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Communities Fighting Uganda’s Trash Crisis

uganda's trash crisisUganda, a republic in East Africa, has been facing a crisis of epic proportions for years— trash. Trash, namely single-use plastics, has been piling up for years in areas where waste management has been a struggle for locals. While this presents obvious issues regarding sanitization, in August 2024 “trash-landslide” took place within Uganda’s capital and killed at least 18 people in the process. This tragedy, entirely preventable in nature, marks a turning point for Uganda’s trash crisis. With stakes higher than ever, many are calling for reform and new programs to help tackle the problem before it gets even more out of hand.

Background

Uganda’s trash crisis is not a new development, but in recent years the problem has risen to a fever pitch. In a 2024 report, Ugandan officials reported that more than 9.8 million Ugandan households, equivalent to 91.6% of all total households, relied on improper waste management methods. These waste management methods ranged from using fire pits to burn trash, or simply dumping waste in illegal or unsupervised locations like gardens. This, combined with a lack of access to trash bins, has created a precedent of improper waste disposal.

There have already been attempts made to try and combat Uganda’s trash crisis. Uganda has repeatedly tried to outlaw single-use plastics, which are the main source of trash in the country. Bans on single-use plastics enacted in 2007, 2009, 2015, 2018, and 2021 have proven to be ineffective due to lax law enforcement and inconsistent policies. This has culminated in Uganda generating an estimated amount of 600 tons of plastic trash every day, which translates to about 220,000 tons of plastic waste every year.

Effects of Pollution

The effects of Uganda’s trash crisis have been devastating so far. The trash-landslide is the most cataclysmic of them, but it is by no means the only repercussion of poor waste management. Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world, resides on Uganda’s southern border and faces a threat in large part due to Uganda’s trash crisis. More than 40 million people rely on this lake as their primary source of freshwater. Due to the contamination from trash, Lake Victoria is now reaching dangerous levels of pollution that make it unfit for human consumption and harmful to the wildlife within.

Coming Together To Make a Change

Despite the severity of the situation, communities have come together to try and find solutions for Uganda’s trash crisis. This has taken many different forms of activism and action. Recycling, for example, has become one of the biggest ways that nonprofits are reclaiming the trash crisis. Takataka Plastics is a local business that aims to help make Uganda greener and safer by turning plastic into fashionable tiles for walls and floors. So far, the company has recycled more than 87.7 tons of plastic since their opening in 2020. These construction materials are low-cost as well, and their production has created jobs for many Ugandan locals.

The reuse and recycling of trash does not stop there, though. Nonprofits and individuals have created many things out of plastic bottles in Uganda, including trash bins, planters and even entire school gates! More than that, entire houses have been constructed out of plastic bottles.

Social Innovation Academy (SINA) is a nonprofit in Africa focusing on unemployment and educational opportunities. In 2022, SINA built a social space for refugees in Uganda out of plastic bottles. This initial building marked an important step in combating Uganda’s trash crisis by offering further inspiration for the reuse and recycling of plastic.

Beyond the recycling of plastics, many individuals within Uganda are also doing their part to combat Uganda’s trash crisis by offering natural alternatives to plastics. For example, Godfrey Kigoye, a local Ugandan farmer, has taken to growing calabash, also known as bottle gourds, as a substitute for plastic bottles. These bottle gourds, after being dried, can be used as a reusable and biodegradable container for fluids. Many farmers, Kigoye included, have found that bottle gourds are becoming more popular among customers in favor of single-use plastic bottles.

Moving Forward

While there is still plenty of work to be done regarding Uganda’s trash crisis, recent efforts to reclaim and dispose of the trash plaguing Uganda have proven promising. With continued efforts from both the Ugandan government and its people, a healthier, happier Uganda with less trash is in sight.

– Mackenzie Scott

Mackenzie is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Gates Foundation in India: Helping the Fight Against Poverty

The Gates Foundation in IndiaIn 2000, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was created with the belief that “all lives have equal value.” To fight global poverty and ensure that everyone leads a “healthy and productive” life, the Foundation supports various projects worldwide. Since 2003, the Gates Foundation has been working in India, first by creating an HIV prevention initiative that has prevented 600,000  new infections and now by working on alleviating poverty through improving sanitation and providing safe and hygienic facilities. The Foundation’s work also helps the agricultural sector and its marginalized farmers better their productivity and by partnering with local organizations, it offers inclusive financial systems to lactating mothers.

Transforming Sanitation in Wai

The unsafe disposal of human feces is a global issue harming public health, increasing psycho-social stress and hindering human and economic development, with more than 80% of untreated sewage still being discharged into the environment. In India, sanitation remains a vital public health challenge, with 11% of the population – around 155 million people – still practicing open defecation in 2022, according to the World Bank.

One notable example of progress is the city of Wai in Maharashtra, which has implemented an inclusive and equitable sanitation model. The initiative aims to reduce health risks by preventing the accumulation of harmful waste in areas lacking proper sanitation infrastructure. With help from the Gates Foundation and through collaboration with its citizens, Wai was the first municipality in India to introduce scheduled desludging of all septic tanks, providing safe waste treatment for its entire population – regardless of their financial status.

Helping Marginalized Farmers in Odisha

In 2023, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation announced that 65% of India’s population is part of the agricultural sector, providing livelihoods for millions. In Odisha, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for income. A partnership called ADAPT has been established between the Government of Odisha, the Gates Foundation and Samagra- a private consulting firm, to assist marginalized farmers and improve productivity. The goal is to help the state’s policymakers make data-informed decisions in the agricultural sector.

With the ADAPT Dashboard, a Decision Support System that combines agricultural data from various sources into an online platform accessible to government officials, the State of Odisha can then meet farmers’ needs efficiently – anticipating challenges and optimizing the raw material supply chain. ADAPT also shares information on seed treatment, soil health, irrigation and insurance with farmers to increase their productivity.

There has already been a 90% reduction in crop losses with the Customized Pest Advisory service, confirming that while this initiative is boosting agricultural productivity, it is also helping more farmers to thrive despite climate challenges and market fluctuations.

Building Inclusive Financial Systems

Financial inclusion is another pillar of the Gates Foundation’s work in India. One of its key initiatives in this area is supporting the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme in partnership with the Center for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI). This program aims to empower women by providing financial assistance during maternity, reducing the financial burden on low-income families during pregnancy and enhancing maternal health.

Since 2017 and with the Gates Foundation’s involvement, the PMMVY scheme has offered $59.50 in direct cash transfers to lactating mothers, compensating for the wage losses they experience during pregnancy and postnatal care. With access to health care services frequently relying on the family’s financial situation, this digital inclusion initiative is crucial for marginalized women who may otherwise be excluded from the formal banking system or cannot rely on their family’s financial support. The program ensures transparency and accountability by delivering the payments digitally, illustrating India’s inclusive growth and economic development.

Conclusion

Through its focus on sanitation, agriculture and financial inclusion, the Gates Foundation is helping the fight against poverty in India. The success of Wai’s sanitation model, the ADAPT partnership in Odisha and the PMMVY scheme demonstrate how targeted interventions can improve health, economic stability and livelihoods. These initiatives show how combining innovative solutions with data-driven policies and equitable access to services can help India build a more inclusive future.

– Alissa Naydenova

Alissa is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Enhancing WASH Services in Yemen

WASH Services in YemenThe people of Yemen, a country devastated by conflict, struggle with the lack of access to sanitation services and clean water, also known as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services (WASH). According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 16 million Yemenis urgently need WASH services.

One of the main factors that increase the need for WASH services in Yemen is displacement as a result of conflict, natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks. Another factor is the disruption of public services in Yemen, which left only one-third of the Yemen population connected to a piped water network. Therefore, countries and international organizations have been working together to provide and facilitate access to WASH services.

