Archive for category: Water

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Italian Communities Without Infrastructure and Services

Italian Communities Without Infrastructure
The death of cable car maintenance worker Silvano Dellea in 2018 left Monteviasco, an isolated village in northern Italy, dependent on a mule track during the subsequent closure. Reporting in November 2022 described residents relying on the Carabinieri, Italy’s military police, to deliver food, medicine and mail a few times a week. Here is more information about Italian communities without infrastructure and the efforts in place to address their challenges.

Challenges Facing Peripheral Communities

Monteviasco is an extreme example of the difficulties facing some peripheral communities. Italian governments have attempted to counter marginalization through the National Strategy for Inner Areas, known as SNAI. The strategy aims to improve services and economic opportunities in territories at risk of marginalization.

SNAI identifies inner areas principally by their distance from centers offering services such as education, mobility and health care. Most are not in Monteviasco’s position. Figures discussed in research on the 2014-2020 cycle describe inner areas covering around 60% of national territory, almost 52% of municipalities and 22% of the population. Classification as an inner area does not mean that all residents lack basic infrastructure.

The Challenge of Maintaining Services

In March 2026, ANSA reported that 10 mountain municipalities in Piedmont had applied to a regional infrastructure funding call. The requests concerned improvements to mountain settlements, illustrating continued demand for investment in basic infrastructure.

Infrastructure such as sewerage can be challenging to extend. Piedmont’s 2026 environmental report states that further expansion is strongly affected by the physical terrain and fragmented settlement patterns. It says resources are prioritized toward improving existing networks and treatment arrangements rather than extending collection networks to scattered homes.

Missing Networks and Temporary Interruptions

There are communities in Italy without basic public infrastructure, but a gap in service access is not itself evidence that every resident is living in poverty. ISTAT’s 2025 Noi Italia summary reports that in 2022, approximately 58,000 people lived in 13 municipalities with no public drinking-water distribution service. It also identifies 41 municipalities, with around 397,000 residents, entirely without a public sewerage service. These definitions concern public networks, not proof that all those households lack every alternative water or sanitation arrangement.

Buonanotte, a hamlet in Angrogna near Turin, illustrates a network gap. Rai reported in July 2026 that public drinking water did not reach some homes and that there was no sewerage network. Residents relied on private springs or collected water, while drought put pressure on those supplies. Their appeal was for an aqueduct to help the village remain habitable.

A different problem occurred at Planet di Gignod in August 2022. About 10 hamlets temporarily lost drinking-water service after a reservoir dried up. The municipality arranged a tanker supply while the network delivered water unsuitable for drinking. This was a disruption to an existing network, rather than a place that had never had one.

Missing sewerage is not confined to remote mountain settlements. A July 2022 Corriere della Sera article described the lack of a sewer network in Bergamo’s Castagneta area, despite high property values, and also discussed the need for a network in Casal di Principe in Campania.

Initiatives to Counter Marginalization

SNAI seeks to improve essential services, particularly education, health care and mobility, while supporting local economic opportunities. Research on its programming emphasizes context-specific approaches and the involvement of local communities in identifying priorities. This matters because communities face different combinations of distance, depopulation and service constraints.

Looking Ahead

Italian communities without infrastructure face different problems: some need new public networks, while others need reliable maintenance and continuity of existing services. These examples show geographic inequalities within a high-income country. SNAI provides a framework for addressing access to services and local development, while the continuing challenges underline the importance of investment tailored to each community.

– Sebastiano Brussato

Sebastiano is based in United Kingdom and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Why Poverty Costs More: The Strange Economics of Being Poor

Group of people in a rural setting, highlighting the costs of being poor.
The “poverty premium” is the higher cost paid by the poor compared to more affluent residents. This cost can be both quantitative (literally paying more for the same good) and qualitative (incurring costs by consuming a poor-quality product). Several factors contribute to this poverty premium, including lack of options and limited supply pushing prices up. This article will discuss the strange economics of being poor, and why, in some cases, being poor costs more.

Bulk Buying

Bulk buying involves purchasing large quantities of goods, reducing the individual cost of each item. However, it requires a larger amount of cash upfront. Those without enough cash to buy in bulk spend more on individual goods. In Malawi, poorer households cannot take advantage of bulk discounts for maize, the main staple food. Regardless of location, households could enjoy bulk discounts, but rural households are less likely to buy bulk maize compared to urban residents. This creates a cycle where poor Malawians pay more for maize, leaving less cash for bulk discounts, thus perpetuating poverty.

Similarly, in Tanzania, poorer households lack access to bulk-buying discounts, affecting various food items. The Tanzanian study found significant bulk-buying discounts across 20 food items, from tomatoes to rice. Reasons for these differences include reduced packaging costs and sellers wanting to sell perishable goods quickly. Tanzanian researchers found poorer households could not consistently use these discounts due to limited cash, despite purchasing larger quantities at times. This creates a Catch-22, where households cannot afford cheaper options, forcing them to spend more.

Water

The poverty premium is evident in water costs, with poor families in urban slums paying up to 10-20 times more for water compared to richer neighbors with piped connections. This issue relates to infrastructure, with about three in 10 people lacking safely managed drinking water services worldwide as of 2019.

A 2019 report described households in underserved Indian neighborhoods relying on water trucks and kiosks rather than household taps. In these cases, buying water from vendors could cost substantially more than receiving it through a subsidized connection; some families reportedly spent up to 30% of their income on water. Sangam Vihar, a southern neighborhood in Delhi, India, is an “unauthorized” area, limiting access to metered connections and subsidies. Residents rely on private contractors for water, costing 300-500 rupees per month in 2009, while those in affluent areas with metered connections pay around 100 rupees per month. This shows the poverty premium extends beyond bulk buying and food, affecting basic infrastructure like water.

Mobile Data

The poverty premium also affects mobile data in South Africa, where poorer rural households pay more compared to wealthier individuals. South Africa already has high mobile data prices, and poorer households face price discrimination by buying data in small quantities. The Competition Commission found competition in the data market is often restricted. Those better connected access more competitive markets, which is reduced for rural residents. Buying in small quantities is more expensive, and poorer South Africans pay more than those on data plans.

This is concerning as 30% of South Africans are on the low-income line and 20% on the poverty line. Limited connectivity restricts access to economic opportunities, and the poverty premium for mobile data can be up to 11 times higher for those unable to buy large data bundles. A survey in South Africa showed mobile phones are vital to people’s lives, illustrating the poverty premium’s impact on digital connectivity and modern infrastructure.

Looking Forward – Initiatives

Despite the widespread nature of the poverty premium, some initiatives aim to counteract its effects. In Malawi, Richard Mussa recommended government policy interventions like consumption loans and group-buying schemes. In India, a 2006 report found that insecure tenancy in slums prevents residents from investing in community-led projects to address water issues. A solution likely requires ensuring security and cooperation between private and communal spheres. In South Africa, advocacy against rising mobile data prices has been significant. Since 2016, the “#DataMustFall” campaign has gained popularity, alongside Competition Commission hearings and a data-services market inquiry from 2017-2019. Advocacy remains a strong way to promote a cause.

These initiatives, from Malawi’s group-buying schemes to grassroots advocacy in South Africa, illustrate responses to the poverty premium, from proposals to improve affordability to real-world advocacy.

The Strange Economics of Being Poor

The term “strange” refers to the counterintuitive nature of the economics of poverty, and the poverty premium falls under this category. This article has only touched on the strange economics of being poor, affecting areas like energy, education, healthcare and savings. The initiatives discussed are just a few among many that combat poverty and the premium. Poverty is not always straightforward: lacking money or infrastructure to access lower prices can make essential goods and services more expensive for the poor.

– Sebastiano Brussato

Sebastiano is based in London, United Kingdom and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Who Gives a Crap: Fighting for Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean Water and Sanitation
Who Gives a Crap is a company that makes and sells toilet paper using recycled paper or bamboo. The company donates 50% of its profits to partnerships that aim to provide fresh clean water and access to clean toilets and proper sanitation through partnerships with Fresh Life, WaterAid Australia and Water For People.

Who Gives a Crap toilet paper has two product identities: one made out of 100% recycled materials and another made from 100% bamboo. The recycled materials come from paper already in circulation, meaning fewer forests are being cut down for the production of this toilet paper. The use of bamboo also helps in the fight against deforestation. Bamboo is fast-growing and, according to the company, uses nearly 90% less land per sheet than traditional toilet paper. This means it can be harvested faster, and as an added bonus, it is biodegradable.

Charitable Work

Who Gives a Crap donates 50% of its profits to charitable organizations striving to provide developing countries with clean water and access to sanitary toilets. The company has raised more than £11 million for these organizations to date. These organizations focus on three major issues faced by communities with limited water and sanitation services:

  • The Impact Improper Sanitation Has on Lives: Charities are fighting for proper sanitation systems. Without these systems, waste can end up in water used for drinking, cleaning and bathing, causing disease and infections that could be fatal.
  • Environmental Impact: Methane gas is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. According to Who Gives a Crap, untreated waste accounts for 5% of human-caused methane emissions. Charities are fighting for the proper disposal of this waste, which can lead to cleaner air and cleaner water.
  • Impact on Vulnerable People: Lack of clean water and clean toilets affects the most vulnerable groups such as women, children and those living with disabilities. By providing communities with access to both, the overall population will be positively impacted.

