Archive for category: Sanitation

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Poor Sanitation and Infectious Diseases in Indonesia

Infectious Diseases in IndonesiaAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), communicable diseases and nutritional conditions are responsible for 34.7% of deaths in Indonesia. With tuberculosis (TB) ranked first, a ratio of 48.9 deaths per 100,000 people creates a major social and economic burden. Poverty, overcrowding and the lack of rural health infrastructure in Indonesia act as catalysts for infectious diseases like TB, due to poor sanitation and hygiene. 

Diseases such as TB and worm infections affect low-income communities by placing a heavy financial burden on families, especially those living in rural areas, due to a lack of safe shelter, clean drinking water, nutrition and sanitation. These challenges increase disease risk and push families deeper into poverty. As a result, initiatives addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities are needed. 

Organizations such as Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and promote sanitation in rural areas. They do this by improving public health, expanding health care access and supporting health care in low-income communities.

Palang Merah Indonesia

On September 17, 1945, Indonesia’s year of independence, Mohammad Hatta ordered the creation of PMI, also known as the Indonesian Red Cross Society. The goal was to help support the injured and provide medical assistance to communities during the Indonesian National Revolution. Through this effort, PMI received international recognition and became a member of the International Red Cross.

The Indonesian government officially recognized PMI as a humanitarian organization in 2018. From then on, PMI has set a long-term mission to expand its inclusive services, prevent disease, strengthen social trust and increase collaborations with partners, including the government. It does this by implementing several strategies, including strengthening communities, improving blood donation services and increasing transparency. 

In 2022, PMI collected a total of 368,557 bags of blood, helping ensure a steady, reliable blood supply for communities. To maximize its impact on sanitation and hygiene, PMI also runs a health program called Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). WASH plays a key role in preventing disease and improving quality of life. 

By building clean water supply systems, improving sanitation facilities and raising awareness through hygiene education campaigns, PMI prevents infectious diseases often caused by poor sanitation. Programs like WASH play a major role in preventing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

Siklus Indonesia

Siklus Indonesia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010, focused on health care access and social development. Its mission is to strengthen and empower communities, particularly the underserved, through its services, research, partnerships and educational programs. To better achieve this goal, Siklus Indonesia proposed creating the AIDS, TB and Malaria Regional Action Plan (RAD) to reduce HIV, TB and malaria rates in Yogyakarta from 2026 to 2030. 

During a preparatory meeting for the program, the regional government and secretariat held a workshop in November 2025 to review strategies, including the National AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) strategy. The workshop discussed progress in fighting infectious diseases through the ATM program. About 87% of Indonesians with HIV/AIDS are aware of their diagnosis. Moreover, 58% have received antiretroviral therapy (ARV). 

As a result, 64% of individuals with HIV/AIDS achieved viral load suppression. As for TB, screening reached 63% of estimated cases among the total 90%, while treatment success is 83.4%. Consequently, Siklus Indonesia has implemented outreach focused on vulnerable communities to increase TB case discovery through education, screening and encouraging high-risk individuals to get tested. 

Most of the outreach focuses on the elderly, youth, pregnant women, people with infectious diseases and congregate settings. Heavily populated areas, such as Islamic boarding schools and correctional facilities, often have higher transmission rates. This is due to limited space and inadequate infrastructure, which underlines the need for action and attention. 

While direct initiatives, such as medical and therapeutic efforts, are important, Siklus Indonesia shows that education and outreach remain essential for addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

DoctorSHARE

DoctorSHARE was founded in 2009 by Lie A. Dharmawan, with the mission to alleviate suffering and expand health care access for vulnerable and underserved communities in Indonesia. In 2013, he created the first floating hospital in Indonesia to better reach and support marginalized communities that live far away. Dharmawan was inspired during his time in Maluku, when a young mother and her severely ill daughter had to travel three days by boat and approached him for help. 

She was diagnosed with a hernia and interstitial clamping, which required immediate surgery. Fortunately, Dharmawan was able to operate in time. The surgery was successful and the child survived. On his way back to Jakarta, he began thinking about how many others face the same challenge. As a solution, he created the first floating hospital, named RSA Nusa Waluya I.

DoctorSHARE also offers a range of health programs, including outreach and disaster response. Outreach includes the floating hospital, flying doctor (five to seven doctors supporting highlanders via aircraft), health promotion and advocacy and capacity building. DoctorSHARE also runs TB rehabilitation programs, with more than 394 patient care and consultation sessions and 612 walking clinics. 

This initiative partners with communities, individuals and the government. It also improves health care access through infrastructure upgrades. One example is the TB clinic in Sentani, which treats infectious diseases to help contain them and prevent outbreaks. Medical outreach like this directly reduces infectious diseases in low-income communities.

As of 2024, doctorSHARE has completed more than 5,350 major surgeries, 7,959 minor surgeries and 294,028 outpatient treatments, including 6,299 ultrasound consultations and 68,371 health education programs. By providing surgeries and TB rehabilitation, these programs restore productivity and help break the cycle of poverty caused by financial burden. This creates a sustainable culture of wellness, where improving health care protects communities’ future.

Conclusion

In an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, the geography of Indonesia makes addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities especially challenging. This highlights the need for continued action. If these issues matter in Indonesia, then they matter globally.

Thus, initiatives from PMI, Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE highlight nonprofit regional support through health care access, education and promotion. By implementing these strategies, organizations empower the next generation with quality health care and support that helps address broader global challenges. Through intervention, accessibility and sustainability, these efforts improve health care access and help communities break the cycle of poverty.

Bianca P. Gunawan

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

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Water Pollution in Bangladesh

Water Pollution in BangladeshBangladesh is in the process of improving its sanitation standards by taking steps to decrease the impact of water pollution. As a result of the water resources secretary-level meeting in New Delhi in 2021, India and Bangladesh have since agreed to work together regarding water pollution, flood oversight and the shared rivers between the two countries.

Environmental Vulnerability and Water Pollution

Bangladesh is one of the most polluted countries in the world. Climate change causes extensive damage to Bangladesh’s environment through floods, cyclones and tidal surges. According to Harvard University, the land’s vulnerabilities are caused by the shoreline’s shape and its low-lying topography. As the landscape has been studied, the data reveal that toxins, including groundwater arsenic content between 2000 and 2019, negatively impact public access to clean drinking water.

Government Action on Sanitation and Waterways

Since then, the Bangladesh government has been determined to address the impact of water pollution in Bangladesh, toxic waterways and poor sanitation that cause inadequate public health in the country. Its waterways provide resources for food and hygiene throughout the country; however, chemical and plastic water pollution contaminates wetlands and rivers. After the meeting in New Delhi, it became evident that intervention from the local city government is imperative to repair the outdated water supply system installed by the British in 1963.

Arsenic Contamination and Seasonal Water Access

The impact of water pollution in Bangladesh dates to the 1970s, when water sourced from ground deposits absorbed arsenic. However, residents have effectively obtained clean water through rainwater collection in cisterns. The short period of heavy rainfall does not occur between April and May, making government organizations necessary to facilitate access to a clean water supply during the dry months. For the Bangladesh government, the solution to water contamination requires ending the use of tube wells, building water storage systems and replacing old pipelines that supply potable water to the population.

Urban Water Conservation in Rajshahi

Alternative sanitation systems have been implemented in the city of Rajshahi, west-central Bangladesh, where the city government discovered techniques that increase the productivity of water conservation. By creating systems and maintaining surface water with assistance from an urban infrastructure development project, 20 ponds in Rajshahi filled water reservoirs.

By conserving water resources, residents in the city now have reliable access to clean water, improving public health in the area. These developments have enacted further structural change by incorporating modern technology. “The city government authority has also enacted bylaws that compel businesses to use carbon capture and recycling technology and restrict water emissions.”

Industrial Pollution and Manufacturing Accountability

Based on data concerning toxic water pollution emissions from manufacturers, the BBC found that 80% of the nation’s exports contribute to toxic wastewater discharge into rivers. Customer concerns over the mishandling of chemical waste and employee safety have influenced the impact of water pollution in Bangladesh. Aldi, the textile manufacturer under scrutiny, now educates staff on proper chemical handling and wastewater disposal. Given that Bangladesh’s waterways serve a population of 163 million people, regulations of this significance serve as a blueprint for future manufacturers.

UNICEF and WASH Initiatives

The Bangladesh government is committed to improving public health and has outlined a plan to address outdated plumbing systems that contribute to inadequate sanitation. To implement these changes, the Bangladesh government partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to implement a Sustainable Development Goal Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SDG WASH) model oriented toward public health and safety. UNICEF’s goal is to install WASH facilities to serve children and vulnerable populations in rural communities.

Over the years, UNICEF found that untreated sewage threatened Bangladesh’s access to freshwater resources while intensifying the impact of water pollution in Bangladesh and the spread of disease.

WASH services provide safe water and sanitation materials while making those resources readily available. These facilities improve sanitation by promoting essential hygiene protocols that contribute to public health and reduce disease transmission.

Scaling Rural Sanitation Systems

Plans to scale and oversee water networks in rural communities are in progress. Bangladesh aims to focus on modern toilet installations and updated sanitation facilities. Despite limited grant funding from development partners such as U.N. agencies, UNICEF can help Bangladesh raise service standards through appropriate procedures. Integrating testing before launching systems provides insight into the most effective approach for expanding access to safe drinking water and essential hygiene facilities. Given the strategic nature of these systems, other underdeveloped countries may use Bangladesh as a blueprint for advancing sanitation and public health.

– Lala McCullough

Lala is based in Brentwood, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poor Sanitary Infrastructure in Latin America: A Driver of Poverty

Poor Sanitary Infrastructure in Latin America: A Driver of Poverty Poorly managed sanitary infrastructure in Latin America is a key driver of poverty in the region. A lack of proper sewage and access to clean water exposes millions—particularly in rural and low-income urban areas—to easily preventable diseases. This disease burden reduces productivity, keeps students out of school and expands inequality. Women and girls endure the hardest impact, having a diminished chance of obtaining a proper education.

The Depth of Economic Disparity

In 2020, only 34% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean had access to safely managed sanitary infrastructure, leaving more than 400 million people without such services, while about 75% had access to safely managed drinking water.

Shortages particularly affect informal settlements, where infrastructure cannot match population expansion. Cholera and typhoid cause long-term illnesses that undermine workforce productivity and increase poverty. World Bank econometric modeling illustrates that global WASH investment can yield $5–$7 in returns for every $1 invested through avoided health costs and improved productivity. Failing to invest in sanitation creates a cycle of disease and economic stagnation. A lack of proper sanitation is a major factor in global mortality and morbidity, particularly from diarrheal diseases, with ripple effects including reduced workforce productivity and higher health care costs for civilians.

Societal and Structural Barriers

Wider ripples in society cause sanitation issues, leading to millions of schooldays lost annually. Around 83 million people in the Americas lack improved sanitation and 15.6 million still defecate in the open. Peri-urban communities in Bolivia are not yet linked to sewerage systems, leading to pollution of the environment and health risks. People residing in indigenous communities of the Amazon region often employ rudimentary waste systems, which still pose repeated risks to health. In addition, women and children often do the task of collecting water, spending hours doing so in unhygienic conditions—hours they could spend on education or income generation.

Environmental and Governance Challenges

Hasty urbanization regularly surpasses sanitary infrastructure in Latin America, with the result that informal settlements in flood areas lack sewage and drainage. Climate-related floods in Honduras have overwhelmed these compromised systems, resulting in extensive water pollution and disease outbreaks. Underinvestment, bad regulation, institutional fragility and corruption are further hindrances, rooted in governance problems. In the absence of open, community-oriented planning, susceptible groups face a lack of access to basic services.

Paving the Path Forward

Interventions in the right direction are taking place throughout the region. Water For People employs its “Everyone Forever” strategy to support communities in sustaining water and sanitation infrastructure. Water.org subsidizes home WASH improvements through microloans to promote family-level resilience and dignity. The Inter‑American Development Bank (IDB) invests significantly in WASH systems in Latin America. In Bolivia, an IDB loan of $40 million is consolidating basic sanitation services in small municipalities, in addition to larger projects worth $100 million with Spain designed to expand water and sanitation to half a million peri‑urban dwellers.

These initiatives not only improve sanitary infrastructure in Latin America but also strengthen local institutional capacity and promote community engagement. UNICEF promotes school-based WASH programs aimed at equitable, gender-sensitive facilities and hygiene education, which improve attendance and dignity—especially for girls.

Emerging technologies like decentralized sanitation systems—composting toilets and neighborly treatment units—are gaining ground in hard-to-reach or slum areas. These avoid the logistics of sewerage centralization while offering low-cost, community-led sanitation.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Latin America’s sanitation crisis is inexorably connected with economic inequality, educational losses, environmental risk and gender disparities. A multifaceted response can potentially ease the burden on vulnerable populations through sustained WASH investment, effective governance, active community engagement and effective local governance.

– Anoushka Rai

Anoushka is based in Frisco, Texas, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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