Tag Archive for: Health Care

Posts

, ,

Addressing Mental Health in Guinea-Bissau

Mental Health in Guinea-BissauIn the small West African country of Guinea-Bissau, rich culture and strong tradition mask a growing crisis, mental health neglect. Among the most prevalent conditions are depression and anxiety, often left unaddressed due to systemic gaps and social stigma.

A System Without Specialists

As of 2017, Guinea-Bissau had zero practicing psychiatrists. The country’s ratio of just 0.13 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants falls far below global standards for basic health care. This shows that mental health support is almost absent from the primary care setting. Additionally, a screening of adults attending general health facilities in Guinea-Bissau revealed that at least 12% had a diagnosable mental disorder. This shows the urgent need for integrated mental health services in the nation’s fragile health system.

A baseline study found that general practitioners correctly diagnose only one in three patients, meaning that the people in Guinea-Bissau’s rural communities are unknowingly struggling with mental disorders. They carry a silent weight that forces them to push through each day with far greater effort than others, struggling in isolation just to survive.

Poverty and Psychological Strain

Things such as rising climate anxieties and pandemic poverty are worsening mental health in Guinea-Bissau. In 2021, the poverty rate was reported to have increased by 2.8 percentage points, adding an additional 80,000 poor. Research shows that mental illness reduces employment and therefore income.

Cultural Beliefs and Stigma

Mental health in Guinea-Bissau is often interpreted through a spiritual lens. Communities blame mental issues on things like curses and ancestral wrath. As a result, individuals often look down upon seeking help from medical professionals. Sixty-three percent of rural mothers go to the witchdoctor, and 65% believe that curses have the power to kill. While traditional healers play a vital role in this community, their methods can delay access to cures. Stigma remains a barrier to those suffering silently.

Lending a Helping Hand

This West African nation faces a mounting crisis that demands international attention. Every person deserves access to necessities like mental health care. Guinea-Bissau’s struggle is a global problem; poverty, trauma and neglect reflect broader challenges that low-income countries face worldwide.

Progression Efforts

Mental health in Guinea-Bissau is beginning to see a glimpse of hope in this landscape. International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have stepped in to support the country. Guinea-Bissau’s fragile health system has improved as groups are working to train general health workers in basic psychiatric care.

The NOVAFRICA Knowledge Center is working to strengthen health care in Guinea-Bissau through an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach. Its model brings together modern medical practitioners and traditional healers, including witchdoctors, to bridge trust gaps and improve access to care. By acknowledging and respecting spiritual traditions deeply embedded in the community, NOVAFRICA promotes the acceptance of modern medical practices and helps lay the groundwork for more effective health interventions, including in mental health.

The Path Forward

In collaboration with NGO VIDA, NOVAFRICA supported the launch of a community health insurance program that allows residents to pay affordable premiums in exchange for access to medical care, transportation and essential medicines. Though the country still lacks a national suicide prevention strategy, collaborative efforts between NGOs and local health authorities are laying groundworks for a future policy reform.

Guinea-Bissau’s challenges are steep, but the people are resilient. With continued international support and growing local engagement, the nation is taking its first steps toward a future where the silenced have a voice. Acknowledging, treating and respecting mental health is not just the goal, it is the path to a future defined by dignity and resilience.

– Marissa Schoth

Marissa is based in Benton, LA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

Elderly Poverty in Chad

Elderly Poverty in ChadChad is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. An independent nation since 1960, Chad is home to approximately 19 million people, of whom more than one million live in its capital, N’Djamena.

Despite its size and important resources like oil, Chad remains one of the most impoverished countries in the world. Poverty stretches to every corner of the country. However, one of the most susceptible victims, older people, are often ignored. Here are some facts about what elderly poverty in Chad looks like and how foreign aid can help minimize it. 

