Archive for category: Health

Information and stories on health topics.

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Fighting Stigma: Poverty and Leprosy in Bangladesh

Leprosy in BangladeshBangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India and Myanmar, with a population of more than 177 million. Some 18.7% of the population lives in poverty, due in part to neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, which limit individuals’ ability to work and access education.

The bacteria Mycobacterium leprae cause leprosy, a chronic infectious disease. The disease mainly affects skin cells and can cause permanent disabilities when people do not receive timely treatment or detection. Bangladesh ranks fifth highest in the world for the number of leprosy cases, so eradicating the disease in the country is a priority, especially since people can be completely cured of it.

Leprosy is a disease that creates stigmatization against those affected, making employment difficult. Combined with medical costs, this creates a high correlation between leprosy and poverty. Areas with poor living conditions and food insecurity also tend to have an increased risk of contracting leprosy, highlighting the relationship between leprosy and poverty.

The eradication of leprosy will improve the livelihood of millions, not just in Bangladesh but also in the other 120 countries still affected by the curable disease. Tropical diseases tend to be neglected from the global health agenda and usually cause stigma. This article will discuss the impact of fighting stigma and how leprosy and poverty can be reduced together.

The Leprosy Mission in Bangladesh

The Leprosy Mission in Bangladesh (TLMIB) is a nonprofit organization focused on the eradication of leprosy in North Bangladesh. With a focus derived from six key values — compassion, justice, integrity, inclusion, humility and collaboration — its work has supported the livelihood of those with leprosy and helped them regain their dignity.

Since 2007, TLMIB has set up 700 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in North Bangladesh, a step toward long-term, sustainable change. Leprosy and poverty were seen by the organization to go hand in hand, and these SHGs allowed those impacted to access food and find community with others who share similar experiences, especially as leprosy is widely discriminated against.

SHGs have group deposits, which encourage positive financial habits and help members rebuild their lives together. Since 2007, SHGs across the region have grown, with members integrating back into society with less stigma and fewer financial problems. This is significant when considering leprosy and poverty, as it shows that if leprosy is prioritized, many people’s livelihoods can change, enabling them to move to a life above the poverty line.

U.N. Initiatives and Government Aims

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has committed to eradicating the disease through the Zero Leprosy Initiative by 2030. The initiative aims to eradicate the disease, prevent disability and remove stigma.

Additionally, the government has decided to increase the number of disability centers in the country and integrate them into the existing health care system. Policymakers have also suggested earlier diagnosis and skills training for people affected by leprosy, both to remove stigma and directly address the link between leprosy and poverty. The Persons with Disabilities’ Rights and Protection Act, implemented in 2013, drives this focus on leprosy in the country.

The United Nations (U.N.) has worked with Beatriz Miranda-Galarza to raise awareness of leprosy. Miranda-Galarza has coordinated the BRIDGES and SARSHE projects in Indonesia and Brazil, strengthening the dialogue around leprosy in the disability movement. This work supports efforts against stigma and helps build better lives after the disease, again highlighting the link between leprosy and poverty.

Looking Ahead

Nonprofits such as TLMIB and the work by the government of Bangladesh demonstrate that leprosy and poverty can be reduced together by removing stigma and prioritizing long-term, sustainable change. These efforts make independence accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to learn positive financial habits and build stable lives.

Although Bangladesh still needs to reduce leprosy cases, the progress so far points to measurable change across the country. Chile recently became the first country in the Americas to completely eradicate leprosy, showing that the goal is achievable for other countries committed to the cause.

– Caitlin Cooper

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

Photo: Flickr

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Barriers to Surgical Research in Developing Regions

Surgical Research
Access to safe and effective surgical care is central to global health. Progress in this area depends on strong research systems, yet many low-resource settings struggle to build them. Understanding the different barriers to surgical research in developing regions highlights the limits to innovation and how stakeholders can improve outcomes worldwide. Without targeted efforts to strengthen research capacity, these gaps will continue to widen global health inequalities.

Limited Funding and Infrastructure

Limited and inconsistent funding remains a major obstacle. Surgical research requires financial support for equipment, personnel and long-term studies. Many governments and institutions must prioritize immediate patient care, which reduces available resources for research initiatives.

Infrastructure gaps also restrict progress. Many hospitals operate without reliable electricity, sterile environments, or modern laboratory facilities. These conditions make it difficult for researchers to run controlled studies or collect consistent data, which weakens the overall quality of research output.

Shortage of Trained Personnel

A shortage of trained researchers and surgical specialists continues to slow advancement. Healthcare professionals often manage high patient volumes, leaving little time for research. Training programs and mentorship opportunities also remain limited in many regions.

Migration further intensifies this challenge. Skilled professionals frequently move to higher-income countries in search of better opportunities. This trend erodes local expertise and impedes the development of long-term stability in research ecosystems.

For example, according to Stanford University’s Medical Journal, an estimated six billion people on the planet do not have access to cardiac surgical care due to a shortage of trained personnel, resources, and other limiting factors. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery reported that in places such as Africa, there is one cardiovascular surgeon per four million people. 

The data found in this study is focused on the shortage of trained personnel specifically in cardiac medicine; however, a lack of personnel and resources is universal among several types of surgical research and care. 

Access to Equipment and Materials

Reliable access to high-quality equipment remains essential for surgical research. Many facilities rely on outdated or poorly maintained tools, which limit precision and consistency in experiments.

These gaps directly reinforce the various barriers to surgical research in developing regions, particularly when researchers cannot access tools that ensure accurate, repeatable results. Researchers often depend on specialized instruments that can withstand repeated use while maintaining accuracy. Without access to comparable tools, researchers face difficulties when attempting to replicate or validate findings.

Regulatory and Data Challenges

Regulatory systems in many regions lack clarity or consistency. Researchers often encounter delays during approval processes due to limited institutional capacity or unclear guidelines. Ethical review boards may lack sufficient staff or standardized procedures, which slows research progress.

Data collection also presents ongoing challenges. Limited digital infrastructure reduces the ability to store, manage and analyze information effectively. A study in The Lancet Global Health emphasizes the need to strengthen data systems to improve both surgical care delivery and research capacity.

Emerging Solutions and Global Collaboration

Global partnerships continue to support research development. International organizations and academic institutions now collaborate with local teams to provide funding, training and technical expertise. These partnerships help strengthen local capacity while promoting knowledge exchange.

Technology also creates new opportunities. Mobile data tools and telemedicine platforms enable researchers to collect and share information more efficiently. These solutions help overcome infrastructure limitations and support more inclusive research environments.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment, stronger policies and continued collaboration. When stakeholders commit to these efforts, they can expand research capacity, reduce disparities and improve surgical care for communities worldwide.

– Kelly Schoessling

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Nonprofits Working to End Polio in Yemen

Polio in YemenIn recent decades, Yemen has faced crisis after crisis, with war, drought, disease and famine simultaneously affecting a vulnerable population. The presence of polio in Yemen is another challenge to an already struggling population. Several nonprofits are working toward its eradication. Below are insights into five of the most important.

The Impact of COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and the health care efforts of many of the world’s largest nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were disrupted, the people of many developing nations suffered, including those of Yemen.

Roughly 25 million infants worldwide did not receive potentially lifesaving vaccinations, the largest regression in vaccination data in more than 30 years. In Yemen, the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and protracted conflict resulted in national vaccination rates falling sharply, with declines of 25% in certain months of 2020. In 2024, 580,000 children in Yemen were recorded as zero-dose, a crisis demanding a multilateral response.

Beginning in 2023, several major global partners in public health, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, formed The Big Catch-up, a program working to reverse the damage to immunization progress caused by the pandemic. The project is making progress in eradicating poliovirus worldwide. With around 85% of all children affected by polio living in the most volatile states, this effort is significant. The following five organizations are at the forefront of the fight against polio in Yemen.

5 Nonprofits Working to End Polio in Yemen

  1. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative. At the center of global efforts for complete immunization against poliovirus, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), in collaboration with the federal government, is making considerable progress in early detection and surveillance of outbreaks. With an over 80% early detection rate for key symptoms, its work is an important stage in the immunization process and gives patients essential time for treatment and recovery. This progress has been made despite the adverse conditions in Yemen, which the GPEI categorizes as one of several “consequential geographies” that complicate eradication efforts. Its work in collaboration with global partners reflects continued developments being made in a post-pandemic world.
  2. UNICEF. In the summer of 2025, UNICEF and the WHO began a vaccination campaign against polio in Yemen, aiming to reach more than 1.3 million children in the nation’s most stable regions. Working with the Ministry of Public Health and Population, UNICEF provided and supported almost 7,000 vaccination teams, including 6,000 mobile units, to deliver intervention before the outbreak that began in 2021 grew further. With 98% of the 282 cases recorded between 2021 and July 2025 occurring in children under 5, the focus of UNICEF’s actions is on early-life immunization. Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Representative to Yemen, said that vaccination is the way to keep children safe.
  3. The International Organization for Migration. While not a health care-focused nonprofit, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an ally in organizing and delivering immunization programs. In the absence of a reliable national infrastructure, on-the-ground specialists support health care workers in accessing and administering vaccines. Working in both permanent communities and large populations now living in internal displacement camps, the IOM’s insights into the requirements and challenges in these areas have supported operatives with specialist advice. The IOM also continues to engage in awareness initiatives aimed at reducing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Reaching 31,000 people in 2024 alone, the campaign has helped address a significant obstacle to a successful polio vaccine rollout.
  4. Islamic Relief U.K. A major provider of health care and hospital aid across Yemen and the wider region, Islamic Relief U.K. has a track record of supporting Yemen’s under-resourced health care facilities. By providing otherwise inaccessible technology and provisions to health care centers facing extreme budgetary limitations and violent attacks, the organization enables them to continue their work. The functionality of these centers is essential to the operations of a campaign against poliovirus and to support the health care needs of a country facing significant challenges.
  5. The Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation. As one of the leading nonprofits operating in Yemen, the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation (YRRF) is engaged in efforts across the spectrum of national issues. With a diverse portfolio of funding, its efforts are focused on the most pressing crises and preventative measures. The support offered to medical centers and laboratories represents a key approach to long-term eradication of poliovirus. A 2025 investment by the foundation into the National Central Public Health Laboratories in Sana’a supports the laboratory’s work in serving patients from numerous governorates and its capacity to perform diagnostic tests that can detect polio at an early, non-critical stage. This funding and specialist support offer Yemen a domestic, sustainable means to address the threat of poliovirus to its child population through the collaboration of all five nonprofits listed here.

Looking Ahead

The work of each of these nonprofits is bringing Yemen closer to eradicating polio, but continued public and government support is needed. Increased funding and sustained international attention can help complete this work, securing the future health of children in Yemen and beyond.

– Evan Meikle

Evan is based in Kingston upon Hull, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Francis Kéré’s Survival Architecture and Health Care in Burundi

Health Care in BurundiLate in 2025, Helen Clark, the head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), gave a speech at the G20 Health Ministerial in South Africa. She said that the architecture underpinning collective health is under immense strain, but also that health is connected to every aspect of shared security and prosperity.

The architecture of health can take both literal and metaphorical forms. Global poverty is one of the biggest threats to a person’s health, and East Africa has historically been one of the poorest regions in the Global South. As a result, many countries in the region are spending more on debt repayments than on health care. Alongside cholera epidemics and vaccine inequality, countries such as Burundi have extremely low health ratings, with a poverty rate of 74.2% and a high maternal mortality rate.

Emmanuel Niyonkuru, a nurse at a local health facility in Burundi, stated that more funding for infrastructure, more training for doctors and nurses and a reliable supply of essential medicines are needed to make the necessary progress.

The Architect

As of March 2026, a new health care facility is underway in Burundi’s Bubanza region, and Francis Kéré, African laureate and winner of the 2022 Pritzker Prize, is the figure behind it. Kéré, often referred to as the “Nobel of Architecture” recipient, was praised by judges for his efforts to change unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and for helping to develop new infrastructure that prioritizes sustainability.

Kéré’s work demonstrates a commitment to Africa and its topography. He was raised in Burkina Faso in West Africa and has received global recognition for his work. He currently has large-scale projects in countries such as the United States (U.S.), Brazil and Germany. The ethos of his architecture is survival, and he has said that everything he does is born out of necessity.

This new clinic will focus on maternity care and specialized surgical treatment, taking into account the absence of electricity in the region and the acute challenges facing Burundi’s health as one of Africa’s poorest countries.

The Architecture

In 2001, Kéré set out to build the Gando Primary School in the Boulgou area. Different from the concrete and glass buildings of Europe, the primary material involved in the construction of the school was mud bricks. In areas without electricity, these clay bricks are heat-absorbent, allowing the school to remain cool. Kéré aims to use regional knowledge in his architecture, showing commitment to local resources and local techniques.

The Burundi health care facility will follow this pattern, reducing costs through using locally sourced bricks, clay and stone, along with traditional building skills. Alongside providing health care to the region, this approach will also support the regional economy by training local workers. Beyond the building itself, Kéré is building systemic networks of support and stability for the communities that need them.

Looking Ahead

Recent United Nations (U.N.) reports note that the health sector in many African countries remains highly dependent on foreign funding. Funding can take different forms, and addressing global poverty involves both small-scale support for individuals and the larger-scale infrastructure that facilitates it.

Nana Biamah-Ofosu, a Ghanaian British architect and critic, has called Kéré the leading figure of an African renaissance of architecture. She has also stated that learning from Africa as a place of deep knowledge is important for the survival of humanity.

The 3,000-square-meter complex is expected to open in 2026, improving access to health care in Burundi.

– Grace Sandall

Grace is based in Madrid, Spain and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Lenacapavir’s Introduction in Zimbabwe

Lenacapavir’s Introduction in Zimbabw Zimbabwe’s Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic has been among the most severe globally, shaped by decades of social, economic and structural pressures. At the turn of the 21st century, the country faced one of the highest HIV prevalence rates worldwide, with an estimated 1.3 million people living with the virus. The epidemic has strained families, eroded the workforce and pushed public health services to their limits. Although sustained national efforts and global partnerships have driven major progress, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Global AIDS Update 2022 warns that prevention gains are now faltering, with inequalities continuing to fuel new infections in high-burden countries.

Lenacapavir’s Introduction in Zimbabwe

In February 2026, Zimbabwe became one of the first countries in Africa to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV-prevention drug developed by Gilead Sciences. Administered only twice a year, Lenacapavir’s introduction in Zimbabwe marks a major milestone in the region’s response to HIV. The rollout positions Zimbabwe at the forefront of next-generation prevention strategies, offering a discreet and highly effective alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Health officials and global health bodies have welcomed the introduction. Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora described Lenacapavir as a new approach, noting that it offers a less complicated method compared with daily oral PrEP.

While daily oral PrEP has been available for years, its impact has been limited by stigma, partner suspicion, unpredictable schedules and social scrutiny. A survey conducted by The Lancet found that 51% of participants held discriminatory attitudes toward HIV and reported shame of association.

A discreet biannual injection removes many of these barriers. As one early recipient explained, clients often misinterpreted PrEP pills as HIV treatment, leading to stigma and lost income, a challenge that the injection avoids.

Constance Mukoloka, one of the first recipients, said the injection makes her “feel safe” and able to “work with confidence,” explaining that daily PrEP pills often created tension with clients and were difficult to take consistently.

A Tool for High-Risk Groups

Lenacapavir’s introduction in Zimbabwe is significant for vulnerable communities, particularly adolescent girls, young women, sex workers and other high-risk groups who face disproportionate vulnerability to new infections. Its introduction signals a shift in HIV prevention strategy, particularly in regions where incidence remains high despite decades of progress. Early evidence from large-scale trials shows that more than 99% of participants remained HIV negative while on the twice-yearly regimen, underscoring its potential to overcome adherence challenges that have previously undermined daily oral PrEP uptake.

Although national HIV prevalence has declined significantly over the past two decades, women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate share of new infections, driven by structural inequalities, gender-based violence and economic precarity.

The rollout has also sparked public debate, as some community voices celebrate the new treatment while others raise concerns about access, affordability and the need for transparent communication to build trust in long-acting biomedical prevention. As global partners such as the U.S. government and the Global Fund frame this as a landmark in innovation and health system strengthening, Zimbabwe may become a critical test case for how long-acting PrEP can be scaled equitably across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Early Evidence and Implementation

Early pilot programs indicate that Lenacapavir’s introduction in Zimbabwe has seen strong uptake, with clinics reporting that the simplified regimen is easier to manage, reduces drop-off rates and integrates smoothly into existing reproductive health services. These findings mirror broader regional trends, as early adopters across Africa have seen strong interest in Lenacapavir even before full national rollout. Public health experts argue that the injection could significantly reduce new infections if scaled nationally, especially in rural areas where clinic visits are infrequent and transport costs are high. Several states are already exploring similar pathways.

Looking Ahead

Zimbabwe’s decision to move early on long-acting PrEP signals a broader shift in global health leadership. Rather than waiting for donor-driven adoption cycles, the country is asserting itself as a regional pioneer in HIV-prevention innovation. The rollout is supported by partnerships including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, but Zimbabwe’s strong HIV-response infrastructure, having already met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, has enabled rapid integration of the new technology.

In a region where HIV remains a leading cause of mortality, the introduction of a discreet, effective and user-friendly prevention tool represents a meaningful step forward. It offers new autonomy to individuals who face stigma or safety risks when using visible prevention methods, strengthens health system efficiency and demonstrates African leadership in adopting public health technologies.

– Max Kenway

Max is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Diagnostic Tampons: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Latin America

Cervical Cancer Latin AmericaCervical cancer represents one of the most pressing yet preventable crises in global health. It remains the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with 94% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, a stark testament to the role that inequality plays in who survives this disease. Indigenous women bear a disproportionate share of this burden, with some of the highest incidence rates concentrated in Central America.

Positively, vaccines for this disease are extremely effective, when administered at a young age HPV vaccine prevents infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has the goal to reduce the number of annual cases of cervical cancer to fewer than four per 100,000 women. Despite having such effective vaccines, a major issue lies with the accessibility and distribution of diagnostic tests and the subsequent intervention provision.

Cervical Cancer in Latin America

While the WHO’s elimination goal is ambitious, the reality for Latin America tells a different story – cervical cancer deaths in the region are projected to surpass 51,500 by 2030, with 89% of those occurring in Latin America and the Caribbean. Women across the region feel the burden. In El Salvador, 2.53 million women aged 15 and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer, representing a significant proportion of the country’s 6.3 million population.

The picture is similarly concerning in Guatemala, where 6.10 million women face the same risk out of a population of 18.6 million. Compounding this, HPV vaccination coverage in Guatemala stands at just 35%, with only 15% of individuals completing their final dose. El Salvador fares only marginally better at 43%, a figure that still falls well short of the WHO’s 90% target.

An example of how improved vaccination rates reduce prevalence and mortality together can be observed from Costa Rica. Here the Crude incidence rates sit at 14.4 for females with HPV-related cancers.

Prevention

A recurring challenge across the region is lack of awareness surrounding HPV, its link to cervical cancer, and the safety of available vaccines. In many indigenous and rural communities, misinformation and limited access to health education contribute to the low vaccination uptake seen in countries like Guatemala and El Salvador. Addressing this through community-led outreach and culturally sensitive health programs could be a foundational step towards closing the gap.

The Cervical Cancer Foundation works in collaboration with non-profits to lobby for legislative change and vitally provide health training to educate communities on the importance of HPV screening and available vaccines. Crucially, they provide cervical cancer prevention strategies within Latin America to aid in the reduction of this gap. With financial support from the Union of International Cancer Control, they aim to train more than 200 health educators from El Salvador to Costa Rica.

Screening

Yet even when education and vaccination efforts improve, a separate challenge remains: screening. The WHO’s elimination framework calls for screening of 70% of women with high-performance tests by the age of 35 and again by 45. In much of Latin America, this target is still far due to a shortage of trained gynaecologists, limited clinical infrastructure and the geographic remoteness of many at-risk communities. This is where an emerging technology may offer a meaningful solution- the diagnostic tampon.

A recent and applicable advancement for HPV has been analysed and assessed for usage in other LMIC’s. For example, in Tanzania, the use of diagnostic tampons has emerged as a promising, accurate method for cervical cancer screening. This reduces the need for trips to far or inaccessible hospitals for rural communities and those most at risk.

Studies comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tampons with clinician-collected samples for detecting HPV further corroborate this, demonstrating that use of diagnostic tampons has an overall accuracy of 95%, proving an easily implementable and highly specific screening tool.

Looking ahead

The diagnostic tampon is not a standalone solution. Eliminating cervical cancer in Latin America could require sustained investment across the entire health care system- from early education and vaccine distribution mechanisms to clinical infrastructure. However, this diagnostic tampon does represent significant advancements: practical and high-accuracy screening tools which meet women where they are rather than navigating systems which have historically excluded them. Thus, integrating this screening tool into existing public health frameworks, further backed by education, political will and adequate funding, offers a credible path towards turning the tide on one of the more preventable cancers.

– Juliette Dall’Aglio

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

Photo: Flickr

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Yemen’s Health Care Amid Conflict

yemen's health careThe Republic of Yemen has been in civil war since 2014, pitting the Iran-backed Houthi movement against a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government. This has led to the systematic collapse of formal health care. The Houthis are running a quasi-state in the north that exploits aid as a tool of political control. With hospitals destroyed and clinics inaccessible, Yemen’s private pharmacists diagnose conditions, dispense prescription medications without oversight and provide basic medical advice. Yemen could formalize pharmacists’ expanded role through tiered licensing, basic diagnostic training and integration with telemedicine networks.

Conflict, Funding Collapse and Deliberate Obstruction

The Trump administration labeled the Houthis as a terrorist organization in 2025, causing U.S. funding to decrease. This was meant to pressure the Houthis, but it punished ordinary Yemenis instead, scaring away donors and giving NGOs legal exposure for any activity that could be construed as materially supporting the Houthis.

Human Rights Watch documented how the Houthis’ systematic detention of aid workers is deepening Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe. As of early January 2026, at least 69 U.N. staff (all Yemeni nationals) and dozens of staff from international and local NGOs have been arbitrarily detained since mid-2024, with arrests occurring in several waves. The arrests, combined with office raids and the seizure of equipment have effectively paralysed aid operations in Houthi-controlled areas. The U.N. suspended operations in Saada entirely – the majority of Saada’s population has moved from crisis level to emergency level food insecurity in that period.

The World Food Program (WFP) announced in January 2026 that it is shutting down its operations in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen entirely. All 365 WFP staff in the region will have their contracts terminated by the end of March. Northern Yemen accounts for around 70% of the country’s humanitarian requirements, and more than 18 million people were already at risk of acute food insecurity, with tens of thousands facing famine-like conditions. An estimated 4.8 million people remain internally displaced across Yemen as a whole.

A Broken System Looking for a Fix

Yemen’s health care operates in a legal and institutional vacuum. The government, currently based in Aden under the Presidential Leadership Council, nominally controls the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), which retains legal authority over health care. Any formal tiered licensing system would need MoPHP sign-off to have legal standing. The practical problem is that MoPHP’s writ does not run in Houthi-controlled areas (most of the north, including Sana’a), where a parallel health bureaucracy has operated since around 2016.

Launched in September 2024 in Aden, Yemen’s National Quality of Health Care Strategy 2025–2030 is a joint initiative between WHO and Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population. It aims to improve the quality, safety and equity of health services across the country despite the ongoing challenges of conflict, poverty and weak infrastructure. Furthermore, it has the support of seven years of collaboration between WHO, MoPHP and the World Bank’s International Development Association, with current implementation supported through the Emergency Human Capital Project, which could be a major funding vessel. WHO and MoPHP should co-develop a short-form pharmacist diagnostic certificate and acknowledge honestly that MoPHP cannot certify in Houthi territory, so NGOs operating there would need to serve as the de facto credentialing body on a provisional basis.

Medicine Availability: The Data

A peer-reviewed academic study involved researchers who surveyed 30 health care facilities across 13 districts in three southern Yemeni governorates (Aden, Lahij, and Abyan) between November 2017 and February 2018. On average, only 52.8% of essential medicines were available across all facilities – well below the WHO’s voluntary target of 80%.

  • Private pharmacies had the best availability at nearly 80%;
  • Private hospitals around 73%, because they are commercially supplied;
  • Public hospitals came in at 53%;
  • Public health care centres involved availability at just 19% – ⅘ essential medicines were not on the shelves.

Yemen imports 80-90% of its medicines, and the conflict has severely disrupted supply chains, destroyed infrastructure, and caused economic collapse.

With the WFP’s withdrawal from the north, Houthi detention of aid workers continuing and the conflict destroying health infrastructure, the formal system is contracting further while need accelerates. Yemen’s southern governorates, more accessible and more stable than the north, offer a viable starting point. A tiered licensing framework, negotiated between the internationally recognized government and established NGO networks, could begin there. Understanding Yemen’s health care means understanding what happens when a health system disappears entirely.

– Anisa Begum

Anisa is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mental Health Resources in Uganda

Mental Health Resources in UgandaUganda has an international poverty rate of almost 60% as of 2019. With so many people living in poverty, the mental health crisis in Uganda is serious. Poverty raises rates of depression and anxiety, while Uganda’s history of civil conflict has also increased cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As one of the top six countries in Africa with the highest rates of people suffering from depressive disorders, Uganda’s mental health care system is overcrowded and struggling to keep up with the country’s needs.

However, programs have been developed to increase mental health resources in Uganda, such as YouBelong Uganda and Pamoja Afya Initiative.

YouBelong Uganda

Founded in 2016, YouBelong Uganda works to deinstitutionalize people from mental institutions and focus on support through the community. A major concern surrounding mental health resources in Uganda is that many people become trapped in institutional systems and are unable to reacclimate to their communities. YouBelong uses “The YouBelong linked model of engagement and care [to build] a bridge between the institution and the community.”

A key part of this is that YouBelong provides transport for people from institutions back to their communities. YouBelong also uses government resources to prepare the individual for community life and to prepare the community to best support the individual.

The YouBelong HOME is a section of YouBelong that focuses on addressing the inflow and outflow problems at the national mental institution. It works to reintegrate between 40 and 60 people a month from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital back into their communities. To reduce inflow to the mental hospital, YouBelong is working to expand resources at local health centers to help people before they reach institutionalization.

YouBelong has several programs under its wing. These programs address issues such as inequalities in mental health care for women, early intervention for children experiencing mental health issues, psychosis and learning from the experiences of those in recovery. YouBelong Uganda is a large organization that works at many levels to increase access to mental health resources in Uganda.

Pamoja Afya Initiative

Pamoja Afya focuses on communities surrounding Uganda’s national parks and was founded in 2024. This organization operates on a much broader scale, covering topics such as water and sanitation, snakebite prevention and coexistence with wildlife. Among its many programs, Pamoja Afya Initiative also has a mental health program that provides targeted interventions to help communities.

The initiative brings awareness to youth in schools about disorders such as depression, substance abuse and PTSD. These awareness programs teach students emotional regulation, healthy coping mechanisms and relationship building. Pamoja Afya also works with teachers to foster a more emotionally safe learning environment. 

It equips teachers with the tools to support their students and themselves. The program also conducts mental health screenings and gives those diagnosed with mental health issues access to resources.

Conclusion

Programs like YouBelong Uganda and Pamoja Afya Initiative are helping bridge the gap in access to proper mental health resources that many Ugandan citizens lack. By giving small communities resources to address mental health problems early on, people are better able to cope with the growing mental health crisis. YouBelong then steps in to help reintegrate people into their communities and get the support they need.

Mental health resources in Uganda are few and far between, but certain organizations are working to increase access for more people.

– Kaitlyn Crane

Kaitlyn is based in Rohnert Park, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Babychecker Transforms Maternal Health Care in Honduras

Maternal Health Care in HondurasIn the heart of Central America’s Northern Triangle, Honduras faces a complex web of challenges. Widespread poverty, recurring hurricanes and deep social inequalities shape the daily lives of its more than 10 million inhabitants. These structural pressures are straining the country’s health care system, especially in maternal health care, where mortality rates remain high. In response, BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras by expanding access to essential prenatal diagnostics in underserved areas.

The State of Maternal Health Care in Honduras

Although Honduras has reduced maternal mortality over the past two decades, significant disparities persist, especially in rural and underserved regions. The country lowered its maternal mortality ratio from 199 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 47 in 2023. However, unequal access to care still puts many women at risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified these vulnerabilities. Health system disruptions limited access to prenatal and reproductive services. This caused maternal mortality rates to surge from 61 to 125 deaths per 100,000 live births in the aftermath. This situation reflects a broader global pattern. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 800 women die every day from preventable pregnancy-related causes, with 90% of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings. In Honduras, limited access to essential diagnostic tools continues to hinder progress. 

Health care providers struggle to use traditional ultrasound machines in remote areas because these devices are expensive, require stable electricity and specialized training. As a result, many women complete their pregnancies without adequate monitoring, which increases the risk of complications.

Why Are Ultrasounds Crucial To Preventing Prenatal Death?

Ultrasound plays a critical role in reducing prenatal and neonatal mortality by enabling the early detection of life-threatening complications. Globally, neonatal deaths account for nearly half of all deaths among children under 5, with preterm birth complications, infections and intrapartum-related conditions among the leading causes. Many of these risks originate during pregnancy and can be identified early through proper monitoring.

Health care providers use ultrasound to detect a wide range of complications that can endanger both mother and child. For example, ultrasound can identify ectopic pregnancies (when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus), allowing doctors to intervene before rupture and internal bleeding occur. It also helps assess fetal heart activity and development, enabling the early detection of miscarriage risks. 

In addition, clinicians rely on ultrasound to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and detect structural defects like congenital heart conditions or spina bifida. They also use it to monitor fetal growth and prevent complications linked to growth restriction. Ultrasounds also allow providers to diagnose placental issues, such as placenta previa or placental abruption, which can pose severe risks during delivery. 

By identifying these conditions early, health care workers can plan safer deliveries and refer patients to appropriate care on time. Evidence highlights the impact of this technology: one study found that the introduction of ultrasound reduced fetal mortality by nearly 20% overall and by more than 50% in post-term pregnancies. These findings underscore the importance of ultrasound access in improving pregnancy outcomes, particularly in settings where other forms of monitoring remain limited.

Babychecker: A Digital Solution to the Rescue

To address these gaps, the Honduran Ministry of Health partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Delft Imaging to launch the BabyChecker pilot project. BabyChecker uses a smartphone-based, AI-powered ultrasound system to expand access to prenatal care. The device allows health care workers with minimal training to perform scans and assess pregnancy risks.

By guiding users through six simple sweeps across the abdomen, the tool provides key clinical information, including gestational age, fetal position, heart rate and early signs of complications. This approach transforms how providers deliver care. Instead of requiring patients to travel to distant hospitals, BabyChecker enables frontline health care workers to conduct diagnostics directly within their communities.

By decentralizing access to diagnostics, BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras. 

Transforming Care in Underserved Communities

In October 2024, health care teams deployed BabyChecker devices across hospitals and rural clinics in regions including Intibucá, Choluteca and La Paz. These areas include Indigenous communities such as the Lenca, Garífuna and Miskito. During the pilot phase, around 400 pregnant women received care through the program.

Local health assistants and community volunteers quickly learned how to use the device, even in settings without reliable internet or electricity. They used BabyChecker to estimate gestational age, detect multiple pregnancies and identify warning signs, allowing them to refer high-risk cases to advanced care in time.

The initiative also improved trust in health care services. In many Indigenous communities, women prefer to consult trusted local figures rather than unfamiliar medical professionals. By equipping community members with this technology, the program increased acceptance of prenatal care. It strengthened engagement, further demonstrating BabyChecker’s transformation of maternal health care in Honduras.

A Step Toward Reducing Maternal Mortality

BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras by enabling earlier detection of complications and accelerating referrals to appropriate care. The technology allows health care workers to act quickly and reduce preventable risks for both mothers and infants. More broadly, the initiative shows how targeted, low-cost innovation can help close persistent gaps in health care access, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

As Honduras continues to face structural challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental vulnerability, solutions like BabyChecker are increasingly vital. By combining accessible technology with community-based care and international partnerships, health care systems can better protect vulnerable populations and improve pregnancy outcomes.

This model is already expanding beyond Honduras. BabyChecker is currently in use in countries such as Sierra Leone and Ghana, where it similarly supports frontline health care workers and improves access to prenatal diagnostics. Its growing adoption highlights its potential as a scalable global solution to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen health care systems in low-resource settings.

– Inès Maudire

Inès is based in Paris, France and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Development of Health Care in Solomon Islands

Health Care in Solomon IslandsThe Solomon Islands is a remote archipelago with a large population of more than 800,000 people. The vast majority of people in the Solomon Islands live in rural areas, which could make access to health care more difficult. As a result, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country faces a rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which is the leading cause of death, accounting for 68.2% of deaths. Communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions account for 23.6%.

Geographic isolation, natural disasters and systemic gaps such as shortages of medical equipment and staff create major barriers in accessing health care in rural areas. Improving health care in the Solomon Islands is critical for public health and for addressing the broader systemic issues, supporting economic stability and growth.

Konide Area Health Centre

In 2018, the old Konide clinic collapsed due to decades of deterioration and was forced to close. Consequently, rural communities had to rely on small health clinics such as the Susubona Rural Health Clinic, which was far too small to handle the sudden surge in patients. Residents had to travel long distances to Buala Hospital, causing delays in treatment and referrals. These delays often lead to worse health outcomes, causing patients to miss work or school and lose income, increasing the risk of poverty.

In November 2025, the new Konide Area Health Centre opened following an investment of SBD 20.8 million. The opening marked a major expansion of health care in Solomon Islands, as communities now have better access to services such as general clinical services and trauma care, maternal and reproductive health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, community-based health services, and additional support services.

Residents in Konide and nearby communities can now access care closer to home and receive more timely treatment.

The World Bank’s ECHO project

Efforts to improve health care in Solomon Islands also include support from the World Bank through the Engaging Communities to Improve Health Outcomes (ECHO) project. Managed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the initiative aims to strengthen essential health systems and improve access to primary health care services across the country.

The ECHO project consists of three components aimed at improving primary health care, which are Strengthening Primary Health Care Services, National Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Project management, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

The first component focuses on access to primary health care services with a Community Health Worker (CHW) program, along with climate-resistant infrastructure improvements to Rural Health Centres (RHCs), and the expansion of digital tools for efficient monitoring and reporting. To ensure a steady supply of essential medicines, the second component aims to upgrade the national supply chain through staff training, system improvements, and the construction of a pharmaceutical warehouse in Noro. Lastly, the third component establishes an MHMS-based Project Management Unit (PMU) modelled after COVID-19 response structures. The PMU is responsible for operational oversight, data-driven monitoring, and community engagement. By providing technical support and coordination, it ensures the ECHO project aligns with national health strategies.

Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan

Australia and the Solomon Islands share a partnership, with Australia serving as the Solomon Islands’ largest development partner. The Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029 (DPP) coordinates Australian contributions to support Solomon Islands’ domestic development initiatives and strengthen health care in Solomon Islands. It establishes clear objectives, implementation methods, and monitoring protocols to track progress and ensures Australia’s efforts align with other international development actors to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact.

In addition, the DPP also has a primary goal of fostering “A stable and prosperous Solomon Islands” with three objectives. One of their objectives is to invest in people and communities to improve health and education. While another focuses more on improved stability and economic growth as well as infrastructure. This commitment is reflected in Australia’s investment in health care by providing SBD 32.9 million for health services, SBD 9.1 million for crucial medical supplies, completing a scabies mass drug administration program for up to SBD 14.8 million, and fostering four new biomolecular laboratories in Choiseul, Temotu, and Western and Guadalcanal Provinces.

Part of the DPP, in March 2025, the MHMS and the Australian high commissioner launched a health partnership called the “Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership” investing approximately SBD 150 million until 2028 to promote high-quality health care and access.

The partnership focuses on promoting Provincial Grants including SBD 75 million to provincial health services, National Health Priorities Fund, the Health facility Fund and the Women in Health Leadership Awards, a new initiative to promote gender equity, and to empower women within the health care sector. With provincial funding, communities in rural areas are driven towards increased health care access and leadership that empowers a stronger health system, which all play a role in reducing poverty and other systemic issues. Together, these four key areas are designed to strengthen high-quality health care, enhance services and economic growth.

The Future

In a country with more than 900 islands, the progress of the health system is crucial in addressing health care accessibility and larger systemic issues, such as global poverty. New infrastructure developments such as the Konide Area Health Centre, initiatives from the World Bank, namely the ECHO project, and partnerships from Australia, are creating lasting progress for health care in Solomon Islands. Continued investment and partnerships will strengthen public health, increase economic growth, and advance productivity, which will help the Solomon Islands move closer towards a more sustainable future.

– Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr