Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea

Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is an Island in the Asian Pacific, with rainforests covering 75% of the country’s area. A lack of basic infrastructure puts the population at a higher risk of contracting diseases. More than 76% of the population “lacks access to safe toilets,” and “66% do not have access to clean drinking water,” according to UNICEF.

Additionally, delivering health care in Papua New Guinea is a significant challenge. Eighty-five percent of the population lives in rural territories with limited transport infrastructure. To combat this, the government allocated $30 million in funding for Provincial Health Authorities as a part of the IMPACT Health Project. This funding will improve the delivery of services of the ground, ensuring that medical drugs, equipment and expertise reach rural areas.

Diseases Causing the Most Deaths

Diseases impacting Papua New Guinea are eight out of the 10 top causes of death in the nation. Of these. five are noncommunicable, with strokes being the leading cause of death in the nation. Coronary heart disease, a common lung disease, diabetes and respiratory infections (e.g. pneumonia) make up the other non-contagious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The three contagious diseases are malaria, diarrhoea and tuberculosis, which is the second leading cause of death in Papua New Guinea. Malaria cases have been improving since 2004. A Global Fund Grant of $109 million in 2009 financed the distribution of more than 7.5 million nets over six years in Papua New Guinea. This, alongside improved treatment and diagnosis, has contributed to the progress.

Children Diseases

Papua New Guinea has an infant mortality rate of 33 per 1,000. The leading cause of death for under 5-year-olds is diarrhea.

Medical care barriers for pregnant women further exacerbate the country’s infant mortality rates. Only 5% of health facilities have the equipment to provide emergency prenatal care 24/7. Moreover, just 32% of women receive skilled care during childbirth.

Endemic and vaccine-preventable infections cause 82% of the deaths in children under 5. In 2018, only 35% of children had received basic vaccinations, according to UNICEF.

Tropical Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea

The remote geographical location of the PNG and its tropical environments has contributed to the presence of rare and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). These include Lymphatic Filariasis – the contraction of parasitic worms, trachoma – a bacterial infection affecting the eyes and yaws.

A Mass Drug Administration campaign launched in 2023 by the WHO aims to distribute medicinal drugs to 37 health facilities in two districts.

Yaws is a skin disease caused by bacterial infection, which begins with wart-like tumors and can turn into ulcers. Without treatment, the infection can lead to disability. More than 80% of yaws cases are reported from the West Pacific region, particularly PNG.

In 2012, it was demonstrated that a single dose of the inexpensive oral antibiotic azithromycin was effective at treating yaws. The WHO target for eradication is now 2030.

Looking Ahead

The tropical and rural environments of the nation provide significant challenges to combating the diseases impacting Papua New Guinea. They make it harder to access clean water and lack sanitation infrastructure, and create barriers to delivering medical assistance. Changing weather patterns and antibiotic resistance have additionally given rise to new challenges. However, the tireless efforts of the international, national and provincial communities, ensures that progress is being made to cure diseases in PNG. 

– Georgia de Gidlow

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

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care Crisis in Sudan

Health care crisis in SudanSudan faces its second year of civil war due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Before the conflict, Sudan was already facing a humanitarian crisis caused by long-term political and economic instability. This year, Sudan was at the top of the list of countries in need of humanitarian assistance due to the escalation of conflict, mass movement of people, and the health care crisis in Sudan.

The Ongoing Civil War

The power struggle between the SAF and the RSF has created division within the country, with the SAF controlling the eastern regions and the RSF controlling the cities of Khartoum and the west. Foreign involvement also further intensified the Civil war, with the UAE and Chad supporting the RSF and Russia supporting and supplying weapons to the SAF. This rivalry and divide create an opportunity for a fractured Sudan with foreign-backed factions, like the Militia warfare in Libya.

Therefore, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has created a need for urgent international attention and humanitarian aid. The World Food Program (WFP) states that this conflict has made “the world’s largest hunger crisis.” Sudan’s situation has impacted millions and has quickly become the largest displacement crisis.

More than 25 million people across Sudan and its neighboring countries, South Sudan and Chad, struggle to find stability, food and shelter. According to the U.N., around 14,000 people have been killed and double that have been injured. More than 3 million refugees have fled the war since April 2023, and more than 8 million are internally displaced.

Poverty and War

Due to the ongoing conflict, food insecurity has become an extreme issue for the Sudanese people. More than 755,000 people face famine-like hunger, and famine on a larger scale could become a reality. In Sudan, 70% of the population relies on agriculture and livestock; however, many of these areas are used as grounds for fighting due to the conflict, according to the British Red Cross.

According to the WFP, 90% of people in need of humanitarian assistance and facing hunger are stuck in isolated areas inaccessible to the WFP. Authorities revoked permission for trucks to cross the borders to reach Sudan which further disturbed the distribution of humanitarian aid. Therefore, thousands of people in Darfur are struggling with hunger and malnutrition.

Health Care Crisis and Human Rights in Sudan

This deadly conflict has completely deteriorated Sudan’s already vulnerable health care system, limiting people’s access to medical attention and essential resources. More than two-thirds of hospitals in conflict zones are out of service, while the remaining are facing closure due to medical supply shortages, limited funding and staff.

Targeted attacks on hospitals and health care workers have prevented injured patients’ including women and children, from receiving medical attention and help. Hospitals in Sudan lack food, water and medicine. This health care crisis in Sudan limits civilians’ access to essential health care services and basic human necessities. Physical and verbal violence against staff has also increased and many people cannot receive medical help due to pressure from external groups.

Moreover, displacement and people’s urgent need to flee have severely impacted the Sudanese population. The lack of health care, water and sanitation led to the spread of various infections and waterborne illnesses. An outbreak of measles has caused the death of more than 1,000 children across the country, while diseases like cholera continue to spread, with around 8,000 confirmed cases, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Overcrowded shelters also increase health risks for vulnerable groups. Families struggle due to high food prices, inadequate shelter and limited medicinal care for people with chronic illnesses. Children also lack access to education due to the severity and distress of the conflict. concerns over sexual violence and public safety are also rising. The UNHCR calls for urgent civilian protection and safe access to aid and shelter.

Solutions

In response to increasing needs, many organizations are contributing to humanitarian efforts in Sudan despite the security and political barriers limiting humanitarian assistance in the country. UNICEF is working to provide essential services for children, including nutrition, education and safe water. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides medical aid, equipment, and urgent surgical procedures for injured civilians.

In addition, Save the Children is working to provide children with psychological support and primarily focus on child protection. At the same time, Doctors Without Borders runs emergency medical projects in conflict zones, offering treatment for malnutrition, vaccine programs and trauma care.

Conclusion

The health care crisis in Sudan has reached critical levels, with most hospitals out of service or struggling to operate amidst the war. Hospitals and health care facilities are short on staff and supplies but face continuous attacks, making them difficult to access and limiting health care treatments. The displacement of people also makes it difficult for people to access basic needs like water and medicine, increasing the risk of sickness and diseases. Many humanitarian organizations are working to provide medical aid, food supplies and shelter. However, urgent international efforts are necessary to support Sudan’s health care system and ensure its people’s safety and security.

– Gufran Elhrari

Gufran is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Solar Energy Solutions: Powering Health Care in Rural Zambia

health care in Rural ZambiaAccess to reliable electricity is critical for the functioning of health facilities. Yet, only 4% of rural communities in Zambia have access to on-grid electricity. For many health care workers, the sight of a child being born in light is a rare victory in an otherwise dark environment where babies are delivered, sutures are given and patients are treated—all in darkness. This not only endangers lives but also limits the potential for effective health care delivery in rural areas. So, powering health care in rural Zambia is important.

The Importance of Electricity in Health Care

The link between electricity and essential health care services is crucial. Many medical procedures rely on lighting for safe and effective delivery. Furthermore, the lack of electricity severely hampers access to clean water, as pumps depend on power to push water into pipes. This combination creates a challenging environment for health care providers, who often lack the necessary equipment to deliver lifesaving procedures.

The SIRHES Project

In response to this crisis, On Call Africa has launched the Strengthening the Integration of Renewable Health Energy Solutions (SIRHES) project, which specifically targets three rural health systems in the Kazungula District. SIRHES focuses on improving the functionality, quality of care and hygiene. This is achieved by providing solar power in combination with complementary health interventions.

In the past 16 months, the initiative has made significant strides in powering health care in rural Zambia. It has:

  • Equipped three rural health care facilities with solar power systems
  • Trained 82 Neighbourhood Health Committee (NHC) members to support health facility initiatives and promote health within the community.
  • Installed a solar-powered Chlorine Production Unit (CPU) at the Kazungula District Health Office, enabling the monthly production of chlorine for disinfectants used in 27 health care facilities and for water purification in five target communities.
  • Supported the development of a business model for the CPU to generate income and ensure project sustainability.
  • Formed the Kazungula District Technical Working Group to oversee the project and provide long-term support for chlorine production.
  • Coordinated training sessions on operations and maintenance to ensure that solar systems are properly maintained and sustainable within the community.

Final Remark

On Call Africa’s commitment to providing solar energy solutions and powering health care in rural Zambia represents a critical step toward overcoming the barriers posed by energy poverty. Furthermore, by integrating renewable energy into health care systems, the organization not only enhances the capacity of health facilities but also contributes to the broader fight against poverty. This ensures that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the modern health care they deserve. The partnership with local communities and health workers is essential in building a sustainable future, one where no clinic is left in darkness and every life has the chance to thrive.

– Edzhe Miteva

Edzhe is based in London and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Watsi: Making Life-Saving Surgery Accessible for All

WatsiEach year, 17 million people die from conditions that could be treated with surgery as a result of a lack of access to affordable and quality surgical care. This burden is five times greater than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Additionally, 81 million people face catastrophic financial hardship due to the costs of accessing surgical care, including transportation and other socioeconomic barriers. Women and children are particularly at risk, with one in three women requiring medical or surgical intervention during childbirth, often unable to afford care.

Watsi combines technology and compassion to empower anyone, anywhere, to fund life-changing health care for individuals in the Global South. By connecting donors with those in need, Watsi fosters healthier lives, thriving communities and stronger health systems, profoundly impacting global well-being. With its innovative platform and commitment to radical transparency, Watsi’s global network of best-in-class frontline medical teams provides transformative, high-quality surgery for patients who would otherwise not have access to care or risk being pushed further into a lifetime of poverty.

About Watsi

Watsi is a nonprofit organization committed to making quality health care accessible to everyone by connecting people to fund health care for those in need in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The story of Watsi began when cofounder Chase Adams, while serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, saw a mother on a bus asking for donations to fund her son’s surgery. This experience inspired him to create an organization that uses technology to crowdfund life-saving treatments for patients who cannot afford them.

Since then, Watsi has grown to help more than 30,000 patients across 33 countries, raising more than $10 million in donations. The organization partners with local medical organizations in the Global South, ensuring patients receive high-quality care. Watsi’s innovative platform shares individual patients’ stories, enabling supporters from more than 100 countries to fund surgeries and treatments directly. By unlocking $18 million in private capital through crowdfunding, Watsi is helping bridge the health care access gap, creating a more connected and equitable world.

Success Story

A notable success story is that of Caroline, a farmer in Uganda who had been suffering from severe pain due to an ovarian mass. With a simple surgery costing $220, she could be cured, but for Caroline, that price was unattainable. Watsi’s global community and its partner, African Mission Health Care, came together to fund her treatment fully. As a result, Caroline is now healthy and back to farming and providing for her family.

A Call for Action

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to come together to build a world where every person can access the care they need to live a healthy life. Creating a world with health for all and closing the health equity gap requires concerted action and bold commitments, the creation of innovative cross-sector partnerships and a reimagining of how health care is accessed by the world’s most vulnerable communities. Through leveraging Watsi’s innovative health financing platform, we can move farther and faster toward this shared, audacious goal of a brighter, healthier world for all,” stated Mackinnon Engen, Watsi’s Executive Director.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Unsplash

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The Top 5 Charities Operating in the Dominican Republic

Charities Operating in the Dominican Republic
With approximately one in four living under the poverty line and 40% being at risk of falling into poverty, the Dominican Republic suffers from a plethora of social issues. In particular, women and children are at most risk. For women, there are sharp increases in maternal mortality, with 107 women dying for every 100,000 births. Whereas for children, seven out of 10 have been pregnant at least once. The Dominican Republic is also prone to natural disasters which put infrastructure, food and water at risk. However, in recent years, five key charities have been operating in the Dominican Republic. They primarily focus on women and children but also improve healthcare, education and accessibility to food and water. Here are the five charities operating in the Dominican Republic.

Project Hope

Since 1996, Project Hope has worked in the Dominican Republic to respond to those most vulnerable: women and children, according to its website. It continues to improve care within maternity hospitals, distribute crucial medicines and supplies and partner with international universities to establish medical programs for staff training. Within its work, the organization has provided 2,300 children with health services and workshops covering pregnancy prevention and HIV/AIDs.

For the last 20 years, Project Hope has founded three maternal and child health clinics providing care for 150,000 patients each year. October 2019 report found that the charity had contributed to a 31% decrease in maternal mortality and a 25% drop in neonatal mortality.

World Vision

World Vision is an international charity whose work in the Dominican Republic has responded to food accessibility problems, educational issues and natural disasters. In response to Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the charity provided urgent support. Distributing more than 3,200 food and hygiene kits to survivors helped bring the country closer to stability, especially when inflation increased food prices, putting more families at risk of poverty. Donations to World Vision are concentrated on specific project areas, and once established, can work in the chosen community for 15-20 years.

Caritas Internationalis

Established in 1961, Caritas Internationalis has worked in the country to provide support for health care, housing, water, hygiene and cases of emergency. The international organization consists of 162 Catholic relief organizations working in 200 countries. In the Dominican Republic, the organization works with local governments to ensure that they follow policy and regulations. After Hurricane Noel in 2007, the charity provided humanitarian aid through helping those affected access clean water, and also participated in the rebuilding of houses and schools. 

The Mariposa DR Foundation

The Mariposa DR Foundation runs the “Unleash the Leader in a Girl” program aiming to empower girls most at risk of poverty and pregnancy. The foundation seeks to end generational poverty by educating women so that they can reach adulthood with a substantial education and avoid child pregnancy. In 2023, the Foundation raised $1,367,152 to support the program. In the same year, the program also opened a Culinary School, helping to improve nutrition for the girls and their families.

The organization puts an emphasis on attending summer programs. As the summertime can be a risk for young girls due to more time at home, there is an increased threat of early marriage or pregnancy. The time spent away from home, helps girls transition from childhood to adulthood safely.

Save the Children

Save the Children operates in 120 countries to guarantee children access to sufficient healthcare and education. In the Dominican Republic, the charity has helped to protect 1,665 children from harm, 3,765 children during the crisis, and provided 27,318 children with a healthy start. In several cases, the charity has provided portable water supplies, assisted with crop planting and animal breeding, and created community based vegetable gardens so that families can grow their own in times of short supplies.

These five key charities operating in the Dominican Republic have crucially helped with reducing poverty, the prevention of maternal mortality and child pregnancy. While there are still ongoing issues with many families still at risk of falling below the poverty line, these organizations continue to relieve pressures on those most vulnerable.

– Ellie Western

Ellie is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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WHO Approves Mpox Diagnostic Test

mpox diagnostic testThe mpox epidemic is spreading globally, with case numbers rising and new countries reporting the illness. As of August 2024, more than 100,000 confirmed cases of mpox (an illness caused by the monkeypox virus) have been reported in more than 120 countries. Furthermore, current figures indicate that there have been 600 deaths this year in Africa alone.

Lack of testing is a large factor in mpox transmission. For example, 63% of suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year were not tested. Testing is vital in virus detection and prevention. Indeed, without a diagnosis, patients do not receive treatment and risk spreading mpox to those around them. Prevention tactics have to be implemented if mpox is to be prevented.

WHO’s Response

In response to the mpox outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first in vitro diagnostic test for mpox in August 2024. Developed by Abbott Molecular, the Alinity m MPXV assay utilizes DNA analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. The test detects the monkeypox virus from human skin lesion specimens in real-time. This groundbreaking test is set to revolutionize the fight against mpox. Indeed, this advance in testing will enhance diagnostic capabilities and facilitate timely responses to outbreaks.

The diagnostic test is currently under Emergency Use Listing (EUL), a procedure that evaluates the safety and efficacy of treatments, including in vitro diagnostics, to assist WHO Member States in making informed decisions about acquiring emergency health equipment. Being designated as an EUL will enhance the global availability of the mpox test, ensuring that more countries can access this vital diagnostic tool in their fight against the outbreak.

Diagnosis plays a crucial role in virus prevention. This fast-working, real-time test will significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities for monkeypox virus treatment. The Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) method enables the identification of individuals who require intervention. This test allows mpox cases to be accurately identified, monitored and controlled, thereby improving overall public health responses to the outbreak.

A Significant Milestone in the Fight Against Mpox

Dr. Yukiko, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, stated: “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the EUL procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries.” It indicates a significant advancement in the mpox fight, providing high-quality medical equipment for those that need it. This progression in preventing the monkeypox virus will protect those with mpox and those at risk of contracting it.

Final Remark

This step marks just the beginning of the effort to combat mpox. However, there are ongoing discussions with other in vitro diagnostic manufacturers that aim to expand the range of diagnostic options. By increasing availability, these efforts will ensure that treatment and prevention are accessible to those in need, ultimately enhancing the global response to the outbreak.

– Megan Hall

Megan is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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PHAAE: Mission for Clean Water and Sanitation in Rural Nigeria

PHAAEIn Nigeria, more than 80% of schools do not have basic sanitation or running water, leaving children and their communities vulnerable to waterborne diseases and poor hygiene. These challenges not only affect health but also school attendance, particularly for girls who miss school due to the lack of proper facilities during menstruation. The absence of these essential resources exacerbates inequality, leaving rural children significantly disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts.

Public Health Aid Awareness & Education (PHAAE), a nongovernmental organization (NGO), focuses on addressing the critical lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities in rural communities across Nigeria. PHAAE’s work is vital in bridging this gap by providing water systems and sanitation facilities, starting with schools and extending to entire communities. By improving hygiene infrastructure, PHAAE enhances educational environments, reduces disease risks and promotes long-term community health.

Public Health Aid Awareness & Education

PHAAE adopts a community-centered and sustainable approach to addressing rural Nigerian communities’ water and sanitation crisis. Starting with a thorough needs assessment in collaboration with local leaders and school administrators, PHAAE tailors interventions to meet each community’s unique requirements. Schools serve as central hubs for education and social progress, so by installing clean water systems and sanitation facilities there, PHAAE enhances learning environments and extends these essential resources to the broader community. Each water facility positively impacts thousands of residents beyond the school, creating lasting community-wide benefits.

Transforming Lives

Through partnerships with sponsors like the U.S. Embassy and global philanthropists, PHAAE has transformed thousands of lives, affirming that clean water and sanitation are essential rights for every child and community. PHAAE’s initiatives have significantly enhanced the health, education and overall well-being of the communities it serves. By equipping rural schools with clean water and sanitation facilities, the organization has greatly improved the quality of life for students and extended these benefits to surrounding communities.

In Kunyami, Abuja, a PHAAE water project initially designed for 1,500 students now benefits more than 5,000 community members, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and promoting better hygiene practices. Before PHAAE’s intervention, children like Sater had to trek long distances to the Toge River for water, sometimes going days without bathing. Today, with clean water accessible directly at school, they can prioritize their education and personal well-being, marking a transformative change in their daily lives.

PHAAE’s projects have broad societal impacts, including increased school attendance, especially for girls who can now attend during menstruation thanks to proper sanitation facilities. In Takushara, during the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAAE provided water and sanitation for 1,300 students and delivered hygiene education, equipping the entire community to navigate the health crisis more effectively. Altogether, these initiatives have positively impacted more than 9,000 people.

Closing Remark

PHAAE’s work is far from over. It is driven by a vision of a world where no child is denied access to clean water and proper sanitation simply because of their birthplace. PHAAE continues to work in rural communities across Nigeria, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Advancing Menstrual Health Awareness in Pakistan

Menstrual Health Awareness in PakistanPeriod poverty is an ongoing global issue that prohibits millions of girls and women from living their daily lives. Limited access to sanitary products, clean water and sanitation means women, especially those living in developing countries, struggle with their menstrual health and personal hygiene. The impact of this is damaging as it keeps many girls and women from attending school or work.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are still deprived of access to basic sanitation facilities. Period poverty also arises from the lack of education and proper awareness of one’s menstrual health. Even today, many girls only come to know about menstruation once they experience it. That said, here are three organizations improving menstrual health awareness in Pakistan, as well as equipping them with the tools they need.

HER

HER is a women-headed organization focusing on creating lifelong social change by supporting communities to overcome the menstrual-related obstructions they face. It does this by delivering educational programs such as the “School Puberty Education Program,” which is aimed at educating and providing training to parents and teachers. Hence, they are aware of puberty changes and can create safe spaces for their children.

“Oh my period” is a group run by the organization which allows girls and women to openly talk about everything related to menstruation and provides the opportunity for young people to learn from one another’s experiences. HER also encourages policy change, hoping to end poverty and reduce the stigma around menstruation by advocating for menstrual equity. The organization has served 38,000 periods, impacting more than 110,000 people.

Santex

Santex is a well-known pioneer in the personal hygiene brand. Founded in 1983, it began as a family-led business focusing on providing a healthy lifestyle for everyone, irrespective of their socioeconomic background. It aims to develop innovative and unique sanitary products to serve women from all corners of Pakistan. One of its leading products, “Butterfly” sanitary pads, was the first “stick-on” menstruation product in Pakistan. In Santex’s own words, it is “the only company to introduce breathable sanitary napkins and panty liners in Pakistan that allows women to breeze through puberty and periods.”

The organization aims to remove taboos relating to menstruation and raise awareness about personal hygiene. In 2022, Santex joined hands with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to continue the discussion of period poverty and barriers women face due to a lack of menstrual health awareness. Both organizations have committed to developing innovative research that will provide high-quality and safe menstrual products for women. Santex has served more than one million periods and trained 184,867 women regarding menstrual health.

Aahung

Aahung, a nonprofit organization founded in Karachi in 1995, aims to spread awareness and improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women, men and youths across Pakistan. The organization focuses on empowering and educating young girls and women about their reproductive health rights. This is achieved by disseminating information and ensuring high-quality access to health care facilities. Aahung collaborates with educational institutions and workplace structures to deliver training to people through its various programs.

In 2022, the organization reached 73,645 people, trained 75 schoolteachers and held 40 training sessions to educate parents about SRHR. When catastrophic floods hit Sindh in 2022, Aahung worked to ensure young girls and women facing menstrual issues during the crisis were not abandoned. The organization distributed 300 menstrual kits containing essential sanitary products, soap and other personal hygiene items. It also held informational sessions where women could openly discuss menstruation-related issues and receive needed support.

Final Thoughts

The stigma around a woman’s period remains widespread and is a primary cause of period poverty in developing nations. However, the organizations mentioned above are making significant progress in reducing the taboo surrounding women’s bodies and health. Their work will continue to improve menstrual health awareness in Pakistan, to the benefit of many women across the country.

– Aleena Shahid

Aleena is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Growth of Telemedicine in Peru

Telemedicine in PeruThe COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global shift to telehealth, enabling health care professionals and patients to connect remotely. However, resource disparities meant some countries faced greater challenges in transitioning. The shift to telemedicine was particularly difficult in Peru, which borders Chile and Bolivia, due to limited infrastructure and internet access, especially in rural areas.

Background of Telemedicine in Peru

Peru’s health system is divided into three practices, the first one being Social Security Hospitals (SSH), the second being the Federal Government Hospitals (FGH) and then private hospitals. The growth of internet access in Peru started in 2005. That year the first regulatory document related to telehealth was approved by the “Supreme Decree No. 028-2005-MTC.” Furthermore, in 2009, the first technical standards were approved to set guidelines for these online services. Later, in 2016, a framework was set for expanding telehealth, such as the ability to fill out prescriptions online.

When the pandemic hit, the full force of telemedicine and telecommunication services was set into motion. However, Peru is divided into three main geographical regions: the Coast, the Peruvian Andes and the Jungle. Internet access remains limited across these areas, with only 63.3% of residents on the Coast, 36% in the Andes and 33% in the Jungle having connectivity. This disparity poses a significant challenge to the advancement of telemedicine, as limited internet access hinders the reach of digital health care services to remote and underserved communities.

What Is Being Done?

“Teleatiendo,” created by the Ministry of Health of Peru, provides online consultations for those seeking virtual health care services. Other online resources, such as the “Cayetano Heredia National Hospital” teleconsultation application, specifically support diabetic patients. Looking toward the future, the incoming candidates for Congress and the presidential seat have promised to work on making the Internet more available nationwide.

Peru has the highest internet costs in Latin America, posing a barrier to equal access, especially in telemedicine advancements. More structured frameworks are being set in motion for mobile health apps (mHealth) based on different evaluations, such as effectiveness and security. Due to 60% of the population being in a lower socioeconomic sphere, accessing these technologies is difficult. However, the “WiLD multihop network” could improve connectivity in underserved areas, making health care access more feasible for those in remote or low-income communities.

Partners in Health

Partners in Health is an organization dedicated to creating “preferential options” for the impoverished in health care. The organization has developed seven telemedicine applications to improve health care access, each tailored to specific needs:

  1. Bienestár: Provides free mental health screenings and connects users to specialized psychologists.
  2. KUSKA: Offers similar mental health support but is available in Quechua, catering to Peru’s indigenous population.
  3. Soy Qhalikay: Detects type 2 diabetes and hypertension, prompting follow-up care from nursing and nutrition teams.
  4. Chatea con tu Nutri: Connects users to health facilities focused on diet and exercise improvements.
  5. ALMA: Supports breast cancer prevention by providing free mammograms to at-risk women.
  6. GESTamor: Assists pregnant individuals with referrals for prenatal care and health monitoring.
  7. CASITA: Offers free screenings and educational resources to detect infant developmental delays, with training and support for caregivers.

Each app is vital in expanding health care access across different demographics in Peru.

The Future of Telemedicine in Peru

As telemedicine expands in Peru, so does the push for broader internet access, ensuring that all citizens can access essential health care. Significant progress has been made in recent years, with the trajectory continuing upward as internet availability increases and telemedicine gains a stronger foothold in the country. These advancements promise a future where health care is more accessible and inclusive for all Peruvians.

– Isabella Chavez

Isabella is Swampscott, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bridging the Gap: Poverty and Maternal Health in Yemen

Maternal Health in YemenYemen is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Maternal health issues and extreme poverty have become some of the deadliest threats in the region. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one woman and six newborns die every two hours in Yemen due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The country’s health care system has been severely compromised by prolonged and intense fighting. Since the conflict escalated between the Saudi-led government coalition and Houthi rebels, maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed.

The ongoing conflict has not only destroyed medical facilities but also led to a severe shortage of medical supplies and personnel. As a result, only approximately half of the country’s health facilities are functional and even fewer are equipped to provide adequate maternal and child health services. This scarcity of resources has left millions of women without access to essential reproductive health care, including prenatal check-ups, safe delivery options and postnatal care.

The crisis is further emphasized by widespread food insecurity and malnutrition, which disproportionately affect pregnant women and new mothers. With the economy struggling, many families struggle to afford necessities, let alone specialized medical care. This economic hardship has created a vicious cycle where poverty and poor health outcomes reinforce each other, with devastating consequences for maternal and infant well-being.

Collapsed Health Care System

The conflict has caused a breakdown of Yemen’s health care system. As of 2024, 17.8 million people require health assistance, with one-quarter being women. Among them, 5.5 million of reproductive age, including pregnant and lactating women, struggle to access necessary health services. This is largely due to a shortage of female doctors and nurses, as well as a lack of essential medical supplies. Currently, only one in five functioning health clinics can provide maternal and child health services.

In addition, more than 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen are estimated to require treatment for acute malnutrition. Food shortages and insecurity increase the risks of giving birth to newborns with stunted growth and malnourished infants. The lack of medical infrastructure has left millions of women without access to essential health care services.

Economic Impact

The severe economic conditions in Yemen have left 80% of the population struggling to meet basic needs, which directly impacts maternal and infant health through malnutrition and lack of access to care. The economic crisis has worsened the situation for pregnant women and new mothers. The devaluation of the Yemeni Rial and high inflation rates have severely restricted families’ ability to afford nutritious food.

Additionally, the crisis has led to widespread displacement, with 73% of the 4.2 million displaced people being women and children. Despite the Ministry of Public Health and Population’s policy of free access to health care, Yemenis still pay more than 50% of their health expenditures out of pocket.

International Aid

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has played a crucial role in addressing Yemen’s maternal health crisis by:

  • Being the sole provider of life-saving reproductive health services in the country.
  • Leading the coordination and provision of women’s reproductive health and protection services nationwide.
  • Supporting emergency obstetric and maternal health care at more than 100 health facilities.
  • Offering services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through 36 safe spaces, eight shelters and seven specialized mental health centers.
  • Leading a rapid response mechanism in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF to provide emergency relief to newly displaced persons.

The European Union (EU) has also been a significant contributor to Yemen’s humanitarian efforts by:

  • Allocating more than $130 million in humanitarian funding to address the most pressing needs in the country.
  • Contributing nearly $1.6 billion since 2015 to address the Yemeni crisis, including more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid.
  • Recognizing 13 humanitarian Air Bridge flights since February 2024 to respond to the urgent health crisis triggered by outbreaks of infectious diseases, including cholera.
  • Funding the refurbishment of health centers, such as the Shahir Health Center in Hadramout.

Additionally, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in improving maternal and child health in Yemen. The agency-funded Systems Health and Resiliency Project (SHARP) has made strides in improving maternal and child health services in 14 districts across three governorates. SHARP has reached more than 1.8 million Yemeni people with activities aimed at improving their health. The project has trained and partnered with community midwives, reproductive health volunteers, health facility workers and community members to provide essential health care and support.

Conclusion

Addressing Yemen’s maternal health and poverty crisis requires urgent via coordinated international assistance. Many organizations have contributed to aid and support, but the scale of the issue is demanding and requires a greater response to save lives and break the cycle of poverty and ill health.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr