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Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: The Progress

Marburg Virus Outbreak in RwandaRwanda is fighting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus and experiencing its third-largest outbreak. As of October 2024, there were 63 cases, with 15 cases resulting in death. The Marburg virus is very contagious but only contracted through bodily fluids and scientists believe the Rwanda outbreak began with contact with contaminated animals.

Animal Contagion

The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda was announced on September 27, 2024, according to Nature. Surrounding countries reported their outbreaks years before, with Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea having their outbreak just last year. At first, the virus’s origins were uncertain; researchers thought it came from an animal but had no proof. Rwanda started contract tracing and an epidemiological investigation to identify the first patients and to determine how they contracted the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the animal of contact was possibly a Rousettus bat, a fruit bat found in mines or caves, because they carry the Marburg virus. “Initially, human Marburg virus infection results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies,” said eMedicine Health.

Progress of the Marburg vaccine

The Marburg virus is a relative of the Ebola virus, both being part of the Filoviridae family. Both viruses have similar symptoms and transmission. According to eMedicineHealth, the Ebola virus has a higher fatality rate of 25%-90% compared to the Marburg virus fatality rate of 24%-88%. Ebola is more virulent but has two licensed vaccines, while the Marburg virus has none.

As of October 2024, the only vaccine for the Marburg virus is experimental. The scientists had the first trial of the experimental vaccine to fight the Marburg virus outbreak in early October. The Sabin Vaccine Institute sent out 700 vaccine doses to health care workers because they are the most at risk. The vaccine is currently in Phase 2, which means it is still undergoing testing. The Sabin Vaccine Institute still monitors people with previous outbreaks in surrounding countries.

“Interim results are expected next year, and Sabin also plans to launch a similar Phase 2 trial in the U.S. next year,” said the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Outside Help

The people of Rwanda are not combating the Marburg virus outbreak alone. They have the support of many, some of which are WHO, Africa CDC and the United States, using a “governmental approach.” The CDC and WHO worked with Rwanda to begin a response to the outbreak and identify the public health needs. Rwanda’s supporters also sent scientists and researchers to help with the epidemiologic investigation and distribution of the vaccine.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has reached level two for travelling which states “Practice Enhanced Precautions.” The WHO and the CDC have released statements about the outbreak and the risks people take if they travel to Rwanda. The supporters of Rwanda during the outbreak have helped create a response plan/program to assist in the public health of the people in Rwanda.

Conclusion

Since the announcement of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, the country has worked effortlessly to stop the virus. Many have come to Rwanda’s aid in their time of need. Their supporters have provided vaccines and plans to help support the public and the health officials/workers. Coming to Rwanda’s aid has allowed the progress of attaining an official and approved vaccine for the Marburg Virus that could prevent any more severe outbreaks in the future.

– Ashley Diaz

Ashley is based in Homestead, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Response to HIV/AIDS in Croatia

CroatiaHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its advanced stage, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are significant global public health issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the end of 2023, HIV had infected 39.9 million people. The virus targets white blood cells in the body, resulting in a weaker immune system and various complications. A case study conducted in Croatia and four other countries aims to track the virus and those it affects and make care more accessible for the well-being of their citizens.

HIV/AIDS in Croatia

Croatia, a country nestled between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched a national response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis within its borders. Starting in 1985, the surveillance of the virus gradually improved as testing and programs were established to combat its spread. Between 1985 and 2015, there were approximately 77 to 116 new cases reported annually. The majority of transmissions occurring through sexual contact in male-homosexual relationships.

The government’s response to HIV/AIDS in Croatia included implementing certain educational and health care pillars to maintain and promote the declining spread of the virus. The pillars of the program include easy access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, youth education is targeted, as well as introducing more protective behaviors in order to stay safe. Making sure that blood or blood-related products are clean and safe are also a key priority.

EmERGE

Part of the easy access to care included investigating the cost-effectiveness of a program called EmERGE, which offers support to those who are in a stable condition with the virus. This program has three primary goals:

  1. To gather insights into living with HIV and providing care for individuals with HIV.
  2. To determine which mHealth features are viewed as valuable in HIV care.
  3. To explore potential advantages and address concerns related to mHealth.

One of five clinics was opened in Zagreb, Croatia, where a study soon ensued with 309 initial participants, which later fell to 293 participants. The clinics collected outpatient data one year before and one year after the EmERGE program was implemented. The results of the case study were very promising, as outpatient visits declined by 17%. They led to decreases in all other areas, such as annual costs and costs related to anti-retroviral drugs.