Facts About Elderly Poverty in Chad

  1. Chad has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a life expectancy at birth of 59 years and a median age of 14-15 years. Older adults (65 and above) made up about 7.5% of the population in 1985 but now account for just 3%, making it the smallest age group in Chad. This change reflects the country’s high birth rates and lack of accessibility to food and medical care.
  2. Chad has one of the lowest rates of accessible health care in the world, with the elderly being some of the most susceptible to diseases. Only 31.4% of Chad’s population has regular access to medical care, including doctors, hospitals, treatments and vaccinations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of October 2020, Chad had just 4.3 doctors and 23.2 nurses per 100,000 inhabitants, far below the recommended 23 doctors and 23 nurses per 10,000. Most of these health professionals are concentrated in urban areas, making health care largely inaccessible to rural populations, especially elderly individuals who often face the greatest barriers to medical access.
  3. Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, remain the leading cause of death for older people in Chad. Other leading causes of death include malaria, lower respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhoeal diseases like cholera. Elderly patients with diabetes and chronic illnesses, along with children, are the most susceptible to diseases like malaria and pneumonia.
  4. With refugees coming in from neighboring countries like Sudan, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the conflicts in these regions have spilled over into Chad. This instability has made outside trade difficult, leading to a low supply and high demand for essential resources, including food and medical aid.
  5. Chad has the lowest access to clean water and sanitation in the world. Only 43% of the population has access to clean water and just 10% has access to basic sanitation services.
  6. Organizations such as the WHO, the World Food Programme (WFP) and other humanitarian actors are actively working to combat poverty in Chad. In mid‑2024, WFP delivered food, cash and nutrition assistance to approximately one million people across crisis-affected communities, including refugees and internally displaced Chadians. The 2023–24 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Chad sought approximately $921 million in funding and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated $15 million to address the most underfunded emergencies.

Conclusion

Elderly poverty in Chad remains a critical but often overlooked issue. Limited health care, food insecurity and poor sanitation leave older adults especially vulnerable. While humanitarian aid provides some relief, lasting change requires targeted support and stronger systems to protect Chad’s older population.

– Zoe Alatsas

Zoe is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pickpik

, ,

Disability and Poverty in Burkina Faso

Disability and Poverty in Burkina FasoIn Burkina Faso, disability and poverty are deeply intertwined. Limited access to education, health care and employment traps many people with disabilities in cycles of exclusion. Without targeted support, their potential remains overlooked and their rights are unfulfilled.

Disability in Burkina Faso is more than a personal health challenge; it is a profound development issue. In one of the world’s most impoverished nations, having a disability often means being locked out of education, employment and health care. When systems aren’t built for inclusion, the result is predictable: poverty deepens, inequality widens and national progress stalls.

Systemic Poverty and Exclusion

According to the Tigoung Nonma, a cooperative of disabled artisans, approximately 10% of Burkina Faso’s population lives with a disability. Yet most of them are invisible in public life. Due to structural barriers and social stigma, access to jobs, education and even buildings remains limited.

Not only that, but for families already surviving on less than $2 a day, caring for a disabled member without social safety nets often means sacrificing their own basic needs. Medical devices like wheelchairs or hearing aids are expensive and hard to use and accessible public infrastructure is scarce. Children with disabilities are more likely to drop out of school and adults face major hurdles in finding stable work.

Health System Gaps: Underserved and Underfunded

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Burkina Faso allocates just 6.3% of its GDP to health. This is far below the global average and far short of the need. Rural health centers are often unequipped to serve patients with specialized needs, especially those requiring physical therapy, long-term care or rehabilitation services.

Most of Burkina Faso’s more than 3,000 health facilities are inaccessible to people with mobility impairments. Similarly, a 2024 survey across French-speaking sub‑Saharan Africa revealed that Burkina Faso has only 26 physiotherapists, a staggering shortage for a needy population. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the situation is even more dire. Most go undiagnosed, untreated and entirely unsupported, falling through the cracks of an already strained health care system.

Social Stigma and Discrimination

Beyond physical barriers, people with disabilities in Burkina Faso face deep social stigma. Misconceptions linking disability to witchcraft or divine punishment are still prevalent in rural areas, leading to neglect, abandonment and violence.

In employment and education, discrimination persists. Many children with disabilities are kept at home, denied enrollment in schools or bullied by peers. Adults are often excluded from the labor market entirely or relegated to informal work without legal protections.

A Vicious Cycle

Disability increases the likelihood of poverty and poverty increases the likelihood of disability. Malnutrition, unsafe childbirth, poor sanitation and lack of access to vaccinations contribute to preventable impairments in children. Meanwhile, poverty-stricken families often lack the knowledge or means to seek early intervention.

This cycle is especially damaging for women and girls, who face a double burden of gender and disability-based discrimination. They are less likely to attend school or access health care and more vulnerable to abuse.

Toward Inclusive Development

Thankfully, efforts are growing to integrate disability rights into national development plans. Burkina Faso ratified the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009 and has committed to more inclusive policies. However, Implementation remains slow.

Nonprofits like Light for the World and Humanity & Inclusion lead some of the most impactful initiatives. These organizations have progressed in supplying assistive devices and pushing for disability-inclusive budgets. Their work shows that inclusion isn’t just possible, it’s essential for sustainable development.

Conclusion

Disability and poverty in Burkina Faso are closely linked, forming a loop of exclusion that threatens the country’s development goals. The challenge is not disability but the failure to provide accessible infrastructure, inclusive policies and equal opportunities.

Addressing this issue requires more than charity; it demands systemic change, political will and international solidarity. Only then can Burkina Faso unlock the full potential of all its citizens, regardless of ability.

– De’Marlo Gray

De’Marlo is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

AI Technology Developed for Breast Cancer Screening in India

Breast Cancer Screening in IndiaFor decades since its inception, mammography has been the leading method for detecting breast cancer. However, a new AI technology called Thermalytix could become a less invasive and less expensive early intervention tool, as shown through its trials of breast cancer screening in India.

Breast Cancer in India

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. It also has the fourth-highest mortality rate out of any cancer. In India specifically, it is a significant issue. Despite having lower incidence levels, the nation continues to have similar or higher mortality rates than Western countries. One of the main contributors to this high rate of mortality is delayed detection.

Health professionals recommended that all females aged 40 and above receive yearly mammograms to screen for breast cancer. However, according to the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, fewer than 2% of the 35,083 women aged above 40 surveyed reported receiving a mammogram in the past two years. Due to this lack of thorough and routine examination, many breast cancers are not diagnosed until they are in advanced stages.

The percentage of women who reported receiving mammograms varies slightly based on socioeconomic status, other preexisting health conditions and place of residence. However, as a whole, access to and use of mammogram technology for breast cancer screening is limited. This is due to high costs and lack of adequate medical equipment and workers in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Predictive Screening With AI

Niramai, a tech company located in Bengaluru, India, has developed an AI technology known as Thermalytix, which detects indicators of breast cancer. Thermalytix uses computer software to analyze thermal imaging of breasts and scan them for abnormal “hot spots, warm spots and vascular patterns” and determine the probability of any malignant lesions.

Since 2016, Niramai has conducted studies on the effectiveness of Thermalytix in different clinics and hospitals across India. Over the past nine years, Niramai has invited more than 16,000 women to participate in clinical trials, improving its Thermalytix technology. Thermalytix was evaluated in terms of sensitivity (ability to identify true positives) and specificity (ability to identify true negatives) in each study.

In every iteration, Thermalytix has consistently scored between 82-98% in sensitivity and 80-88% in specificity. It has already “received regulatory approval in India” and met the health and safety criteria to receive the CE mark in Europe. Thermalytix patients found to be positive or at high risk for breast cancer are always referred to receive further testing with either mammography, MRI or ultrasound technology. However, its effectiveness as an early intervention tool is not to be understated.

Conclusion

As a lower-cost and noninvasive technology, Thermalytix has the potential to make breast cancer screening in India more accessible to the general population. If implemented on a large scale, this technology could “improve overall treatment outcomes” by catching breast cancer before it reaches the later stages.

– Delaney Gouveia

Delaney is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Bulgaria’s Air Quality and Disease Prevention

Bulgaria's Air QualityBulgaria’s public health initiatives prioritize air quality and disease prevention. They address critical issues that disproportionately affect low-income communities and exacerbate poverty, promoting a healthier and more equitable society.

Breathe Sofia

In September 2022, the city of Sofia, Bulgaria, launched Breathe Sofia, a project aimed at improving air quality in one of the country’s most polluted cities. It focuses on protecting vulnerable populations by building public support for stronger policies, offering technical guidance for regulations and sharing international best practices.

By reducing air pollution, these efforts can help alleviate poverty by lowering health care costs and improving quality of life, especially for communities most affected by environmental disparities. Beyond health benefits, air pollution reduction also promotes social equity. It supports children’s well-being in impacted areas, increases economic participation and reinforces Bulgaria’s commitment to inclusive development under the European Union’s (EU) sustainability goals.

Bulgaria’s Air Quality

Bulgaria has also launched the New Operational Program on the Environment, allocating $1.77 billion to address water and waste management, biodiversity and air pollution. Since 2021, the program has helped provide cleaner air for 1.3 million people.

Furthermore, as part of its broader sustainability agenda, Bulgaria has prioritized emissions reduction through the National Program for the Improvement of Ambient Air Quality. This strategy drove significant progress between 2018 and 2024, with emissions falling by 66.5%. This reduction directly benefits low-income families by providing cleaner air and supporting healthier, more sustainable living conditions.

Addressing Diseases

To address cancer and chronic diseases, Bulgaria has joined the Joint Action to Prevent Noncommunicable Diseases and Cancer (JA PreventNCD), a three-year EU-funded health initiative. The project aims to reduce the burden of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across Europe by supporting 22 EU Member States, along with Iceland, Norway and Ukraine. It also focuses on tackling social inequalities linked to NCD risk factors.

With NCDs disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, JA PreventNCD targets the root causes by addressing the link between poverty and poor health. The initiative acknowledges the unequal impact of NCDs on lower socioeconomic groups and promotes equitable access to prevention and care. By focusing on prevention and healthier lifestyles, JA PreventNCD aims to reduce health problems, ease the economic burden of NCDs and contribute to poverty reduction.

Bulgaria’s commitment to rare disease recognition took a major leap in 2005 when it joined the J Project, a Central and Eastern European initiative focused on primary immune deficiencies. Ten years later, this progress led to the establishment of a dedicated expert center at the university hospital. The center provides families in low-resource communities with access to specialized care for rare diseases.

Final Remarks

As Bulgaria works to improve the quality of life for its citizens, it collaborates with national and international programs aimed at disease prevention and air pollution reduction. Supported by initiatives like the Clean Air Fund and the EU partnerships, these efforts create healthier environments and expand access to essential resources in underserved communities through public health and sustainability investments. Indeed, they help pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

,

Helena Ndume: How a Namibian Doctor Helped Blind People See

Helena NdumeFor thousands of impoverished Namibians, Helena Ndume is a miracle worker. In her 30 years as an ophthalmologist, she has performed more than 35,000 eye surgeries, giving people back their sight and livelihoods. But despite her worldwide acclaim, Helena Ndume was once living in a situation not unlike those of her patients: poverty-stricken, disadvantaged and rife with inequalities. However, instead of giving up, she persevered and changed the lives of thousands across the globe.

Early Life

Helena Ndume was born in Namibia in 1960. During this time, Namibia, like many other South African countries, was divided by apartheid, a system of racial segregation that resulted in mass discrimination toward citizens of color. Even from a young age, Ndume could not stay quiet about the injustices committed against her people. She participated in anti-colonial rallies in junior high. Eventually, she decided to leave the country when she was 15 years old.

The journey before her was not for the faint of heart. To make it to the refugee camp in Zambia, she had to first cross Angola on foot, which was in the midst of a violent civil war. Her determination and grit shone through as she successfully made the voyage. She then took advantage of her Zambian education to earn a prestigious scholarship to the University of Leipzig in Germany. With such a prestigious education, Helena Ndume could have gone anywhere in the world. However, she chose to return to her home country of Namibia to fight the economic and social turmoil there.

The Namibian Struggle

By the time Ndume returned home in 1989, the nation was undergoing rapid social and political change. Namibia had finally gained independence after its 50-year stint as a territory of South Africa and this move allowed it to break free of apartheid rule. Despite this big win, Namibians were in no position to celebrate.

The country had recently suffered a large drought, which weakened the already-lacking agricultural sector. Furthermore, even though apartheid was over, Black citizens still struggled to take their place in the workforce, which heavily advantaged the wealthy White upper class by excluding people of color from taking high-paying jobs.

As a result of a lack of opportunities and continued inequality, more than half of the Namibian population experienced extreme poverty, which manifested itself as starvation and disease outbreaks. HIV/AIDS and polio cases hit a record high during the mid-’90s, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both illnesses can weaken the immune system and pave the way for sight-stealing diseases, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis and trachoma. Without adequate health care or a cure, thousands of Namibians were left blind.

A Global Hero

This is why, Ndume says, she decided to work with Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International. SEE International is a nonprofit organization that sends experienced doctors and life-changing vision technology to underserved communities. Since starting in 1995, Ndume has served at hundreds of free eye clinics to treat preventable blindness.

Blindness is often seen as a crippling affliction in many parts of the world. However, its impact is especially severe in developing countries like Namibia because of the widespread lack of health care, which affects as much as 70% of the population in some areas.

Ndume believes that blindness is closely associated with severe poverty due to its far-reaching consequences on one’s lifestyle. From causing a parent to lose their job to forcing a child to drop out of school, blindness has severe repercussions for entire families and communities.

Envisioning a Brighter Future

One of the most inspiring things about Ndume’s work is her undeniable passion for the people she serves. Ndume has stated that her patients’ joyful expressions “fuel and recharge” her to “continue serving not only the Namibian people but all of humanity.” Such sentiments demonstrate Ndume’s undeniable passion for helping others and becoming a positive change source in her community.

Her dedication to serving humanity has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was awarded the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize by the United Nations (U.N.), recognizing her unwavering commitment and transformative work in global health. Receiving the award was a full-circle moment for Ndume, who undoubtedly looked up to Mandela’s anti-apartheid activism as a young teen. In addition to this prize, Ndume was presented with the Lions Clubs International Humanitarian Award and the Forbes Women Africa Social Impact Award in 2022.

Looking Ahead

Although blindness is still prevalent in Namibia, Ndume’s work has given citizens a reason to hope for a brighter future. Since 1993, the poverty rate has been halved and the GDP has grown substantially, according to the World Bank. The Gini Index, which measures the income equality in a nation, is still disproportionately high at 59.1% as of 2015, but shows a promising downward trend from the previous decade.

These statistics prove that economic growth is on the horizon for Namibia, as well as greater equality and health care. Ndume’s selflessness and devotion to the betterment of her country define her as a role model and inspiration for future generations of doctors, innovators and leaders worldwide. Most importantly, her incredible story shows that anyone can make a difference in their community, no matter where they come from.

– Grace Gonzalez

Grace is based in Oakton, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Health Care Crisis: 4 Diseases Impacting Kenya

Diseases Impacting KenyaKenya’s health care system has profoundly suffered as problems like corruption, lack of adequate resources, systemic malpractice, suboptimal policy-making, and Kenya’s ever-increasing poverty rates, amongst other severe issues, pervade Kenya’s fragile health care sector. The current climate crisis has also ignited further issues regarding Kenya’s health care system, as the rate of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has drastically increased in recent years. Here are four diseases impacting Kenya.

Malaria

In 2022, Kenya reported around 5 million cases of malaria, with more than 12,000 Kenyans dying as a result of the outbreak. Lack of rainfall and high temperatures have exacerbated the already dire risk of Malaria contamination, as Kenya’s lack of rainfall has created environmental conditions that are highly conducive to Malaria exposure.

Extreme changes in Kenya’s weather patterns have attracted a breed of mosquito, Anopheles Stephensi, which serves as an avid transmitter of malaria. Studies have concluded that the resurgence of the Anopheles Stephensi population in Kenya could potentially expose around 126 million Kenyans to Malaria.

HIV/AIDS

Kenya currently has the seventh largest percentage of people infected with AIDS/HIV globally. Due to the erroneous distribution of health care facilities across Kenya, faulty educational policies and cultural/systemic gender norms, AIDS/HIV reigns as one of the leading causes of death in Kenya. The HIV/AIDS epidemic disproportionately affects women, especially young women (15-24), as women and young girls make up two-thirds of the current percentage of Kenyans living with AIDS/HIV. The current U.S. foreign aid freeze has only exacerbated this issue, as foreign aid has historically accounted for 40% of Kenya’s HIV/AID preventative resource supply.

Cholera

Kenya has historically been a hotspot for frequent Cholera outbreaks and has continued to affect the Kenyan population due to poor sanitation infrastructure and lack of access to clean water. Heavily populated areas like refugee camps, informal settlements, and other highly populated and poorly regulated areas have especially served as hotspots for Cholera contamination.

While efforts like nationwide vaccine distribution, an increase in research towards Cholera prevention/preparedness, and an increase in policy highlighting health care reform in Kenya have helped mitigate outbreaks in recent years, Kenya has had a Cholera outbreak almost every single year since its first outbreak in 1971.

Tuberculosis

In 2016, Tuberculosis was the fourth-leading cause of death in Kenya, and the reported cases of TB contamination have increased sixfold in the last 15 years.  The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these rates, as the percentage of Kenyans who contracted Tuberculosis increased from 49% in 2019 to 61% in 2020. While the spike in Tuberculosis rates has since decreased as the turbulence of the pandemic has decreased, the 2020 Tuberculosis outbreak represents the severe fragility of Kenyan’s health care sector, as statistics have repeatedly shown that the slightest economic, political, health care, or societal issue can seriously exacerbate an already extremely vulnerable healthcare system.

The Future

Though many issues continue to fray the fabric of the health care sector in Kenya, there is hope for the welfare of Kenyan citizens. In 2024, President William Ruto implemented the Social Health Insurance Fund, mandating health care coverage for citizens nationwide.

NGOs like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to implement immunization programs to reduce diseases impacting Kenya.  Though much work is still necessary when it comes to health care reform in Kenya, the shift in political attention towards healthcare reform, coupled with the persistence of NGO efforts to supply Kenya with the proper resources to combat disease outbreaks, establish that hope for the improvement of Kenya’s fractured healthcare system remains steadfast.

– Ava Lachini

Ava is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Advances in Monitoring Air Pollution in Laos

Air Pollution in LaosLaos is one of the most polluted countries in Southeast Asia. However, it has implemented a wide-reaching air monitoring system, improving the data on real-time air quality.

What Causes Air Pollution in Laos

Numerous sources, including waste burning, vehicle emissions, forest fires, heavy industry and the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture, cause air pollution in Laos. Slash-and-burn agriculture is where land is cleared for planting by burning the existing forests in the area.

The region has a long history of using slash-and-burn agriculture and people consider it traditional and effective; however, it contributes significantly to air pollution in Laos.

Negative Effects of Air Pollution

Worldwide air pollution leads to about one in nine deaths. Being exposed to high levels of air pollution can lead to lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections and stroke. As well as an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Air pollution also has economic impacts; in 2019, it accounted for the loss of 6.1% of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

Also, because air pollution causes sickness, it places extra burdens on health systems and can increase the national healthcare spending. Further, when kids miss school due to an air pollution-related illness, they miss valuable time in the classroom and their parents often have to take time off work to look after them. This impacts economic growth.

Poverty and Air Pollution

Living on less than $1.90 per day, 716 million people are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution. Pollution levels are especially high in lower-middle-income countries, where economies often depend on highly polluting industries.

Low-income communities tend to be disproportionately exposed to unsafe air pollution levels, partly because they tend to have jobs that require them outside performing physical labor. When they get an air pollution-related illness, they also tend to have more limited access to good and affordable health care.

New Air Quality Monitors

The government is combating air pollution in Laos by installing new air quality sensors. So far, 148 schools across the country have installed sensors, ensuring coverage in every district. This provides authorities with localized, real-time data on air quality nationwide. Policymakers can use this data to shape long-term clean air strategies and take immediate actions, such as temporarily closing schools in areas with dangerous pollution levels.

Hands-on training for students, teachers and local officials accompanied the installation of the sensors. In the future, an AI-powered program will use the data collected from the sensors to provide real-time local air quality estimations for more than 8,500 villages in Laos. This will include areas that do not have on-site sensors.

Final Remarks

While air pollution in Laos remains a serious concern, the government’s investment in real-time monitoring marks a major step forward. With sensors now installed across every district and plans to expand AI-powered forecasting, Laos is better equipped to track pollution. Furthermore, this will allow the protection of public health and guide long-term environmental policy. Continued innovation and action will be essential to ensure cleaner air and a healthier future for all Laotians.

– Axtin Bullock

Axtin is based in Georgetown, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

USAID Programs in Côte d’Ivoire

USAID Programs in Côte d'IvoireFrom its establishment in 1961, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been at the forefront of civilian aid and assistance for developing countries. USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire have increased health, peace, education, political stability and gender inclusivity. But, the nation still has many major problems, from malaria incidence to domestic tranquility, to overcome with the help of USAID. Since the agency’s dissolution, data and documents about its work have become increasingly scarce.

Health Initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has many health issues. Malaria and maternal mortality are specific challenges to the country’s health security. USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire are focusing on its health security by tackling these and other problems such as HIV/AIDS and child health. USAID training and education initiatives have rapidly increased the learning and adaptation of medical practices, even while the country spends just 3.13% of its GDP on health care. This has led to a more resilient and adept health care system which is seeing better performance every year.

Two Food for Progress USAID programs began that increase food security for the country by processing crops locally instead of exporting raw crops to be processed. This incentivizes more regional trade and partnerships that unify the economic activities of the regions.

Promoting Peace & Education Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is still healing its wounds from the Second Ivorian Civil War that began with post-election conflict and ended in 2011, which resulted in a UN/French/Ouattara victory (Ouattara being the current illegitimate president’s opposition leader). The U.S. Secretary has recently provided more than $45 million “to help Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbors prevent conflict and promote stability in the face of regional threats.” The U.S. has recently been successful in laxing tensions in the Coastal West Africa region and has provided nearly $300 million in assistance to accomplish such.

The new Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact with the Côte d’Ivoire, valued at $536.7 million, has two major parts:

  1. Accelerate transportation projects aimed at stimulating the country’s short-term economic growth and employment.
  2. Fund educational initiatives to support projects and programs for the youth of the country.

In the education sector, Côte d’Ivoire has successfully brought its primary school enrollment to 102% of the gross population considered of age to be going to primary school. This figure is up from 55% in 1970. The U.S. embassy in Abidjan also offers educational programs for the nation to advance their studies in the U.S. or abroad, including Fulbright Fellowships, Mandela-Washington Fellowship and EducationUSA.

Political Transition & Inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire

The U.S. is strengthening democracy and governance in Côte d’Ivoire through institution building. Politically, there is a major emphasis on greater inclusion of women and youth as these historically marginalized groups will be playing a larger role as the country further develops. Protecting and promoting their rights concurrently increases the country’s political stability and security.

USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire were actively enabling the $14.2 million Political Transition and Inclusion program, whose goal is to support “national and local government efforts to be more inclusive of citizens’ democratic ambitions, and responsive to their needs and concerns.” This program specifically identified the disconnect between the government and citizens being the most significant challenge the country faces. No current data or documents could be found about the program’s current performance. Beyond this and other USAID initiatives, many more projects exist that incentivize community resilience, modernizing the justice system, and free and fair elections.

Final Thoughts

Côte d’Ivoire has made significant developmental progress, specifically within health care and domestic stability. Whether USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire make a lasting impact will be seen in the 2025 October elections and future equity and economic metrics.

– Aedan Bingham

Aedan is based in Worcester, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

USAID in Ghana: Cuts Could Undermine Progress

USAID in GhanaGhana is entering a critical crossroads. What began as a sudden freeze on U.S. foreign assistance has halted some of the country’s most vulnerable development areas, including health, education, agriculture and governance. With a projected $156 million funding gap, Ghana’s hard-won progress is in jeopardy.

USAID in Ghana

Until recently, USAID contributed about $150 million per year to Ghana. The organization funded efforts in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS and malaria treatment, education accountability and climate-smart agriculture programs through Feed the Future and other initiatives. Other key programs, such as the Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES), have been suspended, putting the quality of education and support systems for thousands of students at risk.

The Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING II) Systems Strengthening Activity, a $21.9 million initiative being implemented (2022 to 2027), is one of the most severely impacted programs. This initiative aimed to improve nutrition, strengthen economic resilience and improve local governance systems in northern Ghana. It collaborated with 17 district assemblies to enhance health, education and social protection services delivery. Undoubtedly, the USAID has been a critical partner to Ghana for many years, enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians with these funds.

Widespread Effects Across Sectors

In Ghana’s fisheries sector, USAID-backed plans for the first Marine Protected Area were abruptly canceled. The cancellation imperiled local economies dependent on small pelagic fish like sardines, anchovies and mackerel, which make up about 60% of local fish landings and serve as a primary protein source for millions.

In agriculture, programs that provided seed, training, climate-smart methods and agribusiness support to rural farmers have stopped, jeopardizing food security in regions already suffering from poverty and climate shocks.

Governance initiatives such as the Performance Accountability Activity (PAA) have also been paused, weakening transparency and citizen participation at the district level. While Ghana’s “Ghana Beyond Aid” agenda gains momentum, the sudden withdrawal of U.S. support highlights the difficulty of fulfilling development goals in fragile systems dependent on international partnership.

Local and Multilateral Allies Step In

John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has ordered urgent action. He has prompted the government to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy, raising GH¢4.2 billion ($300 million) to fill the USAID funding gap in health services. Some local and multilateral organizations have also stepped in to mitigate the impact. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and SEND Ghana have emerged as critical lifelines during this transition, leveraging financial power and policy advocacy.

In late 2023, the African Development Fund, the concessional arm of the AfDB, approved a $102.6 million budget support grant to Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. The funding stabilized public finances and supported critical health, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. Beyond emergency support, AfDB maintains an active project portfolio worth more than $800 million, financing 23 programs nationwide. By 2025, AfDB had committed to deepening investment in Ghana’s transport systems, private sector innovation and cybersecurity infrastructure, signaling a long-term vision beyond stopgap relief.

Meanwhile, SEND Ghana, a local nonprofit focusing on health equity and budget advocacy, has pressured Parliament to make pro-poor spending a national priority. SEND Ghana calls for the transparent use of revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy. It is pushing for those funds to plug gaps in maternal health, school feeding and public education left behind by USAID’s departure. By issuing regular policy briefs and engaging directly with lawmakers, SEND ensures the country’s most vulnerable citizens don’t fall through the cracks during this funding transition.

SEND Ghana applauded the government for uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and allocating about $8.8 million to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in the 2025 budget. The organization described it as a significant step toward sustainable health care financing. It also viewed it as progress toward transparent, inclusive and accountable governance.

Final Remarks

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that halting foreign aid weakens U.S. geopolitical influence and undercuts global security efforts. Foreign assistance isn’t charity, it’s strategic infrastructure.

– Dela Michel

Dela is based in Rockville, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash