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Health Initiatives in South Asia

Unlocking Health: Collaborative Solutions for South AsiaHome to nearly 25% of the global population, South Asia is one of the world’s most populous yet vulnerable regions, facing extensive health disparities due to poverty, limited health care infrastructure and high disease burdens. South Asia has the second-highest number and proportion of the world’s extremely poor at a staggering 33.4%. In response, countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have launched targeted health initiatives to address these ongoing challenges, especially for marginalized populations. 

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, mobile health clinics are reaching remote communities, providing essential health care that would otherwise be inaccessible. BRAC, one of the world’s largest NGOs, has partnered with the government to deploy these clinics across rural areas, delivering crucial services to more than 20 million people annually. In addition to general health care, these mobile clinics offer antenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations and nutrition counseling, all of which are critical in a country where approximately 60% of the population lives in rural areas without easy access to health care facilities.

The Shasthya Shebika initiative, one of BRAC’s standout programs, trains local women to serve as health workers. With more than 50,000 Shasthya Shebikas operating in rural communities, this program reaches more than 80 million people across Bangladesh. The initiative has been shown to reduce maternal mortality in the areas it serves, highlighting the effectiveness of community-based health care support in reducing life-threatening childbirth complications.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, vaccination efforts have led to significant reductions in preventable diseases. Polio, once a widespread threat, is now close to being eradicated due to a massive vaccination campaign launched in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Since 1988, polio cases in Pakistan have dropped by more than 99%—from thousands annually to just a handful in recent years. In 2021, the campaign vaccinated more than 40 million children under 5 across the country, illustrating the reach and impact of sustained immunization efforts.

Pakistan’s Sehat Sahulat Program, a health care financing initiative introduced in 2015, provides health care cards to families earning less than $2 per day. The program currently covers more than a million families, providing them with up to $6,000 annually for medical expenses, including surgeries, maternal health services and emergency care. Studies reveal that households participating in the program are more likely to seek medical care early, reducing disease progression and associated health care costs.

India

In India, where infant mortality and malnutrition are significant challenges, programs like Saans and Poshan Abhiyaan are making measurable progress. The Saans Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, trains community health workers to perform neonatal resuscitation, reducing neonatal mortality rates in rural and underserved areas. Studies reveal that trained health workers can reduce neonatal deaths by up to 20% in resource-limited areas, a statistic supported by Saans data from states like Madhya Pradesh, where the program is heavily implemented.

On the nutrition front, Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) has been a cornerstone in India’s fight against child malnutrition. Launched in 2018, this program targets stunting, wasting and anemia among children under 5 and women of reproductive age. Since its inception, the mission has reached more than 80 million people across India. Data from the National Family Health Survey reveals a 6% reduction in stunting and a 2% reduction in wasting among children between 2016 and 2020, attributed in part to Poshan Abhiyaan’s focus on community-based nutrition programs, counseling and distribution of fortified foods.

Looking Ahead

The success of health initiatives in South Asia hinges on strong partnerships, leveraging local expertise and international resources to drive sustainable, large-scale impact. Collaborations between BRAC and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health, Pakistan’s Sehat Sahulat with GIZ and India’s Poshan Abhiyaan with UNICEF and the World Bank have empowered millions, reducing maternal mortality, nearly eradicating polio and lowering childhood stunting rates. Together, these ongoing initiatives transform health access and quality of life for vulnerable populations, creating a foundation for lasting health improvements across South Asia.

– Irtija Ahmad

Irtija is based in Slough, Berkshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Portable Labs for Diagnosing Diseases in Africa

Portable Labs for Diagnosing DiseasesAccess to health care poses a significant challenge in many African regions. Remote villages often lie hours or days from the nearest clinic and under-resourced hospitals struggle to provide timely diagnoses for diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. As a result, patients experience significant delays in receiving care, leading to high mortality rates for otherwise treatable diseases. However, the deployment of portable labs across Africa transforms health care by delivering essential testing and treatment services directly to these underprivileged communities.

The Need for Portable Labs

A disproportionate 25% share of the global disease burden falls on Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB remain the leading causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. Quick and accurate diagnosis is key to combatting these diseases. However, with more than half of its population deprived of health care access and Africa’s global health expenditure below 1%, lab infrastructure is often outdated. Sending samples to distant laboratories for analysis can take days or weeks, delaying life-saving treatments. Portable labs address this issue by equipping health care workers with the tools to conduct on-site tests. These compact, mobile units, designed for low-resource settings, can perform diagnostic tests within minutes, allowing for immediate disease diagnosis and treatment initiation.

How Portable Labs Work

Portable labs generally consist of compact machines capable of performing various diagnostic tests, revolutionizing health care in remote areas. A well-known portable lab is the GeneXpert System by Cepheid, which provides rapid molecular testing for different diseases, like TB and HIV. This system, requiring minimal training, delivers results in under three hours—a critical feature for timely patient treatment.

Another significant innovation is the SAMBA II machine from Diagnostics for the Real World, designed to diagnose HIV within two hours. It has seen wide deployment across sub-Saharan African clinics, including in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi. The SAMBA II operates without specialized lab infrastructure, making it an ideal solution for resource-limited regions. These devices, powered by battery packs or solar energy, make them highly adaptable to regions with unreliable electricity. They are also compact enough to be transported to remote villages, enabling health care teams to deliver diagnostic services where they are most needed.

Impact of Portable Labs

The use of portable labs for diagnosing diseases in Africa has shown promising results in the fight against diseases like TB and HIV. The introduction of Cepheid’s GeneXpert system in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a marked improvement in early TB detection and treatment, limiting community transmission. Similarly, the SAMBA II enables faster diagnosis and better monitoring of patients, which is essential in regions where health care workers need to track the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapies of HIV-positive patients. Thus, rapid on-site testing provided by portable labs ensures patients remain on the best possible treatment plans, improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates. 

Looking Forward

As the use of portable labs for diagnosing diseases in Africa expands, the impact on public health is expected to grow. Indeed, governments, NGOs and international health organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in these technologies to combat the continent’s most pressing diseases. These portable labs could become a cornerstone of Africa’s health care system. By making health care more accessible and effective, portable labs are not only saving lives – they are playing a vital role in the broader fight against poverty. Furthermore, by improving health care delivery, portable labs contribute to more resilient, healthier communities, laying the groundwork for long-term poverty alleviation and enabling individuals to break the cycle of poverty by improving health outcomes in some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

– Viola Cuthbertson

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

Photo: Flickr

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Affordable Eye Care: The Aravind Eye Care System

The Aravind Eye Care SystemIn a world where quality health care often comes with a hefty price tag, the Aravind Eye Care System shines as a remarkable exception. Founded in 1976 by the visionary Dr. Govindappa Venkataswamy, this institution has transformed from a modest 11-bed facility into a vast network dedicated to affordable, high-quality eye care.

About Venkataswamy

Venkataswamy, fondly known as “Dr. V,” was born on October 1, 1918, in Vadamalapuram, Tamil Nadu In, India. After earning his medical degree from Stanley Medical College in 1944, he served in the Indian Army Medical Corps. However, Venkataswamy retired early due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Undeterred, he specialized in Ophthalmology and went on to perform more than 100,000 successful eye surgeries. Additionally, Venkataswamy introduced innovative programs to combat blindness in India, including outreach camps and an ophthalmic assistants training program. In 1973, he was awarded the Padmashree by the Government of India for his contributions.

Aravind Eye Hospital

Aravind Eye Hospital was established by Venkataswamy without any initial capital, business plan or safety net, relying primarily on faith in its mission to eliminate needless blindness. Since its inception, Aravind has expanded to include seven tertiary centers, seven secondary centers, six community eye clinics, 80 vision centers and eye banks. The Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology and the Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology provide essential training. At the same time, Aurolab manufactures affordable, high-quality ophthalmic consumables exported to more than 160 countries.

In the 2022-23 year, Aravind performed more than 704,000 surgeries and had more than 5.7 million outpatient visits. Remarkably, more than 50% of these surgeries were provided either free or at highly subsidized rates to people experiencing poverty. This is made possible via the earnings from paying patients. Aravind’s efficient service delivery and innovative practices, such as an “assembly line” system in operating rooms, enable doctors to perform a high volume of surgeries while maintaining exceptional quality.

Furthermore, Aravind’s outreach program, supported by organizations like Lions Clubs International and Rotary International, extends its services to villages lacking eye care facilities. The model, originally focused on cataract screenings, now provides comprehensive eye exams and necessary treatments, bringing those requiring surgery to the base hospital for free procedures.

Sustainability and Innovation

Aravind has optimized patient care practices to reduce its carbon footprint. Spectacle delivery times and transport emissions have been significantly reduced through an innovative online selection and central lab fitting process. The hospital’s energy-efficient buildings, solar plant and sustainable dining services further align its social, environmental and financial goals.

Enhancing Productivity

Recognizing the scarcity and cost of ophthalmologists, Aravind reassigned routine tasks to mid-level ophthalmic personnel, boosting the productivity of ophthalmologists by more than four times. Medical schools and business schools worldwide have replicated this innovative approach. Moreover, Aravind now provides consultancy services and training to eye hospitals and personnel globally.

Conclusion: A Model for Global Health

Aravind Eye Care System stands as a testament to the power of innovative, compassionate health care. By transforming how eye care is delivered, Aravind not only provides sight to millions but also serves as a model for sustainable health care worldwide. As Aravind continues to expand its reach, the foundation’s vision of eradicating needless blindness and fostering a healthier world becomes increasingly tangible.

– Sandeep Kaur

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

Photo: Flickr

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6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate from 2023 While acknowledging the need for continued progress worldwide, it’s also crucial to recognize significant advances. Moreover, the year 2023 was noteworthy for global health achievements, particularly marking strides away from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s to celebrating six notable global health advancements from 2023.

6 Global Health Achievements to Celebrate

  1. Disease Elimination. There was an unprecedented amount of disease elimination across the world in 2023, according to WHO. Some examples include Gambinese human African trypanosomiasis in Ghana – a life-threatening sleeping sickness that had threatened rural and impoverished communities. Fortunately, Benin and Mali succeeded in eliminating trachoma, a disease of the eye that can lead to irreversible blindness.
  2. COVID-19 No Longer a Global Health Emergency. After 13.3 billion vaccination doses worldwide and a review of the generally high levels of immunity and the declining COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations, the WHO’s emergency committee declared COVID-19 to no longer be a global health emergency. As a result, this is among the most significant global health achievements in 2023 as the world moves forward from the years of the pandemic.
  3. Bangladesh Triumphs over Kala-Azar. In 2023, Bangladesh eliminated visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, a huge achievement for the country. Caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female sand fly, if left untreated the disease has a survival rate of just 5%. Wiping out kala-azar on a national scale is a significant step forward for Bangladeshi public health.
  4. Egypt Paves the Way for Beating Hepatitis C. Egypt became the world’s leading country in eliminating Hepatitis C in 2023. A virus affecting the liver, that if untreated can lead to serious and possibly fatal damage. Furthermore, Egypt officially achieved the gold tier level in tackling the disease and is collaborating with the Africa CDC (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) to help other Member States achieve similar results.
  5. Adoption of the Rabat Declaration. The 2023 Rabat Declaration pledged to improve migrant and refugee access to health care. Countries adopting the declaration will work to improve the health of migrants and refugees. They advocate for their health care to be included in the national policy of host countries, highlighting the right of every individual to have access to health care. Above all, this declaration is a huge global health achievement. It marks a big step forward in the protection and care of millions of vulnerable people across the world.
  6. The ‘Big Catch-Up’ for Childhood Vaccination. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless children are behind on their routine vaccinations. This has caused vital immunization levels to decrease in more than 100 countries. This has led to a worrying rise in diseases such as measles, polio and yellow fever in children. However, the WHO aims to return essential vaccination levels to pre-pandemic standards. In addition, the WHO announced the ‘Big Catch-Up’ in 2023, working to restore health care workforces and rebuild the trust and understanding in childhood vaccination – to protect as many children and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Looking Ahead

For many, 2023 was the year that started to feel like the world was no longer in the grips of a global pandemic. The first steps being made back to normality. As COVID-19 began to no longer be such a pressing concern, countries were able to turn their focus to tackling other diseases and health care concerns. Consequently, great global health achievements were seen last year. There is hope that with continued efforts and support, there may be many more advancements and milestones reached across the world in 2024.

– Rose Williams
Photo: Unsplash

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The Growth of E-Health Startups in Southeast Asia

The Growth of E-Health Startups in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia, a region known for its vibrant cultures and dynamic economies, is also home to some of the most innovative health care transformations in the world. Among these, the rise of e-health startups in Southeast Asia stands out as a critical development, leveraging technology to bridge significant gaps in health care services. Furthermore, this surge reflects a broader trend of digitalization in the health care sector, driven by the urgent need to improve access, affordability and the quality of health care services across diverse populations.

New Path to Health Care: E-Health Startups

E-health startups in Southeast Asia are pioneering a variety of solutions that address the region’s unique health care challenges. These innovations range from telemedicine platforms that connect patients with medical professionals remotely, to AI-driven diagnostic tools that provide faster and more accurate assessments. The accessibility of mobile technology and internet connectivity has been a key enabler, allowing these startups to reach underserved communities in remote areas.

In addition, one of the most significant impacts of e-health startups is its ability to provide essential health care services to those who previously had limited or no access. By offering consultations, health monitoring and access to medical information through smartphones and computers, these startups are making health care more inclusive. This is especially critical in regions with a shortage of health care professionals and facilities.

Case Studies of E-Health Startups Impact

  • Halodoc, Indonesia. Halodoc is a leading example of how e-health startups are revolutionizing health care in Southeast Asia. It offers an online platform where patients can consult with doctors via video calls, purchase medication and even book hospital appointments. Halodoc has made health care services more accessible and convenient for millions of Indonesians, significantly improving patient outcomes.
  • MyDoc, Singapore. MyDoc is a digital health platform that simplifies the health care journey for patients by offering a seamless connection with health care providers, diagnostic services and pharmacies. It emphasizes preventive health care, managing chronic conditions and facilitating efficient health care delivery through technology.
  • Docquity, Regional. Serving as a specialized social network for doctors, Docquity provides a platform for health care professionals across Southeast Asia to share knowledge, discuss cases and stay updated with the latest medical advancements. This not only enhances professional development but also improves the quality of care provided to patients.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the promising growth, e-health startups in Southeast Asia face several challenges. Regulatory hurdles, data privacy concerns and the need for digital literacy among both health care providers and patients are significant barriers. Additionally, ensuring the quality of health care services delivered through digital platforms remains a priority.

Looking Forward

The future shines bright for e-health startups in Southeast Asia, as innovation flourishes and investment surges in the sector. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the rapid adoption of digital health services, underscoring its vital role in contemporary health care systems. As these startups continue to develop, they are poised to significantly influence the region’s health care landscape, making it more resilient, accessible and efficient.

The growth of e-health startups in Southeast Asia represents a pivotal shift toward more accessible, efficient and inclusive health care services. Through innovation and technology, these startups are bridging significant gaps in health care delivery, offering hope and improved care to millions. Furthermore, as the sector continues to mature, it holds the promise of transforming health care in once unimaginable ways, making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the region’s diverse populations.

– Hosna Hossain
Photo: Unsplash

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The World Bank’s New Gender Strategy: Female Leadership

World Bank's New Gender StrategyAcross the world, gender equality is “an urgent imperative,” according to the World Bank. The global community is currently grappling with an unparalleled series of crises disproportionately affecting women and girls. Gender equality is a cornerstone for fostering a world characterized by peace and prosperity, playing an essential role in the global developmental trajectory.

While achieving gender equality is a continuous challenge for the worldwide community, the proposed World Bank Gender Strategy 2024-2030 attempts to “accelerate gender equality for a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future in alignment with the World Bank Evolution Roadmap.” The strategy actively promotes engagement with public and private sector clients, development partners, civil society and other critical stakeholders to achieve key objectives. Objectives include engaging women as community leaders and increasing opportunities for women, both crucial in addressing gender-specific challenges and promoting overall economic and social progress.

Empowering Women in Eastern and Southern Africa

The World Bank article, “Transforming the Lives of Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Africa,” focuses on applying the institution’s new Gender Strategy in East and South Africa from 2016-2023 and exploring the future implications of this updated approach. In both Eastern and Southern Africa, women and girls are faced with extreme educational and economic disadvantages continuously. While essential strides for gender equality have been made within these regions, there is still far more to achieve.

“In AFE countries, only 26% of women had an account with a financial institution in FY17 and women are 24% less likely than men to have an account. Only 10% of women borrowed for their business or farm and business ownership is disproportionately skewed toward men; for instance, 70% of Rwanda’s businesses are owned by men.” Ultimately, the World Bank hopes to close these gender gaps and boost female empowerment by continuing to engage women as leaders and increase their opportunities within communities.

Addressing Gender Disparities

In response to the challenges of gender equality, specific projects have been launched by the World Bank’s Gender Strategy to increase women’s participation in entrepreneurial endeavors. One example is the Ethiopia Women Entrepreneurship Development Project, aiming to increase earnings and employment for women in targeted cities. The program guarantees participants access to finances and supports the development of their entrepreneurial and technical skills. It has provided more than 24,000 women with loans, leading to an average income increase of 68%.

The Intersection of Gender Equality and Global Health

The World Bank will continue establishing and developing its New Gender Strategy program because of the positive effects investing in women and girls can have within communities, as shown through a U.N. case study on investing in women’s leadership. The disproportionately high HIV infection rates among adolescent girls and young women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, stem from intersecting factors such as unequal power dynamics, gender norms and limited access to health care and resources.

To combat this, empowering young women through providing education, access to resources and leadership opportunities is crucial for reducing HIV incidence and achieving global health and gender equality targets. “The world will not be able to defeat AIDS while reinforcing patriarchy. The only effective route map to ending AIDS and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is a feminist route map,” quoted Winnie Byanyima, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Executive Director.

In Summary

The pursuit of gender equality remains an urgent global imperative, especially amid crises disproportionately impacting women and girls. The World Bank’s Gender Strategy 2024-2030 aims to accelerate equality and global improvements by empowering women as leaders within communities and achieving goals of economic gender equality. Initiatives like the Ethiopia Women Entrepreneurship Development Project exemplify targeted efforts to enhance women’s economic participation and empowerment, echoing the broader call to bridge gender gaps worldwide.

– Marisa Kole
Photo: Unsplash

2 Organizations Combating FGM/C

Two Organizations Combating FGM/C in Their Communities and BeyondFemale genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) takes many forms, from partial removal of the clitoris to decreasing the size of the vaginal opening by sewing the labia together and more. No matter which form of FGM/C a person undergoes, the short- and long-term health risks are major, and its consequences go beyond the person directly impacted by it. In a 2021 article for the Council on Foreign Relations written by US Department of State foreign service officer Maryum Saifee, who is also a survivor of FGM/C, she argues that “ending FGM is a precondition for stability and prosperity both at home and abroad.”

Given the consequences of it on health, the economy, national security and more, combating FGM/C is an important issue that also requires cultural competency. Currently, two organizations that are using cultural competency to fight FGM/C in their communities and beyond are Sahiyo and the Hope Foundation for African Women.

Sahiyo

Sahiyo is a founding member of the Global Platform for Action to End Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). Sahiyo works within communities that actively practice female genital cutting (FGC), engaging in educational dialogue with them about the many risks associated with it. Sahiyo uses the term FGC, because ‘mutilation’ assumes an intent to harm, and approaching communities with hostility undermines its ability to create lasting change. The organization has two chapters: Sahiyo U.S. addresses FGC globally and Sahiyo India focuses on India, especially within Bohra communities where it’s a common practice known as khatna, and where four of its co-founders have connections.

There is currently no national law in India banning FGC, and of the 92 countries with active FGC practices, only 51 have laws explicitly banning it.

The Borgen Project recently sat down with Mariya Taher, one of Sahiyo’s co-founders and their U.S. Executive Director, to discuss the group’s work. Taher spoke about the importance of having laws worldwide that address FGC, stating that “particularly when FGM/C is considered such a widespread social norm within communities, laws and policies can help to influence behavior change when it comes to harmful norms […] there’s a lot of research that does show that having legislation in place that clearly articulates that FGM/C is illegal can help to influence behavior change within impacted communities, too, and to help highlight that a harmful social norm shouldn’t be allowed anymore.” Taher also articulated that policy and legislation shouldn’t just stop at criminalization of FGC, but also include education and outreach into impacted communities.

Additionally, Sahiyo highlights the voices of FGC survivors, whether from the Dawoodi Bohra community, other Asian communities, African communities, white American communities or anywhere else in the world. Taher explained the issue of pluralistic ignorance around FGC, which has hindered progress in eradicating it. Pluralistic ignorance is a social psychology term that “means this idea that no one wants something to continue, but they continue it because they think everyone else does, and that’s how they belong.” She stated that uplifting the voices of survivors, especially through their Voices to End FGM/C program, makes survivors feel less isolated in their experiences, as well as encouraging others to speak out.

Sahiyo maintains a podcast, blog and YouTube channel to share survivors’ stories. In addition, Sahiyo engages in research about FGC, conducts education training about FGC and, in 2021, it launched a program called Bhaiyo to engage men in the fight against FGC.

Hope Foundation for African Women

Located in Kenya, the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) works on reducing FGM/C primarily among the Kisii and Maasai communities. Although Kenya banned FGM/C in 2011 and the High Court of Kenya upheld that ban in 2021, around 97% of Kisii and Maasai girls in Kenya still undergo FGM/C, as the practice goes on underground.

HFAW combats FGM/C through education about its risks and impact on the community and through leadership training. The organization has provided training to 120 health and human rights personnel, students and staff in nine schools and 25 men, some of whom work in law enforcement. It is also training at least 50 youth to become anti-FGM youth leaders.

Looking Ahead

Combating FGM/C appears to be a challenging feat. Taher shared the sentiment that “no matter how much we’ve talked about this with some community members […] they will be very staunch in continuing it because they very much believe that it’s connected to their identity in some way.” The dedication that Sahiyo and HFAW have toward combating FGM/C, however, is tremendous and their culturally competent approach could result in lasting change.

– Natalie Coyne

Photo: Courtesy of Sahiyo

Addressing Period Poverty in Niger

Period Poverty in NigerPeriod poverty, the circumstance where menstruating females do not have access to sanitary or feminine products, is a common occurrence in many parts of the world. Although period poverty affects developed countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of the United States, it is most prevalent in underprivileged countries in South Asia and Africa, such as Niger, where nearly 25% of females are subject to this. Here is information about period poverty in Niger.

Causes of Period Poverty

One can attribute period poverty to many factors, from social to economic; however, UNICEF explained that one of the leading causes of its presence in Niger is the “long tradition of viewing menstruation as impure.” This long-standing belief, along with cultural taboos, lack of sex education and poverty, created a stigmatization of this menstruation cycle, causing people to ignore and overlook the issue.

Another contributing factor is that period products, such as tampons and pads, are expensive to buy, especially for girls in developing countries such as Niger. In Niger and other less-privileged areas, girls and boys begin working and supporting their families at a young age to survive, often earning just enough money for the bare necessities of food, water, clothing and shelter. In these circumstances, period products almost seem a frivolous need.

Statistics and Physical Impacts of Period Poverty in Niger

United Nations Women of Africa conducted a study on menstrual hygiene in Niger in February of 2018. The results exemplified the results of a severe lack of period products, with 31% of women taking breaks from their occupation during their cycle or even quitting to avoid the embarrassment of bleeding out. One in 10 school girls was also reported to have stayed home during their cycle.

Period poverty also has a vast impact on females physically. Due to the lack of proper sanitation products, women often opt for less safe and healthy ways to manage their hygiene during their cycles. For example, Niger women frequently stuffed unclean cloth strips or foams in their undergarments rather than pads. 

These poor hygiene methods, explained by the National Library of Medicine, often cause health concerns such as “reproductive and urinary tract infections, thrush, and others.” Other diseases include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which leads to blood loss and, eventually, anemia. These infections can easily worsen, especially without access to proper medicine.

Mental Impacts of Period Poverty

Not only does period poverty have a physical impact on females, but it also has a mental effect, as women who were subject to poverty had a significantly higher chance of developing depressive symptoms and anxiety. These feelings are also accompanied by lowered mental health, low self-esteem and lowered self-perception. The shame and stigma associated with menstruation may cause girls to feel a sense of embarrassment and a lack of self-empowerment, negatively affecting their ability to lead an enjoyable life. Period poverty especially challenges females in the workplace and at school, as they are often overwhelmed with extreme anxiety and fear. 

Efforts to Combat Period Poverty in Niger

Social Voices reported that activism campaigns recognized that the main obstacle to addressing period poverty in developing countries such as Nigeria and Niger is affordability. Campaigns such as One Voice Initiative for Women and Children Emancipation (OVIWCE) and Reaching Minds Foundation have created and distributed reusable sanitary pads. These pads are made up of environmentally friendly fabrics and are durable. Women can reuse these pads month after month, cutting back the costly price of usual disposable pads. 

OVIWCE has been distributing these reusable pads since 2016, and between 2020 and 2021, it claimed that they had reached nearly 5,000 people, 3,000 of them being schoolgirls. The organization also worked on teaching communities how to create reusable pads. Joseph Adebajo, the founder of OVIWCE, explained, “We had twenty staff and volunteers who had the knowledge and embarked on training people in communities we had distributed pads to in the past on how to make the pads.” Pad Up, a company in Nigeria, became one of the first African companies dedicated to creating these types of pads.

Looking Ahead

Period poverty in Niger, though not an uncommon issue, results in a plethora of consequences for young girls and women. They create diseases from unsanitary practices which are potentially deadly. Furthermore, it also has an impact on mental health, decreasing female empowerment and increasing the stigmatization of menstrual cycles. However, NGOs such as OVIWCE, among others, are currently creating and distributing reusable pads to make period poverty an issue of the past.

– Emma Luu
Photo: Flickr

3 Video Games That Aid Global Health

When it comes to health care, video games do not typically come to mind. There has been some research about the positive impacts on the brain, or scientists developing smaller research games. While this suggests positive signs, the overlap between video games and science is not well-known. Nevertheless, here are three video games that aid global health.

Borderlands 3

In recent years, Borderlands 3 made an impact on the science community with the introduction of Borderlands Science in 2020. An arcade cabinet in the comedic first-person shooter game allows players to try out Borderlands Science. Each level has a target score and players get rewards as in-game accessories if they achieve this score or higher.

The minigame works to map out the microbiome of the human gut. It does this by translating each strand of DNA as a color or block, then players solve puzzles involving these blocks and colors. The goal is to use this data to combat disease, as some microbes in the human gut are associated with diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and much more. Scientists may be able to treat these diseases with more insights about which microbes are the underlying factors. This could save scientists many hours of research and also assists genomic sequencing. Player behavior demonstrates the most effective way to solve these puzzles, which is being studied for its ability to help the task of genomic sequencing.

In developing countries, there is much difficulty with accessing health care for the aforementioned diseases. There is a combination of poor access to care and high rates of disease. For example, there were 309,000 prevalent cases of Parkison’s in the Middle East and North Africa in 2019. This was alongside 80% of diabetics and 58% of people with dementia living in developing countries. Diseases like Parkinson’s have no known cure, whereas the risk for Alzheimer’s is highest in countries with challenges in access to education.

Finding treatments for these diseases could lead to better health globally, especially in countries with difficulties accessing health care. For this reason, Borderlands 3 has become a popular example of video game that can aid global health efforts.

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a multiplayer online roleplaying game, where players are given free will in an immersive setting. A 2005 update introduced an infectious status debuff known as Corrupted Blood which caused players to lose health over time. Originally, this debuff only existed in one area of the game and would be deleted when players left the area. The problem was that players could have pets and they would retain the debuff, infecting players outside of that area.

This situation has drawn the eye of many scientists as a way to study human behavior, as every player reacted organically. Since gamers are invested in the world, which John Kirkland described as an “economy,” it created pandemonium. While this specific instance was uncontrolled, many scientists investigating video games that aid global health still use it as a reference.

Professor Jodie McVernon noted the similarities between how players reacted to Corrupted Blood and how people reacted to COVID-19; some ran, some went to densely populated areas and some tried to help others. Ran Balicer considers it a place to study the spread of disease and others related it to Avian flu. National Science Foundation (NSF) believes the behaviors exhibited during the Corrupted Blood pandemic will be similar to real-life scenarios.

Epidemiologist Nina Fefferman believes partnering with video games to simulate real human behavior is an excellent idea since it reveals factors not initially considered in epidemiological modeling such as empathy or curiosity. She continues to study similar virtual spaces to model infectious diseases in her lab.

Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that encourages players to go outside to capture Pokemon and battle each other. It quickly became one of the most popular mobile phone games. People were quick to ask if it had a positive impact on health.

From a review, 76% of tweets suggested that the app had a positive effect. It benefitted physical health with players increasing their step count by 25% to 35% and they were more likely to engage in physical activity like walking their dog. The social health benefits include players strengthening bonds with friends and reducing their anxiety. Mental health benefits were considered more neutral, though still skewed positive as it reduced anxiety and improved cognitive performance.

Looking Ahead

As video games continue to become a popular form of entertainment, there are growing questions about the global health implications. Institutions like McGill University see the value of using video games to collect difficult-to-gather data. Scientists find value in its ability to model human behavior. These trends suggest that video games carry the potential to advance global health efforts. 

– Lachlan Griffiths

Photo: Flickr

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Rural Australians: Cancer and Poverty in Australia

Cancer and Poverty in AustraliaThe nation of Australia suffers from the highest rates of cancer in the world, but, the disease takes a significant toll on the disadvantaged and rural residents in particular. Impoverished and disadvantaged Australians are 60% more likely to die from cancer due to a lack of finances for a timely diagnosis and proper treatment. The connection between cancer and poverty in Australia can be clearly seen.

The Link Between Cancer and Poverty

The cost of treatment is only one part of the problem. The importance of prevention cannot be overstated and because of a disadvantaged situation, many poor Australians are more likely to smoke cigarettes, be overweight and not get screened for cancers. This leads to more impoverished residents developing a range of cancers that reach later stages before they are diagnosed.

While the country has a decent healthcare system, the connection between cancer and poverty in Australia is significant. Poor citizens are more likely to develop cancer and are the least financially prepared for it. One out of every three Australian cancer patients has to pay out-of-pocket for treatment ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $50,000 AUD. Patients that have private health insurance rather than public medicare often pay far more out-of-pocket, sometimes double, in addition to their regular insurance payments.

Rural Residents in Remote Areas

Residents of Australia’s rural areas often face the worst financial obstacles as they must incur travel expenses and be far from home for extended periods. In 2008, only 6% of oncologists practiced in rural areas, leaving a third of Australians that live in remote regions without immediate access to decent treatment. There were 9,000 more cancer deaths in rural areas than in urban areas over a decade, a 7% higher death rate compared to city residents.

Due to the extensive travel time, many cancer patients from remote regions are forced to quit their jobs increasing the financial burden of treatment. Those that can keep their jobs, often force themselves to continue to work despite their illness and during treatments in order to pay the bills. In many instances, cancer patients must take loans from friends or family. creating further financial obligations.

Indigenous Australians

In addition to rural residents, indigenous citizens also disproportionately die from cancer compared to other residents. Indigenous Australians have a 45% higher death rate from cancer compared to non-indigenous patients. Cancer is extremely underreported by indigenous people in remote or rural areas resulting in a lack of proper data for the government to act on.

Addressing the Link Between Cancer and Poverty

To reduce the mortality rates of cancer patients, the government must address the correlation between cancer and poverty in Australia. As of 2017, only 1.3% of Australia’s health budget is allocated for cancer prevention, screening and treatment. The country must invest in prevention as well as rapid-access cancer aid for both patients and caretakers.

The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia and Cancer Council Australia are working to improve cancer treatment in rural areas of Australia. Solutions to diminish the connection between cancer and poverty in Australia include new methods of diagnosis and treatment. Telehealth and shared care, in which the patient’s primary physician works with an oncologist to limit travel for treatment, help cut down on costs for struggling patients.

Cancer organizations in Australia have worked with the government to set up the regional cancer center (RCC) initiative across the country to make cancer care more accessible for residents living in rural areas. Since 2010, 26 regional cancer centers have opened to help patients living in remote locations.

Prioritizing the Health of Rural Residents

For the mortality rates of impoverished or rural cancer patients to lessen, the government must invest in prevention as well as access for rural residents. Above all, for Australia to successfully provide aid for cancer patients there must be accurate data collection on cancer and poverty in Australia to properly allocate funds for all demographics.

— Veronica Booth
Photo: Flickr