,

How Poverty and Mental Disorder Diagnosis Are Interconnected

Mental Disorder Diagnosis
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2017, the incidence of mental illnesses increased by 13% worldwide. With the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2020, anxiety and depression increased by 25%. Much of the burden of mental illness is still concentrated in low-income, developing countries. Here is some information about some of the issues impacting mental disorder diagnosis for low-income populations and what can be done to provide equal care.

Mental Health in Developing Countries

There is a strong association between poverty and mental illness. Lower SES is associated with a higher risk of mental disorder diagnosis. Poverty can lead to poor physical health, which is often comorbid with mental disorders. These health issues give rise to higher spending on treatment which feeds back into the cycle of poverty. Dynamics like these are especially pronounced in developing countries where factors such as war and natural disasters exacerbate negative outcomes. The WHO reports that one in five people affected by conflict will develop conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Receiving a Diagnosis

Developing countries face a variety of barriers to mental health diagnosis. Many people are unable to receive a diagnosis due to unavailable or unaffordable health care. Countries like Afghanistan and Ghana only have 0.296 and 0.065 psychologists per 100,000 people, respectively. When people are able to find a practitioner, they may not be able to afford their services. A 2019 report by the World Bank said that populations in developing countries spent $500 billion out of pocket on health care.

While rates of mental illness in developing countries are already high, the lack of access to health care raises the question of whether these statistics are accurate or if some are falling through the cracks without being diagnosed.

Misdiagnosis

When people in these areas are able to be diagnosed, they may not receive the most accurate diagnosis. A study conducted in six low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South Asia reported poor training for mental health professionals and inadequate knowledge of mental health issues. Without a proper understanding of the complexity of mental health, providers can make mistakes with serious consequences. There is evidence that racial and ethnic minorities, who are disproportionately affected by poverty, are also more likely to receive an incorrect mental disorder diagnosis. Some of this may be due to bias and discrimination. 

Another factor impacting diagnosis is culture. Diagnostic manuals tend to be written from a Western perspective that does not always translate to other cultures. For example, patients may vary in the types of symptoms they present with. Asian patients are more likely to report physical symptoms than emotional ones. Cultural background may also prevent people from seeking out treatment. Physicians must keep these cultural differences in mind to ensure that an accurate mental disorder diagnosis is made. 

Stigma Surrounding Diagnosis

The stigma surrounding mental disorders is prevalent cross-culturally. In some countries, mental health is rarely discussed openly and is treated as a taboo subject. In Ghana, for instance, those suffering from mental illnesses are isolated. They may decide not to seek treatment or express their feelings due to shame. Those already diagnosed often face harmful stereotypes and social ostracization. 

Stigma stems from various factors, but insufficient mental health literacy is one of the greatest contributors. This includes both academic research on mental health and widespread knowledge among the general public. Developing countries tend to fall behind in mental health research. Improving educational efforts to increase mental health awareness is shown to be effective in reducing public stigma.

A Brighter Future

Though there are many issues surrounding mental disorder diagnosis, there are steps that can be taken to improve the situation. Huesofthemind Wellbeing Foundation (HOTM) is one nonprofit that is spreading awareness about mental health. Founded in India, HOTM is a member of the United Nations SDSN Youth. The organization breaks down mental health stigma by providing workshops and running campaigns to spread awareness. Topics range from educational stress and burnout to dance therapy. The organization features lists on its website of mental health professionals available to provide online therapy. For those who cannot afford professional help, HOTM offers free resources to learn about mental disorders and share personal stories to connect with others. Free, online resources are a valuable tool, both for people who are newly diagnosed and others who are farther along in their mental health journey. 

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. For many, a mental disorder diagnosis can be the first step toward improving their health. Improving access to quality mental health care and education ensures a brighter future for all.

– Yesenia Aguilera
Photo: Flickr

, , ,

The IFAD’s Plans for Eradicating Rural Poverty in Eritrea

Rural Poverty in EritreaEritrea, a small country in East Africa, had a staggering poverty rate of 38.9% in 2019, which is expected to decrease by only 13% by 2043. Affecting mostly rural communities, this situation is partly due to the young nation’s recent independence from Ethiopia in 1993, which led to recurrent wars, in conjunction with famine and drought. The heavy reliance on subsistence agriculture is one factor responsible for rural poverty in Eritrea. Despite the government’s efforts to address rural poverty, a shortage of resources and poorly implemented poverty alleviation programs have hindered progress. 

In 2006, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), an agency within the United Nations that combats poverty through low-interest loans and grants, released a plan to tackle rural poverty in Eritrea. This plan was further improved and updated in 2020, aiming to create sustainable solutions by providing finance programs and projects that empower those living in poverty to overcome it.

IFAD’s 2006 Plan

The IFAD initially planned to eradicate rural poverty in Eritrea, focusing on various areas related to economic development and food security. The plan included developing export markets for livestock, fruit, vegetables and flowers, re-establishing port activities, strengthening public services for small-scale farmers to increase agricultural productivity, promoting a supportive private sector, attracting private sector investments, privatizing state-owned enterprises and developing a robust financial system. 

The strategy prioritized decentralization to improve access to services and emphasized gender equality as a crucial element in poverty reduction efforts, recognizing that households headed by women are the most vulnerable. Additionally, implementing programs that encourage wealthier households to provide loans and assistance during difficult times through asset and labor sharing has also contributed to the reduction of rural poverty in Eritrea.

Issues to Implementation

Although this plan appeared to present a solid push to eradicate rural poverty in Eritrea, many barriers hindered the application of these plans. Conflict deeply affected the country, exacerbating constraints on institutional capacity and human resources. This resulted in a scarcity of human capital to initiate and sustain new projects in these regions, despite the knowledge that these programs would offer relief. The eastern and western lowlands of Eritrea, in particular, faced severe rural poverty due to these conflicts, making social and economic improvement in these areas a top priority. Additionally, Eritrea grappled with challenges in natural resource management and lacked readily transferable technologies that could facilitate investments, management and maintenance implementation.

IFAD’s 2022 Improved Plan

The 2020-2025 plan for eradicating rural poverty in Eritrea aims to address these issues actively, maximizing the effectiveness of poverty reduction solutions. The Country’s Strategic Opportunities Programme will ensure that IFAD’s lending and non-lending support aligns with the government’s priorities, focusing on three strategic objectives: enhancing climate resilience, improving technology and infrastructure access for smallholder systems and building capacities for food security and sustainable livelihoods. These objectives are in line with IFAD’s Strategic Framework 2016-2025. 

To further alleviate rural poverty, the plan emphasizes various aspects in the agriculture and fishery sector, such as establishing a resource base, strengthening producers’ organizations, improving input delivery systems, enhancing intensification and value addition, developing institutional capacity and managing aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, IFAD’s investment portfolio in Eritrea will prioritize gender, youth, nutrition and employment opportunities for those most at risk.

Looking Ahead

The IFAD’s programs will actively contribute to reducing rural poverty in Eritrea by assisting local communities in becoming more commercial, competitive, resilient and sustainable. Sustainable development becomes achievable through the establishment of strong institutions and systems, effective policy and regulatory frameworks, enhanced production capacities and robust partnerships. Eritrea is progressing toward the goal of eliminating rural poverty, and with investments in plans like these, a poverty-free future appears to be within reach.

– Ada Rose Waga
Photo: Flickr

,

Rural Development in the Azores Helps Farmers in Need

Rural Development in The AzoresThe Azores are an autonomous group of islands owned by Portugal. In this mid-Atlantic archipelago, dairy farming is an economic staple. In recent years, however, Azorean farmers have faced financial difficulties due to rising costs of production. Given the economic need for rural development in the Azores, recent projects like PRORURAL+ provide hope.

How Poverty Takes Shape in the Azores

Despite being a group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are part of the European Union. A 2022 case study by ESPON and the European Union names the Azores as one of the poorest regions of the EU since 1986 when Portugal gained membership.

Nearly one in four citizens of the Azores are at risk of poverty. A 2022 report by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) calculates the at-risk-of-poverty rate in the Azores as 24.1%.

The Azores’ Agrarian Economy

Agriculture is a major player in the economy of the Azores. A 2017 briefing by the European Parliament indicates that roughly 10% of those employed in the Azores work in “agriculture, forestry and fisheries.” Additionally, roughly one in four Azorean employees occupy other food-related service positions. To this end, rural development in the Azores lays the groundwork for reliable economic activity.

Livestock farming is the main occupation of Azorean farmers. On that front, a 2023 news release from the Azores’ government highlights the growing need for developmental funding for rural areas. Recently, heightened costs of production resources like fertilizer and animal food have necessitated funding for rural development in the Azores.

Rising Costs of Living and Farming

As a municipality of Portugal, the Azores Archipelago has suffered from recent increases in living costs like mainland Portugal has. EAPN’s 2022 report shows that inflation in Portugal reached 9% in June 2022.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had an economic ripple effect extending as far as this cluster of islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Some farmers have taken a substantial financial hit from this conflict, as the Azores Government’s 2023 news release reports.

PRORURAL+: Support for Rural Development in the Azores

Recent years have seen significant strides in supporting rural development in the Azores. One such program is PRORURAL+, jointly developed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Azores Government, aimed at providing aid to both individual and collective farmers in the region.

The Azores Government’s 2023 news release delves into the specifics of this plan. The financial support is a collaborative effort, funded by the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Azores’ budget, contributing 85% and 15% respectively. Depending on the farm’s land area, the allocated funding ranges from €600 to €1,050.

With the twin objectives of assisting farmers in improving their business operations and mitigating the impact of production cost spikes caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PRORURAL+ accepted applications from January 5 to February 5 of the current year. Given the significance of livestock farming to the Azorean economy, this initiative aims to bring back a degree of stability during these challenging times.

– Noel Teter
Photo: Flickr

,

International Involvement in Educating DRC

International Involvement in Educating DRCIn the face of ongoing conflict and poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has impacted the youth’s education, there has been international aid to help those who need education in the DRC.

Education Statistics

Though free access to primary education has improved, educational attainment remains low in the DRC: The amount of children who complete primary-level education is 75%. However, the quality of education tends to be poor, as many classrooms are overcrowded and many teachers are not trained to the level needed to educate so many children.

Conflict in the DRC, particularly in Eastern DRC, has disrupted about 750,000 children just between the beginning of 2022 and the start of 2023. Nearly 300 schools cannot be used as they are being used as shelters from the conflict.

What Is Being Done?

As conflict and learning poverty impacts children’s education, international involvement in educating DRC has been more critical than ever before. The UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, for example, launched a new project in March 2023, which would support 60,000 children, 60% of which will be girls, to have access to education in Kasai, where political conflict has been rampant for years, which has impacted education in particular for girls who tend not to have the same opportunities as boys in terms of being educated.

Another international group involved in educating DRC is UNICEF. UNICEF has reported that a problem with education is the costs; due to the high levels of poverty in the DRC, many people are impacted by the costs of education, such as buying uniforms and materials for school. What UNICEF is doing to help with these issues is working with the government to improve national policies so that education becomes more accessible not just at a primary level but also at a pre-primary level and beyond through the building of a curriculum package that will provide structure and stability to DRC’s education system.

Not only are teachers frequently un- or undertrained, but there are not enough teachers to meet demands, especially in primary-level education. Cordaid International is an international organization focusing on development and giving aid, especially in countries impacted by conflict. They are an organization that has been part of international involvement in educating DRC, with successful results. Cordaid introduced performance-based financing in 14 provinces, training 1350 primary school teachers. This has helped improve the quality of education by giving schools the incentive to provide funding if the teachers perform well.

Improving Education in the DRC

Though conflict and poverty continue to impact education, international organizations are working to ensure that youth still get education. These efforts have had and will continue to have positive effects on the education system in the DRC.

– Christelle Wealth-Mukendi
Photo: Flickr

, ,

4 Charities Operating in Panama

Charities Operating in PanamaAccording to the World Bank, in 2022, 13.3% of the population in Panama lived under the poverty line of $6.85 per person per day. However, through the work of organizations, communities living in poverty receive aid. In particular, four charities operating in Panama are committed to improving the lives of the disadvantaged.

4 Charities Operating in Panama

  1. Fundación Calicanto. This community-based organization in Panama came about in 1994 to empower impoverished and disadvantaged women in Panama. The organization’s CAPTA program helps women become self-reliant and economically stable through professional and vocational training that will allow them to secure a job in the hospitality industry. The program also has a psychological development component that aims to improve the self-confidence and self-esteem of women. Considering that, in Panama, marginalized women in inner city slums lead around 50% of households and have, on average, four children by the young age of 25, the need for the CAPTA program is clear. At the heart of CAPTA lies its rigorous five-week “Foundation Cycle”  course, the cornerstone of women’s personal growth. Through this course, participants acquire essential life skills while cultivating a deep belief in their ability to shape their destinies. Thereafter, women move on to technical training at the Panama International School and Restaurant La Sexta. The staggering success of this program is apparent through the graduation of about 1,500 women, with an impressive 74% either securing permanent employment or advancing on to formal education.
  2. Enlaces. Enlaces is a Panama-based organization developed in 2010 to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and youth in Panama who aspire to make positive impacts in the world. Enlaces uses a three-pronged approach of “psychosocial care, artistic learning and pedagogical study programs” to help children reach their full potential. Many children and teenagers living in the neighborhoods around the Historic Center of Panama City face poverty and a lack of access to opportunities for economic and social growth. Their disadvantaged circumstances can result in a continuation of generational poverty. Enlaces aims to improve the futures of these children through a methodology that “combines dance, education and emotional development as preventive tools,” the GlobalGiving website highlights. Children in the program also have opportunities to secure scholarships for their education, both academic and artistic. Enlaces efforts teach integral life skills that shape the lives of about 400 children and adolescents (ages 4-17) annually.
  3. Asociación Panameña para el Planeamiento de la Familia. Founded in 1965, APLAFA aims to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged people in Panama through low-cost services offered in seven clinics located around Panama. In particular, its focus is sexual and reproductive health but its services also extend to pediatric and maternal care. These services play a pivotal role in addressing high-risk pregnancies and ultimately contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Panama. Over the last decade, APLAFA has served almost 500,000 people through its clinic services and educational initiatives and has delivered more than 15,000 low-cost health services.
  4. Fundación Oír es Vivir. Founded in 2008, Fundación Oír es Vivir supports individuals with hearing impairments in Panama by providing auditory services and aids regardless of financial means and resources. This organization aids people living in poverty who cannot receive the necessary medical help due to financial barriers or other difficulties. The organization actively promotes detection and intervention programs for hearing-related issues among newborns, preschoolers and students. The organization helps the audiologically impaired live a higher quality of life. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to improve productivity levels and enhance quality of life through the provision of hearing aids. Fundación Oír es Vivir has given care to more than 30,000 people.

These four prominent charities operating in Panama profoundly impact individuals and communities confronted with various challenges. 

– Elizabeth Antenucci
Photo: Flickr

Combating Poverty Amidst Political Transition in Afghanistan

Combating Poverty Amidst Political Transition in AfghanistanFrom the beginning of the war in 2001 to the recent political transition beginning in 2021, Afghanistan has seen significant economic fluctuations and an upward trend in the national poverty rate, despite periods of economic growth. For instance, the World Bank estimated that at least a third of the Afghan population was living in poverty and unable to afford basic necessities between 2007 and 2012. Yet, the country’s GDP steadily grew at a rate of 6.9% annually during those years. A rising Gini coefficient of almost 2% from 2007 to 2012 indicates that inequality has contributed to the country’s sustained high poverty rate, which has continued to grow amidst the recent political transition in Afghanistan.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an alarming 49.4% of Afghan citizens were already living below the national poverty line in 2020. With the political transition sparking a 20.7% contraction in the country’s GDP in 2021, the World Bank has reported that more than 65% of households in Afghanistan “could not afford food and other basic non-food items” by the middle of 2022. Fortunately, the international community remains committed to aiding the millions in need amidst the ongoing political transition in Afghanistan. 

The Past and Present of Poverty in Afghanistan

Historically, poverty has most heavily impacted rural areas in Afghanistan. According to the 2015 Afghanistan Poverty Status Update, some 80% of the country’s impoverished resided in rural communities as of 2011-2012, with more than 50% of poor Afghans being concentrated in the remote regions of East, Northeast and Central Afghanistan. These regions have been particularly vulnerable to political, economic and climactic shocks and have assumed an inordinate share of the burden that poverty poses to the country as a whole.      

For example, the 2015 report, prepared by the World Bank and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Economy, noted that poor households were both more susceptible to and less able to recover from financial shocks, which affected 84% of Afghan households in 2011-2012. Furthermore, 75.6% of impoverished Afghans age 15 and older were illiterate, while 41% of those already living in poverty were underemployed and more than 84% were engaged in vulnerable forms of employment, such as agriculture. In addition to lacking access to education and employment opportunities, the country’s predominantly rural poor also lack equal access to basic services: in 2011-12, only 63.8% had electricity, 40.3% had potable water and 2.8% had basic sanitation, percentages significantly lower than among Afghanistan’s non-poor population. 

Since the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the country has seen a surge in poverty. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that Afghanistan’s real GDP could contract by more than 13%, putting 97% of Afghanistan’s 41 million citizens at risk of falling into poverty. However, despite increasing poverty amidst the political transition in Afghanistan, past efforts have shown that humanitarian aid can make a difference.

Humanitarian Support for Afghan Citizens

For example, as a result of international aid, access to electricity, potable water and sanitation each improved by 14% annually between 2007 and 2012, and youth literacy increased by 8%. Since its withdrawal, the U.S. and other nations have therefore focused their efforts on providing humanitarian aid to Afghan citizens who are suffering amid the political transition.

One such initiative is the Local Area-Based Programme, which the UNDP introduced in 2021. In collaboration with local businesses and NGOs, the 24-month program aims to aid at least nine million Afghan citizens in need by supporting infrastructure development, income opportunities and essential services. It targets the country’s most vulnerable communities, including women, children and the elderly, and centers on cash transfers, grants and other interventions that will help guarantee vital income, promote women-led businesses and boost local economies.

As of July 2022, the U.S. had provided $775 million in aid overall to support Afghan citizens during the transition, with the specific aims of combating food insecurity, improving agricultural industries, strengthening education and advancing women’s and minority rights. Since 2001, the U.S. has provided more humanitarian aid to Afghanistan than any other country, including $36.07 billion in development aid. In an effort to uphold stability and protect Afghan citizens without supporting the Taliban, the U.S. and other countries are also collaborating to ensure financial liquidity and retain Afghan banks’ connections to the international community.

Looking Ahead

Amid Afghanistan’s recent political transition and economic challenges, the international community continues to show support by providing humanitarian aid to millions in need. Initiatives like the Local Area-Based Programme aim to aid vulnerable communities, including women, children and the elderly, with infrastructure development and income opportunities. The U.S. and other countries have contributed significant financial aid to combat food insecurity, improve education and advance women’s and minority rights, all with the goal of supporting Afghan citizens during this critical period.

– Sahib Singh
Photo: Unsplash

,

How the Opioid Epidemic in Canada Links to Poverty

Opioid Epidemic in CanadaThe escalating issue of opioid abuse in Canada encompasses both illicit and medically prescribed opioids. From 2016 to 2022, Canada noted a total of 32,632 fatalities related to opioid use. The escalating number of opioid fatalities in Canada has prompted a focus on harm-reduction strategies and incentives designed to mitigate opioid-related deaths and safeguard the well-being of the Canadian population. According to a recent analysis of territorial and provincial surveillance reports, certain subpopulations in Canada are disproportionately impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis. These subpopulations include incarcerated individuals, First Nations people and those experiencing homelessness. Many individuals who suffer from opioid addiction are living in poverty. Many Canadians who experience addiction are living in poverty and the connection between addiction and poverty is intricate. Individuals with lower incomes have a slightly higher tendency to experience challenges with substance abuse, yet it is important to note that poverty alone does not necessarily lead to addiction. This article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the opioid epidemic in Canada.

About Canada’s Opioid Epidemic

Throughout history, Canada has seen a prevalence of illicit drug use among individuals residing in the nation. Fentanyl, an opioid substance, is a significant contributor to mortality rates in Canada. In 2022, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario accounted for a significant proportion of opioid-related fatalities, comprising 87% of the total number of deaths. In 2016, fentanyl was responsible for 68% of the 985 deaths related to illicit drugs in British Columbia, which marks a significant increase from 4% in 2012. During the first half of 2017, the province experienced a significant increase of 83% in fatalities related to fentanyl.

According to data from 2016, individuals between the ages of 30 and 39 accounted for 28% of opioid-related fatalities in Canada. There appears to be variability in certain jurisdictions based on age and gender. The provinces of Alberta and Ontario have reported a higher incidence of opioid-related overdose deaths among women aged 44 years and older as compared to younger men. Disparities in mortality rates could potentially be attributed to variations in death investigation protocols across different jurisdictions, methods employed for death classification, toxicology examinations or reported statistical data, such as instances of suicide.

An Important Life Story

Jason, a homeless individual residing on the streets of Toronto, Ontario, who is grappling with drug abuse, has been referenced by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. Jason’s account highlights how his consumption of crack and heroin led to a fixation on attaining a state of intoxication. Jason has lived on the streets of Toronto for two decades. Following the car accident that claimed the life of Jason’s 3-year-old sibling, his parents’ grief hindered their ability to offer Jason the necessary emotional support and guidance. During the funeral of his sibling, he resorted to smoking cannabis as a means of coping with his grief.

On this particular day, Jason began the habit of drug use as a means of coping with his emotional distress and feelings of fragmentation. The video concludes with Jason stating, “If you wake up every day thinking about making money, that’s all you’re going to do. If you want to consume crack, that’s all you’re going to get. Well, you know what, I want life.” The story of Jason revolves around his experience of suffering from emotional distress and frustration during his childhood, which unfortunately remained unaddressed, leading him to resort to drugs as a coping mechanism. Poverty impacts social support, confidence and hope, making individuals who already experience poverty more likely to slip into addiction and vice versa.

Harm Reduction Efforts

Canada has made significant progress in implementing opioid harm reduction strategies. The government has implemented measures such as SCS (supervised consumption sites), overdose prevention sites, drug testing programs and naloxone kits have been implemented to address the issue.

The federal government also granted a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for individuals aged 18 and above in British Columbia, allowing them to possess up to 2.5 grams of opiates. This is thought to reduce the number of individuals incarcerated for drug possession.

Since 2017, the Canadian government has allocated approximately $800 million to address the opioid epidemic in Canada. This includes the provision of funding for community organizations’ Substance Use and Addictions Program initiatives aimed at providing assistance to individuals who use drugs. The provision of temporary drug consumption spaces has been authorized by the government to enhance overdose prevention services, allowing provinces and territories to establish such facilities. The prioritization of mental health and addiction services is also a matter of federal concern.

The opioid epidemic in Canada presents a significant public health concern and is responsible for the loss of lives on a daily basis. The availability of treatment and community-based services is crucial for individuals grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. The timely provision of appropriate interventions to Canadians is crucial in preventing them from reaching a state of despair where drug remedies become the sole recourse for emotional distress. The allocation of funding by the federal government towards harm-reduction initiatives is a crucial step. Opioid overdoses are predominantly characterized by high rates of poverty, unemployment, lower education levels and median household income. Additional research has also identified poverty as a contributing factor to the risk of opioid overdoses. The opioid epidemic in Canada and poverty are intertwined and it is critical for the Canadian government to address this issue in ways that lower deaths and harm.

– Valentina Ornelas
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty In Austria

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty In AustriaThe year 2020 left its mark in history. Governments forced businesses to close down and restricted travel, people were required to wear masks, and everyone had to self-isolate. With more than 700 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, the virus has significantly affected the world and has contributed to the growing poverty rates in many countries, including Austria. According to Statistics Austria, more than 17.5% of the country’s citizens faced the risk of experiencing poverty in 2022. The following are some reasons why the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in Austria is so significant.

Increase in Automation

Due to COVID-19 and the inability of many people to work in person, many employers turned to automation or the use of robots and machines to do the work of employees.

According to an OECD report, the emergence of COVID-19 “accelerated automation, putting additional pressures on places with relatively high shares of jobs at risk”

The jobs at risk of automation are “predominantly in the private sector and in larger, single-site workplaces.” Additionally, 15.5% of workers on a temporary contract have a high risk of automation compared to just 13.5% without a contract.

The increased automation has significantly affected many people’s lives and has caused thousands of Austrians to become unemployed and eventually impoverished. According to a 2022 World Bank report, the unemployment rate was 4.7%.

Increased Prices

During the second half of 2020, Austria’s economy struggled with inflation, as commodities such as food alongside industrial services recorded price hikes.

These hikes occurred due to “significant supply chain bottlenecks”  resulting from increased demand when the government lifted COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine war put extra pressure on Austria’s economy by increasing energy prices.

According to the World Bank, COVID-19 caused inflation to increase by more than 7%, going from 1.2% to 8.5% in 2022, the highest it had ever been. So, at the same time that Austrians were getting laid off or had to close their businesses, the cost of everyday necessities was increasing, pushing more people toward poverty. Alongside other factors, this issue of inflation represented the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in Austria.

Hope

According to KPMG, which supplies tax assistance to many organizations, the Austrian government made €100 million worth of loans available to hotels that lost 15% in sales.

Additionally, on March 13th, the Austrian government implemented a €38 billion fund for “COVID-19 crisis management.” This fund went solely toward stimulating the Austrian economy. Some efforts of the fund include helping businesses affected by COVID-19 by giving them subsidies for fixed costs and providing them with €4 billion worth of aid. In addition, restaurants benefitted from “value-added tax relief.”

As a result of government aid and subsidies, the economy improved remarkably. Fewer businesses had to shut down, and as a result,  the unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% in 2020 to 4.7% in 2022. Additionally, The GDP growth skyrocketed from -6.5% in 2020 to 4.6% in 2021.

Finally, as a result of the government providing aid to hotels in Austria, the tourism industry continued to stay afloat in 2020. According to World Data.info, “Austria recorded a total of 15 million tourists in 2020, ranking 18th in the world.” Furthermore, the industry generated at least $15 billion, which might have been impossible without the government’s help in keeping hotels open.

Looking Ahead

Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on poverty in Austria, there are reasons for hope. Government initiatives and financial aid programs have provided support to businesses and individuals, leading to a decrease in unemployment rates and an improved economy. The tourism industry also received assistance, allowing it to continue operating and generating revenue. These positive developments highlight the efforts of the country to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and alleviate the effects of poverty.

– Hope Yonehara
Photo: Max Pixel

How Social Issues are Causing Poverty in El Salvador

Social Issues in El SalvadorEl Salvador is a small nation in Central America sharing borders with Honduras and Guatemala. A poor education system, high crime rate (namely because of gang warfare), homelessness and high migration, all represent the social issues in El Salvador. These social problems have been a catalyst for poverty in El Salvador, where 26% of Salvadorans live below the poverty line. This is significantly worse than the international poverty average of 9.2%, highlighting the troubling situation in El Salvador.

Crime

Crime, particularly gang violence, is a major contributor to poverty in El Salvador. The country’s homicide rate is one of the highest in the world; in 2022, there were 7.8 homicides per 100,000 people.

Gangs and criminal organizations frequently introduce drugs and gun violence to the population, particularly the El Salvadoran youth. Furthermore, many young people are indoctrinated into these gangs.

The power and influence gangs have in El Salvador, especially in poor outskirt neighborhoods, hinder any growth potential in such areas. According to a Global Majority E-Journal, El Salvadoran gangs  ”impose their own law” on neighborhoods, and this ”blocks off alternative ways of life” for people living in places where gangs have power. As a result, many citizens are unable to access new opportunities and growth.

On the bright side, the crime rate in recent years has slowed. In 2020, El Salvador had a crime index of 68.0, ranking as the ninth highest globally for crime. This later decreased to a score of 64.4, with El Salvador dropping to 17th in 2023.

Education

The poor education system in El Salvador is also a driver of poverty. While 11% of children do not complete primary school, this figure goes to a 22% incompletion rate at secondary levels. This is indicative of a problem of high dropout rates and incomplete education among the El Salvadoran youth, according to a 2018 report.

The disparity between the wealthy and poor in El Salvador’s education system is a major reason why it contributes to poverty. According to Global Majority E-Journal, the government “discriminates” against poor children in favor of wealthy children. Consequently, poor children either can’t attend or are less motivated to attend school. In turn, this averts any advancements or opportunities the affected children can take advantage of, plundering them deeper into poverty. As a result of the wealthy/poor divide, the state of wealth distribution also worsens.

Poor attendance at school, particularly among the poorest children, provides opportunities for gangs to recruit members. This also contributes to higher crime and diverts these children from pursuing legal and skilled work.

Migration

As a consequence of high crime rates and poor education, alongside low levels of living standards, many El Salvadorans choose to migrate – the United States (U.S.) is their most popular destination. Migration numbers tell the story. In 2019, 1.6 million people (25% of the population) lived abroad, with 90% living in the U.S.

Similar to the issues faced in education and crime, the migration problem is also responsible for the lack of growth. Limited personnel in labor due to migration particularly affects El Salvador’s youth. Of those unemployed, 40% are aged 16-24.

Domestic policies that aim to increase government autonomy and “promote public/private sector” partnerships also aim to encourage El Salvadorans to stay. Furthermore, U.S. aid and development plans in Central America seek to reduce the poverty rate in El Salvador. Around $500 million in U.S. aid in 2021 was put toward Central American development. In El Salvador, the U.S. hopes that funding will “reduce irregular migration from the region and improve livelihoods at home.”

What’s Next?

Despite the many social issues in El Salvador, there are positive signs of progress. The country has experienced a decrease in its crime rate in recent years, offering hope for improved safety and stability. Efforts by both the domestic government and international partners, such as the U.S., aim to address the root causes of poverty in El Salvador and promote development, with a focus on education and livelihood opportunities for the youth. These initiatives provide a glimmer of optimism for a brighter future for the people of El Salvador.

– Max Steventon
Photo: Flickr

Poverty and Culture Loss Among the Indigenous Peoples of Russia

Indigenous Peoples of RussiaThe world’s largest country by territory, Russia is remarkably diverse, multicultural and multilingual. The Russian government recognizes almost 200 ethnic minorities and close to 300 different languages. Groups with populations of 50,000 or less are classified as “small-in-number,” with 46 groups of Indigenous peoples identified as such as of 2020. These peoples inhabit territories of the Russian Federation in the Far North, beyond the Arctic Circle, along the Ural Mountains and across Siberia and the Far East. Now heavily outnumbered by the majority Russian population, they face population decline, adverse living and working conditions and cultural attrition. Thankfully, there are active initiatives working to stop poverty and culture loss among the Indigenous peoples of Russia and ensure equal protection of their rights.

Indigenous Peoples Face Headwinds

In general, living standards for the country’s small nationalities are lower than for ethnic Russians. As they often preserve traditional ways of life and occupy remote, isolated areas, some basic services, such as education, are lacking or of a lesser quality. Furthermore, Indigenous populations suffer from higher unemployment rates and lower incomes, with the former being almost two times higher than among the general population and the latter being two to three times lower. Unfortunately, the country’s Indigenous peoples also lack access to safe drinking water, food, medical care and other vital necessities, leading to higher disease and infection rates and shorter lifespans. For instance, Indigenous men and women in Russia have respective life expectancies of 50 years and 60 years, which are significantly lower than the life expectancies (64 years for men and 70 years for women) of the general Russian population.

While Russian legislation formally guarantees Indigenous populations’ rights to language protection, education and water and land use, Indigenous rights are rarely protected or enforced. Indigenous land is regularly exploited for industrial and other purposes, depriving Indigenous peoples of the land and natural resources that they rely upon for physical, financial and cultural sustenance.

Factors Contributing To Indigenous Poverty and Culture Loss in Russia

Racism has been a driving force behind poverty and culture loss among the Indigenous peoples of Russia. The country’s non-Russian populations often face harsh racial profiling, mistreatment by law enforcement, employment discrimination and hate crimes. The war in Ukraine has exacerbated the situation, with the proportion of Indigenous soldiers mobilized in the war reportedly far outweighing that of ethnic Russians.

In light of growing economic and societal challenges, Indigenous people are increasingly abandoning their languages and cultural heritage in hopes of assimilating with the majority population and increasing their chances of survival. Consequently, many of the country’s Indigenous peoples and languages are going extinct, along with their unique histories, knowledge and lifestyles. As of 2014, 148 Indigenous languages and at least 16 of the 41 legally recognized Indigenous groups in Russia were “considered to be endangered.”

Local Government and Native Councils May Hold the Key to a Better Future

There has, however, been progress toward rectifying the situation in recent decades. In 1996, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug established a regional council of Indigenous peoples, and the local legislature designated three of its 21 seats for Indigenous representatives. Additionally, the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), an umbrella organization founded in 1990, is working “to protect human rights and defend the interests of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East of the Russian Federation.” Representing 40 Indigenous peoples, RAIPON is a member of the Arctic Council and collaborates with several U.N. partners to organize, advocate and raise funding for projects supporting Indigenous interests in Russia. Furthermore, the Arctic Council utilizes a “language revitalization” initiative aimed at studying, recording, digitizing and sustaining Indigenous languages that are at risk of extinction.

Looking Ahead

Despite the threats of poverty and cultural loss, Indigenous civil society groups and international efforts are making a difference in the struggle to maintain Indigenous populations in Russia. Nonetheless, future success in combating poverty and culture loss among the Indigenous peoples of Russia looks to hinge upon increased funding and support for Indigenous education, language, land and rights protections and cultural preservation work. Such levels of support could help ensure that the Indigenous peoples of Russia, and their values and heritage, continue to thrive.

– Paul Phelan
Photo: Flickr