Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

, ,

The Traditional Midwives of Ecuador

The Traditional Midwives of EcuadorIn the Amazonian regions of Ecuador, traditional midwives receive formal medical training and modern equipment to overcome the challenges posed by geographic isolation in rural communities. This integration of ancestral knowledge with contemporary medical practices enhances prenatal care, boosting the midwives’ abilities and encouraging rural residents to seek medical assistance when needed.

Geographical and Economic Challenges

The geographic isolation of rural areas in Ecuador often makes it difficult for residents to access hospitals. Approximately 36% of Ecuadorians, more than 6 million people, reside in these rural regions where 43% live below the poverty line. These areas are notably underserved, with 86% of public and 96% of private medical practices located in urban areas. Consequently, many pregnant women in these rural areas lack access to formal medical assistance during pregnancy.

The Role of Traditional Midwives in Prenatal Care

Traditional midwives in Ecuador, notably the Kichwa women in the Archidona region, are crucial for prenatal care and childbirth. Many inhabitants of the Ecuadorian Amazon lack formal education, with a 6% illiteracy rate among the rural population, which may limit their awareness of modern medical practices. By integrating traditional and modern medical approaches, this strategy can potentially alleviate skepticism about vital care and encourage more Ecuadorians to seek formal medical services, ultimately aiming to lower maternal and newborn mortality rates.

Empowering Midwives through AMUKAPIN

Despite the cultural significance of their services, Ecuador’s traditional midwives have observed a lack of recognition and inequality in the formal health care system. To address these ongoing challenges, these women established the Association of Kichwa Midwives of the Upper Napo (AMUKAPIN). Mamma Ofelia, the association’s president, has stated that they are often dismissed as “silly women” rather than acknowledged as legitimate caregivers. In the Archidona region of the Amazon, where 30% of deliveries occur at home, the necessity of these midwives is evident, as many women lack hospital access. The establishment of AMUKAPIN has started to garner recognition for its essential role in providing health care in rural Ecuadorian communities.

Training and Recognition by Health Organizations

Since 2021, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been enhancing the skills of Ecuador’s traditional midwives to boost prenatal care in the country’s most remote areas. Recognizing that midwives understand the risk factors for birth complications, PAHO has supplemented their traditional methods with medical knowledge and equipment. This initiative equips them with tools like stethoscopes and precise measuring tapes, enhancing their ability to monitor pregnancies while respecting cultural practices. Bremen De Mucio, PAHO’s Regional Advisor on Maternal Health, emphasizes the importance of trust and the integration of modern medical practices with traditional methods, which has proven successful in bridging the gap between traditional and modern health care in Ecuador.

Emergency Response and Cultural Integration

The women of AMUKAPIN, an organization of Amazonian midwives, have embraced cooperation with formal medical institutions. In cases of emergency or severe pregnancy complications, these midwives now organize ambulance services to transport mothers to hospitals. This improved response stems from their enhanced medical knowledge and a recognition of the importance of professional care in critical situations.

The integration of traditional and modern medical practices has brought numerous advantages to Ecuador’s rural communities. Previously, the contentious relationship between these two approaches often left patients confused and skeptical, sometimes deterring them from seeking necessary hospital care. The blending of these practices has lessened these issues, particularly for those in remote areas, fostering greater trust in the nation’s medical services. In Otovalo, traditional midwives can now accompany mothers into delivery rooms, enhancing their comfort and encouraging more hospital births, which could lead to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in Ecuador.

Looking Ahead

The integration of traditional and modern medical practices in Ecuador’s Amazonian regions has significantly improved prenatal care. This collaboration not only enhances the skills of traditional midwives but also fosters greater trust in formal medical services among rural residents. With continued support and training, these ongoing initiatives aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring better health care outcomes for Ecuador’s remote communities.

– Ben Kane

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Access to Sanitary Products for the Rohingya

Sanitary Products for the RohingyaSanitary products for the Rohingya are among the many depleted resources reaching Cox’s Bazar. In 2023, roughly 67% of girls in these refugee camps did not have access to proper menstrual healthcare. Additionally, as a result of limited resources, many of these girls have poor menstrual hygiene, which can result in significant health issues.

This primary health concern has not gone unnoticed. As early as 2017, the peak of the Rohingya exodus, the United Nations (U.N.) Migration Agency began distributing hygiene and dignity kits. The agency has distributed more than 6,600 hygiene kits to the most vulnerable households, reaching more than 33,000 individuals. These kits include toothbrushes, soap, water containers, menstrual hygiene products and more.

The U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) has also been running women-led community centers, which aid in producing sanitary products for the community’s women and girls.

Health Concerns

When speaking with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Minara, a woman in one of the camps, said, “We have no money to buy sanitary pads, so we used to use old clothes, which cause a lot of itching and infections.”  According to the World Bank, poor menstrual hygiene can result in complicated health issues like reproductive and urinary tract infections, which have the potential to cause infertility or birth complications.

Innovative Solutions

Following discussions within these community centers, it became apparent that the previous dignity kits were not sufficiently solving the issue and the Rohingya women required easier access to sanitary products. Therefore, the European Union Humanitarian Fund and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) formed an initiative to teach Rohingya women how to tailor their reusable sanitary pads.

The initiative entailed training community members to sew their reusable sanitary pads. The women were also provided with “cloth, scissors, needles, underwear and other materials” and “instructions on the safe use and hygiene maintenance of the pads,” as reported by the Danish Refugee Council.

The original group of 14 Rohingya girls who received the training produced more than 3,000 pads for women in their community by 2022. Several women and girls in the camps also benefited from the program. Ultimately, this initiative allows women and girls to empower their neighbors with the skills they have learned.

Final Remark

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the Rohingya, it is crucial to empower the community to address these issues from within. Continued support and innovative solutions are essential to tackle this and the many health care challenges the community encounters.

– Lydia Young

Lydia is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

HIV/AIDS in Singapore

HIV/AIDS in SingaporeSingapore is a country at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia. The country gained independence from Malaysia in 1965 and has a population of around 5 million. While Singapore is an extremely wealthy country with a thriving economy and a world-class health care system, the nation still faces public health challenges. HIV/AIDS continues to cause significant harm and impact in Singapore.

A Recent Spike in HIV Cases

Between 2007 and 2017, the average number of HIV diagnoses remained around 400 to 500 cases per year. In the years following 2017, the number of cases decreased to around 300 per year. More than 50% of diagnosed cases were late-stage HIV, and 93% of cases resulted from sexual intercourse.

In 2023, after a few years of significantly low numbers of cases, the number of cases spiked again. In the first 10 months of 2023, there were 10% more HIV detections than last year.

Although the number of cases in Singapore is relatively low, the Singapore government has responded to the slight spike in cases. In a public advisory report, a representative from the Ministry of Health stated that every adult should do HIV testing at least once in their life. In addition, sexually active adults should get regular testing once every six months and wear protection during sexual activities, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).

Promoting Testing by Reducing Fears

Due to the rise in cases, the Singapore government is placing a large emphasis on HIV testing. With more people testing, the government hopes to make more diagnoses, resulting in more people getting the proper treatment. To encourage more testing, the Singapore government has changed a law, making it no longer necessary for individuals to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. This law, however, only applies to individuals with an “undetectable viral load.”

This law change will reduce the fear many Singapore residents face when deciding whether or not to get tested, according to The Straits Times. Individuals will no longer have to worry about telling their partners if their HIV test comes back positive. They will be able to treat it or reduce symptoms and then return to their regular sexual behaviours if they are no longer contagious. The government recognized that high-risk individuals feared getting tested because they would be obligated to inform their partners of their potential positive HIV status.

Action for AIDS

In addition to government support, Action for AIDS, an active nonprofit organization since 1988, has been working to mitigate the issue of HIV/AIDS in Singapore. Many Singaporeans have not received proper HIV/AIDS prevention education, so Action for AIDS fundraises to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can get education and testing. Individuals in poverty or with lower incomes are less likely to be properly educated about HIV/AIDS and less likely to know when to get tested.

So far, Action for AIDS has brought sex education to a wider audience and encouraged many Singaporeans to undergo more frequent testing. Through increased education and promoting more testing for all, this organization aims to end HIV/AIDS in Singapore.

