear need for broader access to breast cancer care across the country. Research has shown that factors like age, wealth, location and race all play a role in determining how quickly women receive treatment.

In particular, vulnerable, nonwhite women from the Northeast are disproportionately affected, facing greater barriers to care compared to their wealthier counterparts. These socioeconomic and racial disparities mean that poverty remains one of the primary obstacles preventing underprivileged Brazilian women from seeking or receiving timely treatment for breast cancer.

Geographic and Infrastructural Barriers

Indigenous Brazilians face numerous challenges that exacerbate their health outcomes, including living in remote areas with limited access to nearby health care facilities or educational institutions. These geographic and infrastructural barriers, coupled with their overrepresentation in poverty statistics, make it difficult for many Indigenous groups to access cancer treatment. This disparity is starkly reflected in health statistics. Indigenous men from Goiás in the Midwest, for example, are twice as likely to die from liver, stomach and colorectal cancers compared to the general population. Similarly, Indigenous women from the same region are 30% more likely to die from cervical, stomach or liver cancer.

Fundação Laço Rosa

In Brazil, numerous campaigns aim to raise awareness about cancer risks and advocate for patients’ rights, with organizations like Fundação Laço Rosa playing a crucial role. This nonprofit supports breast cancer patients through educational and empowering initiatives. It runs campaigns that educate underprivileged women about their rights as breast cancer patients, providing valuable information on navigating treatment and health care systems. 

Additionally, Fundação Laço Rosa offers support through acts of kindness, such as donating wigs to women undergoing chemotherapy, helping restore their dignity and confidence during a challenging time. Fundação do Câncer is also responsible for many educational campaigns that aim to educate people on preventing cancer. Some of these campaigns include showcasing the dangers of vaping and awareness of multiple types of cancer, such as skin and breast cancer.

Conclusion

Access to cancer treatment in Brazil remains a critical challenge, exacerbated by regional disparities, socioeconomic inequality and racial barriers. While efforts by organizations like Fundação Laço Rosa provide much-needed support, significant gaps persist, particularly for marginalized groups such as women in poverty and Indigenous communities. Greater investment in health care infrastructure, transportation and equitable policies is essential to ensure that all Brazilians, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can access timely and life-saving cancer care.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How GAT is Combating HIV/AIDS in Portugal

How GAT is Combating HIV/AIDS in PortugalPortugal, located in southwestern Europe, borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Established in the 12th century, the country boasts a rich cultural heritage. However, Portugal faces a significant health challenge: the rapid spread of HIV, which has been affecting its population since the 1980s. HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the body’s immune system, rendering it vulnerable to other diseases and pathogens. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition for which there is currently no cure.

HIV/AIDS in Portugal

Portugal reports relatively high HIV rates, with UNAIDS estimating around 47,000 adults and children living with the virus in 2023, nearly 0.5% of the population. HIV transmission occurs through various means, including the use of contaminated needles for drugs such as heroin, fentanyl and morphine. In 2023, drug use stood at 12.8% in Portugal, potentially influenced by the 2001 Drug Decriminalization Act, which reduced penalties for drug use and emphasized rehabilitation over punishment. Additionally, stigma surrounding HIV remains a significant issue. A 2023 survey revealed that approximately 37.7% of HIV patients experienced prejudice after diagnosis. This stigma fuels fear and hostility toward the virus, deterring people from educating themselves or undergoing regular testing.

GAT

Despite these ongoing challenges, several firms in Portugal are actively combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. Among them is the Treatment Activist Group (GAT), established in 2001 and recognized by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. GAT offers a range of services, including an anti-discrimination center that supports individuals affected by HIV and aims to reduce stigma through education. This initiative has trained more than 620 individuals on tolerance and combating bias against those with HIV. Additionally, the group operates private centers across the country offering free HIV testing with quick results, primarily targeting sexual minorities while also providing free contraceptives and therapy. Moreover, GAT’s Housing First program furnishes free housing to those infected with HIV, drug addicts and sexual minorities, along with personalized services to support their needs.

GAT is committed to supporting the objectives of UNAIDS and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on health and well-being. The organization strategically intervenes in key areas of public health policy by involving the communities most affected by and vulnerable to these infections. GAT’s efforts aim to influence the development of care provisions, best practices and policies, adhering strictly to human rights, good practices and international standards. This approach ensures that GAT contributes meaningfully to the global targets set for controlling and ultimately ending the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address HIV in Portugal have made strides in reducing stigma and providing essential services to affected populations. Organizations like GAT play a pivotal role by offering free testing, housing programs and education initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and awareness. These actions target the underlying factors contributing to the spread of HIV and work to improve health outcomes for vulnerable groups. However, addressing societal attitudes and ensuring widespread access to testing and treatment remain critical to combating the epidemic.

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Saving Lives: Tackling Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan AfricaMaternal mortality remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. In regions like Liberia, Sierra Leone and other underserved areas, the lack of resources, trained professionals and access to essential medications means that around 300,000 women die each year from preventable complications of pregnancy.

Life for African Mothers (LFAM), a U.K.-based charity founded 19 years ago, is at the forefront of tackling this crisis. LFAM operates in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, dedicating its resources to saving mothers’ lives by providing vital medications and training health care workers to improve maternal health outcomes. Entirely volunteer-driven, LFAM’s efforts have become a beacon of hope for thousands of women across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Urgency of Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

More than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, particularly those from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The number, 300,000, has remained stubbornly high for more than a decade. Despite the affordability of medication, logistical costs and the high number of mothers in need pose significant challenges. Many clinics in rural and underserved regions lack consistent access to misoprostol, significantly increasing the risk of fatal complications during childbirth. This is where LFAM’s intervention becomes crucial.

The LFAM Project: Two-Pronged Approach

The primary goal of LFAM is to reduce maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone. LFAM’s project is built on two key pillars: 

  1. Distribution of vital medication: Since its inception, LFAM has been working to procure and distribute misoprostol to hundreds of health facilities across Liberia, Sierra Leone and other sub-Saharan African countries. By ensuring that each clinic has a consistent supply of this life-saving medication, LFAM addresses one of the biggest barriers to reducing maternal mortality.
  2. Training health care workers: In addition to providing medication, LFAM prioritizes the training of health care workers. This training focuses on the proper administration of misoprostol and Emergency Obstetric Care (EMOC). Through partnerships with local midwives and hospitals, LFAM introduces practices in maternal care that can have a lasting impact on the health system. The goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to foster self-sufficiency in these clinics, enabling long-term improvements in maternal health care.

LFAM’s project implementation involves a comprehensive and continuous process of reviewing the existing needs of each clinic, supplying misoprostol in bulk and delivering these supplies to hundreds of clinics across the region. Regular monitoring of maternal health outcomes ensures that the program can be adjusted to maximize its impact and expand where necessary. This systematic approach helps LFAM address both the immediate and long-term needs of maternal health facilities across the region.

Saving Lives

LFAM has shipped more than 5 million tablets of misoprostol to sub-Saharan Africa, potentially saving around one million lives. The organization has also educated 1,000 midwives, highlighting its dedication to tackling maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary beneficiaries of LFAM’s work are women in rural and underserved areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where access to emergency maternal care is limited or nonexistent.

These women, especially those at risk of life-threatening complications, are often miles from the nearest health care facility. LFAM aims to reach approximately 10,000 mothers annually by working with local clinics to ensure that even the most remote areas receive the necessary supplies and support. This strategy addresses the geographic and socioeconomic disparities that make maternal health care inaccessible for so many women in the region.

Saving mothers’ lives enriches communities and encourages prosperity in the most impoverished countries. Poverty and maternal death rates are inextricably linked. When a mother survives childbirth, she can care for her newborn and contribute to the social and economic fabric of her community. LFAM’s work is helping ensure that more women survive to fulfill this role.

Lasting Solutions

LFAM’s model is designed with sustainability in mind. By investing in training local health care professionals and partnering with governments, the organization is helping to create a system that can continue to function even after LFAM’s direct involvement ends. This long-term approach ensures that the improvements in maternal health care are not temporary but instead form the foundation for a healthier future.

LFAM’s mission is clear: to prevent unnecessary maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this work is only possible with the continued support of donors and partners. Every pound invested in LFAM’s projects helps save lives, empower communities and improve health care systems in some of the world’s most underserved regions. With donor support, LFAM continues to contribute to a brighter and healthier future for thousands of mothers and their families, forging a path toward a world where no mother dies from preventable causes during childbirth.

– Staff Reports
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