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Renewable Energy in Equatorial Guinea

Renewable Energy in Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea, a country just slightly above the equator line, has 1.4 million residents. Gas and fossil fuels provide 69% of the energy consumed in the country. The other 31% of energy consumed comes from hydropower, largely from the Dijibloho hydroelectric plant. Here is more information about renewable energy in Equatorial Guinea.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

In 2023, the Equatorial Guinean government announced a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by the year 2030. The government can only achieve this endeavor through further investment into renewable energies. An expansion in further hydropower projects could not only work towards this goal, but also provide stable employment for many citizens. The construction of the Dijibloho Dam from 2008 to 2012 demonstrates the potential benefits of hydropower investment, evidenced by the rapid growth in renewable energy generation in the years after the dam became operational. In 2011, Equatorial Guinea consumed only 4% of its energy through hydropower yet in 2015, the third year with the Dijibloho Dam running, this percentage jumped to 33%.

Hydropower Expansion

Building on its recent hydropower investments, the government of Equatorial Guinea is expanding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase renewable energy production through the construction of the Sendje hydro project. This dam, with plans brewing since 2020, is ongoing and entirely funded by the Equatorial Guinean government. The new project is planned to attain a capacity of 200 MW, which would far eclipse the 120 MW capacity of the Dijibloho Dam. Therefore, when this Sendje hydro project reaches completion, the country’s energy consumption can begin to transfer towards a higher dependence on hydropower than that of fossil fuels.

The Beneficial Effects of Relying on Hydropower

Large projects like the Sendje dam represent the impact that investment in renewable energy in Equatorial Guinea can have on a community at large. Those living near the dam have the opportunity to attain a sustainable job not just through the construction of the plant, but also its maintenance and operation. The creation of new jobs remains the most powerful tool for reducing poverty by providing income as well as social identity. Equatorial Guinea’s President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, acknowledges this and plans to continue investing in the natural resources of the country to support the nation’s burgeoning non-oil sectors.

Reliable energy can also play a significant role in reducing poverty among local residents who the project did not directly employ. Approximately 18% of households in Equatorial Guinea still lack access to electricity, with higher percentages in rural areas. Projects like the Sendje Dam are particularly beneficial for these communities, providing access to reliable electricity that can be produced more sustainably and often at lower long-term cost than fossil fuel based energy.

Looking Ahead

Renewable energy is abundant in Equatorial Guinea. Through the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in projects like the Sendje dam, the country can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and expand access to electricity. These developments both help to address poverty in rural communities and protect the rich natural environment. Continued investment in renewable energy therefore has the potential to support both economic development and environmental preservation across the country.

– Zaccheri Morra

Zaccheri  is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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3 Ways 5G Could Reduce Poverty in Ghana

3 Ways 5G Could Reduce Poverty in Ghana As of March 2026, Ghana’s 5G network is online in selected cities: the capital, Accra, as well as Kumasi and Tamale. Network operator Next Gen InfraCo holds exclusive rights to provide 5G services in the West African nation and aims to extend coverage to 70% of Ghana’s population of 35 million by 2027.

The 5G network is expected to improve mobile internet speeds significantly and support emerging technologies such as advanced digital intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI). Existing industries, including agriculture, health care and education, are also expected to benefit. By expanding access to critical services and resources, the 5G rollout is expected to gradually ease poverty in Ghana over the coming years.

Here are three ways 5G could reduce poverty in Ghana.

Precision Farming and Agriculture

Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, director-general of Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), spoke in March 2026 about the new 5G network’s capacity to develop the agricultural industry:

“For 5G, there are use cases for industries. We expect deployments… in agriculture. Services that are not possible today will become possible because of the speeds and high capacity that 5G will deliver.”

5G’s capability to assist agriculture stems from its ability to deliver large quantities of sensor data at high speeds. Farmers will be able to track weather conditions and crop health from Internet of Things (IoT) remote sensors. High-resolution images assessing the condition of fields and crops will be easier to receive.

With 5G, farmers are set to be more resilient to climate change and other volatilities, increasing the stability of Ghana’s internal crop and livestock markets. Food may therefore become cheaper and more accessible, helping rural communities that have typically been vulnerable to famine.

Telemedicine and Health Care

As in agriculture, 5G’s capacity to transfer large quantities of data quickly will have effects on Ghana’s health care system. Health care access in Ghana has traditionally been concentrated in urban areas, including Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi, in which 81% of the population has access to primary health care.

However, despite the relatively high rate of primary health care access, 30% of the population must travel far to receive primary health care. In rural and remote areas, quality health care access is far rarer and has been a persistent challenge through shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies, inadequate health care infrastructure and long distances to services.

Through 5G, existing software and digital intelligence will improve, allowing health care professionals to see more patients with greater efficiency. In rural areas, rather than traveling, patients will have access to live remote consultations. High bandwidth, reaching up to 10 Gbps, enhances the quality of telehealth services by allowing the transmission of large medical files and high-definition video.

Role of Education

Education is a critical process in the alleviation of poverty. Ghana’s rural communities have traditionally been affected by unequal education access, falling behind urban areas in both the quality and provision of education.

Although there remain some issues related to the distribution of device access, 5G has the potential to benefit education systems in rural, impoverished areas. 5G will permit real-time video conferencing and collaborative online tools, ensuring that students can access quality education regardless of the remoteness of their location.

Looking Ahead

Through its capacity to process, send and receive data quickly, 5G is set to have an impact on the agriculture, health care and education sectors in Ghana. Rural and remote communities that have typically been excluded from development may gain greater access to critical services, supporting long-term efforts to reduce poverty in Ghana.

– Arthur Horsey

Arthur is based in Hampshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Timor-Leste

Poverty Eradication in Timor-LesteTimor-Leste is a Southeast Asian nation with a population of more than 1.4 million people. The country, bordered by Indonesia and Australia, continues to face significant development challenges, particularly high levels of poverty. Researchers classify approximately 48.3% of the population as multidimensionally poor, and in 2024, 16% of the employed population lived on less than $2.15 per day.

In recent years, the government of Timor-Leste launched an ambitious and comprehensive poverty eradication program to improve living standards and promote inclusive economic growth. These efforts present some of the most important innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste.  A central pillar of this effort is the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). Government officials and International partners support this framework through a range of interconnected initiatives spanning social protection, education, economic diversification and overall institutional strengthening. Together, these complementary measures create a coordinated program aimed at alleviating poverty in Timor-Leste.

Putting the People First

In 2025, the United Nations published a report on poverty in Timor-Leste that outlining several key strategies the country uses to address its persistent development challenges. The first approach prioritizes strengthening the resilience and well-being of Timorese communities. One of the flagship initiatives is the Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional programme, which provides “[…] conditional cash transfers to low-income families.”

Under this initiative, eligible households receive regular financial assistance. These conditions often include ensuring children attend school consistently, participate in routine health check-ups, receive essential vaccinations, and are provided with weekly food supplies. In 2025, the program boasted an intense turnout, reaching more than 74,648 households, with particular focus on vulnerable mothers and children.

Beyond direct income support, DPoA efforts also target the structural causes of poverty, particularly through education reform and investment. The World Bank Group, through the International Development Association (IDA), partnered with the Timorese government to rehabilitate 2,780 classrooms across 535 schools and construct 102 new educational facilities. As a result, primary school completion rates increased from 56% in 2015 to approximately 62% in 2020. In more recent years, primary and secondary school enrolment rates have also improved drastically, with dropout rates falling by 50%. Higher levels of educational attainment now strengthens the foundation for future employment opportunities, helping more young people access the skills they need to participate in the workforce. Hence, these education-driven initiatives represent key innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste, by fundamentally addressing long-term inequality by investing in human capital. 

“Better” Lifestyles Through Innovation 

Beyond traditional, on-the-ground development initiatives, rapid technological advancement now plays an increasingly important role in transforming Timor-Leste into a more digitally connected society. This digital expansion helps reduce  poverty by widening people’s access to information, services and economic opportunities, representing yet another example of key innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste. 

The period between 2024 and 2025 marks a pivotal phase in the country’s digital infrastructure development. The government and its partners installed a fibre-optic underwater cable linking Timor-Leste to Australia, enabling the country to transition from a costly and unreliable satellite to faster and more affordable broadband connectivity. In addition, the launch of a Starlink license for Timor-Leste in late 2024 has “[…] provided immediate connectivity to remote rural areas that were previously excluded from the digital economy.”

This growing technological infrastructure now allows more people to access online education, digital financial services, remote employment opportunities and government platforms has become increasingly more apparent with the help of this growing technocratic sphere in Timor. By the end of 2025, internet penetration reached 40.4%, with more than 575,000 active users nationwide.

Conclusion

Timor-Leste illustrates a rich context in which poverty reduction is gradually taking shape. The country strategically combines targeted social protection programmes, such as the Bolsa da Mãe “Kondisional,” with technological advancements and frameworks like the Doha Programme of Action, to steadily transform poverty management strategies. These efforts are not only alleviating immediate hardships but also lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable development.

– Sophia Lupo

Sophia is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Digital Poverty in Punjab

Tackling Digital Poverty in PunjabTackling digital poverty in Punjab is currently one of the highest priorities in achieving fair access to education. There is a low level of digital literacy in Punjab as a result of socioeconomic constraints, gender inequality and rural-urban divides. Rural and marginalized populations have limited device ownership, inadequate connectivity and high levels of digital illiteracy. Within the education system, children from low-income households, rural communities and female students face additional hurdles because of digital poverty.

In India, for every household that is online, about one household remains offline. This gap underscores how digital poverty is shaping educational outcomes and the scale of the challenge in addressing it. Academic performance is impacted by the digital divide. Disadvantaged learners face reduced educational persistence and limited career prospects.

To ensure fair access and inclusion for all students and to create equal opportunities both in school and in the job market later in life, digital poverty has become a pressing issue for India and Punjab.

POISE and Tackling Digital Poverty in Punjab

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors is addressing digital poverty in Punjab to improve education through the Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) program. An investment of $286 million has been made available for the project, which uses technology to monitor learning outcomes.

The investment means that 1.3 million primary school students are enrolled and more than 2.2 million secondary school students are also attending classes. In addition, 592,000 students in early childhood education will receive support through POISE. Digital infrastructure in schools will be expanded through the installation of computer labs, tablets and projectors, particularly for science and mathematics curricula.

Creating a Future Without Digital Poverty in Punjab

Paul Proccee, acting country director for the World Bank India, stated that “digital infrastructure has the potential to significantly drive economic development and poverty reduction.” He also noted that digital infrastructure can help fulfill “India’s vision of Viksit Bharat through quality education for better jobs.” 

Meghna Sharma and Ragnvald Michel Maellberg, task team leaders for the program, stated that “POISE will help to improve school readiness at pre-primary level, foundational learning at primary level, skills at the secondary level for school to higher education or work transition, as well as teacher training and school management.”

In recent years, India has shifted toward technology-led development. The aims of POISE include strengthening readiness for school, improving literacy and numeracy skills, enhancing the quality of STEM education and improving pathways into higher education and employment for students.

Looking Ahead

Tackling digital poverty in Punjab has the potential to transform education and expand opportunities for many students. The Digital Poverty Alliance has emphasized that digital poverty limits social and economic inclusion. The issue involves not only a lack of access to technology but also a lack of digital literacy and skills, which are essential in an increasingly connected world. POISE in Punjab represents a step toward ensuring that, regardless of background, more students have access to the opportunities created by the digital age.

– Suneel Mehmi

Suneel is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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ZNotes: Reducing Learning Poverty Through Education

ZNotesEducation does not just reduce learning poverty. It also provides a better future and enhances the chances of people who did not have access to education before. This can provide greater access to jobs and reduce income inequality. 

Education can transform lives socially and empower people across demographics to improve their own lives. Even people in developing nations like India are achieving state ranks due to these educational opportunities. 

ZNotes

ZNotes is an educational platform created by Zubair Junjunia, who witnessed the inequalities students faced during their end-of-year exams. Junjunia launched the platform when he was just 16. Now, this platform has amassed a wealth of information to help people gain further access to educational rights.

With more than 500,000 subscribers to its databases, ZNotes has had a profound impact on more than 6 million students from more than 190 countries. Epic Angels is one of the educational platform’s biggest benefactors in the Asia Pacific region. 

The Importance of Education

UNESCO reports that global poverty would be reduced by more than 50% if everyone completed secondary education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning poverty rate skyrocketed to about 70% due to limited access to educational resources. ZNotes is a good way to quell this hindrance. 

If everyone (including those in developing or low-income households) had proper access to education, then 171 million people would be able to have better lives and be free from poverty. Although ZNotes has garnered support from more than 4.5 million students globally, coverage of certain topics remains limited. 

How ZNotes Is Reducing Learning Poverty

ZNotes is an immensely popular online learning tool that has also won awards for its syllabus-tailored study materials, which increase the chances of getting good grades. What started as a personal effort quickly turned into a global fight against educational inequality. It has worked to reduce the rate of learning poverty ever since by connecting learners across cultures, genders and faiths. 

In these diverse spaces, students exchange guidance on university, internships and career pathways, widening access to valuable social capital. Beyond preparing students for high-stakes exams, ZNotes equips them for life after school. Through its internship and contribution programs, young people gain real-world experience in a global social impact startup, building both academic and employability skills. The results are clear: 77% of interns report stronger candidacy for jobs and future internships.

Conclusion

Education is a powerful yet complex tool to foster growth, independence and success. ZNotes is an online educational platform dedicated to working collaboratively with students to reduce learning poverty. With millions of supporters, ZNotes has significantly contributed to reducing learning poverty by empowering students to become globally connected, career-ready leaders through a combination of academic support and real-world experience.

– Shruti Reddy

Shruti is based in Cedarhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Aid in Ukraine: Diia Platform as Wartime Lifeline

Digital Aid in UkraineThe mechanics of technological warfare have continued to evolve under the conditions of conflict that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has created. Nearly four years of fighting have seen the routine use of standardized drones, tactical disruption of electronic and networked services and the broadening parameters of the intelligence or information battlefield emerge as the most prominent changes. Yet, alongside the developments in combat, Ukrainian and international bodies have also utilized technological advancements in their response to Russian aggression, marking a shift toward digital aid in Ukraine as a cornerstone of wartime resilience.

Aid Disruption

In addition to the growing number of casualties, of both soldiers and civilians, Ukraine has suffered the mass displacement of its citizens, economic and infrastructural decimation and a worsening refugee crisis. Since the beginning of the war, more than 14 million Ukrainians, roughly a third of the total population, have fled their homes. By November 2024, damage to infrastructure and resources had amounted to $170 billion.

Residential buildings, administrative buildings, energy supplies, health care services and digital infrastructure are the main targets.

Ukraine and E-Governance

However, in Ukraine’s case, the anticipated disruption to essential governmental and social services did not cause as much disruption. This is because the country significantly mitigated it six years ago by migrating from localized paper-based systems to an integrated digital “e-governance” platform called Diia. The government of Ukraine launched Diia nationally in 2020 under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine developed the platform as a mobile application and online portal to digitize public services and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency. The national platform allows citizens to access digital passports, business registrations and social services through a centralized system.

Diia During Warfare

Under siege, Diia has demonstrated administrative resilience and played a critical role in streamlining and maintaining the continuity of government operations disrupted by the war. For example, through its partnership with Visa, the system enabled the state to make financial transactions to citizens, ensuring they continued to receive financial aid throughout the conflict. This includes the UAH 6,500 ($158) in cash the government gave to those living in areas affected by the war and monthly government transfers of UAH 2,000 ($49) per adult and UAH 3,000 ($73) per child to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Moreover, Diia has enabled accurate, consistent communication between the state and citizens, providing essential updates on the conflict’s proceedings. The public can also report any damage to property or infrastructure, keeping records precise and aiding the process of reparation and rebuilding. Vitally, Diia has ensured that Ukrainians can travel domestically and to neighboring European countries without hindrance, as border officials recognize Diia documents in several European nations.

Access to digital identification, including passports and relevant birth certificates, has streamlined crossings, reduced pressure on refugee processing systems and facilitated safer migration.

Final Thoughts

Responding to the mass displacement, infrastructural decimation and refugee crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Diia has kept vital governmental services functioning and aided cross-border mobility. It has offered a unified platform for social assistance. By preserving digital aid distribution throughout Ukraine, the platform has restored financial and mobile agency to its citizens and bolstered their struggle against the disruptive and impoverishing effects of conflict.