Conclusion

While the slight spike in HIV cases in Singapore is concerning, the government’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to tackling this public health issue. By reducing the common fear that arises when individuals make a decision about testing, Singapore is revising legislation to promote more frequent testing. The goal of increased testing is that everyone who needs treatment will receive it. This approach reflects the Singapore government’s dedication to maintaining the health of its population, ensuring that the country continues to thrive even in the face of public health challenges.

– Poppy Duggal

Poppy is based in Concord, NH, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

A Promise for Improvement: Mozambique Health Care

Mozambique Health CareMozambique ranks extremely lowly among health indicators. Progress has only begun recently. In 2019, the Mozambique president enacted the One District, One Hospital initiative.  The aim of the initiative was to expand the medical infrastructure, providing citizens with better access to health care.

The Current State of Mozambique’s Health Care

Mozambique’s current health care state is dire. There are very few medical centers and frequently, Mozambicans have to walk miles to get treatment. Medicine shortages are common and the small number of medical professionals who are present often need more training.

There is no silver lining to this poor system. Many Mozambicans, about 1.2 million, are ill with either HIV or AIDS. About 200,000 children are also sick with the infectious disease. Many Mozambicans are also plagued by malaria, in addition to other diseases like tuberculosis. So, there is a requirement for improving the Mozambican health care system and the Mozambican government agrees.

The One District, One Hospital Initiative

The One District, One Hospital Initiative aims to ensure that millions of people in Mozambique access good-quality health care. The initiative will establish larger hospitals with new facilities, including operating rooms, radiology technology, blood transfusion equipment and storage, orthopedics and newer laboratories.

In the past six years, the Mozambican government has increased the number of medical workers and caregivers from around 1,000 in 2018 to more than 8,000 in 2022. One way the government did this was by introducing community health workers. By having at least one person trained in health care per community, the health centers would not be as busy with a sudden influx of Mozambicans from all over. This also allows faster treatment in an emergency.

The One District, One Hospital Initiative will also build level two hospitals in the 90 districts that currently lack them. Building hospitals that meet level two requirements ensure that treatment can meet heavy trauma damage and have more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. These new hospitals will also have housing for employees, providing both security in the poverty-torn country and an incentive for Mozambican people to join the medical field.

Impact

The improvements made to Mozambique’s health care system have greatly benefited its people. More than 8,000 medical workers are now active in Mozambique and nearly 2 million households have access to health services—a significant increase from the 240,000 households in 2018. Many health workers in Mozambique are also trained in nutrition, enabling them to benefit young children and educate families on improving health and nutrition through better dietary choices.

Final Thoughts

Mozambique’s health care system was dire about six years ago. However, the Mozambican government has taken steps to provide health care to its citizens and ensure widespread access to medical treatment. The One Hospital One District Initiative has given Mozambicans security in health, as they no longer have to travel long distances to receive necessary medical aid. This initiative was enacted out of necessity to care for its citizens and adhere to the United Nations (U.N.) 2030 Agenda. So, Mozambicans can expect more improvements.

– Paige Tamasi

Paige is based in Los Gatos, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Helping the Deaf Population in China and India

Deaf Population in ChinaChina and India are mass-populated countries located in the world’s Northern Hemisphere. Both countries have a population of approximately 1.4 billion people each, which means a large population of those who are deaf or otherwise hard of hearing. Many citizens in both countries find it challenging to obtain help and resources for their hearing loss or deafness. However, this is slowly changing as they have made strides in helping the deaf population.

How the Deaf Population in China is Affected

According to Cochlear Implants International, an estimated 28 million people face some hearing loss in China. With this high statistic, many also face a higher risk of unemployment, less education and lower-income families than their hearing counterparts. Due to the social stigma and previous lack of resources, Chinese sign language is also less developed than in other developed countries.

Similarly, there are about 115,00 children with severe hearing loss in China and an additional 30,000 a year are born with hearing loss. Deaf children are given fewer resources to excel in school, as the curriculum focuses on speech and hearing.

Helping the Deaf Population in China

Despite the challenges, great strides are being made in helping the deaf population in China. China began gene therapy treatment in young deaf children, restoring some hearing in children who were otherwise 100% deaf. Zheng-Yi Chen, an associate professor who helped develop the study, said, “Now they can hear speech that is close to normal and one can hear a whisper.” However, this treatment only works on those with a gene defect from birth, a protein called otoferlin. People born without it don’t have a signal from the hair cells that make people hear.

This treatment is the first of its kind and only a few deaf children have received it as a trial. However, China has implemented more accessible resources for the general population. Deaf children receive cochlear implants as they are increasingly more affordable. China has also implemented screenings for newborns to intervene immediately if they detect hearing loss or deafness. However, audiology isn’t yet seen as a medical practice in China. Cochlear implants are performed by nurses, physicians and other professionals.

How Deaf Indian Citizens Are Affected

About 18 million people in India are deaf or hard of hearing, though the number could be much larger. Despite the large population, India needs more resources than China comparatively has. There’s no official recognition of Indian sign language and the use of it carries a heavy stigma, as many of the population are unaware of the nuances of deafness.

With no official recognition, children who are deaf are often forced to adhere to the standards of hearing people in school. As sign language is discouraged, learning is undertaken by lipreading and written communication, putting these learners at a disadvantage to their peers. This disparity further increases the illiteracy rate in India which sits at about 26%.

How India Is Helping the Deaf

India is slowly making some improvements with the help of a few nonprofit organizations, such as VAANI. VAANI recognizes that the hearing population of India lacks an understanding of deafness and seeks to help deaf children. In increasing awareness, families with deaf children can obtain government resources for their children. These resources can help families to avoid a future of poverty. VAANI helps by providing early intervention, educating families and improving communication.

Some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Noida Deaf Society (NDS), have also stepped in to help deaf people in India lead self-sufficient lives and seek employment opportunities. These NGOs work to help them build employability skills and provide more inclusive learning environments for deaf children. NDS has successfully brought employment opportunities for deaf people in hospitality, retail, education and more industries.

Final Remark

There is still much work to be done. This is especially the case in India, however, both countries are making their way to helping the deaf population and be more inclusive. With the help of NGOs and other organizations, deaf people don’t have to be stuck in poverty and can lead fulfilling lives.

– Sabrina Betterly

Sabrina is based in Drums, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik

,

Unveiling the Realities of Elderly Poverty in Jamaica 

Elderly Poverty in JamaicaAmong the vibrant rhythms of reggae music, the serene sound of the Caribbeans’ turquoise water lapping at Jamaica’s shores, lies the harsh reality of elderly poverty. Behind a picturesque view of the island lives a significant portion of Jamaica’s elderly population, grappling with economic hardship, often unseen and overlooked.

Elderly Poverty in Jamaica

Despite Jamaica’s strides in economic development and poverty reduction, elderly poverty in Jamaica remains a pressing issue. The Planning Institute of Jamaica states more than 18% of Jamaicans older than 60 live below the poverty line. Unveiling this silent crisis affecting Jamaica’s elderly in their twilight years, the statistic reveals how vulnerable and marginalized these senior citizens are.

There is not a singular root cause of the prevalence of elderly poverty in Jamaica. Several factors contribute to its pervasiveness: pension insecurity, limited access to health care and high unemployment rates among older adults. Moreover, Jamaican senior citizens lack the familial support required to have a safety net in times of need. This is due to either familial breakdowns or migration of younger generations.

Hearing from the Elderly

Basil Parchment, 74, was regularly sighted sitting on the side of the road in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Upon The Gleaner, a Jamaican magazine approached him, he explained that the people of the house he was caretaking kicked him out without even a dollar in compensation for his eight years of working for them. Parchment went on to express that the side of the road he sat at was a spot he would often frequent upon taking breaks from work. That side of the road was all he had to call home. Parchment even explained that real poverty is when going to the doctor is impossible and that catching a sickness turns into living with it. He even confided that he has a family who does not bother to support or check up on him.

Many Jamaican families care for their elderly at home. However, while the cost of living increases, salaries remain constant and unemployment increases, younger generations search for opportunities abroad. This may result in further challenges for the elderly in Jamaica moving forward.

Taking Action

Notable achievements have been made due to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The plan includes revising national policies for senior citizens creating a responsive framework that acknowledges and facilitates the enjoyment of human rights by older citizens. The establishment of a non-contributory social pension for persons 75 years and older allows senior citizens to live productively and free of any stress and anxieties included with financial status. A national health promotion campaign called “Jamaica Moves” to prevent and reduce non-communicable diseases for the elderly and the pensionable age adjusted to 65 years for both men and women which focuses on preventing rather than treating, allowing elderly Jamaicans access to the healthcare they require.

Elderly poverty remains an issue in Jamaica. However, the Jamaican government has implemented new strategies and succeeded in the decline of elderly poverty. With further awareness and the attention of policymakers, a rapid decrease in elderly poverty rates in Jamaica can be achieved.

– Rika Mokal

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Fight Against HIV and AIDS in Burundi

HIV and AIDS in BurundiBurundi faces a significant health challenge, being one of the countries most impacted by HIV and AIDS. Currently, about 2.9% of the population is HIV positive, a crisis intensified by high poverty levels and population density. HIV disproportionately affects different groups within the country. Women and marginalized communities experience higher infection rates, with prevalence rates of 1.2% among women compared to 0.6% among men. Despite these daunting statistics, ongoing efforts provide a hopeful perspective on tackling this health crisis.

Baho Mbeho

The International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), affiliated with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, has been active in Burundi’s fight against HIV and AIDS. In 2023, ICAP launched “Baho Mbeho,” which means “you live, I live” in Kirundi, a native language of Burundi. This program is part of a broader international effort to curb HIV transmission, focusing significantly on urban centers, including Bujumbura, Burundi’s former capital.

The Baho Mbeho plan is set to enhance 161 health facilities over 5 years, employing a human-centric strategy. This initiative engages community organizations to assist health workers, expanding access to essential treatments. With a focus on prevention, the program aims to identify and manage new HIV cases early, a method proven effective in curbing the disease’s spread. It targets testing 141,000 people for HIV, providing a crucial service poised to prevent numerous infections and save many lives. Additionally, the program commits to delivering antiretroviral therapy to pregnant women, significantly reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Other International Aid

The campaign to control HIV and AIDS has garnered significant attention from African nations. Members of Parliament from Bahrain, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda and Chad have proposed strategies to enhance disease transmission prevention. Their recommendations include implementing gender-sensitive policies, expanding outreach to marginalized communities and improving care systems for children orphaned by AIDS. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has actively coordinated the nation’s response, integrating the advice to better address how the disease impacts children.

Organizations such as Expertise France and ANSS have engaged in initiatives to support young people in combating HIV. These ongoing efforts include providing resources for early disease detection through screening and prevention programs. Additionally, they focus on education to challenge and reduce harmful stigmas associated with HIV, aiming to dismantle pervasive stereotypes not only in Burundi but globally.

The National Association for the Support of HIV-Positive People (ANSS) plays a pivotal role in combating HIV and AIDS in Burundi. The organization enhances screening services in Bujumbura and provides support by accompanying individuals to screening and treatment appointments.

A Hopeful Future

Despite significant challenges, Burundi is making promising strides in its fight against HIV and AIDS. This nation, one of the poorest and the second-most densely populated in Africa, deals with severe public health issues, worsened by prolonged civil conflict. However, through focused efforts by both the local government and international partners, Burundi is on track to become the first French-speaking African country to effectively control the spread of HIV. This achievement is highlighted by rising treatment rates and expanded educational campaigns, suggesting that the battle against HIV and AIDS in Burundi might indeed be winnable.

– Molly Ralph

Molly is based in Dorset, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Relationship Between Waste Management and Poverty

Waste Management and PovertySeveral factors contribute to keeping communities around the world in poverty. Even waste management can be one of these contributing factors.

Understanding the link between waste management and poverty is essential for addressing global sanitation issues and improving living conditions. When exploring the relationship between waste management and poverty, it becomes clear that inadequate systems disproportionately affect impoverished communities. Delve into how waste management impacts these areas and what actions can mitigate its effects.

Health Implications of Poor Waste Management

Inadequate waste management has severe health repercussions for impoverished communities. Poorly managed waste leads to the proliferation of disease vectors such as rodents and insects. These pests spread illnesses, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. For example, deficiencies in India’s waste management systems are contributing to tuberculosis cases for residents near landfills.

Moreover, open dumpsites release harmful toxins and pollutants into the air and water, exacerbating respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to improperly managed waste, including medical waste, significantly increases the risk of infectious diseases in vulnerable populations.

Economic Burden of Ineffective Waste Systems

Communities struggling with poverty often face an economic burden due to ineffective waste management systems. The costs associated with healthcare for waste-related illnesses can be overwhelming for families already living below the poverty line. Additionally, inadequate waste disposal infrastructure can hinder economic development by making areas unattractive for investment and tourism. For instance, comprehensive liquid waste management requires different types of sewer pipes, some of which might be unaffordable for impoverished regions. The lack of proper sewer systems can lead to environmental contamination, further degrading the quality of life and economic prospects.

Differences in Liquid and Solid Waste Management

The management of liquid and solid waste presents unique challenges for impoverished communities. Liquid waste, such as sewage and industrial effluents, requires advanced infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants. In contrast, solid waste management involves the collection, transportation and disposal of household and commercial garbage. Impoverished areas frequently lack access to these necessary facilities and resources. Consequently, liquid waste often contaminates water sources, while solid waste accumulates in public spaces, posing significant health hazards. Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving overall waste management practices.

Community-Based Waste Management Solutions

Community-based solutions offer hope for mitigating waste management issues in impoverished areas. Local initiatives focusing on recycling, composting and waste segregation can significantly reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal. Education and awareness campaigns can empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and hold authorities accountable for maintaining proper waste management systems.

Moreover, partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies can bring much-needed resources and expertise to implement effective waste management strategies. For example, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) has been instrumental in promoting zero-waste solutions in low-income communities.

Since 2002, the GAIA has connected communities striving towards policy change in 90 different countries. GAIA has contributed 2.6 million annually to member organizations focused on zero-waste. This organization continues to grow its impact. 

The relationship between waste management and poverty is complex but undeniable. Poor waste management exacerbates health risks, imposes economic burdens, and highlights the stark disparities in infrastructure between affluent and impoverished regions. However, community-based initiatives and international cooperation offer promising avenues for addressing these challenges. By understanding and addressing the relationship between waste management and poverty, we can take significant steps toward creating healthier, more sustainable environments for all.

– Kelly Schoessling

Kelly focuses on Global Health and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Fighting the New Spike Of Malaria in the Philippines

Malaria in the PhilippinesThe Philippines is familiar with the problem of malaria. In 1970, the country’s malaria morbidity rate per 100,000 people was nearly 80%. The mosquitoes that transmit the parasitic disease extend all across the nation. With the devastation that the Philippines faced, its government became very committed to limiting and reducing the damage caused by the disease.

Success in Malaria Reduction

One of the many ways the Philippines fought malaria was through an increase in surveillance systems, working toward finding specific malaria outbreaks to target with boosted treatments. The government’s actions were extremely successful. In 2005, the Philippines achieved a reduction rate of 92% in cases and a decrease in the malaria mortality rate by 98%. Additionally, around 60.9% of the country’s provinces were officially declared malaria-free in 2018.

Leveraging Digital Technology

By employing new digital technology, specifically its Online Malaria Information System, the Philippines is able to catalog, process and distribute information on malaria outbreaks. This allows for speedy treatment and prediction of future outbreaks by monitoring reports made by locals. This system is available to everyone on Android, so it is very accessible to the Filipino people.

Current Challenges and Advanced Strategies

Due to significant humanitarian aid and government infrastructure expansion, the Philippines experienced a general decline in malaria cases. However, in 2023, the country saw a sharp increase in cases, about 6,248, nearly doubling from the previous year, which was 3,245. Many health professionals attribute this rise to the relaxation of restrictions in the post-COVID-19 world. Nonetheless, new health centers are now focused on eliminating and preventing the spread of malaria.

Filipino health centers collect data on patients and the environment to monitor potential malaria outbreaks. Quick identification leads to quick treatment and with sufficient treatment, the Philippines aims to be entirely malaria-free by 2030. The approach is more complex than merely distributing surveys or looking for common symptoms.

The health centers are exploring advanced diagnostic and geographical mapping tools, improved surveillance technology and the identification of less common and often overlooked symptoms of malaria. With better diagnostic tools, medical professionals can assess patients more quickly and determine which strain of malaria is affecting them, enabling faster and more effective treatment.

The geographical mapping tools allow people to monitor the spread of outbreaks, see where the infected mosquitoes are moving and act proactively against the disease. As the World Health Organization (WHO) advises, surveillance is one of the best ways to prevent and combat malaria, so the Philippines is looking to improve its preexisting system to fight this current wave of malaria.

Conclusion

Malaria is one of the most notorious and dangerous diseases and humanity has been fighting it for decades. The Philippines, in particular, has a long and difficult history with malaria but has developed effective systems to combat it. The Filipinos’ active efforts to reduce malaria in their country offer hope for a malaria-free world, evidenced by the 72 provinces that are now officially malaria-free.

Another promising development in the fight against recent malaria outbreaks is the emergence of new vaccines that provide immunity against various strains of the life-threatening disease. With a vaccine in the works and new health centers being established, the Philippines is optimistic about seeing a reduction in malaria cases soon.

– Paige Tamasi

Paige is based in Los Gatos, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Hope for Mothers in Malawi

Mothers in MalawiMalawi is one of the most impoverished countries in the world, with approximately 71% of the population earning less than $1.90 a day. Poverty hinders access to health care services, thus putting vulnerable, for example, pregnant women, at extreme risk and dimming the hope for mothers in Malawi. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness regarding obstetric complications, further increasing the risk for them.

Maternal Mortality in Malawi

These factors have resulted in extremely high maternal mortality in Malawi, with 381 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2020. This rate ranks Malawi at number 25 out of 182 countries. However, the current statistics show an improvement from the previously recorded 439 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, which has increased the hopes of survival for the mothers in Malawi.

The Good News

The reduction in maternal mortality has been made possible due to the dedicated efforts of individuals, the government of Malawi and organizations like the United Nations (U.N.), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and more. Efforts to reduce maternal deaths and improve conditions for women are ongoing.

Various organizations and individuals are taking measures to enhance maternal health and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 live births or no more than 140 per 100,000 live births worldwide.

Two notable individuals in this regard are Lucy Msukwa and Mercy Kafotokoza. The loss of their loved ones due to a lack of access to health care facilities motivated them to start initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.

Uchembere Wabwino Maternity Ltd

In 2019, Msukwa started a clinic, Uchembere Wabwino Maternity Ltd, in Mzuzu to provide better health care services to pregnant women and educate them about complications. Msukwa, a certified nurse and midwife, graduated from an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in 2021. She received a $10,000 grant to improve the clinic’s facilities and train her staff.

Furthermore, the clinic also provides sexual and reproductive health services, family planning services and preconception services, along with educating pregnant women, hence creating hope for mothers in Malawi. A 2023 report by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) highlighted several achievements of the clinic: the number of patients increased from 1,894 to 5,000, zero deaths were recorded during deliveries and the clinic’s business revenues improved.

Msukwa has continued to work for women and has become a beacon of hope for mothers in Malawi. She is also working to end period poverty in Mzuzu and her vision is to implement innovative, data-driven programs to enhance women’s access to health care services.

Nurses on Bikes

In 2016, Kafotokoza, now a registered nurse, founded Wandikweza to reduce deaths from preventable causes and provide accessible health care to people living in remote areas of Malawi, where approximately 82% of the population lives. Wandikweza has various sub-programs, such as community health workers, mobile clinics, community engagement and health centers focused on improving maternal health in rural areas.

In 2019, it launched another initiative, Nurses On Bikes. It provides trained nurses with bikes to care for pregnant women. Wandikweza is running Nurses On Bikes in Dowa and Mangochi areas, with 14 nurses who have served 21,901 women in one quarter of 2024. Nurses On Bikes ignites new hope for mothers living in remote areas of Malawi who previously had no access to health care facilities due to lack of transport or finances.

Lessons for the Future

“One person can change the world”- Rosa Parks. Msukwa and Kafotokoza’s journeys are powerful reminders that one individual can make a meaningful difference and that involving local actors is extremely important to improve maternal health. Following the success of these initiatives, collaboration between international organizations and local communities has intensified.

One such effort is the Vodafone Foundation’s launch of the “m-mama” project in Malawi in 2025. This emergency referral and transport system, already operational in Tanzania and Lesotho, will provide life-saving services to 12,600 pregnant women and babies. After its launch, the Government of Malawi will be able to sustain the project for just $350,000, which is less than the cost of two new ambulances. These collaborations offer a promising future full of hope for mothers in Malawi.

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr