Archive for category: Humanitarian Aid

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The Success of Humanitarian Aid to Argentina

humanitarian aid to argentinaThree key issues were addressed following the implementation of newly-approved efforts for humanitarian aid to Argentina. These issues include the AIDS/HIV epidemic, poor water sanitation and limited housing options.

As of 2016, the World Bank recorded that Argentina, a country located in South America, had a total population of 43.85 million and a national poverty headcount ratio of 30.3 percent. This indicated that 30.3 percent of the population lived in poverty at that time.

Humanitarian Aid to Argentina for HIV/AIDS

In 2014, the nonprofit organization UNAIDS approximated that 110,000 living people suffer from HIV/AIDS in Argentina. Of that number, about 5,400 new infections occurred. There were an estimated 2,300 deaths due to HIV/AIDS in that same year.

Increasing Disease Prevention

Humanitarian aid to Argentina has increased efforts for disease prevention. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation program partners with local hospitals and universities to educate and train health professionals in HIV treatment and services.

According to the World Bank, about 30 percent of those infected with HIV/AIDS are unaware of their condition. Fortunately, Argentina’s National AIDS Law required improved access to healthcare as HIV/AIDS treatment became accessible for free.

In 2016, UNAIDS recorded that the cases of HIV/AIDS-related illness increased to about 120,000 living people, 2,400 HIV/AIDS-related deaths and 5,500 new infections. Despite growth in cases, relief programs like the Aids Healthcare Foundation furthered efforts by operating in five clinics in Argentina.

Improving Water Sanitation

From 1991 to 2015, between 16 to 19 million diarrhea-related illnesses were linked to inadequate access to clean water and water services. This limited access mainly impacts Argentina’s northern regions which include Catamarca, Formo and Tucuman, among others.

In March 2017, the World Bank indicated approval of the Belgrano Water Supply and Sanitation Development Project. The project aims to provide humanitarian aid to Argentina by making clean water available to all. It also aims to create “75 percent access to wastewater services for those living in urban areas by the end of 2019.” This will make sanitary water available to 8.2 million people.

Recently Approved Housing Project

A 2017 report by the World Bank indicates a rise in the lack of affordable housing provided by the public. Approximately 18 percent of the population lives in informal housing with limited, or lack of, access to clean water and wastewater services. In this informal housing, residents also do not have adequate access to healthcare and schools.

The Integrated Habitat and Housing Project was approved and includes a $200 million commitment until 2022. The project aims to increase formal housing while also improving living conditions for households in selected precarious urban settlements.

Developing projects by both the World Bank and nonprofit organizations deliver humanitarian aid to Argentina, especially in regard to HIV/AIDS prevention, water sanitation and housing conditions. These concerns indicate that poverty takes many forms and still exists today. However, the continued efforts in Argentina are promising in the global mission to alleviate poverty.

– Christine Leung

Photo: Flickr

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Refugee Aid in Thailand

refugee aid in ThailandThe history of humanitarian aid in Thailand is considered a success story. In recent times, there has been a specific increase in refugee aid in Thailand.

The History of Humanitarian Aid in Thailand

Over the past four decades, economic growth has been significant, with the formerly low-income country becoming an upper-income state. Poverty declined to 7.2 percent in 2015 from a high of 67 percent in 1986. This was in part because of the high growth rate and increased agricultural prices.

Seeking Asylum in Thailand

As of July 2017, 102,000 refugees from Myanmar have found asylum in Thailand. Many families have sought, or continue to seek, refuge in Thailand.

Nine camps situated along the border house refugees and provide basic needs such as healthcare, food, shelter, water, sanitation, education and protection. These camps function as small communities, limiting the livelihoods of the refugees to these areas but supplying protection from the state they fled.

In many circumstances, individuals get married, bear children and spend extensive time in these larger camps. Mae La is the largest refugee camp in Thailand.

Increasing Refugee Aid in Thailand

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Support Center provides refugee aid in Thailand. Its programs help families and individuals locate documents to allow them to further their citizenship paperwork.

This foundation also supplies food, water and healthcare to people that live in the camps. Economic wellbeing is also one of the goals on the organization’s agenda to help displaced people.

Economic wellbeing, according to the International Rescue Committee, is meeting individuals’ basic needs and allowing individuals to find employment. Allowing refugees to work and earn an income encourages prosperity within the family unit and society.

Through the work that the IRC accomplishes, refugee aid in Thailand will benefit not only the refugees but allow for a country to gain further economic strength.

– Bronti DeRoche

Photo: Flickr

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Success of Humanitarian Aid to Malawi Visible in 2018

humanitarian aid to Malawi
Malawi, a country in eastern Africa, has long battled with issues of governmental corruption, famine and widespread disease. However, in recent years, Malawi has seen vast improvement in important areas of societal life, with most of that improvement being a result of focused effort of international aid programs that increase the successful return of humanitarian aid to Malawi.

With 2017 having drawn to a close, the success of humanitarian aid efforts and investments to the country of Malawi are most noticeable in two distinct categories: technological advancements and food security.

Technology

In regard to technology, the most recent “hot-button” word in Malawi is drones. As of this month, UNICEF has reported the completion of a corridor for testing drones, the first of its kind in both the country, region and in the continent of Africa as a whole.

The corridor was built in the Kasungu district of Malawi, in the Kasungu Aerodrome, and according to UNICEF officials, the drones piloted in and out are planned to be used to further humanitarian causes and programs.

In a press release, UNICEF said that the drones would focus on aerial imaging, Wi-Fi and cell phone signals and transportation of goods, food and medical supplies — much like the drones that were built and piloted in the 2016 testing of the program. The early machines were put through various trials such as transporting dried blood samples from infants for HIV testing in remote clinics.

Malawi’s Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango said that the Malawi government was already looking into using the drones to respond to natural disasters like floods and fires.

Food Security

With food sustainability, numbers have improved dramatically from September and October’s low statistics. In late 2016 and early 2017, the majority of Malawian households reported a minimal to crisis level of food security, meaning that families didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, or if it was even coming at all. Malawian crops in recent years have been affected by both an unstable economy and a surge of armyworm infestations, as well as a long-lasting and regional-spanning drought.

Humanitarian Aid to Malawi

According to the USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network, humanitarian aid to Malawi has caused an 87 percent decrease in low food security for households in the Malawi districts of Balaka and Machinga.

Project Concern International (PCI), Feed the Future and Concern Worldwide distributed more than 22,800 crop storage bags, trained 225 households across 45 communities on the use of the bags and collectively raised over $500,000 to improve food security and agricultural sustainability in Malawi in 2017.

In addition, USAID/OFDA provided a total of more than $3.5 million in 2017 to partner organizations to aid in the recovery of water sanitation and hygiene interventions.

Heading into 2018, Malawi’s food sustainability and security is on the rise, the country has embraced new technological solutions to humanitarian crises and the future looks brighter than it has in years past.

– Arianna Smith

Photo: Flickr

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The Success of Humanitarian Aid to Vanuatu

humanitarian aid to vanuatu

Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific, west of Fiji. One of the major problems Vanuatu faces is cyclone storms, which are tropical storms that create a heavy circulation of strong winds, thunderstorms and severe rain. Following such disasters, humanitarian aid to Vanuatu is critical.

Recently, in 2015, Vanuatu suffered one of the worst cyclones yet. Cyclone Pam was the second most intense cyclone in the South Pacific Ocean and one of the worst natural disasters in Vanuatu to date. During Cyclone Pam, winds exceeded 185 miles per hour, destroying 90 percent of the country’s infrastructure. As a result of this disaster, the success of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu was essential during this time and thereafter.

The Airbus Helicopters Foundation

Following the natural disaster, helicopters carrying aid was one success of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu. Having most of the infrastructure completely destroyed, helicopters were the best way to reach the communities in need. The Airbus Helicopters Foundation worked with the French Foreign Affairs Ministry Crisis Center. Together, they distributed humanitarian aid to people affected by the cyclone, including medical supplies and food.

The Airbus Helicopters Foundation also worked with numerous stakeholders to send helicopters to humanitarian workers. These workers would then get the supplies to the communities in the most desperate areas. They partnered with Garden City Helicopters from New Zealand in order to provide even more helicopter assistance to Vanuatu people in need.

Australian Government Assistance

One of the main humanitarian aid contributors during this disaster was Vanuatu’s neighbor, Australia. The Australian government committed $35 million after Cyclone Pam, between 2015 and 2018. The aid focuses on long-term recovery support and is delivered through the assistance of the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. The recovery plans include:

  • Supporting economic recovery, livelihoods and the private sector
  • Rebuilding affected infrastructure for public administration
  • Reestablishing health and education facilities
  • Assisting disability inclusion

These improvements will be focused on Shefa and Tafea, the provinces where nearly 90 percent of damage and destruction occurred after Cyclone Pam.

Israeli Assistance

Israel also helped the success of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu by sending food to feed 2,000 of the Island’s residents for the length of one month after Cyclone Pam hit. Food scarcity became a problem after the disaster as approximately 70 percent of Vanuatu’s crops were destroyed.

The food was a porridge in powder which was high in nutrients and helped people retain a healthy diet during the crisis. Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation in the Foreign Ministry sent food aid, which was then delivered locally by the Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid.

In addition to the food aid, volunteers from Israel stayed behind to help the local population. They renovated water systems and reestablished medical and mental health systems for the community.

The success of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu is just one of many examples where aid has helped thousands of people recover after a crisis occurs.

– McCall Robison

Photo: Flickr

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The Varying Success of Humanitarian Aid to Micronesia

humanitarian aid to micronesia
Micronesia — also known as the Federated States of Micronesia — is a country in the Pacific Ocean made up of more than 600 islands. The country contains four island states named Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap, and its capital, Palikir, is located on Pohnpei.

Micronesia is at risk of typhoons and super typhoons, which can cause widespread disaster through the islands. In 2008, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) took over humanitarian aid to Micronesia. Previously, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided humanitarian assistance to Micronesia.

Foreign Assistance

USAID, along with the International Organization for Mitigation (IOM), has introduced many programs to help bring humanitarian aid to Micronesia. In an effort to help the most people, the agency is focusing on disaster mitigation. Specifically, in regards to typhoons.

Shortly after taking over funding for humanitarian aid to Micronesia, the United States Agency for International Development funded the Hybrid Mitigation, Relief, and Reconstruction Program which ran through 2013. The International Organization for Mitigation (IOM) also managed and implemented various planning and pre-positioning efforts in Micronesia in areas that are most likely to be hit by natural disasters.

In 2012, the United States Agency for International Development and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) funded the Climate Adaptation, Disaster Risk Management, and Education (CADRE) Program. The program was implemented by the International Organization for Mitigation and works with local government and communities to increase emergency response capacity; this program is still in effect today.

Efforts After Typhoon Maysak

Since Typhoon Maysak, which passed through Micronesia in the spring of 2015, more than $6 million has been spent on humanitarian aid to Micronesia. Most of this funding went towards the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which helps households affected by typhoons. Their efforts include shelter coordination, sanitation, clean water and hygiene interventions.

Also in 2015, in the wake of multiple typhoons and super typhoons from 2013-2015, the United States Agency for International Development, introduced the Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response (PREPARE) Program. Again, this program was implemented by the International Organization of Mitigation. This program pre-positions humanitarian relief supplies, reconstruction and housing infrastructure. The goal of the program is to quickly bring relief to those affected by typhoons in Micronesia and increase the resilience of the nation by mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Thankfully, this program is still in effect, as of 2017.

Through the past several years, the United States Agency for International Development partnered with the International Organization for Mitigation has had many successes in humanitarian aid to Micronesia. In addition to funding mitigation efforts, the United States Agency for International Development has also provided over $4 million to the International Organization for Mitigation, specifically for reconstruction efforts such as housing and utilities.

Most of these efforts are spread through the entirety of Micronesia, but Chuuk and Yap, the most western island states, receive more aid since they are more likely to suffer from a natural disaster. As these programs continue, Micronesia has a great chance of recovering faster and suffering far less damage from any future natural disasters.

– Courtney Wallace
Photo: Flickr

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Humanitarian Aid to Mauritius Brings Stability


Mauritius is one of the developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa that over the decades has become a middle-income country providing good health care and education systems, a stable governance, good communications and a functioning infrastructure.

Although poverty in Mauritius is not as severe as in other parts of African, minor poverty does exist in rural parts of the country. In 2006, about 8 percent of the country was under the poverty line and humanitarian aid to Mauritius isn’t much compared to other countries; despite this, there are consistent allies that have helped the country get to its current status.

From 1966 to 2015, the nation received a total of $76.6 million in humanitarian aid that has since been distributed to development projects and various improvements.

Mauritius became a member state of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) in 1979. Since their admission into IFAD, $23.1 million has been put into projects and programs to improve the quality of life within Mauritius. IFAD currently works to address rural poverty with a collaborative approach with the government to reduce the frequency of poverty. This approach involves knowledge management and sharing, partnership-building and policy dialogue. Rodrigues Island, an island on Mauritius, receives special attention from IFAD on improving incomes and livelihoods for poor rural areas.

In 2014, Britain gave more than $24 million in humanitarian aid to Mauritius that helped towards the nation’s building of gated communities, shopping centers and an elite boarding school by Wellington College, based in the Berkshire.

Mauritius also received $500 million from India in 2017, an amount provided after the two countries decided to reinforce maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Mauritius Prime Minister Pavind Kumar Jugnauth and India’s Narendra Modi both agreed that the successful management of any and all threats in the Indian Ocean was imperative to secure people of both countries and pursue economic opportunities.

With vigilant eyes focused on the success of Mauritius, humanitarian aid will help in keeping the island safe, modern and prosperous.

– Tara Jackson

Photo: Flickr

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The Success of Humanitarian Aid to The Gambia

Humanitarian Aid to The GambiaThe Gambia occupies a small portion of West Africa and surrounds the Gambia River. Although only encompassing 4,491 total square miles, The Gambia is home to a population of almost 2.1 million. The success of humanitarian aid to The Gambia has only improved the lives of its citizens. These are three organizations that have worked to provide this aid.

Project Gambia

Project Gambia has been working since 2010 to bring volunteers to The Gambia and better the lives of its citizens, mainly in the Gunjur region of the country. The organization is based out of the United Kingdom. Their projects do not address one specific issue but cover a wide variety of societal needs.

Related to health, the organization has trained 420 people in emergency first aid as well as providing them with fully stocked first aid kits and reference books. In addition, the organization worked to refurbish a community health center with supplies, furniture and health information. They have also specifically addressed the problem of malaria by organizing a malaria awareness event, attended by 200 community members, and created a short film to raise awareness about malaria in the U.K.

In relation to general well-being, they have also built four wells and provided supplies for a women’s garden plot. The organization also refurbished two local schools, including playgrounds with newly planted trees. They have also done work in the U.K., such as collecting over 20 tons of recycled goods that they then shared within Gambian communities.

Foundation Humanitarian Aid Gambia (FHAG)

The Foundation Humanitarian Aid Gambia was founded in 1996 by a couple from the Netherlands who added a Gambia-based board in 2003. Their work has been focused on specific projects revolving around family and social issues.

The FHAG Orphan Project is their largest undertaking. The project involves finding safe foster families for orphaned children but also works to ensure that orphans receive the same opportunities as other children in their area. This includes ensuring food security, housing and education for orphans in The Gambia. One beneficiary of this project was able to earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with their help and now volunteers with the organization to repay them. The foundation still does work in health and education in addition to this project, including donating 75 desktop computers to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Power Up Gambia

Power Up Gambia (PUG) specifically focuses on health in The Gambia, but in a unique way. They work with the Ministry of Health to bring electricity to medical centers with solar power. This humanitarian aid to The Gambia not only provides light but also life-saving water, heat and refrigeration for medication.

Power Up Gambia has brought electricity to 23 hospitals and clinics so far. The Gambia has over 60 health clinics in rural communities that provide healthcare to farmers, but most do not have access to electricity. PUG has partnered with We Care Solar to bring 58 portable solar power kits to these locations, which have been crucial during nighttime health emergencies. PUG also keeps spare parts for these kits on hand and trains Gambian technicians to complete any potential repairs. These technicians are trained at the Gambia Technical Training Institute where Power Up Gambia has implemented a curriculum on solar energy and solar technology to ensure the sustainability of the health centers the organization has provided power for.

The success of humanitarian aid to The Gambia provides a very bright future for the country. With the help of these organizations and others, the Gambian people’s lives will only continue to improve and grow.

– Megan Burtis

Photo: Flickr

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Humanitarian Aid to Morocco Contributes to Counterterrorism Efforts

Humanitarian Aid to Morocco Contributes to Counterterrorism Efforts
As the U.S. continues to send humanitarian aid to Morocco, the Moroccan government works to protect its country from terrorist threats.

“Morocco has a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies,” the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism reported online. A 2013 report revealed several steps Morocco has taken that have successfully led to the dismantling of terroristic plots.

A founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), Morocco also participates in the U.S. Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. These preventative efforts and partnership with the U.S. and the U.N. have contributed to the country’s leading role in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East.

“Morocco is number one in its national security, but that’s not the main reason for the safety of our country,” Zakaria Hamzaoui, Moroccan citizen and political advocate, said. “We take great steps to improve the quality of life for all people, especially young people, so that people are satisfied with their freedom.”

Indeed, providing hope and opportunities for the most marginalized population reduces a community’s rates of conversion to extremism. Because a population’s youth remains the most likely demographic to cause unrest, targeting this group through youth programs effectively redirects energy and attention to more positive outlets.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s website, a 2016 study showed that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs have helped to directly improve the lives of more than 12,000 marginalized, at-risk youth since 2012. These programs include a career development system that increases employability and various civil development initiatives that address the roots of unrest.

USAID has also provided humanitarian aid to Morocco in the form of police training, border security, military funding, women’s empowerment and business development.

These initiatives are not limited to U.S.-funded aid; Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also contributed humanitarian aid to Morocco in the form of a five-year agreement. This deal, totaling $5 billion in aid, will expire at the end of 2017, and its benefactors intend its use for counterterrorism and economy-building through the promotion of new infrastructure and increased tourism.

By combatting the sources of unrest that lead to the growth of extremist ideologies, Morocco and supporting countries have committed to taking preventative actions that help build the country and strengthen its national security. As a result of these efforts, Morocco remains at the forefront of the counterterrorism fight in the Middle East.

– Francesca Colella

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Success of Humanitarian Aid to Romania

The Success of Humanitarian Aid to RomaniaLocated in the far east of Eastern Europe, Romania borders the Black Sea along with its closest neighbor countries, Bulgaria and Moldova. Romania’s economic stability failed to maintain its status during and after World War II.

The events that occurred after the war had a lasting impact on Romania’s social and economic wealth. It became a communist-ruled country led by the Soviets, leading its society and economy into a crisis that is still taking place today. By exploiting its land and population, the Soviet occupation directly fed Romania’s decline.

Regardless of such a crisis, the country has tried to stay afloat. In 2007, the European Union accepted its request to become part of the E.U. This political move had a great impact on Romania, which became unified with 26 other countries willing to support the nation. The E.U. began taking action for Romania by increasing the number of medical centers and hospitals in the country.

Alongside the E.U., humanitarian aid to Romania has also been a success for the far eastern country’s population. The organization The Family International has been working toward the improvement of Romania, as well as other countries in need, for the past few decades. It has worked to aid Romania by shipping multiple medical sources and equipment to the nation.

The Family International also worked to ship clothes to Romania and provide them to those in need. The success of this NGO was, and is, undeniable. More than a hundred families received attention and care, improving their living situation. The organization has also helped through the distribution of food products, as well as clothes, shoes and other necessities that reached more than 1,500 people.

The organization Charity Baptism Mission has also pushed efforts for humanitarian aid to Romania. It provided the nation with containers full of items meant to help alleviate poverty, such as socks, shoes, blankets, sweaters and more. The same organization has also built the success of humanitarian aid to Romania by helping create 27 homes for homeless children around the world, eight of them in Romania.

The organization Clovek v Tisni has also been a pioneer for humanitarian aid to Romania. Investing in infrastructure, creating job positions and building schools to extend education to more people are just some of the many successful actions taken toward alleviating poverty in the European country.

Romania needs help, undeniably. Despite the various NGOs willing to help the poorest country in the E.U., poverty is still an issue. Thus, donations toward organizations such as Clovek v Tisni can go a long way toward assisting the country. Romania is becoming a better country day by day, and with continued effort, it won’t be long until poverty in the nation is reduced to a thing of the past.

– Paula Gibson

Photo: Flickr

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Education Needs Driving Humanitarian Aid to Brazil

Education Needs Driving Humanitarian Aid to BrazilBrazil has the fifth largest population on the globe. Despite its reputation for luxurious resorts, crystal waters and festivals, it still struggles to employ its residents. This is mainly due to a large social gap, where the richest 1 percent control 50 percent of the economy. “Chronic poverty”, or the idea that someone born into poverty has very slim chances of rising above it, is a huge factor. Humanitarian aid to Brazil is set to decrease these numbers.

Poverty in Brazil is attributed mostly to child abandonment. Mothers and fathers are leaving their children in the streets due to low incomes, health problems such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and a lack of resources for their other offspring. With the harsh conditions on the streets, few children live to see their 18th year.

There are roughly eight million impoverished children living in Brazil. Due to a lack of education and resources, they resort to street performing, thievery and begging to survive. In many cases, they are taken in by drug lords and other criminals and used as drug runners and prostitutes. With little to no proper nutrition, they are feeding themselves with the refuse found in garbage bins and dumps. Without an education or a family to support them, they will most likely remain unable to become employed.

A lack of education is a terrible dilemma for the 26 percent of the population who live below the poverty line. According to the Brazil Without Misery Program, 4.8 million people are living on no income whatsoever. The program teamed up with Bolsa Familia to give humanitarian aid to Brazil and its people. They provide education and basic nutritional needs to low-income families around the country. The families receive cash benefits, and in return, they must work to keep their children in school and follow the basic health and vaccination program.

The United States is set to donate $815,000 to Brazil this year. The aid is deepening the bond between the two countries and is providing humanitarian aid to Brazil in ways that are desperately needed. The money is planned to be used to deploy new technologies in healthcare and to decrease the AIDS problem spreading among young mothers. This will hopefully lower the numbers of orphaned children, and in the process, will increase the chances of them receiving an education.

With projects around the country working to promote education and healthcare among the youth, the government has started making these needs their focus. It is providing internal humanitarian aid to Brazil itself. Women are receiving better hygiene education, children are receiving healthcare and the government is working to house homeless teens and provide them with schooling.

Politicians are fighting to make civilian welfare a priority. They are working to have the government approach the poor rather than the other way around. Promoting civilian education and welfare has greatly benefited the economy as well as other countries in the process. For instance, the World Food Programme opened an office in Brazil, overseeing school feeding and food security for families and students. The program provides meal assistance for 50 countries, including 47 million children.

Brazil has since seen positive growth in linking public policy with school meals and security. School attendance has increased steadily by 200,000 annually for the past 10 years. Education is becoming a priority for families as well as the country itself.

Brazil has elevated in ranks in recent years, becoming the ninth-largest economy in the world. This shift has led to it becoming a donor country for the first time in 2008, giving 53 percent of its donations to Africa and the rest to surrounding countries in Latin America.

While the country continues to receive assistance and is working tirelessly to promote education with a wider reach, Brazil is spreading its wings and dipping into the donor pool. The world has yet to see the difference this growing country can make.

– Emily Degn

Photo: Flickr