– Jude Parsons

Jude is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Banking in Sierra Leone Expands Financial Inclusion

Digital Banking in Sierra LeoneApproximately 60% of Sierra Leone’s population lives below the national poverty line, while about 13% live in extreme poverty. Limited access to formal banking has long reinforced economic exclusion. Today, digital banking in Sierra Leone is emerging as a practical solution to bridge that gap by connecting citizens to financial services through mobile phones rather than traditional bank branches.

Financial Exclusion and Structural Barriers

Financial exclusion remains closely tied to poverty. Data from the 2023 Multidimensional Poverty in Sierra Leone report shows that 81.6% of the population lives in a household without a bank account. Additionally, 55.2% of the population is both multidimensionally poor and lives in a household without a bank account.

One major barrier is identification. Although 6.4 million people have a National ID number, fewer than 500,000 physical ID cards have been issued as of 2024 due to cost constraints in its first year. However, on July 31, 2024, Sky Bank partnered with Orange Money to launch “Bank2wallet” services, enabling seamless transfers between bank accounts and mobile wallets.

How Digital Banking in Sierra Leone Works

The Bank of Sierra Leone and the U.N. Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) are promoting digital financial services in the country by jointly producing the State of the Digital Financial Services Market report. The report tracks adoption trends, transaction patterns and barriers to inclusion to inform policy and market strategy. Their collaboration helps shape regulatory priorities and supports efforts to expand mobile money, agent networks and inclusive digital channels. This enables more people, especially women and underserved groups, to participate in the formal financial system.

Mobile money and USSD technology let users with basic feature phones access financial services without internet connectivity. By dialing short codes, users can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills. The system works through “push and pull” integration, allowing transfers between bank accounts and mobile money wallets such as Orange Money and Afrimoney.

Telecom providers Orange Money and Africell (Afrimoney) are the country’s main mobile money operators, while commercial banks have expanded their digital channels. Sierra Leone Commercial Bank offers the “Mi Yone” suite, which integrates with mobile wallets. Sky Bank provides mobile and online banking and enables transfers to Orange Money and Afrimoney via USSD.

Impact on Households and Small Businesses

Digital systems are increasingly used to deliver government support. In a recent emergency program, 35,000 households received cash transfers directly on their mobile phones. Linking digital IDs to mobile money is helping farmers access credit and markets and the instant payments switch is expected to make it easier for citizens to get loans and start businesses.

Broader economic initiatives have supported women and entrepreneurs. Action on Poverty helped 3,500 women and girls start small businesses and boosted incomes for 6,000 people by at least 50% by the end of 2019. The African Development Bank also partnered with Access Bank to fund small and medium-sized enterprises in Sierra Leone.

With several households lacking traditional bank accounts, digital banking in Sierra Leone offers a scalable alternative that avoids costly physical infrastructure and documentation barriers. By leveraging mobile money and USSD technology, these services expand access to basic financial tools.

Final Remarks

Recent years have seen rapid growth in digital banking in Sierra Leone. In 2023–2024, Metro Cable launched Vult, a digital banking platform designed to unify bank accounts, mobile money and payment services. The app onboarded more than 475,000 users into interoperable payment systems, making financial services more accessible to rural and low-income populations.

As partnerships among the government, the World Bank, UNCDF, telecom providers and commercial banks continue to expand, digital banking in Sierra Leone is gaining momentum. Indeed, it is becoming a measurable, technology-driven push to reduce financial exclusion and strengthen economic resilience.

– Aila Alsakka

Aila is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Medical Innovations in Ghana: Transforming Health Care

Medical Innovations in Ghana That Are Transforming The Health Care SystemIn Ghana, where 24.2% of people live below the poverty line, health issues and the adverse effects of poverty remain heavy burdens on the population. Disproportionate access to health care negatively impacts rural and low-income populations and exacerbates the health burden for these groups. Thus, investments in the development of various medical innovations in Ghana aim to alleviate the health burden and increase access to cost-effective services for rural communities.

The BioInnovation Center

Academic City University College in Ghana partnered with Northeastern University to establish the new BioInnovation Center. The center aims to improve the availability of medical equipment for more than 5,000 rural health clinics nationwide by developing low-cost biomedical devices. This on-campus center supports student-led research, prototype development and medical innovations in Ghana. Engineering medical devices within the country contributes to a more sustainable health care delivery system, given that the country imports more than 95% of its medical devices and supplies.

