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Food Systems in Pakistan

Food Systems in PakistanFrom inefficient supply chains to outdated frameworks, food systems in Pakistan are under significant strain. Behind spoiled harvests and empty shelves is a configuration of a fractured food crisis, where millions go hungry because of these vulnerabilities. More than 11 million people in Pakistan’s rural areas are facing these challenges, with 1.7 million in emergency conditions. Addressing the urgency of Pakistan’s systemic challenges may help reform a more sustainable infrastructure to transform the food system.

Pakistan’s Agricultural Sector

Agriculture drives Pakistan’s economy with around 44% of the labor force and contributing nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP. Aside from this sector being vital for economic stability, 67% of rural households also rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, challenges arise within environmental and systematic divisions, including chemical fertilizer overuse, poor irrigation techniques and outdated farming methods that have led to soil degradation, salinity and waterlogging. 

However, agricultural abundance does not automatically translate into national food security. As an example, Pakistan has produced bumper wheat crops in recent years, greater than 23 million tons in 2006 alone, yet millions still suffer from food insecurity due to poor distribution networks. The imbalance between production and access showcases a deep-rooted problem within the food system in Pakistan: a discrepancy between supply and sustainable delivery. Climate shocks, infrastructure gaps and a lack of investment in rural supply chains further exacerbate this disconnect. To ensure long-term food security, Pakistan must go beyond crop yields and focus on building a resilient and equitable food system. Addressing inefficiencies in the distribution of the food supply chain and ensuring that sustainable agricultural practices are supported from farms to households is not just a logistical challenge but a moral imperative.

Distribution of the Food Supply Chain

The distribution of food systems in Pakistan is facing challenges impacting farms and consumers. The causes of substantial post-harvest losses, from perishable fruits, vegetables and dairy are due to inadequate rural roads, lack of cold storage, unreliable transportation and market access barriers. About 30–40% of these goods never make it to the market, which threatens food availability, resulting in an annual economic loss of millions.

Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities. Investments in rural infrastructure and more localized supply chains may reduce spoilage and stabilize food prices; one major issue is the highly unequal distribution of land and water; only 37% of rural households own land, and most of those own fewer than five acres, which limits the ability of small farmers to benefit from agricultural growth. To address this, Pakistan has introduced programs aimed at improving rural infrastructure, such as expanding rural road networks and electrification projects, which may help reduce transport costs and increase access to markets. However, many rural enterprises still face frequent power outages and limited credit access, hindering productivity. Policies that invest in human capital and support both farm and non-farm rural sectors to build a more inclusive and resilient food system in Pakistan must complement these efforts.

Upgrading Infrastructure for Sustainable Food Systems

Action Against Hunger, for example,  is a non-government organization that began working in Pakistan in 2005 to combat hunger and malnutrition, especially in vulnerable rural areas. The organization focuses on improving food security by supporting home gardens, promoting climate-resilient agriculture and distributing livestock and fish to boost access to nutritious food. In the Sindh province, where child malnutrition is highest, it has helped more than 314,000 people in the past year through programs like Farmer Field Schools and vertical gardening. Its efforts have led to more diverse diets, increased crop yields and promoted better nutrition for families across 10 districts.

– Hibah Iqbal

Hibah is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Everything To Know About Hunger in Sudan

Hunger in SudanWith more than half the population facing food insecurity, Sudan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises in recent history. However, with the help of community organizations and foreign aid, there is hope for addressing hunger in Sudan.

The Current Situation of Hunger in Sudan

Despite being the only officially confirmed famine in the world, Sudan has received very little help from foreign aid and a lack of media coverage. In an interview with Save the Children, comedian Ola Labib highlights how the media has ignored the conflict and subsequent famine because Western culture has normalized African pain. However, what is happening is far from normal, and mass desensitization to this scale of suffering is terrifying.

About 8.5 million people in Sudan are facing food insecurity at an emergency level, and 25.6 million people are facing it acutely. And yet, despite the international community abandoning them, civilians have demonstrated commendable resilience by creating Emergency Response Rooms (WhatsApp group chats that coordinate humanitarian aid) to combat widespread hunger in Sudan. For example, the Khartoum State Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to feed people across the Khartoum state. Since April 2023, the Khartoum State ERRs have united existing support systems to form a network of decolonized aid, consisting of 162 base ERRs and 4,000 volunteers across all seven districts of Khartoum. In recognition of their incredible work, the Nobel Peace Prize committee has nominated them for the 2025 award.

What Caused the Crisis of Hunger in Sudan?

Sudan’s famine is a multi-layered issue, with many factors such as drought, flooding and economic collapse coming into play. However, although changing weather patterns have exacerbated hunger in Sudan, humans can also cause modern famines. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has largely caused Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. After co-leading a two-year coup, rising tensions between Gen Fattah al-Burham (SAF) and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (RSF) sparked Sudan’s third civil war. During this conflict, both sides have actively blocked access to aid and looted resources from civilians, utilizing hunger in Sudan as a weapon of war. Evidence also shows that the RSF, which originated from the Janjaweed militia and receives partial funding from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has committed genocide in the region of Darfur and used rape as a weapon of war.

Organizations Supporting Sudan

There are many organizations addressing hunger in Sudan, including the World Food Programme (WFP), Action Against Hunger and Save the Children. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been working in Sudan since 1989. By providing emergency food packages, cash-based assistance and nutrition supplements, as well as supporting agricultural workers to increase production and prevent losses, the WFP has assisted more than 13 million people since the conflict began in 2023. Similarly, Save the Children has been working in Sudan since 1983 and has helped 3.8 million people since 2023 by providing emergency care nutrition programs and cash transfers for livelihood support. Meanwhile, Action Against Hunger started working in Sudan in 2017 to provide health and nutrition interventions. The organization also established community protection networks for women and girls at risk of sexual violence, supporting 44 health facilities and seven hospitals and helping 180,000 people last year alone.

In addition to more well-known charities, Kids for Kids, with support from Dame Joanna Lumley, is a brilliant organization that implements sustainable change by speaking to families in Sudan about what would help them most, and then using this information to direct their projects. Some of these projects include kitchen kits, goat loans and delivering seeds. Kids for Kids has worked with 110 Sudanese villages so far, helping 590,000 people in total.

Activists and Journalists Raising Awareness

In addition to NGOs supporting those experiencing conflict, Sudanese journalists and activists have been raising awareness about hunger in Sudan. African correspondent for Sky News, Yousra Elbagir posts excellent content on Sudan. Her recent coverage of her return home to the capital, Khartoum, is particularly moving. Elbagir’s personal narratives have humanized the crisis, ensuring that the suffering of Sudanese does not just become another statistic. While it is difficult to document exact numbers regarding her impact on funding and aid, her reporting has successfully mobilized people to promote awareness about the famine. Sara Elhassan is another excellent journalist utilizing her social media platforms to make people aware of hunger in Sudan. Her easy-to-follow overviews of the war and its impact on civilians, as well as daily updates on the conflict, ensure readers stay informed and engaged with the crisis.

A Call for Action

Despite the scale of devastation and hunger in Sudan, it is important to recognize the work that community-led action and organizations are delivering on the front line. ERRs, community kitchens and charities in Sudan have created a network of aid that demonstrates human resilience. With support from the international community, their impact could be amplified so that there is no more silence regarding hunger in Sudan.

– Clodagh Dowson

Clodagh is based in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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4 Charities Fighting Poverty in Honduras

Charities Fighting Poverty in HondurasHonduras, located in South America, faces significant challenges related to poverty, inequality and social unrest. According to the World Bank, half of the country’s population is impoverished, with a rate of 51.3% as of 2023. Poverty has left many Hondurans struggling to meet basic needs such as food, education and health care. In response, several charities are fighting against poverty in Honduras, providing essential services and support to the most vulnerable populations.

CEPUDO Honduras

CEPUDO Honduras, one of the charities fighting poverty in Honduras, has empowered communities by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. With a mission to develop communities and eradicate extreme poverty, CEPUDO works closely to provide shelter for those in need> Furthermore, they reduce hunger through monthly aid. The organization also focuses on improving access to education and health care. By working with a network of volunteers and donor organizations (such as Food for the Poor), CEPUDO has created long-lasting change in the communities it serves.

Additionally, CEPUDO Honduras has been involved in numerous projects to cultivate integral communities nationwide. These initiatives focus on essential aspects of basic living, including agriculture, infrastructure, education and access to clean water. The organization has established 26 communities nationwide, building approximately 20 schools and 45 water wells annually. Its mission also extends to health care, where it helps construct clinics and provides medical supplies to hospitals and health centers in Honduras through its partnership with Food for the Poor.

Feed the Children

Feed the Children is an international nonprofit organization that has been active in Honduras for several years, focusing on alleviating child hunger and malnutrition. The organization’s work in Honduras is part of a broader global effort to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry. Feed the Children’s approach in Honduras involves a combination of direct food distribution, educational support and community development programs designed to address the underlying causes of hunger.

In Honduras, Feed the Children operates feeding programs that provide nutritious meals to children in schools and community centers. These meals are often the only reliable source of nutrition for many children, helping to improve their health, concentration and academic performance. Beyond feeding programs, the organization also works to empower 10 different communities in the country by teaching parents and caregivers about ways to generate income and save money, along with providing vocational training. By focusing on the well-being of children, Feed the Children is not only addressing immediate hunger but also contributing to the long-term development of communities in Honduras.

Honduras Hope

New Hampshire-based Honduras Hope is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving people’s lives in rural Honduras through health care, education and community development. Endorsed by the United Federal GiveDirect Campaign as one of America’s best charities, the organization operates in some of the country’s most impoverished and remote areas, where access to essential services is limited or nonexistent. Honduras Hope’s mission is to empower these communities by providing the resources and support needed to overcome the challenges of poverty.

One of the core components of Honduras Hope’s work is its health care initiative. The organization provides a weekly nutrition program for San Jose and Plan Grande young children. In addition to health care, Honduras Hope is deeply involved in education, providing uniforms, school supplies, scholarship support, tutoring and a supervised boarding house for students attending school via long-distance travel. Through the approach above, the organization is helping to lift entire communities out of poverty and create a brighter future for the next generation.

Action Against Hunger

In Honduras, Action Against Hunger implements programs that address acute and chronic malnutrition, ensuring that children and families have the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. The organization also responds to emergencies, such as natural disasters and food crises, by providing food aid, clean water and other essential resources. Additionally, Action Against Hunger is actively involved in advocacy, raising awareness about the root causes of Hunger and pushing for policy changes to help reduce poverty and improve food security in Honduras. Last year, the organization helped more than 150,000 people in Honduras, demonstrating its commitment to eradicating global hunger.

Conclusion

The fight against poverty in Honduras is a strenuous process. However, organizations like CEPUDO Honduras, Feed the Children, Honduras Hope and Action Against Hunger significantly improve the lives of those in need. Through their combined efforts in education, health care, nutrition and community development, these charities provide hope and opportunity to the most vulnerable populations in Honduras.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Tackling Food Insecurity in Chad

Food Insecurity in ChadChad, a landlocked country in central Africa, faces some of the highest levels of food insecurity and starvation globally. Approximately 42% of its population lives below the poverty line. With a score of roughly 35 on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Chad has a severe hunger level. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted trade, driven up food prices and led to below-average market supplies, contributing significantly to the severe starvation in Chad. 

In addition to the extreme poverty faced by its residents, more than 600,000 refugees seeking shelter and security have entered Chad. Already hosting more than one million refugees, the country continues to grapple with widespread hunger and food insecurity despite the substantial refugee influx. However, several organizations are actively working to tackle food insecurity in Chad.

Action Against Hunger

This organization has already assisted more than 520,000 people, yet with a staggering 5.5 million people in need in Chad, many continue to struggle with food insecurity. While Action Against Hunger (AGA) provides food to vulnerable populations, the ready-made supplies are only a temporary solution. To address this issue more sustainably, AGA is teaching communities in Chad how to grow their own crops and manage limited rainfall to enhance local food production.

Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide has addressed food insecurity in Chad by implementing programs designed to enhance livelihoods. These initiatives provide participants the tools to achieve sustainable living, acquire new skills, improve crop yields and nutritional quality and generate income through small businesses.

Concern Worldwide’s efforts to build sustainable livelihoods in Chad have reached 62,000 people. The organization has also provided free health services, improved nutritional support and access to clean and safe drinking water to approximately 133,000 vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities.

Additionally, Concern Worldwide launched the Concerted and Inclusive Development in the Lake Province (DECILAC), a pioneering project supported by Facilité G5 Sahel. This project focuses on inclusively investing in food security, strengthening local value chains, enhancing education and mitigating food insecurity in the Lac province.

The World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to assist 2.5 million people across Chad, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and other vulnerable groups. Between June and August 2024, WFP aims to reach more than one million individuals with food, cash and nutritional advice. The organization also focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers facing food insecurity by providing malnutrition treatments and supporting school children with nutritious meals to help combat hunger and promote education.

Final Note

While hunger rates in Chad are high, the efforts of organizations like WFP and Concern Worldwide offer hope for a brighter future. With continued support and intervention, Chad can work toward overcoming these challenges, enabling its people to thrive within their communities and shift from merely surviving to truly living.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Female Starvation in Gaza

Female starvation in GazaThe October 2023 attack by Hamas has left irreversible damage on the whole city of Gaza. Every hour, two mothers are killed and nearly 1 million more have been left to live amongst the rubble without safe shelter and without enough food or clean water to survive. Food insecurity and starvation affect women in Gaza in multiple ways. “U.N. Women estimates that at least 557,000 women in Gaza are facing severe food insecurity, and find themselves facing old and new gender-based vulnerabilities.”

Female Starvation in Gaza

For the sick and injured, for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, there is virtually no medical help left. Not only is there no medical help left, but breastfeeding mothers are using 25% of their body’s energy just by feeding their children, in comparison the brain only uses 20%. Therefore, mothers especially are starving and desperately fighting to also keep their children alive. “The situation is particularly concerning for mothers and adult women, who often prioritize feeding others over themselves and report greater difficulty accessing food compared to men, leading many to skip meals or reduce their intake to ensure their children are fed,” the U.N. reports.

“Seven out of 10 women interviewed by U.N. Women reported weight loss in the last 30 days, and more than half experience frequent dizziness.” This statistic truly represents the female starvation in Gaza. “I prefer to give the children food first. Then as a mother, I might not eat so I can feed my children. That’s just how life is now. That’s motherhood,” a mother displaced to Rafah, southern Gaza said.

WFP and Action Against Hunger

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it can only meet 20% of its monthly targets, leaving thousands of families at risk of starvation. This 80% is consistently being shown, especially when one in five pregnant women in a central Gaza clinic struggle with malnourishment. Despite high demands, only a small percentage of people receive help. The WFP is assisting more than 1 million people a month in Gaza due to 96% of the population in the city of Gaza being in a crisis level of hunger or worse.

In Gaza, Action Against Hunger has supported more than 200,000 women and girls through their water, sanitation and hygiene services, alongside food baskets, according to its website. In particular, it has a program to “prevent malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 years old.”

WEFAQ

Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care, a local women’s organization, is managing to maintain help and support through the hazardous living conditions that are so very prominent in Gaza today. It provides hot meals through the community kitchen to help reduce the rates of hunger within the female population. Winter clothes and accessories are provided alongside blankets and mattresses for comfort and warmth. Hygiene kits, and other essential items like menstrual supplies, milk and nappies for babies. WEFAQ also provides counseling to help aid and rebuild women’s confidence in themselves and their communities.

The female starvation situation in Gaza is very obviously going to be an ongoing issue but through the support of multiple organizations like AAH and WEFAQ, women will finally get the support they truly need.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Organizations Fighting World Hunger

Organizations Fighting World HungerGlobally, approximately one in 10 people go to bed hungry each night and nearly 3 billion cannot afford a healthy, nutritious diet. Numerous organizations around the world dedicate significant effort to solving this issue, aiming for a future where no one faces hunger. Here are three organizations fighting world hunger.

The Hunger Project

The Hunger Project, operating in Africa, Asia and Latin America, employs a three-point strategy to combat world hunger. Initially, the organization empowers women by providing resources, information and personal freedoms, recognizing that regions with more autonomous women often see higher education rates, improved health and increased agricultural productivity. Subsequently, The initiative equips all community members with essential skills to enhance local opportunities, offering training in literacy, numeracy, healthy eating and local laws. This empowers individuals to lead healthy, successful lives and ensures their voices are influential in governance. The final phase involves workshops that encourage community members to propose improvements for their area and assign specific tasks to realize these visions, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and ongoing advocacy. This approach has notably reduced severe hunger by 25% in the regions where The Hunger Project operates.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger actively combats global hunger, operating in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. This organization collaborates closely with members of the British Parliament and influential organizations to address the impact of conflict on food security. Between July 2023 and January 2024, Action Against Hunger engaged in strategic discussions with United Nations agencies and government representatives to explore solutions to hunger exacerbated by conflict and identify obstacles to implementing these solutions. In Jan. 2024, the organization participated in discussions with the International Development Committee about the United Kingdom’s efforts to combat world hunger. Additionally, in May 2024, it joined a debate in the House of Lords focusing on food insecurity due to conflict. Beyond advocacy, Action Against Hunger also implements direct interventions, exemplified by its volunteers in Gaza who delivered essential nutrients to 13,000 mothers and babies.

CARE International

CARE International, operating across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, employs a five-step strategy to combat world hunger. This strategy includes maintaining healthy ecosystems and securing financial stability, enhancing farmer productivity to increase food availability, ensuring that all community members, particularly marginalized groups and women, have necessary rights and opportunities and equipping communities with the tools to withstand challenges like extreme weather. This holistic approach aims to significantly improve lives. As of 2023, CARE has aided 34 million people through 647 projects targeting world hunger and aims to reach 75 million people by 2030.

Looking Ahead

The fight against global hunger involves concerted efforts from numerous organizations, each playing a vital role in addressing food insecurity. The Hunger Project has made significant strides by empowering women and communities to foster local development and reduce severe hunger. Action Against Hunger collaborates with governments and international bodies to address the impacts of conflict on food security, while CARE International employs a comprehensive strategy to enhance farmer productivity and community resilience. Together, these organizations are fighting world hunger and aiming to create a future where everyone has access to a nutritious diet.

– Sue-Joyce Headon

Sue-Joyce is based in Liverpool, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Spain

Charities in SpainSpain has experienced a wave of poverty ranging from 2019-2022. The highest recorded rate was during 2020 (21.7%), when the pandemic hit, leaving the economy to shrink severely. Improvement significantly hit around 2021 (20.4%), decreasing by 1.3%. Though poverty in Spain has grown to shift throughout the years, it remains a significant issue.

In May 2020, the government modified the Minimum Vital Income (IMV) program, though support levels were high, the cause of inflation ultimately surpassed them. The plan affected particular individuals, those who had not been residents for an entire year and young adults ages 18 through 22. Eventually, it made it more difficult for the IMV to offer sufficient social support. In August 2021 and August 2022, price inflation had increased by 10.5%, reaching the highest level since the official measurement began in 1994. As a result, staple foods increased in price by 25 to 40% by September.

As inflation fluctuates and prices continue to rise and fall, the fight against poverty continues. Charities operating in Spain like the ones listed below advocate to help those in need.

Lanzaderas de Empleo y Emprendimiento Solidario

In the first quarter of the year, the unemployment rate in Spain increased to 12.29% from 11.80% in 2023, demonstrating that the issue remains consistent. Lanzaderas de Empleo y Emprendimiento Solidaria (Employment and Solidarity Entrepreneurship Shuttles) is an educational workshop established in 2013 by the Santa Maria la Real Foundation. The program focuses on supportive proactive training to help individuals overcome the challenges that come with unemployment. More than 800 Employment Shuttles have worked at this free-of-charge program across the country. About 20,000 people have participated and around 60% have improved their employment situation.

Fundación Balia

Founded in 2001, another of the charities operating in Spain is the Fundación Balia, which aims to promote social inclusion by helping disadvantaged children. Its goal is to break the pattern of poverty through education, allowing minors the opportunity to develop their fullest potential. The organization has delivered numerous programs through 27 public primary and 31 public secondary schools. In June 2020, The Scheinberg Relief Fund worked with the foundation to provide “a year’s supply of masks and hygiene items” when its doors reopened after the mass pandemic. Children began to attend the restarting of face-to-face events to prevent the inequality gap from increasing. Its various initiatives have helped more than 1,444 families and 914 children in 2020.

The Human Safety Net España

Developed by Generali in 2017, The Human Safety Net focuses on vulnerable families with children under 6 helping more than 150,000 families. Its For Families program aims to support parents who live in difficult circumstances by providing the best possible foundation for their children’s future. The program allows parents to invest in courses on positive parenting and learn how to educate their children at each stage of their growth. It joins forces with NGOs and private sectors that share the same objectives to accomplish its goals.

Acción Contra el Hambre

Since 2014, Acción contra el Hambre (Action Against Hunger) has been approaching the food safety problem. It helps the unemployed by offering training and programs to detect food insecurity. In 2023, its programs opened employment opportunities for more than 5,000 people. By offering employment and training itineraries, they achieved a labor insertion rate of 43% in less than six months. The organization has helped around 24.5 million people working in 55 countries.

Cáritas Española

The Spanish Episcopal Conference established Caritas, associated with the Catholic Church, in 1947. Its objective is to improve conditions and promote social justice by helping in areas of health and housing. One of its many projects includes Nueva Esperanza (New Hope), a temporary house for women seeking sanctuary. Cáritas has provided support to around 500,000 people in Spain in 2023 and continues to make a difference.

Poverty remains an issue in Spain as the cost of living fluctuates, resulting in higher prices. However, with the work of charities operating in Spain, a difference is being made.

– Savannah Garza

Savannah is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Northern Ireland

A collection of U.K. charities have united to advocate for better circumstances for U.K. residents in recipients of universal credit. This comes after a groundbreaking investigation into hunger in Northern Ireland by the Trussell Trust.

The Situation

This issue in Northern Ireland has attracted publicity due to the significant volume of people in the country experiencing hunger. This has gained attraction from multiple news outlets, such as the BBC, which reported that “one in six people in Northern Ireland face hunger or food insecurity.” In an interview with the BBC, Karen Mullan from the Foyle Food Bank said that the figures demonstrate a constant busyness within the food banks: “We have seen over the last couple of weeks and months a real rise in terms of food and energy costs, and inflation is affecting all areas of life.”

Karen Mullan mentioned that the sharp rise in inflation during the U.K.’s cost of living crisis is no coincidence with the rising number of people in hunger. Since 2021, the United Kingdom has been facing an unprecedented rise in inflation, and in October 2022 reaching 11.1% “its highest rate in 40 years.” This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of essentials, such as energy and food.

The Trussell Trust’s report found numerous contributing factors to the significant amount of hungry people in Northern Ireland. Firstly, the report found that 79% of food bank visitors had to rely on the network due to their income being too insufficient to support themselves. The investigation also found that difficulty in finding supportive jobs, especially for marginalized groups such as women and disabled individuals was a contributing factor to the financial hardships experienced.

The Affected Population

When investigating which groups accessed food banks the most in Northern Ireland, the Trussell Trust found that disabled people, women and households with children under the age of 16 are significantly overrepresented. Despite people with disabilities making up 30% of the Irish population, the Trussell Trust discovered that this group make up 61% of people who are referred to food banks (within the Trussell Trust network). This refers to a wider issue, where poverty and health, particularly, mental health correlate.

In addition to this, the investigation found that despite households with children under the age of 16 contributing to 34% of the general population of Northern Ireland, they make up 48% of people visiting these food banks within the network. One reason for this, suggested by the report, could be the financial demands that households with young children face, such as the prices of childcare, as well as higher costs of bills due to more people living in a house. Furthermore, the report found that women are twice as likely to refer to food banks as men. The report attributes this to gender inequalities regarding pay.

Brighter Days Ahead

Despite the findings of the Trussell Trust raising alarms, learning who is affected and why is a large step in combatting hunger in Northern Ireland. The report outlines key issues, such as the basic rate of universal credit being insufficient, gender pay inequality and the financial hardships that marginalized groups can be vulnerable to. Now that these findings have surfaced, there have been calls for urgent policy change to alleviate hunger in Northern Ireland, specifically an increase in universal credit to ensure that it is sufficient enough to support everyone, proposing an “Essentials Guarantee” in Northern Ireland.

The Essentials Guarantee would ensure that universal credit recipients receive adequate monetary support to live with the essentials, including food. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), five in six households on universal credit are going without the essentials. JRF wants the government to back essential guarantees, particularly in families with mental health issues and single parents.

Amnesty International has also campaigned the guarantee, stating that this change is a basic human right, and necessary during times of inflation and for life after COVID-19. The JRW has stated that this guarantee will only positively benefit the economy.

– Ella Turner

Ella is based in St Helens, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Organizations Advancing Health Care in Madagascar

Health Care in MadagascarHealth care in Madagascar faces significant challenges due to a high poverty rate of more than 75%. The primary concerns are infectious diseases, malnutrition and the environment. Madagascar is currently in a malaria epidemic, particularly in rural coastal areas that experience flooding, which leads to an increase in the mosquito population.

Furthermore, approximately 1.31 million people in Madagascar face high levels of food insecurity and 40% of children face chronic malnutrition. This is often because of natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes and floods, which negatively impact agriculture growth, increase food prices and loss of jobs, as 80% of the population’s primary source of income is agriculture. Despite these challenges, here are five organizations that are helping advance health care in Madagascar.

The Improved Nutritional Outcomes Project

This organization, established by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), provides free health care to mothers and children in Ambositra, a rural area of Madagascar where the nearest health center is often two kilometers away or farther. It has hired 11,000 community health workers to provide care at community sites.

A community worker is a volunteer who promotes health in a village and monitors the health of pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding mothers. They also track the health of children aged less than 5 by weighing, measuring and diagnosing malnutrition. Community workers also treat children diagnosed with malnutrition and mild diseases; however, in severe and more complicated cases, they transfer children to the nearest health center. The volunteers also promote nutrition education in the communities.

WHO Mobile Health Clinics

The World Health Organization (WHO) uses mobile clinics and epidemiologists to help provide free health care to remote areas. The mobile health clinics provide health services such as vaccinations, medications (for diarrheal diseases, malaria, cholera and more) and health kits. After the devastation of the 2022 hurricane season in Madagascar, the global charity built a storage warehouse for medication to help prevent a repeat of the disaster. It is helping strengthen the country’s preparedness in case of emergencies while simultaneously improving the primary health care structure of Madagascar.

PIVOT

PIVOT is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that has partnered with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health to help improve the health care system in the Ifanadiana district. This charity aims to eventually scale up and provide universal health care to Madagascar and other countries. It works by collecting and analyzing data, identifying gaps in health care and implementing a science-based solution. It employs social workers, doctors, nurses, midwives and other health staff.

PIVOT started in the Ifanadiana district, home to more than 200,000 people and incredibly isolated by mountainous terrain. The nonprofit chose this location because of the more than doubled maternal and less than 5 mortality rates compared with the national estimate. The organization uses a data-driven strategy to create a resilient health care system that can address the community’s immediate needs while also building its long-term goal of gaining trust within a community that once viewed hospitals as where people went to die.

Since its start in 2014, it has brought universal health coverage to 95,000 people in seven communities. It continues to advocate for free universal health care, decent wages for health workers and science-focused solutions in Madagascar.

ACF or Action Against Hunger

This organization was started in 1979 as an international nongovernmental organization used to fight hunger. Currently, it is in Madagascar in response to the severe droughts and cyclones in the Southeast regions and the worsening nutritional and food situation in the Grand Sud. With the help of its partners, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) is implementing an emergency intervention and development strategy. This will include medical and malnutrition support, such as creating mobile health teams to address acute malnutrition, childhood illnesses, gender-based violence and psychosocial support.

The nonprofit will also rebuild the water supply and provide drinking water with tanker trucks. Next, it will provide 80,000 people with emergency food aid through cash transfers. Finally, agricultural recovery will be supported for next season’s harvest and a crisis exit strategy will be implemented to help anticipate crises like hurricanes and floods. At the same time, ACF is also doing multiple developmental programs to help support the health system, reducing chronic malnutrition in children aged less than 5 and enhancing food security in Madagascar. An example is the CONFLUENCES 2 Project, which supports the health system in the Atsimo-Andrefana region of Grand Sud.

CARE International

CARE International first arrived in Madagascar in 1992 to reduce poverty. One of its key programs focuses on the right to health. This program aims to enable 50 million people to exercise their right to health and dignity by 2030. It emphasizes building equitable and resilient health care systems that can resist and respond to shocks and crises.

CARE International takes an equity and rights-based approach to advancing health systems by collaborating with community groups, leaders and health authorities. It emphasizes supporting marginalized groups, increasing access to quality health care in Madagascar and being prepared to respond to public health emergencies.

CARE International also promotes vaccinations with its Fast and Fair Vaccine campaign. It has successfully vaccinated 126 million people while informing 263 million people about accurate vaccination information.

Conclusion

Madagascar’s health care system still faces significant challenges in achieving affordable and effective medical services, yet the efforts of these five organizations could one day enable health care in Madagascar to provide accessible and high-quality medical care to all its citizens.

– Gabrielle Schwartz

Gabrielle is based in Pembroke Pines, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities in Georgia

Charities in GeorgiaGeorgia borders Russia, the Black Sea, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Its estimated population is 3.6 million. In 1991, Georgia emerged from the Soviet Union as an independent state, the Republic of Georgia. However, It was changed to Georgia after adopting its Constitution in 1995. While having a tumultuous history due to the political affairs of its neighboring countries, it has always been known for its remarkable cultural heritage. Georgia’s poverty level has fluctuated since becoming independent, notably from 70.6% in 2010 to 47.7% in 2022. Multiple charities in Georgia have made substantial efforts to support Georgians in developing successful lives as citizens. Some of these charities in Georgia include:

Caritas Georgia

Caritas Georgia was founded in 1994 and is still active today. This organization was first established to support and care for those left destitute after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The current mission of this nongovernmental organization (NGO) is to promote human development and social justice. It brings relief and support to disadvantaged citizens.

Caritas Georgia introduced several projects to improve conditions for those in social care and children and young adult protection programs. These projects work on policies to prevent families from being forced into the migration process due to economic reasons.

St Gregory’s Foundation

In Tbilisi, although a third of Georgia’s population resides here, there are very few social care services that focus on young people who are homeless. This makes it a main priority for St. Gregory’s Foundation to bridge this gap and reduce the risk of teenagers becoming incarcerated and lost in the prison system.

This organization provides skills and knowledge to local communities to enhance social welfare projects. It creates opportunities for vulnerable individuals to improve their circumstances. Workers support disabled children and teenagers who struggle with traditional methods of communication to become confident members of society and embrace independence.

The foundation also offers education and life-skills training to those leaving care from orphanages to support them in setting up a sustainable lifestyle. Since its beginning, more than 400 children and teenagers in Georgia have benefitted from the organization’s rehabilitation services.

SOS Children’s Villages

This organization focuses its resources on those without parental care or those at risk of losing it so they may grow up with suitable socialization. It does not matter the culture, heritage, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability of the child or young adult; the initiative will support the person in establishing trust and nurturing a sense of belonging in their community.

Its mission is adapted to fit the socioeconomic circumstances of Tbilisi. SOS Children’s Villages have worked in Tbilisi since 1996, offering support to families and advocating for the improvement of human rights. It collaborates with displaced people who have experienced poverty and social exclusion. The organization has supported almost 500 people and offered educational workshops regarding parenting classes and children’s rights.

Human Rights House Foundation

Established in 2010, this foundation united five separate organizations to form a social support pillar. These organizations focus on promoting Georgians’ human rights by developing a strategy to protect and strengthen awareness of human rights issues and violations.

Its organizations include the Human Rights Centre and the Media Institute. The former was initially founded in 1996 to protect freedom in Georgia. The Media Institute was established in 2011. It’s goal was to promote and guarantee freedom of speech and expression to prosper the development of impartial media reporting in Georgia.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger’s projects throughout Georgia offer locals resources to support their businesses and startups. The organization aims to improve access to food supplies. They provide citizens with training in agriculture and the equipment needed to farm their own crops. As part of this organization, field schools and agricultural centers are set up in the countryside to teach citizens efficient ways of farming. In 2019, the organization offered services to 8,667 individuals through its programs.

Final Remark

Although the World Bank has shown that poverty has declined in Georgia, more than 10% of the population continues to live below the national poverty line, with most of these citizens living in the more rural areas of the country. Nonetheless, Georgia’s economy expanded in February of this year due to the progression of sectors such as construction and manufacturing.

However, despite the general progression of the job market, issues remain. There is an outstandingly low percentage of Georgian citizens (16.4%) unemployed, compared to the 20.6% recorded in 2021. However, there is concern about the quality of jobs offered to Georgian citizens.

It is clear that these charities are working hard to better the lives of the citizens of Georgia. However, for Georgia’s economy to thrive as a small country, social care on a larger scale than local authorities can provide is necessary to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

– Brogan Dickson

Brogan is based in Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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