The Future

Croatia’s response to HIV/AIDS has made great progress in making care more accessible. Results from the patients showed that they appreciated the autonomy that it gave them as well as reducing travel and waiting times. The only downside is the safety of the participants’ phones; should privacy not be protected, the information could leak. However, further efforts are being implemented to study and expand mHealth and EmERGE to cover a more broad range of needs.

The effort that has been put in to monitor and reduce HIV will save lives in the future. Croatia’s national plan will further the health and safety of its citizens and create new educated generations who will be less likely to contract the virus. Furthermore, with the success of Emerge, other countries may adopt a similar institution to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. While the case study focused on five countries, Croatia’s success may inspire others to follow.

– Isabella Chavez

Isabella is based in Swampscott, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Reverse Osmosis: A Path to Clean Water in Jamaica

Clean Water in JamaicaAccess to clean, safe drinking water is integral for maintaining the health and everyday life of any human being, with the World Bank stating that it is “essential for human and economic development.” However, with less than 1% of the water on Earth being drinkable, not everyone has access to clean, safe water.

Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

The anthropogenic change in the climate is placing further stress on natural freshwater sources due to increasingly irregular rain patterns and more frequent extreme weather, such as droughts and flooding. This affects access to safe drinking water and damages water infrastructure, further limiting availability. In Jamaica, this has led to indefinite water restrictions in some areas as reservoirs like the Hermitage System and Mona Reservoir operate well below capacity, at 37% and 33%, respectively.

In recent years, Jamaica has even had to resort to water shutoffs where water is only accessible at certain times. This demonstrates that although Jamaica is known as “the land of wood and water,” access to clean and safe water remains an important issue and is only predicted to worsen if no intervention is undertaken to combat the impact of climate emergency.

Increasing Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in response to the nation’s worsening clean water situation and the threat posed by adverse climate conditions, signed a grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on July 31, 2024. The grant “will support the development of reverse osmosis technology” by facilitating a study undertaken by the NEPA into 13 different national reverse osmosis sites and four international sites “that are environmentally responsible and reduce the impact on groundwater and marine life.”

Advancements in Reverse Osmosis Technology

Reverse Osmosis (RO) “is a multistage water filtration process that is used to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants.” This could simply be removing salt from seawater and turning it into safe and clean potable water for households or industries. However, it can also have other less obvious applications, such as removing heaving metals and dangerous chemicals from industrial wastewater, allowing it to be reused or distributed to the public. Both these applications of RO technology can help reduce water insecurity and help provide greater access to clean water in Jamaica.

Current developments in RO technology are also promising, offering increased efficiency at lower energy costs through a new pressure exchange system that fully automates the RO process. These new technological developments, combined with the implementation of RO systems made possible by the USTDA grants, can reduce Jamaica’s water insecurity while reducing the operation costs of such technology, making these services much more cost-effective and viable for a developing economy such as Jamaica’s.

Safe Water, Health and Poverty

While most people intuitively understand the importance of access to safe and clean water because it’s used copiously in daily life, it is also inextricably linked to health and, by extension, poverty. Clean water is essential not only for drinking and basic sanitation but also for many industries, including agriculture, which accounts for about one-twentieth of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, a lack of access to clean and safe water can cause diseases such as cholera or diarrhea and reduce economic growth by impacting and limiting industries such as agriculture, which accounts for 29% of GDP and 65% of jobs in developing countries.

Poor health is a major cause of poverty and a significant barrier to escaping it, as medical treatment often forces those living in or near poverty to cover out-of-pocket expenses. Ill health also prevents the sick individual or those caring for them from working, creating a loss of earnings that “is often larger than that through medical expenses.” Therefore, disease and poor health caused by unsafe water, often resorted to when clean and safe water is unavailable, can directly impact or cause poverty. A lack of safe and clean water can also affect early childhood development due to time spent fetching water and associated illness with poor hygiene and sanitation, leading to disrupted education, another factor directly linked to increases in poverty.

Final Remarks

Achieving 100% access to clean water across Jamaica is essential for reducing poverty-related factors and fostering economic growth. The USTDA’s support will help accelerate progress toward this goal while facilitating the implementation of sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure to meet Jamaica’s ongoing demand for clean water. Advancements in RO technology further support meeting future water demands while lowering energy costs, making RO a more viable long-term solution for Jamaica’s clean water needs. This will help reduce the impact of a lack of clean and safe water as an influencing cause of poverty and its continuation, hopefully paving the way for further poverty reduction measures in the country.

– Archie Day

Archie is based in St Andrews, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Inequality and Mental Health Fuel Global Poverty

Inequality and Mental HealthInequality is not just an economic challenge; it’s deeply psychological, influencing how individuals perceive themselves, others and society. Disparities in living conditions and opportunities profoundly affect mental well-being, leading to cycles of marginalization that erode trust, weaken social cohesion and harm mental health. This acceptance of inequality can become entrenched in societal norms, making it harder to challenge. However, understanding these psychological dimensions also reveals avenues for political and social change, as shifting perceptions can fuel efforts to reduce these disparities.

Understanding Global Inequality

Global inequality is marked by the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities and power, leading to significant differences in living standards. This issue is not only global but also deeply rooted within nations where social stratification creates rigid hierarchies based on power, status and wealth. For instance, the bottom 50% of the global population controls just 2% of the world’s wealth, while the top 10% commands 76%. Although global inequality between countries has slightly decreased, internal disparities within nations have widened, revealing an alarming trend of growing inequality even as some global measures improve.

Psychological Dimensions of Inequality

  1. Perceptions and Their Impact: How people perceive inequality is crucial in understanding behavior and societal cohesion. Perceptions, shaped by relative or absolute measures, influence how individuals view their place in society and their potential for upward mobility. Misjudgments in these perceptions can obscure or exaggerate the true extent of inequality, affecting personal choices and reinforcing societal dynamics that perpetuate the status quo.
  2. Mental Health Consequences: tyle=”font-weight: 400;”>>The psychological toll of inequality is profound, particularly when it comes to mental health. Dr. Greig Inglis from the University of the West of Scotland, who has extensively researched poverty stigma and its mental health effects, explains, “The most commonly discussed form of poverty stigma is discrimination, where people living in poverty are treated unfairly because of their financial situation. However, there are other forms of stigma, such as the anxiety about how others might treat them in the future due to their financial difficulties.” Inglis further notes that “the evidence is clear that poverty stigma is detrimental to mental health, often leading to low self-esteem, depression and other signs of mental ill-health.”

This stigma often traps individuals in a cycle where mental illness and poverty exacerbate each other, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mental health struggles can lead to exclusion from economic opportunities, further deepening poverty. Moreover, poor mental health is closely linked to other health problems, reducing productivity and economic stability. Addressing mental health in these populations is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Mechanisms Perpetuating Poverty

  1. The Role of Perception and Self-Interest: People’s perceptions of inequality are shaped by their environment and personal interests, with social and media cues playing a significant role. These perceptions can lead to biased views that reinforce existing inequalities, as individuals support policies that align with their interests, often benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
  2. Income Disparities and Social Stratification: Income inequality is a major driver of poverty, creating entrenched cycles that are difficult to break. Social stratification further solidifies these disparities, limiting social mobility and trapping those born into poverty. Overcoming these barriers requires systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality rather than just its symptoms.

Global Efforts to Tackle Inequality

The Business Commission to Tackle Inequality (BCTI) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have launched significant initiatives to address global inequality. BCTI’s 10-point action agenda focuses on embedding social performance and accountability into business practices. At the same time, the IMF has expanded its efforts to include fiscal redistribution, social spending and inclusive growth.

In response to COVID-19, the IMF doubled access to emergency financing, approving $116 billion for 85 countries, provided debt relief grants through the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) and collaborated on the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) for low-income countries. Additionally, the IMF allocated $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to bolster global economic stability during the crisis. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing both the economic and psychological dimensions of inequality as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce global poverty.

Conclusion

Addressing mental health and emotional barriers that sustain inequality can create more just and equitable societies. While economic growth is necessary, it alone may be insufficient; changing perceptions and breaking down psychological barriers are vital for fostering sustainable development and global social equity.

– Sandeep Kaur

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

Photo: Pexels

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What You Need to Know about Child Marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Marriage in Iraqi KurdistanChild marriage remains a significant issue in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. It occurs in regions where poverty is prevalent, such as India, Africa and the Middle East. Campaigns and legislative frameworks have been implemented to combat the issue.

Prevalence

Data from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics showed that 5% of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 15, while approximately 22% of Iraqi girls married before they turned 18. Child marriage contracts in the Kurdistan region are often concluded informally outside the courts. The marriages are not formally registered, leading to the underreporting of actual rates. There are international legal instruments and local laws that set a minimum age for marriage and require registration. However, enforcement of these laws is often weak. This allows informal marriages to occur without legal repercussions.

Key Drivers of Child Marriage

Several factors contribute to child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan.

  1. Conflict and Displacement: Conflict and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading families to marry off daughters to reduce economic burdens.
  2. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and social pressures can impact this. Some communities may view early marriage as ensuring their daughter’s future and protecting her family’s honor.
  3. Gender inequalities: Deep-rooted gender inequality and gender biases subordinate the status of women and girls in societies that perpetuate the practices.

Risks of Child Marriage

Young girls who marry as children face numerous risks. They are vulnerable to health issues as a consequence of rape, early pregnancy and premature childbirth. Psychologically, they may suffer from social isolation enforced by their families and domestic violence. Despite legal measures, violence and rape remain prevalent in child marriages due to inadequate official responses.

In Iraq, although rape is criminalized, charges can be dropped if the victim marries the perpetrator. Moreover, since spousal rape is not criminalized, domestic violence is seldom reported, with families often resolving issues privately.

Legal Contexts

“The Personal Status Law and Amendments 1987 sets the legal age for marriage at 18”. However, judges can permit girls as young as 15 to marry under certain circumstances, for example, parental consent if the marriage is deemed as being in the best interests of the girl. This contributes to the prevalence of child marriage in the region. Proposed bill changes to Iraq’s Personal Status Law recently alarmed women and children’s rights campaigners.

The proposed amendments would allow Muslim citizens to choose between secular and religious laws for family matters, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9. Furthermore, these amendments would undermine existing protections for women regarding divorce and inheritance. These changes could institutionalize sectarianism in family law and empower religious authorities, raising significant concerns among women and children’s rights advocates. On July 28, 2024, a group of activists, including campaigners from the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square in opposition to the bill.

Actions Taken

In 2016, an Inter-Ministerial committee in Kurdistan adopted a plan to change societal attitudes toward child marriage. The plan included launching a campaign called “Ensuring My Future.” The campaign emphasized the direct link between empowering young boys and girls and reducing child marriage rates. It also challenged the misconception that child marriage secures a girl’s future. The plan targets young girls, adolescent girls and parents by showcasing success stories of women in various professional fields to inspire girls to pursue education and careers. Additionally, religious and health arguments are used to persuade families to abandon the practice of marrying their daughters at a young age.

A Child Marriage Task Force was established in Kurdistan in 2016. The task force has representation from child protection and gender-based violence working groups to coordinate responses and provide guidance. It focuses on prevention strategies, policy recommendations, awareness raising, and improving data collection to address the issue in the region effectively.

There is also an increased collaboration between international organizations, local nongovernmental organizations and government bodies to address child marriage. Initiatives like the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are working to create sustainable change by addressing the root causes of child marriage and supporting affected girls.

These include a comprehensive approach that empowers girls with education and life skills. Furthermore, it engages communities to challenge harmful norms, strengthens support systems and services, advocates for protective policies, and emphasizes data collection. UNICEF has reported that the collaborative efforts of various organizations fighting against child marriage, including Girls Not Brides, have successfully averted 25 million arranged child marriages.

Final Remark

Progress has been made to eradicate child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, continued efforts are needed to empower girls and shift societal norms to ensure a future where every child can enjoy their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood.

– Hannah Ravariere

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

Photo: Flickr

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Ray of Hope for Visually Impaired Women in Afghanistan

Women in AfghanistanAfghanistan, a country in Central Asia, has been affected by conflict for at least five decades. Years of war have not only destroyed the country’s infrastructure but have also had a profound impact on the physical and mental health of its inhabitants, as well as deteriorated the human rights situation, especially for women in Afghanistan.

Disabilities in Afghanistan

The prevalence of disabilities in Afghanistan has seen a significant increase, primarily attributed to the ongoing conflict, widespread destruction and the lack of accessible medical facilities. The 2019 Model Disability Survey revealed that around 80% of the population aged 18 and above experiences some form of disability, with women disproportionately affected, experiencing a 14.9% higher impact compared to men. Afghanistan has one of the highest numbers of people with any form of disability per capita in the world. This situation is exacerbated by widespread poverty, limited access to education and health care, minimal job opportunities and cultural stigmatization.

Visual Impairment

A report published by The Fred Hollows Foundation has estimated that 1.5 million individuals in Afghanistan are living with some form of visual impairment, with 600,000 of them experiencing complete blindness. A report published in The Kabul Times has indicated that many of these individuals are women. This data underscores the significant impact of visual impairment, particularly among women, in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan, women face substantial discrimination. They are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to education, minimal job opportunities and economic freedom. These challenges are exacerbated when women also have a disability, as they face even greater levels of marginalization and discrimination in the form of physical and emotional abuse and social isolation.

Ray of Hope

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with the Welfare Association for the Development of Afghanistan (WADAN), has launched a project in two provinces in eastern Afghanistan. The project focuses on teaching braille, basic math and essential life skills such as cooking and using a cane. Additionally, the project provides psychosocial counseling to empower women to address daily societal challenges and confront violence. In 2022, the project benefited 90 women, with another 200 women currently enrolled, offering them hope for the future. UNHCR and WADAN plan to expand the program further.

The Rayhab School for Children with Disabilities is another initiative supporting disabled Afghans. The school offers primary education, food and transportation for blind, deaf and speech-impaired boys and girls from impoverished families in Kabul. The school welcomes more than 400 children daily, with 40% of them being girls.

The current efforts to address the situation in Afghanistan are commendable, yet they are insufficient compared to the enormity of the issue. Despite this, they serve as a beacon of hope for millions impacted. 

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Japan and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cage Homes in Hong Kong

Cage Homes in Hong KongIn a hidden corner of Hong Kong, one of the “Four Asian Tigers” with the most developed Asian economy, more than 220,000 people live in “subdivided flats“—a delicate term for cramped living spaces measuring just 4 by 4 by 6 feet. Historically, the British colonial administration introduced the Small House Policy in 1972 to expand Hong Kong’s territories. This policy, which the post-handover Hong Kong government has maintained, has limited land availability for nonindigenous residents.

As a result, the limited land availability has driven the creation of smaller living units. Property developers have responded to the demand for affordable housing by continuously downsizing unit areas. The city’s mountainous terrain also restricts development space, with 75% of the territory comprising green spaces or protected country parks.

Simon’s Story

Simon had lived in a 12-square-foot “cage home” for eight years. As a retiree, he has given up hope of securing public housing, where the waiting list stretches five years and includes more than 100,000 families. He receives $867 a month from the government. After paying $330 for rent, the remaining amount is too scanty to support him until the end of the month.

These tiny living spaces, often no larger than 20 square feet, are cramped and used for living and storage, providing barely enough room for one person. They frequently fail to meet safety regulations, have poor insulation, receive little maintenance and can significantly impact tenants’ physical and psychological well-being.

Nutritional Crisis in Cage Homes in Hong Kong

A recent study by Crystal Ying Chan, a research assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, found that children living in these units face higher risks of food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies. In a survey of 469 “cage home” families, 25% of children aged 6 to 8 were overweight or obese, nearly double the citywide average of 13%. Additionally, almost one in four children from infancy to age 17 were underweight, compared to the citywide average of one in a hundred. Moreover, children in half of the surveyed households had experienced food insecurity in the past year.

Solutions

Many projects and institutes are working to support people living in cage homes in Hong Kong. A program led by Crystal Ying Chan has partnered with a team of nurses, social workers and dietitians to deliver food and care services to residents of subdivided flats. Chan’s community intervention model aims to offer essential services directly to these families, reducing their reliance on an overburdened health care sector and overcoming language and cultural barriers foreign workers face. This model emphasizes grassroots experiences and tailors support to each family’s unique circumstances.

Furthermore, to address the housing crisis, the Hong Kong government has planned the development of a Northern Metropolis near the China border, which aims to provide housing for 2.5 million people. Additionally, city officials have pledged to prevent developers from constructing extremely small homes, specifically those less than 200 square feet.

Final Note on Cage Homes in Hong Kong

Cage homes in Hong Kong reveal serious housing challenges, with more than 220,000 people living in spaces as small as 12 square feet. This leads to significant health issues and food insecurity, especially among children. While community support and government plans for new developments offer hope, substantial challenges persist until these solutions are fully implemented.

– Cindy Hong

Cindy is based in Milpitas, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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COVID-19: The Success of Sierra Leone’s Vaccine Initiative

Sierra Leone’s Vaccine InitiativeSierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative has produced a cost-effective and accessible strategy to reduce vaccine inequity in the country and protect the most vulnerable of the population against new strains of the virus. This groundbreaking initiative underscores a new approach to vaccination processes in developing nations by mobilizing vaccine centers and reducing treatment costs.

Vaccine Inequity in Sierra Leone

As of March 2022, only 15% of the population of low-income countries had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 80% of those in high-income countries. In Sierra Leone specifically, factors such as geographical isolation and poverty have acted as barriers to receiving vaccination for the virus. On average, a Sierra Leonean would have to undertake a three-and-a-half-hour round journey to receive a vaccine, costing them more than one week’s wages.

The low vaccination rates in Sierra Leone leave the population vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, even after the height of the pandemic. The risk of disease recurrence and new virus variants threatens those who have yet to receive their first vaccine. Due to the low vaccination rate, these resurgences could result in further lockdowns, affecting the country’s economy’s growth and threatening individuals’ livelihoods.

The Aims of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative

In 2022, as a result of the low vaccination rates in the country, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MoHS) and the nongovernmental organization (NGO) Concern Worldwide developed a new model to allow widespread access to the vaccine. Their primary aim was to tackle the geographical and economic barriers preventing the population from receiving vaccination for the virus.

By mobilizing vaccine doses and nurses within the country, the strategy can reach the most remote rural communities in Sierra Leone who would otherwise be unable to access the treatment. This alleviates the long and costly travel to medical centers to receive the vaccine.

In addition, the initiative vastly reduced the costs involved with administering a dose of the vaccine. Similar strategies implemented across other developing countries saw an average price of $80 a dose; by comparison, Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative has lowered the price to around $33.

To maximize the cooperation of communities with the initiative, the strategy engaged in educating cultural and village leaders before the vaccine administration. Information was given on the safety, effects and importance of the vaccination in each village involved in the initiative.

The Results of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 Vaccine Initiative

The strategy proved a huge success in reducing vaccine inequity in Sierra Leone and improving immunization rates among the population. By December 2022, Sierra Leone had immunized 70% of its adult population, achieving the target the World Health Organization (WHO) set. Furthermore, as of March 2023, the strategy resulted in almost eight million vaccine doses being administered to the population.

During the implementation of the strategy, new methods were discovered to render the process even more cost-effective. Due to the high cost of the initiative being made up of transportation fees for medical equipment and professionals, bundling other vaccines saw a further reduction in this cost. As proposed by the Ministry of Health, a combination of the COVID-19 vaccine, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 10-12 and routine immunizations for children aged 0-6 at these mobile vaccine sites could simultaneously improve the cost-effectiveness of the program and give more people access to life saving treatments.

Looking Forward

The success of Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 vaccination initiative underscores a pivotal moment in reducing vaccine inequity and improving access to immunization in developing nations. Mobilizing health care workers and facilities to the most isolated communities removes the barriers preventing population members from receiving vaccinations and the most vulnerable members of society can access treatments for preventative diseases.

This initiative provides a holistic model through which many other vaccinations can be administered more widely than ever before. By immunizing the population against these preventative diseases, the country can see more stable economic growth through a healthy workforce and reduced risks of virus resurgences or lockdowns.

– Ben Kane

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

Photo: Flickr

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Sweet Potato Flour as a Solution to Food Insecurity

Solution to Food InsecurityPoverty and especially rural poverty, is becoming an increasing problem in South Africa, as well as in the whole of Africa. This is leading to urbanization, food insecurity and joblessness. An estimated 20% of the African population is undernourished. In 2022, around 868 million people in Africa experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, while the total population of Africa was approximately 1.42 billion in the same year. Food insecurity can be attributed to poverty, extreme weather and conflict.

One Solution to Food Insecurity

Root and tuber crops, such as sweet potatoes, are important for food security. As a drought-tolerant crop, sweet potatoes are resilient in warm climates like those in sub-Saharan Africa. They are a staple food globally, especially in developing countries, providing affordable and accessible nutrition. Sweet potatoes hold great economic value in South Africa. However, after harvest, there is a limited time to determine when they are good to eat. They are harvested once a year and are ripe for a limited period.

InnoFoodAfrica

InnoFoodAfrica is a cross-continental project that aims to enhance food and nutrition security in Africa. As part of this project, researchers at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, have found a way to make orange-fleshed sweet potato last longer by making flour out of it. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Food Science candidate, Daddy Kgonothi, has been central in the development of this flour. The goal of the invention was to address micronutrient deficiencies among young children and pregnant women.

Sweet potato has a short shelf life of only two to three weeks. The flour, which is made from the same crop, has a shelf life of a whole year. Sweet potato contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of micronutrient deficiencies in children younger than 6 and among pregnant women. Sweet potato also contains a high level of fiber and antioxidants. This protects the body from free radical damage and promotes a healthy gut and brain.

Flour is also a good source of iron, zinc and phosphorus. When sweet potato is made into flour, it lasts longer, which can lead to more people getting their hands on the product. It is also versatile and can be used in many recipes, such as bread. This way, the flour can be a solution to deficiencies.

The Impacts of the Sweet Potato Flour

The flour is one solution to food insecurity in not only South Africa but also large parts of Africa. The development of the flour was finalized in 2022. It allows people to enjoy the nutrients and benefits of the crop all year long. Not only is the flour helping enhance general food insecurity in South Africa and the rest of Africa, but it is especially helping pregnant women and children eat more nutritious food.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

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

Photo: Pixabay

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Public Health in Africa: Reducing Meningitis

Public Health in AfricaFor many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opening event that revealed the dangers and inadequacies of the world’s global health systems. However, for other people, outbreaks of epidemic diseases might be more of a lived reality. On the continent of Africa, many know a certain geographic region in sub-Saharan Africa as the “meningitis belt.” These 26 countries face the dangers of meningitis more than other places around the world, and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the vaccination of the MenAfriVac meningitis vaccine to 50 million children in these countries. African governments collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and PATH, a nonprofit health organization, to develop the MenAfriVac vaccine and distribute it to more than 350 million people living in areas of high risk. While this scientific effort made an incredible difference in public health in Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic largely disrupted the processes that allowed these successes to continue. The pandemic reduced services aimed at preventing meningitis by 50% from 2019 to 2020. Despite recent setbacks, WHO developed a plan to address meningitis.

Meningitis: The Disease

Meningitis is a complex disease with several variations. It arises in viral or bacterial form with several types of viruses or bacteria causing meningitis. Some meningitis vaccines protect against several forms of meningitis.

The types of meningitis are important to consider because historically, different types of meningitis affected African communities. Prior to 2010, only 10% of meningitis cases were a form other than meningitis type A; however, after the introduction of the MenAfriVac vaccine, the number of cases of meningitis type A decreased significantly. Since 2017, no person has experienced a case of meningitis type A in the region. While deaths due to meningitis still totaled 140,552 people in Africa in 2019, the elimination of meningitis type A means that about 95% of people diagnosed with meningitis survived in 2021. Since 2013, however, meningitis type C led to several outbreaks in the meningitis belt.

At the end of 2021, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported 2,662 cases of meningitis along with 205 deaths due to meningitis. Local mobile clinics and vaccination drives from WHO helped reduce the outcome of death from 85% of cases to 10% of cases fairly quickly.

The Defeating Meningitis Road Map

WHO assists with suppressing the outbreaks of meningitis such as in the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2021; however, it also develops long-term plans to improve public health in Africa overall. In November 2020, the World Health Assembly approved the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 roadmap. WHO will implement the $1.5 billion plan in January 2023, which will begin the fight to control meningitis in Africa by 2030. The plan includes a goal to achieve a 90% vaccination rate using a new vaccine that will hopefully protect communities against new outbreaks of the disease. From 2023 to 2030, the plan also hopes to reduce deaths of meningitis by 70% and reduce cases of meningitis by 50%. Several steps to achieving these goals include increased disease surveillance to catch meningitis early and increasing awareness of services to improve overall public health in Africa.

With WHO’s plan to defeat meningitis by 2030, public health in Africa will greatly improve the lives of millions of people within the meningitis belt. Meningitis is mostly a preventable disease with the efforts of vaccinations and other measures of public health. As the rest of the world encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration within a community goes a long way to keeping everyone safe.

– Kaylee Messick

Photo: Flickr