The BioInnovation Center manages several current projects being tested in Ghanaian clinics, including:

  • Neonatal care devices for rural birthing centers
  • Diagnostic tools requiring no electricity or consumables
  • Medical refrigeration using solar power for vaccine cold chains
  • Point-of-care testing platforms for infectious disease diagnosis
  • Surgical instruments optimized for resource-limited operating facilities

The Drug Innovation Group

Ghana is leading the formation of a research network in medicinal chemistry to develop treatments for malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and cancer. It is the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to carry out early-stage design of drug candidates. Ghana has a high burden of TB and ranks among the 15 countries with the highest malaria burden. These diseases disproportionately affect low-income countries, where drugs are often unaffordable to a significant portion of the population. As a result, commercial incentives to develop treatments can remain limited.

The Drug Innovation Group (DIG) works in a laboratory officially opened in May 2024 at the University of Ghana. The lab includes more than U.S. $100,000 worth of advanced technology funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. DIG aims to train the next generation of scientists in Ghana, starting with undergraduate students, to combat malaria and TB in Africa.

Mental Health

Ghana faces challenges in its mental health care system due to inadequate clinical resources, infrastructure, stigma and personnel shortages. The country has only one psychiatrist for every 1.5 million people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one psychiatrist per 100,000 people. Shortages of clinical psychologists and psychiatric nurses and disparities in access to care, particularly between urban and rural areas, contribute to limited treatment access. While an estimated 3.8 to 6.6 million Ghanaians live with moderate to severe mental health disorders, approximately only 2% receive formal treatment.

The West African Digital Mental Health Alliance (WADMA) builds collaboration between technologists and clinical researchers to advance mental health services through digital innovations. Digital mental health services help bridge access gaps for rural populations and offer a more discreet option for individuals reluctant to seek treatment due to stigma.

Another digital innovation in mental health care is the M-Healer smartphone toolkit. This mobile app targets traditional healers and provides educational materials and tutorials on mental health management techniques, such as de-escalation, deep breathing and reframing anxious thoughts. The integration of evidence-based treatment techniques promotes practices that prioritize human dignity and safety. M-Healer includes a dark mode interface to reduce battery consumption and offline functionality to serve those with limited internet connectivity and high data costs. Studies report reductions in harmful practices such as chaining and improvements in psychiatric symptoms, psychological distress and stigma among patients.

Mosquito Net Mesh for Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed procedures in Africa. The standard procedure uses synthetic mesh, but many patients in low-income countries cannot afford this material. A cost-effective alternative has emerged in sub-Saharan Africa in the form of sterilized mosquito net mesh. Trials conducted in multiple hospitals in Ghana found sterilized mosquito net mesh to be an effective alternative to synthetic mesh for hernia repair in resource-limited settings.

Tricycle Ambulances

Due to long distances from clinics and limited affordable transport, people living in rural communities often face barriers to accessing emergency health care services. In response, the Moving Health Foundation deploys tricycle ambulances equipped with GPS tracking technology and designed to remain stable on rough roads. These ambulances are manufactured locally and cost 1% to 2% of the price of a traditional ambulance.

Another initiative repurposes existing motor tricycles into ambulances. These vehicles include a mobile application with tracking features and a communication system between the driver and the health facility. The initiative is projected to assist 1,800 people within the first year, including 300 mothers and caregivers.

Rapid Diagnostic Tool

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a rapid diagnostic tool used to detect blood clots, internal bleeding, gallstones and heart or lung problems in emergency settings. Health care workers trained to use POCUS can make immediate obstetric treatment decisions, improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes for more than 450 people in the Western and Savannah regions of Ghana.

Digital App for Tracking Pregnancy Care

The University of Health and Allied Sciences developed a digital platform and smartphone app to improve early pregnancy detection, optimize the timing and use of prenatal care and reduce referral costs. The system uses artificial intelligence and health system intermediaries to track women’s referral experiences, log postpartum care and assess treatment outcomes. This project is expected to enhance maternal health care for 3,000 people in the Upper West and North East regions of Ghana.

Live Monitoring for Medicine Stocks

A newly designed national digital system facilitates livestock reporting of medicines through SMS and automated ordering based on historical demand data. The system monitors medicine availability, tracks stock-outs and measures replenishment efficiency. Additionally, a national monitoring system can improve emergency response efficiency, prevent essential medicines from running out of stock and support equitable distribution across Ghana.

Looking Ahead

Interventions utilizing medical innovations in Ghana aim to expand health services to rural areas and provide more affordable alternatives for the significant number of Ghanaians living in poverty. The establishment of technology centers and laboratories focused on medical device and drug innovation in local universities is training the next generation of scientists and innovators to develop solutions suited to resource-limited settings. While Ghana has seen general improvement in health outcomes since 2018, locally based solutions remain essential to creating more equitable access to health services, transportation, medical devices and medicines.

– Sarah Merrill

Sarah is based in Matthews, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Nanozymes hold promise for developing countries

NanozymesNano enzymes (nanozymes) are an emerging technology that could transform the fields of disease diagnosis, environmental remediation and food safety. Made from nano materials, nanozymes can mimic the functions of natural enzymes while exhibiting enhanced optical, electrical and chemical properties. Due to their low cost, high stability and ease of mass production, nanozymes hold promise for developing countries as they have the potential to provide affordable, accessible healthcare solutions to those living in poverty.

What are Nanozymes

Nanozymes are processed from various types of nanomaterials and must be biodegradable and biocompatible as they are used in living and environmental systems. Their synthetic nature makes them highly stable, unlike natural enzymes that degrade, enabling reliable mass production with standard techniques such as chemical reduction. Nanozymes are generally classified into four groups: metallic-based, metal oxide-based, carbon-based, and others (such as metal-organic frameworks).

Nanozymes possess numerous properties that make them extremely valuable, with different types of nanozymes exhibiting unique attributes and capabilities. Noble metal- (e.g. silver and gold) based nanozymes possess antibacterial activity, providing the ability to treat infectious illness. Metal- and carbon-based nanozymes exhibit antioxidant properties and have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s as well as other conditions such as cancer and kidney disease.

Due to their high catalytic activity, metal, metal-oxide and carbon-based nanozymes can function as biosensors, aiding in detection of cancer, viruses and food-borne pathogens and can also be used to treat environmental pollution due to their bioactive nature. Metal-organic nanozymes, with high porosity and catalytic activity, can also be used for environmental remediation.

Diagnosis of Ebola

The Ebola virus is one of the world’s deadliest viruses. Without treatment, up to 90% of cases are fatal. From 2014 to 2016, West Africa experienced the largest ever Ebola outbreak with more than 28,600 people infected. Due to vaccines and early isolation, the number of new Ebola cases has since decreased considerably, though innovative detection solutions could potentially reduce the rate even more. A new method that could even more rapidly detect the virus uses an MNP-based immunochromatographic strip capable of identifying the Ebola virus glycoprotein. The proposed strip provides results quickly and is simpler to use than the standard test strip, as it does not require specialized facilities and people can read it with the naked eye. With a sensitivity of more than 100 times that of standard tests, the anticipated nanozyme strip could have great benefits for Ebola diagnosis.

Nanozymes for Treatment Of Water

Industrial production can discharge high concentrations of chemicals into wastewater. This can lead to environmental pollution and human health issues without proper treatment. Traditional biochemical water treatment techniques can be inefficient in degrading wastewater chemicals, while nanozymes are capable of efficiently oxidizing chemicals and eliminating them from the wastewater. Nanozymes are just beginning to enter the water treatment market space and are another way in which nanozymes hold promise for developing countries.

Food Microbe Detection

Foodborne microbes such as Listeria and Salmonella can cause sickness and even death. The risk of foodborne illness is highest in low- and middle-income countries due to inadequate food storage conditions, poor preparation practices and lack of food safety laws.

Traditional food microbial detection techniques can be time-consuming, requiring several processing steps, while food microbe biosensing nanozymes can detect microbial contaminants in food more efficiently with high accuracy, according to Biomimetics.

Swift detection of food contaminants can halt the provocation of foodborne illness and reduce the monetary burden on individuals. Affordable food microbial-sensing nanozymes are currently on the market and can provide great benefits to those in developing countries who have minimal economic resources.

Shown to increase the speed and efficiency of key health-related activities such as disease diagnosis, food safety monitoring and environmental treatment processes, nanozymes hold promise for developing countries that could greatly benefit from their low cost, straight forward production process and their fast-acting capabilities.

– Debbie Barto

Debbie is based in Monroe, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The E-Rickshaw Revolution in India: Driving Change

e-ricksawThe e-rickshaw revolution in India refers to the rapid growth of electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) in urban and rural areas, which has been a cultural phenomenon in recent years. A country known for its busy roads and honking cars, India is home to some of the world’s most congested cities and some of the highest levels of air pollution worldwide. The crisis does not affect all social groups equally.

Those who spend more time outdoors, including children, people without homes, street vendors and manual laborers, are more exposed to air pollution. These groups, therefore, are more likely to suffer its harmful effects. In addition, economically vulnerable groups are often less physically healthy and less able to withstand the harmful effects of air pollution.

For instance, outdoor manual workers are often not employed on formal contracts. They are less likely to take sick leave due to the risk of reduced wages, which often results in poor or compromised health. With the rise in popularity of “greener” modes of transport, the e-rickshaw has particularly proved life-changing for many across India, including those at risk of poverty.

E-rickshaws in India are providing new opportunities for the population, including the most vulnerable groups. They also help combat environmental issues such as air pollution and, in turn, positively reshape urban poverty. Some of the positive outcomes include:

Environmental and Health Benefits

Air pollution in India has serious consequences for public health. In 2019, an estimated 18% of deaths were linked to air pollution and this figure is not declining. These impacts also drain government finances, diverting funds that could otherwise support people living in poverty.

Vehicles and traffic are major contributors, accounting for 20–30% of urban air pollution. While e-rickshaws have arguably added to road congestion in urban India, they offer a greener alternative. They produce zero carbon emissions during operation and help reduce overall air pollution levels.

By reducing urban air pollution, health outcomes improve in low-income areas. The e-rickshaw revolution in India is also helping reduce noise pollution, particularly in highly congested cities such as Delhi. Similar to manual rickshaws, the manufacturing of e-rickshaws is not a zero-emission process.

However, once on the road, e-rickshaws do not emit any harmful pollutants (unlike auto-rickshaws, which are fueled by petrol or diesel). These environmental and health benefits of the e-rickshaw boom in India have a direct, positive impact on those living in poverty. A decrease in air pollution levels will therefore improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable.

Increasing Job Opportunities, Employability and Social Mobility

The revolution has created many new green jobs and businesses in India. These include battery charging stations, e-rickshaw maintenance and manufacturing and increased demand for e-rickshaw drivers. E-rickshaws have created more informal and flexible work opportunities.

This allows many drivers to become their own bosses and capitalize on new prospects by leasing their vehicles to others and becoming small entrepreneurs, often managing and employing other drivers. Increased job opportunities have not only affected urban areas.

The India e-rickshaw revolution has also reached rural areas, where it is increasingly popular as a cheap, green mode of mobility with lower maintenance costs. The flexible working opportunities created by the revolution have been particularly beneficial for women. Many women seeking work have turned to driving e-rickshaws to gain financial independence and support their families.

These social mobility trends and increased job opportunities have a direct, positive impact on those living in poverty. The e-rickshaw revolution has opened doors that were previously closed to many people across different social groups.

Charities Supporting the Revolution

The ride-hailing industry in India is currently male-dominated. However, many charities are supporting and encouraging women to learn to drive e-rickshaws, thereby capitalizing on India’s shift toward electric rickshaws.

The charity Karuna Shechen offers free driving lessons for women. It also provides a 50% subsidy when purchasing the vehicle, with a repayment agreement to pay off the balance. Incentives such as this directly help women and families who suffer from the effects of poverty in India.

Furthermore, there have been a small number of cases in which charities have donated e-rickshaws to vulnerable people in India, including women and others at risk of poverty, allowing them to become more self-reliant and financially stable. One such charity is Shishu Mandir, which aims to both “reduce pollution while also empowering women.”

Final Thoughts

E-rickshaws are reshaping cities and villages across India by reducing pollution, creating jobs and expanding access for women and vulnerable communities. They show that clean transport can deliver health, dignity and lasting economic mobility. Drivers can earn more stable incomes because e-rickshaws have lower purchase prices and operating costs than auto-rickshaws, while also saving on fuel.

– Anna Clare

Anna is based in Chester, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash