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Disability and Poverty in Somalia

Disability and Poverty in SomaliaDisability affects 11.7% of Somalia’s adult population, revealing deep inequalities in education, employment and access to services—issues worsened by poverty, rural hardship and a fragile health system amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Many people with disabilities face systemic exclusion from schools, workplaces and public life due to a lack of inclusive policies and cultural beliefs. These challenges are further intensified by widespread poverty and rural isolation. In many areas, the fragile health care system—undermined by decades of conflict—cannot provide the necessary treatment leaving people with disabilities more vulnerable during ongoing humanitarian emergencies. Here is information about disability and poverty in Somalia.

About Disability in Somalia

About 13.5% of adults in rural areas have reported having a disability. This higher rate is likely influenced by limited access to health care services, poor nutrition and the impact of prolonged conflict, which increases the risk of injury and chronic illness. Rural communities also tend to face greater barriers in accessing rehabilitation services and assistive devices, contributing to higher levels of untreated or unmanaged disabilities. It is estimated that landmines and “Explosive Remnants of War” are causing 7,000 disabilities a year.

The most prevalent disabilities among both females and males are an inability to see or walk properly. Such physical impairments will significantly impact someone’s ability to perform daily activities, access education, and participate in the workforce.

Somalia has ratified other international treaties such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (2015), the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights which make some commitment to prevent discrimination and promote care and inclusion. However, there is little enforcement of these provisions and they did not ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Due to this, Amnesty International says that, “the rights of most people with disabilities continue to be excluded, and their particular needs and concerns forgotten.”

About Life for the Disabled in Somalia

Life poses several challenges for disabled people, showing the link between disability and poverty in Somalia.

  • What is the literacy rate of disabled Somali people? The literacy rate of those who are disabled is substantially lower than those who are able-bodied. About 80.6% lack education, and only 3.3% achieve higher education. 
  • What is the mobile phone ownership rate? Mobile phone ownership is less common among people with disabilities, with 79.2% owning a device compared to 92.1% of those without disabilities. Similarly, mobile banking usage is lower, 74.3% versus 88.6%, respectively. This is significant because a lack of mobile phones suggests a broader disparity in digital and financial inclusion.
  • How much of the population is in poverty? Nearly 70% of Somalia’s population lives below the international poverty line, defined as earning less than $2.15 a day. People with disabilities consistently face higher unemployment levels than those without disabilities, regardless of where they live. In urban areas, for instance, 23.2% of individuals with disabilities do not have employment, versus 17.6% of non-disabled individuals.
  • What is the median food consumption? In Somalia, it is $399. Rural areas have a median food consumption of $364, while in urban areas, the lowest median food consumption is $281. In comparison, the average household food expenditure has increased to $10,000 in the USA. People with disabilities in Somalia face even greater challenges, as limited mobility, discrimination and lack of inclusive aid often prevent them from accessing food assistance. In households already struggling with low food consumption, having a member with a disability can further strain resources.
  • What is the health system like? The country’s health system faces critical shortages, and only one-third of the existing health facilities are functional. This has largely been due to the war, and because of the collapse of their health system there has been a spread of diseases such as polio or meningitis which have led to impairments. Further, it is extremely difficult to access the existing health facilities, due to transportation and medical costs. Transportation can cost up to $300 in some cases which prohibits much of Somalia’s poverty stricken-population.

Humanitarian Aid

The EU has allocated up to €202.54 million for humanitarian interventions in the country between 2023 and 2025. This funding supports aid organizations in delivering food assistance, basic health and nutrition services, clean water, protection, shelter and education.

In addition, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been delivering critical services in Somalia since 1981. It delivers programming in health, nutrition, water and sanitation services, women’s protection, as well as addressing the impacts of drought and food insecurity. For example, in 2023, it was able to impact 500,000 people through its work. In particular, it provided life-saving healthcare in challenging environments by delivering it through mobile outreach teams to ensure “hard-to-reach communities can access healthcare.”

Looking Ahead

One cannot separate disability in Somalia from the broader context of poverty, conflict and systemic neglect. With nearly 12% of the adult population living with a disability, the issue is far from marginal. The challenges—ranging from poor health care access and lack of education to food insecurity and digital exclusion—are deeply rooted in both social inequality and the country’s ongoing humanitarian crises. While international aid and local initiatives offer some relief, lasting change requires sustained investment in inclusive policies and community-based support. 

– Noorum Khan

Noorum is based in London, UK and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Deaf People in Tanzania: From Exclusion to Opportunity

deaf people tanzaniaIn Tanzania, living with a disability is often connected with marginalization and poverty. Among the most affected are members of the deaf community. Individuals face deeply entrenched barriers to education, employment and financial inclusion. For many years, systemic challenges have caused widespread social exclusion and a lack of economic agency. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Across the country, deaf people in Tanzania are increasingly turning to small business ownership. With vocational abilities, support from NGOs and gradually improving public policy, they are building businesses that uplift not only themselves but also their communities. These stories reflect more than personal triumph; they signal a shift in how inclusive development can be achieved in low- and middle-income countries.

Understanding the Context

Tanzania has more than 500,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, yet many face major barriers to education. According to government data, more than half of this population cannot read or write in English or Swahili. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) says people with disabilities should have equal access to education. This poses a challenge, as Tanzania lacks enough trained teachers who know sign language. Most deaf students drop out before secondary school because classrooms are not adapted to their needs. This prevents them from gaining the basic skills needed for future jobs and independence.

The CRPD also protects the right of people with disabilities to work and earn a living. In Tanzania, many deaf individuals could be left out of the job market because they did not receive a proper education. Without training or support, they could often rely on family or informal work to survive. Social stigma and a lack of workplace accommodations could make it harder to find stable jobs. This exclusion could not only affect individuals but also hold back the country’s economy by leaving a large group of people underemployed and unable to contribute fully to national development.

Entrepreneurship as a Path to Empowerment

Entrepreneurship is becoming a valuable path to employment for deaf individuals in Tanzania, offering a way to overcome traditional job market barriers. FUWAVITA, a deaf women’s organization founded in 2018 with the support of Light for the World, empowers its members through economic skills training. Based in Dar es Salaam, the group teaches deaf women how to create and sell handmade products like soaps, batiks and beaded items. After completing the training, many participants launch small businesses that generate income and promote financial independence. This initiative not only creates sustainable livelihoods but also builds confidence and community leadership among deaf women and other deaf entrepreneurs in Tanzania overall.

Harnessing Technology for Inclusion

In Tanzania, the Federation of Disabled People’s Organizations (SHIVYWATA) is working to amplify the voices and rights of people with disabilities through advocacy and awareness. As a beneficiary of the Voice program, SHIVYAWATA promotes inclusive participation and campaigns for equal access to resources, including digital platforms, with a strong focus on reaching marginalized groups such as the deaf community. Its public engagement and visibility work had garnered recognition for fostering disability rights in innovative ways.

Meanwhile, DS International supports deaf people in Tanzania by working with local organizations that focus on advocacy, education, vocational training and more.

Building a More Inclusive Ecosystem

Tanzania has unveiled strategies regarding national disability and guidelines on disability-inclusive planning to ensure that individuals with disabilities are part of the national development. These initiatives aim to integrate disability inclusion across sectors such as education, employment, health and economic development. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive planning, the government is working to create an enabling environment where individuals with disabilities can participate equally in society. This approach reflects a commitment to equity and sustainable development in Tanzania and a more inclusive approach to society where deaf entrepreneurs can thrive and help strengthen their communities and the country as a whole.

A Model for Sustainable Development

Deaf people in Tanzania are breaking the cycle of poverty and changing how society views disability. They are proving that with the right support, people with disabilities can drive meaningful change. Tanzania combines grassroots programs, vocational training and national policies to empower these individuals.

As donors and development agencies search for effective poverty reduction strategies, Tanzania’s deaf people’s movement stands out. It shows that accessible economic systems benefit everyone- not just people with disabilities, but entire communities.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Progressing Education in Albania

Progressing Education in Albania Albania’s education sector has faced increased strain following the COVID-19 pandemic and a major earthquake in 2019. Issues of underfunding, limited infrastructure and unequal access to resources have disproportionately affected vulnerable student populations. However, with support from local organizations and international partners, efforts are underway to strengthen the system and ensure quality education for all children in Albania.

Education Investment and Teacher Conditions

Albania has not yet met the global recommendation of allocating 6% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to education. As a result, public schools face challenges including under-resourced classrooms, limited infrastructure and a lack of inclusive tools to support diverse learners. Teachers are especially affected by these gaps, receiving low wages while working in overcrowded environments with limited professional support. According to Education International, these conditions have long-term implications for teacher retention and system performance. In response, local education unions have begun mobilizing to advocate for increased public funding and fair treatment for educators.

Barriers for Roma Children and Students With Disabilities

While Albania maintains a high enrollment rate overall, the quality and accessibility of education remain unequal. Roma children, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, face additional obstacles including poverty, discrimination and language barriers. These factors increase the risk of dropout and limit long-term academic success. Children with disabilities also encounter barriers, particularly due to limited teacher training and a lack of specialized educational strategies. According to Broken Chalk, very few teachers are equipped to support inclusive learning and those who are trained are not widely distributed across schools. As a result, many children with disabilities are unable to receive consistent, high-quality education.

UNICEF and Local Efforts to Expand Access

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and civil society, UNICEF has launched programs to identify out-of-school children and bring them back into the education system. These efforts aim to address the specific needs of marginalized groups and provide technical guidance to local and national governments. UNICEF’s involvement includes improving data systems, promoting inclusive learning environments and enhancing coordination between central and local authorities. These collaborations are designed to ensure long-term reform and more equitable educational access across Albania.

Community-Based Support Through Nehemiah Gateway

GlobalGiving has partnered with Nehemiah Gateway, a nonprofit that supports an educational program helping around 200 individuals each year in southern Albania. The program is inclusive of all students—especially Roma youth—and provides a strong academic foundation for future employment and personal growth. Nehemia Schools offer small class sizes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, allowing staff to provide individualized attention. Every year, students from kindergarten to ninth grade receive free hot meals and social support, helping create a stable learning environment for those at risk of falling behind.

Advocacy Campaigns Push for Systemic Reform

To address structural challenges in Albania’s education system, Education International launched the Go Public! Fund Education campaign. This global movement has taken root locally, mobilizing teachers, civil society groups and policymakers to push for increased investment in education and improved working conditions. In February 2025, Albania hosted its first Community Forum on Education, which brought together educators, families and government officials. Forum participants called for stronger infrastructure, increased teacher salaries and greater transparency in school funding. A subsequent Policy Analysis Workshop focused on evaluating national education budgets and drafting reform proposals.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing advocacy from international and local stakeholders continues to spotlight education as a critical pillar of Albania’s development. While challenges persist, collaborative initiatives—such as those led by UNICEF, Nehemiah Gateway and Education International—are helping to bridge access gaps and build a more inclusive system. Progress could require sustained investment, teacher support and targeted reforms to reach underserved communities. With continued coordination and policy engagement, Albania could take further steps toward ensuring equitable, high-quality education for all students.

– Sarina Francis

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

Photo: Flickr

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Invisible Inequality: Disability and Poverty in Singapore 

Disability and Poverty in SingaporeSingapore is home to one of the world’s most affluent and exhilarating economic markets, a world-class healthcare system and an exquisite cuisine. Yet, beneath this polished image, lies concerns that receive far less attention: the invisible inequality around disability and poverty in Singapore. These matters continually involve barriers and challenges that the Singapore government is helping to eradicate.

SG Enable is an agency that centers around disability and poverty in Singapore, aiding anyone from different underprivileged backgrounds. It also aims to make Singapore a more inclusive society by helping to advocate and raise awareness.

About Disability and Poverty in Singapore

According to the Singapore government data, around 3.1% of Singapore’s adult population lives with some form of disability, the rate rising to 13.3% among those aged 50 and above, the biggest percentage seen. Students in Singapore cover the smallest percentage at 2.1%.

While the numbers may seem modest, households and communities deeply feel the effects. People with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore are significantly less likely to be employed: only 32.7% of working-age PWDs held jobs as of 2023, compared to more than 80% in the general population. 

Saltandlight, a foundation that provides a digital gathering space for Christians globally, interviewed Aaron Wong, who has a type of muscle dystrophy called charcot-marie-tooth disease and decided to return to Singapore in 2025, where he grew up. Upon returning, Mr. Wong detailed his tough transition into Cheshire House, a nonprofit care home: “I had to be assisted by hired help whom I barely knew with dressing up and toileting. It was humbling and humiliating.” He described Cheshire House as a “godsend” and said that he “started to see that [he] was not in Cheshire Home as a means to an end, but there was meaning and purpose in me being here within its walls with 110 other people.” 

Those living with a disability can contact SG Enable for further help. Otherwise, there are other ways to seek help through the specific organization such as The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SA Deaf) or the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH).

Addressing Disability and Poverty in Singapore

Through multiple initiatives, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced many ways to help those most affected. The Enabling Masterplan of 2030 was announced on October 11, 2022, which outlines the plan for Singapore as a society that is inclusive for all in 2030, as it was created by, for and alongside persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Along the way, the government has also announced new measures in place to help such as flexible work schedules, and building disability-friendly buildings and sites.

The high cost of living exacerbates this inequality around poverty too. In 2021, The National Institute of Health surveyed the possible correlation between disability and poverty in Singapore. The study’s analysis further revealed that individuals with lower levels of education and those who were unemployed or economically inactive were significantly more likely to have disabilities. This association indicates that individuals facing economic hardship might be at a higher risk of disability, or conversely, that the presence of a disability could lead to reduced educational and employment opportunities, thereby increasing the likelihood of experiencing poverty. 

However, the government is taking several measures to help bridge the gap between disability and poverty in Singapore. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCYS) introduced subsidized health care, housing and education, and a Ministry spokesperson told the BBC that “Singapore has an extensive social safety net.” 

The ComCare Endowment Fund

The ComCare Endowment Fund also emerged in June 2005, which financially aids low income people and families through support programs to the public. To qualify, those applying must have a total income for the household of $1,900 or less, or a per capita household earnings of $650 or less. The Straits Time reported that ComCare had distributed more than $236 million to those in need, a Singapore record since the Fund’s creation. 

One can define a developed nation by the dignity and opportunity it provides to its most vulnerable citizens, not by GDP or worldwide rankings. Singapore’s next frontier of prosperity may not be innovation or money, but rather deepening its social contract.

– Sumayyah Karim

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in Cabo Verde

Disability and Poverty in Cabo VerdeAs is the trend around the world, there is a correlation between disability and poverty in Cabo Verde, with those with disabilities being more likely than their able counterparts to live under the poverty line. However, the International Labour Organization (ILO) commends the island nation for establishing a social protection floor for some of its most vulnerable communities, including those with disabilities, the elderly and children. It is one of the first African countries to do so.

According to the latest studies, an estimated 6% of the population of Cabo Verde is living with some form of disability. However, these figures were published in 2010 and are considerably low in comparison to the rest of the global population, highlighting that they are both out of date and likely to be an underestimate. Given the limited data on disability and poverty in Cabo Verde, it can therefore be difficult to form a complete understanding of what life is really like for those living with disabilities.

Pre-Pandemic

In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cabo Verde saw a considerable reduction in its national poverty rate, from 35.2% in 2015 to 27.7% in 2019. This decline was in part due to the active steps the government made to improve social inclusion for its disabled population. 

For example, in 2017, in partnership with Handicap International, the National Human Rights and Citizenship Commission produced and disseminated an informative document on disability rights. Titled ‘Un Mundu Pa Nos Tudu’ (‘A World for Us All’), the document details common challenges faced by people with disabilities and debunks myths surrounding the disabled community, helping to improve levels of inclusion.

During the Pandemic

However, the pandemic pushed an estimated additional 88 million people worldwide into poverty, and the situation in Cabo Verde was no different. By 2020, almost a third (31.3%) of its population was living in poverty, reversing previous progress.

In a report published in 2021, the International Disability Alliance found that the pandemic revealed several key areas where support for the disabled population falls short. These include limited participation of people with disabilities in health policy decision-making, insufficient prenatal care for mothers with disabilities and a mental health care network which excludes the disabled community. 

Post-Pandemic

Despite this, the government has implemented policies in the aftermath of the pandemic to continue the positive advancements they made before the outbreak, both with respect to poverty levels and social protection for people with disabilities. In 2022, the poverty rate began to fall again and people with disabilities started to see visible improvements to their standard of living.

Established in 2016, the Rede Nacional de Campanha da Educação para Todos, Cabo Verde (otherwise known as the National Network of The Education for All Campaign, Cabo Verde) was able to resume its efforts to improve the lives of disabled people across the country. Led by Dr Marciano Monteiro, who lives with visual impairment, the coalition advocates for increased funding for inclusive education.

In line with the government’s aim of promoting equal opportunities for all, the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the coalition, published a comprehensive report detailing a new set of regulations for schools across the country. These rules guarantee the inclusion of all children with special educational needs, as well as fee-free education, from basic to tertiary, for all children with disabilities.

These changes have already resulted in visible developments within the education system and the situation regarding disability and poverty in Cabo Verde. The quality of teaching, especially with respect to how teachers can support those with diverse educational needs, has greatly improved, leading to an increase in the number of disabled people who stay in school for longer.

Looking Ahead

In making considerable practical adjustments to education and healthcare, the government in Cabo Verde has enabled the disabled population to receive the support they require. This in turn is helping the country break the cycle of poverty.

– Elsa Tarring

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

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Sudan 

Disability and Poverty in SudanSince the beginning of the ongoing war, two years ago, disability and poverty in Sudan have increased while life conditions and healthcare access have diminished. More than 13 million people are displaced internally or to neighboring countries, representing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

After 21 months of fighting, the terrorist militia known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced more than 11.5 million. Most of them internally, 3.3 million to neighboring countries including Egypt, Chad and South Sudan. The displaced Sudanese live in horrible conditions in camps, they lack proper supplies and 25.6  million are food insecure. Doctors Without Borders estimated in February 2024 that 13 children died from starvation every single day. 

On top of living in dire circumstances, the Sudanese are exposed to constant bombings, sexual violence and ethnic cleansing. The American secretary of state, Anthony J. Blinken, has described the RSF’s actions as genocidal. Here is information about disability and poverty in Sudan and efforts to address it.

Disability in Sudan

The Swedish International Corporation Agency estimated that there are 1.9 to 3.8 million disabled people in Sudan, representing 10-15% of the total population. This estimate considers the under reporting of untreated patients. The most common disabilities are blindness at 31% and mental disability at 24%.

While some of these disabilities are hereditary, a large number of impairments have risen throughout the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Injuries from bullets, artillery and bombs have led to severe physical harm such as burns and fractures, sometimes resulting in lifelong injuries like amputations.

Health Care Access

Armed conflict and poverty play a big role in health care access. Before the war, only 50% of people who managed to reach a health facility were offered proper treatment, the weakened health system puts 8 million of children in dire condition at risk as 78,000 babies die every year from preventable causes like malaria.

This access is even more limited to people with disabilities. In 2015, a research studying health care access across Sudan, Namibia, Malawi and South Africa showed that 8.18% of people with no activity limitation had problems accessing health care, while the percentage of people with some or severe activity limitations who lack health care access was 12.24% and 12.10% per month.

The lack of access to health care has only worsened since the beginning of the RSF attacks in April 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 108 attacks on health care facilities by September 2024, the percentage of facilities and public hospitals partially or totally dysfunctional is 70-80% in areas worst affected by the crisis and 45% in other parts of the country, leaving millions of people helpless.

Poverty in Sudan

The 2014 Multidimensional Poverty Index estimates of Sudan indicated that 52.3% of the Sudanese population is multidimensionally poor and 17.7% are vulnerable to multidimensional poverty. These figures are in constant increase, total poverty rates rose to 80% in 2018 and to 97% in 2020.

Due to the ongoing conflict, living conditions have deteriorated and a great number of the population have lost shelter and income. A study compared the decrease of resources between 2021 (before the conflict) and 2023 (during the conflict), it expected the poverty rate to increase by 4.5%, affecting 39.3 million Sudanese. It estimated that the war led to the loss of $15 billion of Sudan’s economy by the end of 2023 which is equivalent to 48% of Sudan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is due to the attack on states that produce sectoral goods as well as the loss of jobs in industry, services and agriculture which amount to 5.2 million jobs lost, representing almost half of the Sudanese workforce.

Though the damage is on a national scale, disabled people struggle more, they are in constant need of food and welfare supplies. Before the conflict, they received financial support from non disabled people through religious donations known as zakat, but the war led to the collapse of the zakat system and begging at the local market is now the main source of income for the disabled Sudanese in Darfur. They are reliant on family members who at times of crises might  leave them behind in a desperate pursuit of safety.

Efforts and Solutions

Many efforts have emerged to diminish disability and poverty in Sudan, whether domestically or internationally. The UNICEF Sudan social protection programme, which is in the eastern states where the malnutrition rates are higher, is directly supporting 300,000 beneficiaries through monetary, informational and care provisions to mothers from the conception of their babies to two years after their birth. This has proven to reduce maternal mortality, infant mortality and malnutrition.

Meanwhile, in November 2023 and with the support of UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Education launched the National Strategy on education of children with disabilities from 2013-2016, followed by the first National Council on education of children with disabilities with the support of UNESCO, UNICEF and Plan international. The strategy aimed to integrate a holistic model to cater to the educational, social, health and protection needs of disabled children as well as safeguarding their rights.

Nayla Prosthetics, a Sudan Disability Movement, launched before the war, which has provided prosthetic and financial support to people with mycetoma, a chronic infection caused by fungi and bacteria mainly affecting farmers. Thanks to this initiative, the beneficiaries have regained mobility which promoted their recovery and job availability.

The team designed a prosthetic capable of reading electrical signals from the amputee and reacting to them with movements. It features a simplified design, a wrist rotation and sensory feedback so that the amputee feels when they touch it and all of this is available for less than $1,000. Thanks to grants and donations, the organization only keeps growing. 

Looking Ahead

Access to the bare necessities of life was already a challenge for most Sudanese, the current war has only accentuated their struggle. Disability and poverty in Sudan is at an all time high and millions of people are vulnerable to starvation, untreated wounds and incessant violence.

– Yasmine Belabed

Yasmine is based in Algeria and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

Disability and Poverty in TunisiaAccording to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a positive correlation exists between disability and poverty in Tunisia. Disabled people are more than twice as likely to live in poverty. Seventeen indicators determine the MPI, including health care, employment, education, living conditions and physical security. As of 2017, Tunisia’s disability prevalence is approximately 14% within a population of 12 million. Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia has taken action to reduce disability poverty in its communities. The following article will explain the connection between disability and poverty in Tunisia, amplify Tunisia’s recent achievements in reducing disability-poverty and discuss further improvements.

The Connection Between Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

  1. Educational Setbacks: Mental and physical impairments hinder disabled children from attending school. Oftentimes, educational facilities in developing countries do not have accessible transport for students who require wheelchairs or special equipment. Mental disabilities prevent students from learning at the same rate as their peers. This educational gap has direct links to future unemployment and financial instability for disabled persons. 
  2. Lack of Employment: In Tunisia, 40% of disabled people are unemployed, a critical factor in the prevalence of disability-poverty. Inadequate education, limited legal protection and disability stigma drive unemployment. While the statistic is unknown, women with disabilities are more likely to face discrimination according to the Tunisian General Trade Union.
  3. Poor Access to Health Care: Disabled citizens struggle to obtain quality healthcare. Many healthcare facilities are not wheelchair accessible. Hospitals in developing countries often lack basic equipment such as X-ray machines, exam tables and scales, which prevents service to disabled patients. Healthcare services for disabled patients also tend to be more expensive.
  4. Infectious Disease Prevalence: Infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases, are common in Tunisia and worsen disability-poverty. Specifically, infectious disease may cause disabilities, particularly in childhood, by impairing motor, cognitive and sensory function.
  5. Unsafe Living Conditions: Dangerous environmental factors can instigate disabilities. Poor sanitation and dangerous infrastructure increase the likelihood of developing a physical impairment. Additionally, unsafe living conditions worsen the health of disabled persons, hindering employment and access to special services. This enacts a cycle of poverty. Impoverished conditions worsen disability, and disability encourages poverty’s increase.

Tunisia’s Advancements in Disability-Poverty Reduction

  1. Disability Cards: As of 2012, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) administers disability cards to Tunisians with physical and mental impairments. These cards allow disabled persons to acquire special services and government protection from discrimination. Disabled persons holding these cards are also ensured transportation, health care, access to recreational areas and employment opportunities.
  2. Government Funding: The Orientation Act 83 is a federal step to prevent disability and poverty in Tunisia. Organizations are funded in their provision of special education, workshops, vocational training and rehabilitation services. A direct effect of this act is the establishment of four special education institutions in Tunisia.
  3. Official Representation: Tunisia’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) originated in 2008 and provides government protection to disabled persons. Three stakeholders make up the CRPD: the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). These departments are largely responsible for improving the living conditions of people with disabilities.
  4. Social Organizations: Prior to the 2011 Jasmine revolution, social movements fighting disability-poverty were unheard of. Today, numerous associations exist to protect the welfare of disabled persons. The Tunisian Organization of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Tunisian Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Parents and Friends of Persons with Disabilities Association of Tunis are all organizations dedicated to the reduction of disability and poverty in Tunisia.
  5. Election Aid: In 2014, Tunisia implemented the use of sign language in all election-related communication. This applies to voting registration, electoral polls, political speeches and national television programming. In 2019, the country implemented new voting technology — braille and sign language lexicons — further aiding citizens with vision or hearing impairments. As a result, Tunisia’s educational gap is reduced and disabled participation in society has increased.

Barriers in the Fight Against Disability Poverty

  1. Limit Social Stigma: Much of the Tunisian population treats disabled persons as second-class citizens or “charity cases.” Disability stigma results in negative outcomes on employment and educational opportunities for the impaired. Employment’s decrease results in poverty’s increase.
  2. Reliable Enforcement: Although Tunisia has laws to protect the welfare of disabled persons, there is a lack of enforcement of these laws. Disabled citizens’ legal rights are not effectively monitored.
  3. Repair COVID-19 Damage: Disability-poverty increased during the pandemic due to higher unemployment. Not only were jobs harder to find, but disabled persons often require contact assistance, putting them at greater risk for disease transmission. Disabled students struggled with remote education, heightening the education gap. Tunisia’s COVID-19 recovery ended towards the end of 2021, but the impact of the pandemic remains prevalent for the disabled community.
  4. Tunisian Parliament Suspension: The Tunisian Parliament was suspended after the July 25, 2021, constitutional referendum. This suspension has prevented the Parliamentary Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Groups from implementing field programs to aid disability-poverty.
  5. Broaden Disability Diagnosis: Although the disability card has reduced disability poverty in Tunisia, it is difficult to acquire these cards. They are given only after an approved medical assessment. This assessment may not account for all psychological impairments. 

Looking Ahead

Although disability and poverty are still a problem in Tunisia today, significant progress has occurred and points to future improvements. 

– Helen Cusick

Helen is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Economic Prospects: Disability and Poverty in Italy

Economic Prospects: Disability and Poverty in ItalyItaly’s young people with disabilities live at the intersection of two systemic failures: underfunded support services and a labor market that often views them as liabilities. A 2023 study by CBM Italia and Fondazione E. Zancan found that nearly nine in 10 families with a disabled member struggle financially, highlighting the link between disability and poverty in Italy. Instead of cash handouts, 90% of these families emphasized the need for “humanized” support such as home care, accessible therapies, mobility aids and social programs. Drawing from interviews with nearly 300 individuals aged 14 to 55, the survey highlights the persistent link between disability and poverty in Italy.

Poverty and Isolation Undermine Independence

Approximately 5.6 million Italians—about 9.7% of the population—live in absolute poverty. The study also found that one in six families received no institutional support and more than 70% had no friends or community network to help. Without access to day centers or assisted living, parents become full-time carers, which limits young people’s independence. Despite legal frameworks like Law 104/1992 and Italy’s 2009 ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, many young Italians with disabilities still face marginalization in both policy and practice.

Gaps in Education Access

Italy’s inclusive education reveals significant shortcomings upon closer inspection. About 338,000 students with disabilities (4.1% of pupils) attended school in 2022–23, but demand continues to outpace support. The student–aide ratio is 1.6:1 and one-third of support teachers lack specialized training. Additionally, 12% are assigned after the school year begins. Inclusion is highly discontinuous: some 60% of disabled students change their support teacher every year. Parents report that once children reach the age of 16–18, most free supports end abruptly. As a result, many families privately pay for therapies or aides, from physiotherapy to educational tutors. According to the European Commission, in the Piedmont region, only 2.9% of people with disabilities have attained a university degree, with most leaving the education system after lower secondary school.

Barriers to Employment

Limited qualifications restrict future opportunities. Only about 36% of Italians with disabilities hold paid employment, compared to 60% of their nondisabled peers. The unemployment rate for disabled adults sits at 20%, nearly double that of others. In the CBM/Zancan survey, 38% of respondents were declared legally unable to work. In the South, that figure rises to 46%. Law 68/1999 mandates companies to hire workers with disabilities, but participation remains limited. Many eligible youths do not register for job quotas and few secure long-term employment. Northern regions offer more services and placements, while southern youth rely primarily on disability pensions.

Toward Inclusive Solutions

Italy’s disability policy still has critical gaps. Public spending on social and support services is low and uneven and complex bureaucratic assessments fragment aid. To foster autonomy and inclusion, the OECD’s 2023 report recommends expanding day centers, improving training programs and enforcing quota laws with real incentives.

– Lucrezia Frascati

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

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in the DRC: Destitution With Stigma 

Disability and Poverty in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as the DRC, is the second-largest country in Africa. Its current instability is due to multiple conflicts over the years, such as the ongoing Democratic Republic of Congo-Rwandan conflict. The people most at risk for going into extreme poverty due to this factor, plus multiple different factors, are those with disability in the DRC.

Disability in the DRC has been a subject of scrutiny for decades; despite recent breakthroughs for rights, disabled people are often in poverty due to social stigma. About 10% of the population in the DRC has a disability, often due to poverty or conflicts, with the physically disabled more likely to be in poverty and stigmatized. With the shadow of past wars and the ongoing conflict in the DRC, disabled people are more than ever at risk of going into extreme poverty and even death. Here is more information about disability and poverty in the DRC.

Stigmatized and in the Background

The DRC has one of the lowest health care access rates in the world, making it difficult to provide disease prevention and sufficient care. Many diseases are preventable through vaccines, such as polio and measles. Without health care and mental health aid in the country, they can resurge and wreak havoc on communities, causing more disability in the DRC.

Many people with disabilities in the DRC struggle to receive acceptance in their community, both from peers, who fear them due to their disability, and their families who can view them as a hindrance. The stigma surrounding disabled people means that their families are more likely to abandon them compared to abled people. This may leave them in dire situations and poor mental health.

The physically disabled among the population find it hard to get an education, due to stigmatization from educators who do not understand the latest laws and policies when it comes to disabled rights. This can lead to illiteracy among disabled children, thus leading to extreme poverty, which can lead to medical deaths without support.

This means that DRC’s disabled people are more vulnerable to extreme poverty compared to its able-bodied citizens. DRC’s disabled population is viewed in a negative light due to their disability, due to the lack of education about disabilities among the populace. A lot of the population (including disabled individuals) believe that something otherworldly, such as punishment by god or witchcraft, cause disability.

Tribulations for Disabled Rights

To make matters more difficult for the disabled, there is a lack of resources for the disabled in the country, despite a law passed in 2022 to protect their rights. The difficulty of implementing policies to improve their lives, mixed with the stigma of disability from their peers, has made it a struggle to find purpose and receive opportunities.

Additionally, the DRC planned a policy to help those with mental health struggles in 1999. But this policy does not include a law about how it will treat those with disabling mental illness, with mental illness without assistance affecting 80% of those under 40.

Despite the DRC’s trade and industry of mining resources, the wealth does not go to the citizens who have worked to procure them. About one in six people in the DRC lives in extreme poverty, and 73% of the population lives on $2.15 a day. For those with disabilities, it is not enough to support themselves, with approximately 10.5 billion living with disability in the DRC, 96% of them live in poverty.

This has contributed to the poverty in the DRC amongst those with disabilities, both in finding work and education that is willing to support them. These multifaceted factors, such as conflict, economic instability and disability, have caused them to be stuck in a state of destitution that is difficult to leave.

Hope Amongst Conflict

The situation with the disabled in DRC seems like a difficult conundrum, but with proper support and awareness provided by aid, they can have improved lives. Organizations such as Humanity & Inclusion have assisted in providing health care to those with disabilities, such as giving prosthetics and therapy to children who have disabilities or are developing one.

Humanity & Inclusion is a nonprofit organization that originated in 1982 and has helped more than tens of millions of people globally in 2024. It helps with emergencies and long-term developments, from removing explosives left behind from wars to working with disabled people to better their future opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Aid for people with disabilities is essential for any developing society to grow both in happiness and in economics. Disabled people need crucial support to thrive in society, so they can give themselves the independence they desire and the hope to create a life they can feel happy about.

– Anastasia Flerchinger

Anastasia is based in Richland, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in Panama in 2025

Disability and Poverty in PanamaPanama struggles with poverty. As of 2019, 21.5% of the population in Panama is living in poverty. With the last recorded population count at around 4.459 million people, that would mean that almost 1 million are currently below the poverty line in the country. However, a major demographic within those impoverished in Panama is the disabled population.

The troubles of poverty can be amplified for those living with either physical or mental disabilities. As of 2010, about 5% of Panamanian adults suffer from functional difficulty. These people often have lower chances of finding a job or finishing their education, which in turn harms their ability to improve their standards of life. This can often lead to disability and poverty intertwining and reinforcing each other, making it harder for people with these disabilities to get themselves out of poverty. In fact, disabled people in Panama have a poverty rate of 46% as opposed to 19% for those without a disability.

The Panamanian Social Security Fund (CSS) has been an important organization for supporting the country’s disabled population, mainly by handling social security benefits to those in need since 1941. However, with a new law implemented, the country grows concerned over how much the organization will be able to help fight against disability and poverty in Panama.

New Law and What It Means for Panama

The Panamanian government officially implemented Law No. 462 on March 18, 2025. According to Morgan & Morgan, this law implements a number of structural changes to how the CSS will administer benefits, including automatically taxing independent professionals with a 9.3% tax income to cover a number of contributions. This will include benefits to the disabled.

However, Panamanian citizens have expressed concern over how this law will affect them, as unions express concern about a shift in focus towards individual workers for pensions. Protesters are also claiming that this law will mostly benefit the companies rather than the individuals that might need these pensions. However, it is unclear how this law will affect the fight against disability and poverty in Panama.

Organizations That Address Disability and Poverty in Panama

While it is unclear how this law will affect Panama in the long run, it is important that citizens from outside of the country know how poverty is heavily affecting the disabled population. As for what can be done, there are organizations outside of the CSS that have taken to also fight against disability and poverty in Panama. Here are a couple of examples:

  • Fundación Oír es Vivir: Fundación Oír es Vivir  is an organization that specializes in preventing and treating deafness, and it has partnered with the global organization Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to spread awareness and care for deaf Panamanians. Dr. Cynthia Guy founded Fundación Oír es Vivir in 2008 and the organization raised more than 15,000 pounds to restore hearing to 100 children in a current project. The organization’s end goal is to raise around 25,000 pounds to help families who cannot usually afford to restore their children’s hearing; this will serve as a great opportunity for all of these families to improve their chances of breaking the poverty cycle. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower also has a branch in Panama, although its website is exclusively in Spanish.
  • Special Olympics: Special Olympics is an organization working in Panama that promotes physical health for both physically and mentally disabled children and adults. It also promotes disabled athletes and has 2,565 athletes from Panama registered according to its fact sheet. Improved physical health may help disabled people and hopefully leave put in a better position to garner employment.

Looking Ahead

Poverty will always be difficult to combat, but those who struggle with a disability alongside poverty need even more special support, both within and outside the country. While the future of Panama is currently unclear, spreading more awareness and supporting the country’s disabled will help create a better Panama and hopefully improve its quality of life.

– Jose Gabriel Lopez

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

Photo: Pixabay