Who They Work With

Fresh Life works to build sustainable sanitation solutions in growing cities in Kenya such as Nairobi and Kisumu. These cities are densely populated and heavily built up in low-income areas. Fresh Life’s initiative is to provide these areas with safe and sustainable sanitation solutions.

WaterAid Australia, part of the global WaterAid federation, is tackling the sanitation crisis. It is an organization working to provide those in need with clean water, decent toilets and overall good hygiene practices.

Water For People also works to fight the sanitation and clean water crisis. It collaborates with local communities and governments toward lasting services for every household. The World Health Organization estimates that safe water, sanitation and hygiene could have prevented at least 1.4 million deaths worldwide in 2019. Water For People is fighting to ensure the health and well-being of those without access to these needs.

Who Gives a Crap is a business that promises 50% of its overall profits to charities working on the ground to provide everyone with access to clean water and sanitation. The business is not only set up through a strong belief that everyone should have access to these necessities but is also built on environmental morality. The product alone helps to reduce waste through recycling and uses bamboo to counter waste through its biodegradable properties and more sustainable harvesting.

– Shannon Waters

Shannon is based in United Kingdom and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Expanding Safe Water Access in Kiribati

Safe Water Access in Kiribati
Kiribati is facing an urgent water crisis, with limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation placing communities at continual risk of disease. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), safe water access in Kiribati remains critically low. WHO’s 2022 indicators show low access to safely managed drinking water, particularly in rural communities. Kiribati also faces sanitation challenges, with limited access to safely managed sanitation services in WHO’s 2022 reporting, according to the WHO. These conditions contribute directly to the spread of waterborne and sanitation-related diseases, placing vulnerable communities at heightened risk. WHO identifies unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene as public health risks. These figures highlight the need for urgent intervention to strengthen water security and reduce preventable disease exposure.

The South Tarawa Water Supply Project

Several major organizations have collaborated to address the unsafe water and sanitation issues in Kiribati. The Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund have co-financed, alongside the Kiribati government, a $92.06 million project on the island of South Tarawa, Kiribati. The primary goal is to substantially increase the population’s access to safely managed drinking water services that can withstand climate and disaster-related challenges, providing reliable, safe water access in Kiribati. Much of the investment targets infrastructure, through the construction and maintenance of two water desalination plants and new water supply networks.

In addition to infrastructure, the project aims to combat poor hygiene in the region, with new practices delivered through community programs. Education on safe sanitation practices will also be a focus, with initiatives introduced in several South Tarawa schools. Finally, the project will ensure the continued management and safeguarding of these new water sources, with it yet to outline specific activities. The first drinking water distribution system in South Tarawa, the McKenzie Desalination Plant, was commissioned and completed in 2025. However, the Betio desalination plant is delayed due to water-quality concerns, while parts of the distribution network remain under development. As a result, the project has not yet translated into widespread safe water access, with progress dependent on the completion of the remaining systems. This project operates in accordance with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank’s community safeguards, ensuring the minimization of adverse social and environmental outcomes.

Current Update – July 2026

The South Tarawa Water Supply Project provides community updates and consultations, detailing the project’s recent activities and progress. July’s update emphasized the importance of community involvement, calling for all in the community to help sustain and ensure solid maintenance of the water system. Community outreach and hygiene education are part of the project’s official objectives. Community engagement remains important to the project’s long-term operation.

The South Tarawa Water Supply Project represents a major step toward securing safe water access in Kiribati by building reliable and disaster-resilient water systems for the community. By combining the construction of new infrastructure, necessary upgrades to water supply routes, community engagement and strengthened hygiene, the initiative is establishing the systems needed to sustain safe water access in South Tarawa. Continued progress of this project is crucial to ensuring long-term improvements to public health and daily life in Kiribati.

– Xavier Stephens

Xavier is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions, and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Solar Water in Rural Malawi is Improving Health

Solar Water in Rural Malawi
Solar water in rural Malawi is helping families get safer and more reliable water. In Karonga District, new solar-powered water systems were built at Chikutu and Thawiro health posts and nearby villages. The systems now provide clean water to more than 2,000 people. Before the project, some families depended on rivers and rainwater for their daily needs. These factors made access to safe water difficult and increased the risk of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.

Life Before Safe Water

Previously, many families in the area had no easy access to clean water, and in some cases, they had to get it from rivers or use rainwater. This was not always a safe arrangement, particularly for children. The Chikutu Health Post also had difficulties with water supply since the health workers needed clean water both to look after patients and to keep the health post clean. It was therefore important to have a safe source of water close by for the health center.

How Solar-Powered Water Systems Help

The new water systems use solar power to pump water from underground. The water is then stored in tanks and brought closer to the health posts and nearby communities. This gives families a safer source of water and means they do not have to depend as much on rivers or rainwater. The systems also give health workers easier access to the water they need each day. Solar-powered water systems are already in use in various areas of Malawi. The systems use solar power to pump water to places where people need it. This system includes homes, schools and health centers. In 2024, UNICEF-supported solar water systems provided safe water to 48,000 people in Malawi. Around 23,500 of them were children. Similar systems are now being used in different parts of the country, not only in Karonga.

Better Water, Better Health

It is also important to have safe water in order to prevent diseases; in 2023 the Chimaliro Health Centre noted 40 cases of cholera and one death. The health center and the families living nearby had been using water from the same borehole, a source that at times was not safe. Later on a solar-powered water system was set up in the area. Once the new system began to operate, the health center recorded no cases of cholera in 2024 and the health workers also had more water at their disposal for cleaning and looking after patients.

More Time for School

Solar water in rural Malawi can also save time for students. In Machinga District, some students at Mpalangwazi Primary School had to collect water before going to school. Because of this, they sometimes arrived late. Later, six solar-powered water points were built at the school and in nearby villages. Teachers said that students started coming to school on time more often. The school has more than 1,000 students, so having water closer to them can save time before and during the school day.

Water Access in Malawi

For many people in Malawi access to clean water is still a major problem. WaterAid states that about 17% of the population have no access to clean water and that 56% lack proper hygiene facilities. In rural areas people often have to walk long distances to get their water or have to depend on sources that might not be safe. The problem also affects health centers since clean water is needed by patients, the staff and for the daily cleaning. WaterAid has worked with health centers in Malawi to improve their water and sanitation services. This has involved the installation of piped water systems powered by solar energy.

Solar power is useful in rural areas since it allows the water to be pumped without relying on a regular electricity supply. Once the water is pumped, it can be stored and used by the health center and people living nearby. It is also beneficial for families to have a source of water nearby because it saves them time. Rather than spending part of the day searching for or gathering water, people have more time available for going to school, working and looking after other matters. This is particularly important for women and children, who are usually in the position of having to collect water for their families.

Looking Ahead

Many people in Malawi still do not have clean water close to where they live. Having safe water resources that are easy to access could result in less time being spent collecting it and a reduced health risk. It would also make it easier for schools and health centers which need water every day. Solar water in rural Malawi is already reaching communities that once had difficulty finding safe water.

The projects in Karonga and other districts are only part of the work that still needs to be done but the results so far give reason for hope to the people. As more communities receive safe water systems, more families can have a healthier and safer place to live. For families who have spent years worrying about where their next bucket of clean water will come from, having safe water close to home can be the beginning of a better future.

– Mert Sungur

Mert is based in Bursa, Turkey and focuses on Technology and Solutions, and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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10 Ways Smart Cities in India Transform Urban Lives

Smart Cities in India
The country with the largest population in the world, India faces overcrowding and pressure on infrastructure and services in urban areas. However, the government launched the Smart Cities Mission in 2015, which has set up Integrated Control and Command Centers (ICCCs) in more than 100 cities, spearheading a data-driven approach to urban problems. This initiative has aided the urban population by remodeling urban spaces and increasing access to basic services. Here are 10 ways in which smart cities in India transform urban lives.

1. Traffic Management

By integrating data from disparate systems like traffic camera footage and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, ICCCs manage traffic congestion in real time. In Agra, a densely populated city in India, the incorporation of Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) and Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) into its ICCC optimized green light timings, decreasing waiting time on the road.

The data collected through ICCCs has increased the efficiency and reach of public transportation networks. Bus services in both Aurangabad and Surat have grown to cover over 40 routes. Improvements in traffic management and public transport enable urban citizens to commute safely, efficiently and affordably, reducing the stress and hassle of daily travels.

2. Upgrading the Water Supply Network

The World Bank Group estimates that water stress affects around 600 million people in India. However, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have expanded access to clean water in Smart Cities. These systems, within the cities’ ICCCs, monitor water levels and detect leakages in real time, facilitating effective water distribution. Ahmedabad has produced an additional water supply of more than 50 million liters per day, serving 150,000 more people as of 2023. Through smart technologies, India maximizes the use of its available resources to meet the demands of a large urban population.

3. Self-cleaning Toilets

The number of people practicing open defecation has dropped from 500 million in 2014 to 75 million in 2023, demonstrating an improvement in public hygiene over the years. The installation of self-cleaning toilets equipped with automated flushing and cleaning systems in numerous smart cities in India, including Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Prayagraj, has sanitized public spaces and toilet facilities. Additionally, the construction of smart toilets both generates revenue for local entrepreneurs and increases their involvement in community infrastructure.

4. Converting Waste to Energy

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, from 2021 to 2022, close to half of urban India’s solid waste generated per day was untreated. However, waste-to-energy initiatives have simultaneously tackled solid waste management and boosted energy output. This shrinks the size of landfills, lowering the risk of contaminating the surrounding environment, and adapts to rising demands for electricity in urban areas. Jabalpur’s innovative Waste-to-Energy plant generates electricity by burning solid waste, powering more than 18,000 homes and saving 4.4 hectares of land.

5. Providing Housing

Urban areas in India suffered from a housing shortage of an estimated 1.5 to 2 crore units in 2025. Smart cities in India have been assisting the urban poor through the provision of affordable housing, along with basic amenities. This allowed Surat to build higher quality homes accompanied by sewage treatment and biowaste converter facilities, decreasing the area of slums by 14% from 2002 to 2022.

6. Incubation Centers

Incubation centers support startups involved in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Technical and financial assistance, including data sharing and the provision of modern workspaces, equip startups with the tools they need to thrive. These startups have then created more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, helping Smart Cities in India keep up with and prosper from new technological developments.

7. Smart Cards

Eighteen Smart Cities have improved their financial services through the implementation of smart cards. This allows citizens to make financial transactions, such as paying their property taxes or bus fares, conveniently and securely.

8. WiFi Hotspots

There has been a rapid increase in Internet access in India, from 15% in 2015 to 70% in 2025. WiFi hotspots in public locations, such as bus stations, hospitals and slum areas, have secured equitable access to the Internet, benefiting low-income households that may not be able to afford mobile data. This enhances digital connectivity and literacy in low-income neighborhoods, narrowing social disparities.

9. Registering Grievances

ICCCs organize service complaints on a digital dashboard, facilitating swift responses. Bengaluru has synthesized its Stakeholder Grievance management system with its ICCC, setting up 24-hour call centers and an online platform and app with chat bot function. These services register and process grievances in real time, alleviating stress.

10. Disaster Management

The installation of flood sensors in Smart Cities like Pune measures water levels, warning authorities of possible flooding and giving them more time to enact preparatory measures. This lessens the impact of flooding events, protecting lives and infrastructure. The 50 flood sensors in Pune facilitated the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents as heavy rain in July 2026 caused the Mutha River to overflow.

Utilizing technology in various ways, Smart Cities in India have adapted to expanding urban populations, striving to provide sufficient housing, clean water and electricity and cultivating safe and hygienic environments.

– Katy Wong

Katy is based in Hong Kong and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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‘Project FLOW’ and Access to Clean Water in Guyana

Project FLOW: Clean Water in GuyanaWhen Vasanna Persaud installed a water refill station at school, she was not expecting to trigger a national movement known as Project FLOW. She was simply trying to attack an everyday problem. Despite having the fastest GDP projection in the world and sizable freshwater reservoirs, Guyana has long struggled to provide consistent access to potable water for all of its citizens. While Guyana now nears the universal clean water access benchmark, recently reaching the 98.3% milestone, this was not always the case.

Simultaneous environmental pressures primarily caused this deficit. The first is rising tides that cause saltwater intrusion and heavy rains that contaminate or flood existing supplies, resulting from global warming. In addition, booms in oil extraction and agriculture pose a higher risk of chemical, sediment and oil runoff— which can compromise coastal waterways.

Piloting Her Project

Persaud recognized the water insecurity issue early on as a Queen’s College student, where she witnessed both limited access to sustainable drinking water and a growing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. This constraint was more than a mere inconvenience. For many youth, water insecurity at school contributes to health decline, lower grades and reduced school attendance— factors that ultimately hinder educational attainment and economic opportunity.

After winning the SHOUT essay competition, Persaud secured nearly $4,000 to pilot a refillable water bottle station at her school. This initiative provided students with reliable access to clean drinking water throughout the school day while encouraging sustainable consumption habits.

Her work made a splash. Within eight months, the project eliminated the use of more than 30,000 plastic bottles at Queen’s College and proved a dependable source of in-school hydration. This success garnered the attention of local leaders, environmental organizations and government agencies that saw potential that exceeded a single campus.

National Implementation of Water Refill Technology

That momentum inspired Project FLOW, a national initiative that is projected to provide safe and sustainable water access for 58,000 students. Through partnerships with Recover Guyana NGO and Guyana’s Ministry of Education, the program has installed water stations at 141 primary and secondary schools.

And the effects go far beyond hydration. Schools reduce plastic waste output, families face less pressure to buy bottled water and students spend more time in the classroom. By addressing public health, sanitation, environmental footprint, hydration and education, Project FLOW demonstrates that one intervention can help eradicate many drivers of poverty at once.

Conclusion

Now a college student continuing this work remotely, Persaud has faced unexpected challenges surrounding media recognition and ownership of Project FLOW as it continues to take off. While these disputes remain unresolved, Persaud is staying true to her initial goal: ensuring access to clean water for every student in Guyana by 2030. Regardless of existing tensions, she continues to lead others with impact and integrity, creating a replicable model and refusing to accept the status quo. Upon receiving her SHOUT Essay Award, Persaud shared, “Growing up… I was a girl who had a lot of opinions. But that’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be heavily empowered by,” which she continues to live by.

– Natasha Agarwal

Natasha is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Ways the US Fuel Blockade Challenges SDG 1 in Cuba

SDG 1 in CubaMotivated by a desire for the island’s government to change regimes, U.S. President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29th, 2026, authorizing the imposition of heavy tariffs upon oil provisions sent to Cuba and delivering a huge blow to the progress made toward SDG 1 in Cuba. 

The island is one of Latin America’s poorest countries and had already been struggling with an energy crisis before Trump’s tariffs were put into place. With 12% experiencing unemployment and an astonishing 89% living in extreme poverty, Cuba’s citizens are suffering under the weight of food shortages and medicine shortages, blackouts and poor wages. 

While the island has long endured social problems, as of 2026, the poverty rate has soared by 49% since 2025, with the island now suffering from blackouts, a lack of drinkable water and outbreaks of mosquito-borne and hygiene-related illnesses, creating a nation-wide poverty crisis that is driving 78% of people living on the island to make emigration plans. Here are three ways that the U.S. fuel blockage on Cuba is threatening the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: no poverty in Cuba: 

1. Debilitated Healthcare System 

Cuba’s hospitals are unable to function effectively due to frequent power outages, leading to thousands of patients awaiting surgeries that are unable to be performed without sufficient water and electricity. Despite relying on generators during the reoccurring blackouts, hospitals and other important institutions are grappling to optimize the few hours of electricity provided each day, with laboratories shortening their workdays from five to two hours every week in order to preserve fuel.

A spike in hygiene-related and mosquito-borne illnesses, which the heaps of rubbish now piling on the streets of Cuba have caused, is putting the healthcare system under further strain. The Cuban Government responded to the fuel shortage with rationed waste collection in an attempt to save fuel, resulting in garbage piles being burned as citizens desperately scramble to get rid of the piles of waste marinating in the streets.

Health officials report that the flux of stagnant water left inside discarded waste has led to an increase in reproduction of the Aedes aegypti species. With a large number of vectors swarming inside homes and public areas, the transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses has drastically increased, resulting in countless new cases of diseases like chikungunya, which causes significant pain and often debilitating symptoms in patients.

Rubbish piles further raise concern, as parents struggle to monitor their children in streets filled with waste that can cause serious health issues if consumed out of hunger or inhaled during a burning. With so few resources available, hospitals struggle to care for their rapidly increasing number of patients.

2. Grid Collapse

A preexisting energy crisis, which the fuel blockade has made worse, has left schools with no choice but to reduce the number of classes delivered to students each day, resulting in online classes and even cancellations, and businesses unable to operate, forcing them to shut down and leave workers unemployed. 

A cessation of fuel deliveries to the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant has led to frequent breakdowns and left the island powerless in the resulting outages. Without power for lights and technological devices, schools and businesses  are unable to run as usual. However, it is speculated that, due to the crumbling public transport system, attendance would be low even if there was power. With a lack of fuel affecting the everyday commutes of students and workers alike, and a high prevalence of blackouts, the Cuban workforce is  paralyzed, leaving countless unemployed and jeopardizing SDG 1 in Cuba. 

The interruption to studies has even prompted students at the University of Havana to conduct a sit-down protest in March, angered by officials’ lack of action when the U.S. first began enforcing the blockade. A rare occurrence, the protest was responded with force, until Higher Education Vice Minister Modesto Ricardo Gomez called off university security, claiming their voices had a right to be heard and taken seriously.

3. Limited Access To Clean Water 

A water shortage caused by frequent blackouts over the island has left Cubans panicked. Due to fuel shortages, the island is experiencing voltage fluctuations. This causes delays in pumping schedules and damages to machinery, thus affecting the regular delivery of clean water to citizens. With no reliable access to clean drinking water, citizens have resorted to collecting water from tanker trucks and relying on aid vessels for supplies. 

The lack of clean water is leading to an increase in hospital patients, with people suffering from dehydration in the summer heat. Low water supply also means there is little to be spared for showers and cleanliness, leaving citizens vulnerable to illnesses due to poor hygiene and unsanitary food. There is very little water that can be boiled to wash dishes or cook food, therefore creating an environment where sickness can thrive.

Here is some information about aid being delivered to combat the poverty crisis in Cuba:

The Nuestra América Convoy

In 2015, the United Nations developed a 2030 vision, outlined by 17 SDGs, the first goal being no poverty. While the U.S. fuel blockade threatens to impede SDG 1 in Cuba, there are several organizations taking action to help citizens. The Nuestra América Convoy, for example, mobilized hundreds of volunteers from more than 30 countries to deliver aid to the island in the form of critical medical and food supplies. 

Aiming to aid, and stand in solidarity with, the citizens of Cuba, the delegation of Cuban Americans partnered with the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, National Lawyers Guild and U.S. Peace Council to visit Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras and Parque Maceo, which is one of the more affected parts of Cuba. 

On March 21st, the group delivered around 20 tons of humanitarian aid to a drop point in Havana, providing significant humanitarian relief to the Cuban people. Now returned from their trip, having successfully helped hospital patients and residents of the area, volunteers plead for change and emphasize that the blockade will only make the situation in Cuba, as well as the island’s relationship with the U.S., worse.

The US’s Offer of Aid

While Cuba’s leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, had previously rejected the offer, Cuba is now accepting the U.S. government’s $100 million in humanitarian aid. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss the delivery of aid to Cuba, planning to distribute the provisions through the Catholic Church. The Cuban government claims it will accept assistance from the U.S., but explains that the island’s citizens may be confused by an offer of help by the same government that has made the poverty crisis significantly worse.

Achieving the United Nations’ SDG 1 in Cuba is critical to saving countless lives, as well as improving the living conditions of the island’s 10,899,951 residents. These three consequences of the U.S. fuel blockade, however, are not only delaying, but drastically reversing the progress made towards achieving this goal. The aid that volunteers are delivering to the island helps counteract these issues, but it is unclear whether it will be enough to combat the ever-growing poverty rate in Cuba.

– Ruby Fraser 

Ruby is based in Cannes, France and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Clean Water Access in Sub Saharan Africa Expands

Clean Water Access in Sub Saharan Africa Expands Access to clean drinking water is one of the most important factors in improving global health and reducing poverty. Across the region, clean water access in Sub-Saharan Africa has become a major focus for governments, nonprofits and international organizations working to improve living conditions. While millions of people still lack reliable water sources, new programs and technologies are helping expand access and create long-term solutions.

Water Access Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, more than 400 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to safely managed drinking water services. Many families must travel long distances each day to collect water from rivers, ponds or unsafe wells. This often affects women and children the most, as they are typically responsible for collecting water. In many communities, children miss school because they must spend hours each day helping their families gather water. Unsafe water also contributes to diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid, which remain major health risks across the region.

The economic impacts of limited water access are also significant. When families spend hours collecting water, they have less time for work, education or other opportunities that could help them escape poverty. In rural communities, a lack of clean water can also reduce agricultural productivity and limit food security. Improving water systems can therefore strengthen both health and economic stability.

Organizations Expanding Water Access

Several organizations are working to expand clean water access in Sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable projects and innovative technologies. One of the most well-known organizations is Water.org, a nonprofit that helps communities finance water and sanitation solutions. Through its WaterCredit initiative, the organization has helped more than 68 million people gain access to safe water or sanitation by providing small, affordable loans for household water systems.

Another organization making progress is charity: water, which funds community water projects in developing countries. Since its founding, the organization has supported more than 111,000 water projects in 29 countries, helping bring clean water to millions of people. These projects include drilling wells, installing filtration systems and building rainwater collection systems designed to provide safe drinking water for years.

Technology Supporting Water Solutions

Technology is also playing an increasing role in addressing water challenges. Solar-powered water pumps and advanced filtration systems allow communities to access safe water without relying on expensive fuel or electricity. In some areas, digital monitoring tools track performance and help ensure systems continue operating efficiently.

Experts working in water development emphasize that long-term success requires community involvement. Local training programs help residents maintain water infrastructure and manage resources responsibly. When communities participate in the planning and management of water systems, projects are more likely to remain sustainable over time.

The Bigger Picture

Although challenges remain, progress in clean water access in Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrates how collaboration between governments, nonprofits and communities can create meaningful change. Expanding access to safe water improves health, supports education and strengthens economic opportunity. Continued investment in water infrastructure and technology will be essential to ensure that more communities across the region gain reliable access to one of life’s most basic necessities.

– Nishanth Pothapragada

Nishanth is based in London, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Ghana

Charities Operating in GhanaGhana has made significant strides when it comes to reducing poverty, reflecting health, education and quality-of-life improvements. However, while up to a million individuals have experienced economic advancement since 2024, more than 7 million still struggle to meet their basic daily needs. This disparity is most prevalent across different regions, with northern and rural areas facing the highest rates of disease and limited economic infrastructure. In response, several charities are operating in Ghana in order to provide education, health and economic resources to vulnerable individuals and communities.

1. WaterAid Ghana

The first of the charities operating in Ghana is WaterAid Ghana. According to UNICEF, more than half of the Ghanaian population lacks adequate access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in northern rural areas. WaterAid Ghana prioritizes expanding these services for the health, dignity and economic development of citizens. The organization has provided more than 3.7 million individuals with safe water and sanitation services between 2016 and 2021, and plans to reach even more during their 2023-2028 development cycle.

WaterAid approaches poverty in Ghana on an institutional level, partnering with local government and community groups to provide clean water and sanitation programs. In addition to promoting overall health, the contribution of these resources reduces disease and lowers healthcare costs. The organization promotes consistent education by providing sustainable water and hygiene services directly to schools. As a result, the burden of water collection no longer affects more than 5 million students, teachers and faculty members since 2019. These outcomes ultimately support local economic activity and contribute to broader development efforts that strengthen Ghana’s capacity for regional and community resilience.

2. CARE Ghana

Nonprofits in Ghana work to lift underserved individuals out of poverty. For example, young girls in vulnerable areas still face obstacles such as early marriage, adolescent pregnancy and abuse. CARE Ghana addresses these systemic challenges by promoting curricula that emphasize gender equality and financial inclusion. By supporting young women and girls through Village Savings and Loans  Associations (VSLA), it promotes food security, the expansion of agriculture training and food market access.

In addition, the organization’s PROSPER III program has prioritized inclusive markets and gender equality by providing equitable food services to more than one million individuals since 2022. CARE targets fundamental drivers of poverty in Ghana by helping women and girls gain access to education and economic opportunities. The organization emphasizes how women’s education can act as a catalyst for improved individual autonomy, expanding community health and resilience as a result.

3. SEND Ghana

Institutions that provide direct service to communities play a crucial role in poverty reduction. However, organizations that oversee resource allocation are needed to ensure the most equitable distribution of services. SEND Ghana monitors government spending across education, health care and welfare sectors. The organization supports Ghana’s rural northern regions in particular, promoting the equity and resilience of marginalized communities. By tracking vital socioeconomic resources, SEND Ghana promotes government accountability for the benefit of underserved Ghanaians.

SEND Ghana takes advantage of existing government frameworks in order to allocate resources in alignment with its humanitarian values. The nonprofit’s efforts have left an impact on numerous policies and budget reforms. Additionally, in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, SEND Ghana’s FILMA initiative is set to create an estimated 80,000 work opportunities for young Ghanaians by 2028. By promoting a synergy between Ghanaian citizens and government resources, poverty reduction can be approached in a united and sustainable manner.

4. Opportunity International Ghana

Opportunity International Ghana emphasizes how financial security goes beyond having access to basic needs. The organization advocates for economic mobility by promoting financial independence to aspiring entrepreneurs. Licensed by the Bank of Ghana, Opportunity International has provided loans, savings programs and financial training to more than two million individuals who lacked access to traditional banking services.

The organization promotes small business expansion and job creation in regions with underdeveloped financial networks. By expanding economic opportunities to women and aspiring young business owners, Opportunity International Ghana seeks to vitalize local economies and spark community growth. Its economic initiative efforts include empowering women through its Kayayei programme, emphasizing livelihood and skill training. The organization has also transformed the agriculture sector, providing innovative learning technologies to thousands of farmers in 2025. This promotion of local financial infrastructure supports long-term economic development across multiple regions.

5. World Vision Ghana

World Vision Ghana works to assist children meet their basic needs and improve their overall quality of life. The nonprofit prioritizes highly vulnerable areas, employing programs that meet immediate as well as long-term development challenges. The organization promotes a holistic approach model that addresses multiple dimensions of poverty in Ghana. These dimensions include basic resource access, nutrition, health care, sanitation and education.

World Vision implements its programs through collaboration with local leaders and communities. The emphasis of targeted long-term aid allows the organization to create close bonds that promote long-term sustainability across program transitions. The nonprofit has provided for more than one million Ghanaians by making safe water and sanitation services easily accessible. It also promotes education through literacy programs and the construction of school infrastructure in districts like Nkwanta. Advocacy efforts like these support self-reliance and strengthen resilience among Ghana’s most marginalized communities.

The Big Picture

Ghana continues to make positive changes in reducing poverty, promoted by collaborative efforts involving nonprofit institutions and government resources. The charities operating in Ghana highlighted here give a glimpse of the varied strategies used to address multiple dimensions of poverty. These dimensions can range from safe water access to widespread policy change. Humanitarian programs illustrate how poverty in Ghana can reduce when combined interventions are implemented. Such changes can be observed within Ghana’s most vulnerable regions in particular.

– Jason Hill

Jason is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons