Information and stories on health topics.

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How GAT is Combating HIV/AIDS in Portugal

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

HIV/AIDS in Portugal

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

GAT

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Mustafa Tareen

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

Photo: Flickr

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Saving Lives: Tackling Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

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

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

The Urgency of Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

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

The LFAM Project: Two-Pronged Approach

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

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

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

Saving Lives

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

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

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

Lasting Solutions

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

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

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea

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

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

Diseases Causing the Most Deaths

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

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

Children Diseases

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

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

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

Tropical Diseases Impacting Papua New Guinea

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Georgia de Gidlow

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

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care Crisis in Sudan

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

The Ongoing Civil War

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

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

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

Poverty and War

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

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

Health Care Crisis and Human Rights in Sudan

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

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

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

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

Solutions

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

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

Conclusion

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

– Gufran Elhrari

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Solar Energy Solutions: Powering Health Care in Rural Zambia

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

The Importance of Electricity in Health Care

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

The SIRHES Project

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

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

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

Final Remark

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

– Edzhe Miteva

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

Photo: Flickr

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Watsi: Making Life-Saving Surgery Accessible for All

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

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

About Watsi

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

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

Success Story

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

A Call for Action

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

– Staff Reports
Photo: Unsplash

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The Top 5 Charities Operating in the Dominican Republic

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

Project Hope

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

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

World Vision

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

Caritas Internationalis

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

The Mariposa DR Foundation

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

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

Save the Children

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

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

– Ellie Western

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

Photo: Flickr

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WHO Approves Mpox Diagnostic Test

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

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

WHO’s Response

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

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

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

A Significant Milestone in the Fight Against Mpox

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

Final Remark

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

– Megan Hall

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

Photo: Flickr

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PHAAE: Mission for Clean Water and Sanitation in Rural Nigeria

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

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

Public Health Aid Awareness & Education

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

Transforming Lives

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

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

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

Closing Remark

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

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Advancing Menstrual Health Awareness in Pakistan

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

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

HER

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

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

Santex

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

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

Aahung

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

– Aleena Shahid

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

Photo: Flickr