Saudi Arabia-WHO WASH Services in Yemen

On July 30, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid agency, announced a $3.75 million project to enhance WASH services in Yemen to help the most vulnerable populations across the country.

The project will upgrade WASH infrastructure in two hospitals, enabling 10 health facilities to sustain water and water services in 60 other facilities. An estimated 580,231 internally displaced people and vulnerable groups will benefit from this project, which will also improve maternal health and disease prevention. This project aligns with the United Nations’ (U.N.) “Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2024,” which seeks to provide more relief and assistance to vulnerable groups in Yemen.

KSRelief’s Efforts to Support WASH Services in Yemen

Before the announcement of this joint project with WHO, Saudi Arabia provided support for enhancing WASH services in Yemen. On December 22, 2023, KSRelief pumped more than 39 million liters of water for the people in the Hajjah and Sa’adah governorates in Yemen to support WASH services in the country. In Hajjah, 3.443 million liters of the 39 million liters were used as potable water and 35.013 million were used as usable water.

Furthermore, in Hajjah, KSRelief provided 308 waste transportation services and conducted nine insecticide spraying campaigns. In Sa’adah, 300,000 liters of water were used as both portable and usable water, benefiting 30,100 people. Although these efforts were large in scale, Saudi Arabia also required collaboration with international organizations with the resources to expand its support for WASH services.

International Organizations’ Key Role in WASH Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen requires the collective power of international humanitarian organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, which have a record of facilitating Yemenis’ access to WASH services. For example, in 2021, UNICEF managed to help primary health care facilities (PHCF) and schools in Yemen rehabilitate and upgrade their water and sanitation systems with funding from the World Bank. The total number of PHCFs supported was 496 and the number of schools supported was 118 as of October 2021.

Similarly, from 2017-2021, the WHO conducted WASH rehabilitation in 70 hospitals across Yemen and provided 1,100 million liters of chlorinated water to 42 governorate hospitals, district hospitals and inner-district hospitals. All of this has benefitted 5.5 million Yemenis, highlighting the necessity for countries to work with international organizations to provide greater access to WASH services to more vulnerable individuals.

Access to Water and Hygiene Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen is important because it helps prevent global disease outbreaks, given the existing epidemics in Yemen, such as Cholera. Therefore, seeing countries like Saudi Arabia and organizations such as WHO work together on large-scale projects aimed at rehabilitating and facilitating access to WASH services is proof that there are good people to protect public health globally. However, given the numerous issues in Yemen, more has to be done to support WASH services.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Recycling Waste in Bangladesh

Recycling Waste in BangladeshBangladesh, located in South Asia, is home to more than 170 million people. The capital, Dhaka, has seen its population rise to 9 million. This rapid urbanization, along with an expanding middle class and a robust manufacturing sector, has led to a significant increase in plastic waste production. Each year, the country generates approximately 977,000 tonnes of plastic waste, with a substantial portion originating from Dhaka. A World Bank Blogs report indicates that the average resident of Dhaka produces 22.5 kg of plastic waste annually, a figure that is expected to rise as the city’s population continues to grow.

Health Risks of Waste Disposal

As the volume of plastic waste continues to grow, Dhaka’s recycling sector is increasingly struggling to process it sustainably. While Dhaka’s recycling industry employs approximately 5,400 people, it is a relatively informal sector, exposing many workers to hazardous conditions without effective health protection. Without funding or support, the increasing volumes of waste can potentially overwhelm the current recycling systems. As a result, much of this waste ends up in landfills and into rivers, putting the cities’ population at risk of poor health. The ingestion of microplastics and the contamination of water and soil link to increased dengue fever cases, which claimed 327 lives over seven months in 2023. This crisis strains local health systems and disproportionately affects the poorest citizens, who struggle to afford necessary medical treatments.

Recycling Waste in Bangladesh

Recognizing the strain that escalating plastic waste places on its infrastructure and citizens, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment formulated a National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management. This initiative targets a 50% increase in recycling waste in Bangladesh by 2025 and aims to cut overall plastic consumption by 2030. The plan underscores the adoption of a circular economy to mitigate the hazardous impacts of waste disposal. By enhancing recycling efforts initially and subsequently addressing the fundamental issue of excessive plastic usage, this strategy aims to alleviate waste-related health risks across the nation.

Micro-Enterprises in Bangladesh

While government initiatives address large-scale waste management by implementing policies, the real momentum often comes from grassroots efforts. A recent World Bank Blogs report reveals the work of many entrepreneurs who prioritize recycling plastic waste in their small businesses. With support from the World Bank’s Sustainable Enterprises project (SEP), Md Jashim Uddin, a micro-entrepreneur, for example, recycles waste from local shoe factories to produce new footwear. This small-scale circular economic model not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances local health conditions by reducing pollution and creating new jobs with improved working conditions.

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh faces the escalating issue of plastic waste as urbanization and industrial growth continue. Government initiatives aim to boost recycling rates and reduce plastic use, while grassroots efforts and micro-enterprises contribute to waste management and environmental health. These combined strategies can potentially improve public health and achieve sustainable development. Ongoing dedication to innovative solutions and effective waste management could be vital for Bangladesh’s future.

– Aimee Masters

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

Photo: Pexels

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The Relationship Between Waste Management and Poverty

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

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

Health Implications of Poor Waste Management

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

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

Economic Burden of Ineffective Waste Systems

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

Differences in Liquid and Solid Waste Management

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

Community-Based Waste Management Solutions

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

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

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

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

– Kelly Schoessling

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

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in the Bahamas

Elderly Poverty in the BahamasFor 400,000 permanent residents, life in the Bahamas is anything but a breezy Caribbean vacation. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian unleashed 180-mile-per-hour winds on Abaco Island and Grand Bahama. The storm ruined more than 13,000 homes to rubble and displaced nearly 30,000 people, affecting the elderly as well. Here is some information about elderly poverty in the Bahamas including what some are doing to address the health and sanitation challenges due to Hurricane Dorian.

Elderly Poverty in the Bahamas

The ageing population in the Bahamas has increased in the past few decades, driven by falling fertility rates and rising life expectancy. Over the next 25 years, the number of adults 65 and older in the Caribbean will double. This demographic shift could strain the economy as fewer people and those currently employed near retirement enter the workforce. Older adults also face diminishing job opportunities and employment discrimination, trapping them in cyclical poverty.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), population ageing, coupled with unhealthy lifestyles, will lead to a surge in non-communicable diseases like hypertension, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Medical costs associated with NCDs can account for one-third of an individual’s total spending. Older adults, who are more susceptible to contracting NCDs, often cannot bear the cost of treatment.

The Impact of Hurricane Dorian on the Elderly

Around the time of Hurricane Dorian, Bahamians in this age group, of which 7.2% live below the poverty line, struggled to stay afloat while paying exorbitant medical and home restoration bills. Organizations like Project Hope and Mercy Corps sent volunteers to the islands to provide necessary aid, which helped address elderly poverty in the Bahamas.

The Category 5 storm overwhelmed hospitals with sick and injured patients. The storm also left hospitals short of medical staff and equipment as water-borne illnesses ravaged the community, meaning the immuno-compromised elderly and those suffering chronic ailments were unable to receive adequate care.

The Guardian reported that more than 60,000 islanders needed food and clean drinking water. Mercy Corps delivered portable water to communities affected by contaminated aquifers. In partnership with ocean production organization Mission Resolve, Mercy Corps installed a water treatment plant to clarify the water of toxins and salt. These efforts not only met the immediate needs of Bahamians, young and old, in critical condition but also served as a testament to the strength and resilience of the community.

Looking Ahead

Rebuilding the lives and providing dignity for older and impoverished Bahamians whose lives Dorian upended is an ongoing project that will cost the government and homeowners millions, if not billions, of dollars. The former deputy prime minister, Peter Turnquest, estimated that about 45% of Grand Bahama and Abaco Island homes were severely damaged or destroyed in the storm. Restoring these buildings will be especially burdensome for the elderly and impoverished.

Safeguarding the rights of older people and those experiencing elderly poverty in the Bahamas is possible and paramount. Advocates suggest implementing policies that will address old-age problems. Some are already active in the Bahamas, including its Financial Assistance for Payment of Utilities and Purchase of Basic Household Items. Implementing more legislation like this will make strides toward promoting and protecting the wellness of older Bahamians as they continue to pick up the pieces of an island landscape still reeling from Dorian. 

– Natalie Kaufman

Natalie is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Update on SDG 6 in Pakistan

SDG 6 in PakistanIn 2015, the United Nations (U.N.) and its member countries set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030 to improve the world. SDG 6 is specifically dedicated to clean water and sanitation. Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights that are crucial for the health and economies of communities and countries. They play a vital role in the health of children as water-borne diseases can cause stunting, malnourishment and even mortality, underscoring the significance of this issue.

SDG 6 and Pakistan

According to the Sustainable Development Report 2023, Pakistan is making “moderate improvements with major challenges remaining” in its pursuit of SDG 6 by 2030. The report states that these efforts are insufficient to achieve the goal.

Current Situation

  • Official statistics mention that 90% of the population has access to drinking water.
  • Only 36% of the water is safe for human consumption.
  • The percentage of the population using at least one basic sanitation service has risen from 40 % in 2015 to 68 % in 2020.
  • Pakistan is on track to end open defecation by 2030 with continued government involvement, which indicates the achievement of the sanitation part of SDG 6.

Challenges in Achieving SDG 6

Pakistan’s significant challenges in achieving SDG 6 are multifaceted and mainly involve uncontrolled population growth, water scarcity and instability. The changing climate and minimal water storage are a few factors contributing to these problems. Political instability has also led to less focus on planning and implementation. As a result, 54,000 children die every year because of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and cholera, which can be prevented.

Progress

In the last decade, progress towards achieving the goal has been made. This has been achieved via collaborations with the U.N., the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other organizations like Global Waters and Water Aid Pakistan. The following are a few of the programs implemented to achieve SDG 6.

  1. Hand Hygiene: In 2015, the government of Pakistan established the Ministry of Climate to achieve SDGs by 2030. The ministry has an SDG department that evaluates the progress made through data collection and sets the pathway for the future. In 2020, the Climate Ministry launched a roadmap called Hand Hygiene For All. The campaign targets the whole population and aims to achieve universal handwashing by 2030.

    For this purpose, a Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) cell has been established at the ministry. Around $1 billion is allocated annually for this cause. The provincial governments are ensuring the training of school teachers, female health workers and other community workers in hand hygiene and other behavior-modifying techniques to achieve the roadmap’s targets. Implementing the roadmap would improve sanitation practices and reduce mortality related to waterborne diseases.
  1. Monitoring Water Quality: Recently, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Pakistan, has completed a project called “Enhancing Water Quality Monitoring System to achieve SDG 6 in Islamabad, Punjab and KP.”

    The project targeted 62 million people and cost $4.4 million. It includes installing the latest equipment in the laboratories and upgrading existing labs. Aditionally, eight vehicles have been converted into mobile laboratories to monitor water quality in two of Pakistan’s most populated provinces. These labs would test water for 16 parameters that the World Health Organization (WHO) has mandated in its guidelines. This will help Pakistan ensure clean water provision for its population.

Final Remark

Despite the hurdles and slow progress in achieving SDG 6, the Government of Pakistan is working closely with international organizations like USAID, UNICEF and other nongovernmental organizations to overcome them. These organizations provide crucial support in funding, technical expertise and advocacy, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s efforts.

– Maria Waleed

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

Photo: Flickr

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N.C. State Research Addressing Global Health and Sanitation

N.C. State Research Addressing Global Health and SanitationAt North Carolina (N.C.) State University in Raleigh, a diverse team of faculty and students addresses water and sanitation challenges through research. The Global Water Sanitation and Hygiene (Global WaSH) Cluster program at N.C. State focuses on developing new technologies to tackle critical global health and sanitation issues. Researchers in the program apply advancements in energy, environmental processes, materials science, design and ecology to these problems. The program also educates its participants about the significance of addressing water and sanitation challenges through environmental research. Additionally, Global WaSH actively works on applying new technologies and engineering solutions to assist countries like Zambia in Southern Africa, where access to adequate sanitation remains a significant issue.

Global WaSH in Zambia

In 2017, the Global WaSH team from N.C. State introduced a more sanitary and efficient method for removing human waste from latrines in Zambia, called the Flexcrevator. This device has developed from several prototypes, the original of which N.C. State alumnus Tate Rogers invented in 2011. Rogers later founded the Triangle Environmental Health Initiative.

Nearly two billion people worldwide use pit latrines, exposing those who manually remove waste and trash from these latrines to dangerous pathogens. Mechanized methods for removing raw sewage are often costly and ineffective as they easily clog. In Zambia, however, the introduction of the flexcrevator has revolutionized this process. This vacuum-like device efficiently removes waste along with debris such as plastic bags, bottles and hair. Waste is vacuumed into a drum via a hose and an attached trash excluder pushes trash aside during the waste pumping process, making the process safer and cleaner.

Global WaSH has received funding and support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its initiatives in Zambia. Additionally, the team collaborated with a German development agency to test prototypes. It has established field testing sites across the African continent.

The Man Behind the Mission

Dr. Francis de los Reyes, a professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering at N.C. State leads the Global WaSH Cluster. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers detailing N.C. State’s research contributions to global health and sanitation. He has also educated both faculty and students about the significance of improving sanitation in underserved communities already burdened by poverty.

Dr. Reyes and his team earned recognition for their flexcrevator technology, receiving the RELX Group Environmental Challenge Award in 2018 and the Patents for Humanity Award in 2020. The Global WaSH program at N.C. State prioritizes sustainability and environmental research, actively addressing global health and sanitation through faculty and student collaboration. “I see the cluster as continuing to lead in education, research and extension in this field and making an impact directly and indirectly to the lives of millions who are underserved,” Reyes stated.

Looking Forward

The innovative efforts of N.C. State’s Global WaSH program is poised to enhance health and sanitation for millions in underserved areas around the world. Moreover, with continued support and development, technologies like the Flexcrevator promise to revolutionize waste management and improve public health in vulnerable communities.

– Jacob Buckner

Jacob is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Transformative Gains in Water and Sanitation Across Asia

Water and Sanitation Across AsiaIn recent years, Asia has been making commendable strides in the realm of water and sanitation. There has been a wave of positive change that promises a brighter, healthier future for millions. The unfolding narrative explores the vibrant tapestry of initiatives and innovations that define this transformative era for those in Asia.

WASH Initiatives Taking Root

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives have become catalysts for change across the continent. Countries like India, with its Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), have set ambitious goals to enhance sanitation infrastructure and promote hygiene practices. This concerted effort has yielded visible improvements in rural and urban areas alike.

WASH initiatives go beyond infrastructure development; they emphasize education and awareness. Programs across countries like Indonesia are not only building toilets but also educating communities about the importance of hygiene. These initiatives instill sustainable practices, ensuring that the impact endures for generations.

Innovative Technologies Making a Splash

The adoption of innovative technologies is revolutionizing water and sanitation solutions. In countries such as Singapore, advanced water treatment technologies, including recycled water for domestic use, are not just addressing scarcity concerns but also setting a benchmark for sustainable practices.

Community-Led Sanitation Programs

Community engagement has emerged as a linchpin in the journey towards better sanitation. Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs, as seen in Bangladesh, empower local communities to take charge of their sanitation needs. The result is open defecation-free villages and improved health outcomes.

Cross-Border Collaboration for Clean Water

The importance of cross-border collaboration cannot be overstated The Mekong River Commission (MRC) stands as a testament to regional collaboration. Established to promote sustainable development and management of water resources, the MRC facilitates dialogue and joint decision-making among member countries. By sharing data, coordinating infrastructure projects, and fostering cooperation, the MRC contributes to equitable water use and addresses issues of water quality and quantity. The Mekong River Commission, involving countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, exemplifies regional cooperation for sustainable water resource management, ensuring access to clean water for millions. 

Private Sector Partnerships Flowing In

Partnerships with the private sector are proving instrumental in addressing water and sanitation challenges. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are investing in innovative sanitation technologies and solutions, aiming to provide access to safe sanitation facilities for underserved communities.

The progress in water and sanitation across Asia is undeniably heartening. The collaborative efforts of governments, communities, and innovative thinkers are creating a ripple effect that goes beyond infrastructure improvements, touching the lives of millions. As the wave of positive change continues to swell, the future looks promising for a region where access to clean water and sanitation is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right.

– Diana Vu
Photo: Flickr

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Tearfund’s Impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Tearfund's Impact in the Democratic Republic of CongoTearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) significantly contributes to alleviating the country’s enduring challenges. Amidst the wealth of natural resources and a population exceeding 95 million as of 2021, the DRC faces severe trials such as prolonged civil unrest and poverty affecting nearly 60 million people. These issues have led to violence, societal rifts and extensive displacement. As a leading charity, Tearfund plays a crucial role in offering vital aid to those most affected by these difficulties.

Tearfund’s Initiatives for Change

Since 1986, Tearfund has been active in the DRC, engaging in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development efforts. The organization’s on-the-ground efforts include providing supplies and practical support, along with disaster risk reduction activities to strengthen community resilience. Key funding sources for Tearfund include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.K. Aid Match, among others.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Sanitation Needs

Nearly 8 million people in the DRC lack access to clean water and sanitation. Tearfund’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation, which is crucial to rural communities. The organization has undertaken various projects, encompassing initiatives such as constructing 10 drinking water points and training local volunteers to oversee its management.

In addition, 6,195 households have been equipped with water kits, enabling them to treat drinking water while awaiting the functionality of the new points. The organization has also directed financial resources toward impactful endeavors, exemplified by a £100,000 (about $128,000) grant from the Scottish Government directed to Maniema. This allocation of funds has played a pivotal role in extending access to clean and safe water, benefitting nearly 45,000 individuals in the region.

Innovative Waste Management and Sustainability Efforts

There are no proper waste collection points in Kinshasa, the capital city, with locals dumping rubbish into the river. This plastic is also used as flood defense as the river often floods. In response, Tearfund’s local partner in Kinshasa runs a program reusing plastic waste, which cleans up the city and provides job opportunities for locals who collect and transform plastic into government-approved tiles.

In addition, this initiative has enabled turning discarded plastic into marketable goods such as paving stones, bricks, brooms and bags. Another way it helps deal with waste is by supporting sustainable farming, offering seeds, tools and training to reduce dependency on external aid. Through government funding and donations, Tearfund’s work in DRC has been a lifeline for those who live there.

Through three decades of commitment, the nonprofit has actively engaged in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and community development, playing a crucial role in a country marked by decades of civil war and instability.

Looking Forward

Tearfund’s impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illuminates a path of hope and resilience amidst challenges. Through innovative water sanitation projects and waste management initiatives, it is not just improving immediate living conditions but also laying the groundwork for sustainable development. Above all, as Tearfund continues its dedicated efforts, the future holds promise for enhanced community well-being and environmental stewardship in the DRC.

– Jack Timmins
Photo: Flickr