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5 Countries Leading the Fight Against Poverty – And Winning

Fight Against PovertyAround the world, many developing and emerging countries are leading the fight against poverty. Among them, some are achieving remarkable success through innovative strategies.

China 

China has recently made significant investments in rural infrastructure to connect remote populations to economic opportunities, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty. Between 2006 and 2015, the country, with the support of the World Bank, rehabilitated approximately 1,299 roads. These projects have directly benefited more than 1.3 million people by improving their connectivity and access to essential services. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance access to these essential services but also facilitate economic growth by linking rural areas to larger markets, enabling local businesses to thrive.

Beyond road rehabilitation, China has implemented several other initiatives to enhance rural infrastructure and lead the fight against poverty. For instance, investments in irrigation and drainage facilities have directly improved agricultural production conditions. This is enabling farmers to adjust crop structures, develop large-scale breeding programs and engage in processing and non-agricultural industries, thereby reducing poverty.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has made significant strides in education and workforce development, increasing literacy rates and creating new job opportunities. The country, still one of the neediest in the world, has been making notable progress through two key areas: education and workforce development. In terms of education, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in its literacy rate. In 2021, the country’s literacy rate reached 76.36% (15 years old and above), reflecting a 1.45% increase from 2020. This improvement demonstrates the nation’s ongoing efforts to boost educational access and quality.

In addition to its focus on education, Bangladesh has prioritized job creation, with significant growth in the tourism sector. As the industry expands, it is driving the creation of jobs across various fields, “including hospitality, transportation, food services, handicrafts and retail.” This tourism growth is contributing to both economic development and job opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia has been focusing on agricultural development, exemplified by the Agricultural Growth Program. This program has enabled more than 700,000 farmers to benefit from the initiative, leading to a 25% revenue increase. Farmers’ productivity has risen by approximately 10%, contributing to poverty reduction and economic stability in these remote communities.

Furthermore, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborates with the Ethiopian government to enhance the population’s living conditions, focusing on agricultural productivity, food security and rural development. IFAD supports smallholder farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists with loans, helping them purchase the necessary equipment to enhance their productivity and escape the cycle of poverty.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s economic reforms and trade liberalization have created millions of jobs and boosted growth. The country was once among the most impoverished in the world. However, its government has achieved remarkable economic growth relatively quickly. Thanks to the Doi Moi campaign, which focused primarily on agricultural reforms, land was redistributed among small farmers, significantly boosting farm productivity and improving food security. This transformation helped lift millions out of poverty and laid the foundation for broader economic development.

However, the reforms extended beyond agriculture. The government implemented measures to reduce the budget deficit, stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. A key objective was to integrate Vietnam into the global economy by promoting trade liberalization and joining international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). These efforts led to a surge in exports, the expansion of the manufacturing sector and the creation of millions of jobs, positioning Vietnam as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Rwanda

Rwanda has made significant progress toward achieving universal health care, ensuring that even its most vulnerable citizens can access essential medical services. Since the 1994 genocide, the country has significantly improved health care access, a fact that was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 82% of the population received at least one dose of the vaccine within two years.

Moreover, Rwanda has prioritized the expansion of health care infrastructure to improve accessibility. Since August 2021, the Ministry of Health has established 1,179 health posts nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.

In conclusion, these countries demonstrate that targeted investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, health care and economic reform can drive significant progress in the fight against poverty. Their diverse strategies offer valuable lessons for other developing nations striving to build more inclusive and resilient economies.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

Eléonore Bonnaterre is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Students Against Global Poverty

Students Against Global PovertyIn the fight against global poverty, students are a vital and often overlooked aspect of charity initiatives. Students are working with charities alongside their academics to help those most in need through fundraising and volunteering efforts. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Charlotte, a university student working with MEDLIFE, stressed the importance of student participation in fighting poverty and assisting with development projects.

MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE is a global charity that helps to develop low-income communities by improving health care and education. In its efforts to achieve a world free of poverty, MEDLIFE adopts a community-focused approach and offers sustainable solutions to provide long-term aid and improvement. The nonprofit works with local staff and citizens to provide “culturally sensitive” aid and development programs to underserved communities.

Through collaborating with local doctors, the charity ensures that development projects will continue to benefit the community for a longer period rather than solely providing immediate relief. By August 2023, MEDLIFE had more than 30,000 volunteers and had established more than 600 community projects. MEDLIFE focuses on preventative health care through education.

By providing education on key health issues, the organization aims to prevent health care disasters that particularly impact those living in poverty. With a woman dying every two minutes due to childbirth or pregnancy, MEDLIFE’s Mobile Clinics offer specialized educational workshops on women’s reproductive health in efforts to prevent key issues, such as breast or cervical cancers).

Students Working With MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE offers students the chance to directly impact efforts seeking to alleviate the pressures of global poverty. Students can start MEDLIFE societies at a college/university to assist with fundraising efforts and organize volunteer trips to help with specific community projects. In 2024, Students at University College London (UCL) participated in a volunteer trip to Lima, Peru, to directly contribute to the operation of community developments.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Charlotte reflected on how students working in Lima witnessed people face challenges accessing health care and resources. The students helped to establish and maintain Mobile Clinics specializing in general medicine, dental, obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacy, hygiene and education. Other initiatives also involved assisting with community transformation, such as building parks and stairs. The UCL Society is organizing plans for its next trip; destinations could include Costa Rica or Peru.

When asked whether students are recognized for their roles in fighting global poverty, Charlotte explained that “students often don’t receive enough recognition for their contributions.” Regarding how recognition helps raise awareness, Charlotte commented that “by shining a light on student contributions, we not only validate their efforts but also encourage a culture of social responsibility among peers.”

MEDLIFE is open not only to medical students but also to those studying a wide range of disciplines. When asked about the benefits of this, Charlotte explained how a diverse group of students is extremely useful to the charity. For example, an engineering student can assist in the structured development of the communities and a business or economics student may lead fundraising.

Conclusion

Globally, students work with a wide range of charities to assist in the fight against global poverty. Without help from students, charities could lack the appropriate funds to provide adequate aid to those in need. They are not only providing thousands in fundraising but also have the time and skills to deliver hands-on support.

– Ellie Western

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

Photo: Pexels

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Diseases Impacting Lesotho

Diseases Impacting Lesotho
Lesotho is a tiny country totally encircled by South Africa. It has a land mass more than 11,000 square miles. With the country sitting within the mountain range of Maloti, Lesotho is frequently called the “Kingdom in the Sky.” While nature-made peaks and valleys provide the country with a beautiful landscape, the population struggles under an ineffective health care system that is challenged with managing several diseases impacting Lesotho.

3 Diseases Impacting Lesotho

  • Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis in the country ranks as the second-highest in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that TB is the leading cause of death in Lesotho, and among men. It is the second-leading cause of death among women and almost three quarters of TB incidences occur in individuals who are also HIV positive.
  • HIV/AIDS: HIV infections in Lesotho are high. In fact, the country ranked as the second-highest country with HIV in 2023. HIV/AIDS is the number one cause of death among women and the second leading cause of death among men. In 2023, there were approximately 260,000 adults living with HIV and more than half of these individuals were women.
  • Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer rates are also high in this country. While globally this type of cancer falls within the top five most common cancers affecting women, it is the number one type of cancer impacting Lesotho’s female population. On average, more than 500 women in Lesotho are diagnosed yearly with this type of cancer. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of them die from the disease. The main virus contributing to developing cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A common virus easily spread during sexual activity. However, women infected with HIV have a six-time greater risk for developing cervical cancer compared to women who are not HIV infected.

Optimism in Lesotho

The good news is that the country is making progress in addressing the diseases impacting Lesotho. Lesotho’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is working jointly with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on several projects focused on improving the country’s health care system. Some of these changes include:

  •         Updating processes for disease surveillance and detection in general.
  •         Improving policies addressing public health concerns.
  •         Providing additional training for medical personnel regarding testing and samplings.
  •         Modernizing laboratory facilities to work with the newest diagnostic tools.

With support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the CDC and Lesotho’s MOH also made improvements with testing, diagnosing and treating, specifically for HIV and TB.

Addressing TB in Lesotho

Regarding TB, the partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and MOH is focusing on identifying individuals with TB in a much quicker fashion. With many of the population living in difficult-to-reach areas, local health facilities are making an effort to screen and test individuals who seek care. This cost-effective practice is helping to identify TB positive individuals sooner and get them started on medication treatment quicker. In doing so, a higher survival rate is being achieved along with decreasing the risk for spreading the disease.  

Although the burden of TB is still high in Lesotho, the country is seeing success. As of spring of 2024, approximately 77% of positive TB individuals were on medication treatment. Many of the partnered organizations are confident that Lesotho will achieve WHO’s established goals for ending TB by 2030.

Lesotho and the 90-90-90 Goals

 As for HIV/AIDS, the country met the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDs (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 goals. These goals roughly defined are:

  • 90% of people with HIV will know their diagnosis
  • 90% of people with HIV will receive antiretroviral medication
  • 90% of people with HIV on antiretroviral medication will have their viral load suppressed

Lesotho achieved these goals impart through partnerships between the MOH, CDC and PEPFAR. The joint efforts created a survey tool called the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (LePHIA). The purpose of this tool was to identify how the country was managing HIV disease. Data collection involved trained surveyors making home visits to evaluate people’s risks for contracting HIV. The surveyors also provided preventive education and performed HIV testing and counseling. These same surveyors also helped to ensure HIV positive individuals were receiving medication treatment.

Although rates continue to be high, additional data finds Lesotho improving with addressing HIV disease. Data collected from a second survey (LePHIA 2020) found the rate of new HIV infections dropped more than 50%. Furthermore, the data indicates that more HIV positive individuals are being appropriately treated for maintaining viral suppression. Similar to TB, improvements with the management of HIV are leading to higher survival rates and lower disease transmission rates. 

The HPV Vaccine

To address cervical cancer, Lesotho’s MOH and the CDC jointly implemented a nation-wide vaccination program. This program focused on immunizing young girls with the HPV vaccine. The program effectively immunized 93% of young girls with the HPV vaccine. With an efficacy rate more than 98%, the program is a strong effort towards decreasing the occurrence of cervical cancer.

Looking Ahead

In a country where more than 40% of the population lives in the remote areas of the mountain and foothills, controlling diseases country-wide is crucial. Especially when access to care is challenging. With meaningful changes to the health system, the health of the population will improve and with new processes in place for TB, HIV and cervical cancer, individuals will have much healthier lives. The life expectancy rates which averaged around 48 and 54 years of age for men and women respectively in 2021, will rise. With longer life expectancies, family life will improve. Besides providing loving and nurturing environments for children, having parents living longer will also help to ensure the education and personal growth of children. These are crucial elements for a population to retain its identity and to feel of value. These changes in the health system will go far for addressing the diseases impacting Lesotho and its population.

– Kelly Chalupnik

Kelly is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Lack of Shelter and No Electricity Led to Hypothermia in Gaza

Hypothermia in GazaAccording to the United Nations (U.N.), in the last month, eight newborns have died of hypothermia in Gaza, causing an outcry from international organizations. The cases of hypothermia come from the freezing conditions in Gaza. Gaza is experiencing its coldest month, with a lack of proper equipment and resources its people need to survive.

What Is Hypothermia?

Doctors classify hypothermia as a medical emergency resulting from a drop in body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing the body to enter into a dangerously low body temperature. When the body is left in this condition, the heart, nervous system and other organs are unable to function properly. Without treatment, hypothermia can shut down the heart and respiratory systems, ultimately causing death.

Hypothermia is now one of the many preventable diseases/conditions that are now taking place in the Strip as a result of the ongoing conflict.

The Destruction of Residential Buildings

The Israeli onslaught in the Strip has made it difficult for aid to enter Gaza. Additionally, the incessant bombing has destroyed residential buildings, leading people to use tents as a new way of shelter. The bombing has damaged approximately 66% of the total structures in the Strip, with damage ranging from moderate to destruction.

Specifically 163, 778 structures have been damaged, including “52,564 structures that have been destroyed, 18,913 severely damaged, 35,591 possibly damaged structures and 56,710 moderately affected.” The destruction displaced 1.9 million civilians, forcing them to rely on tents as shelter. Yet, tents have quickly been unable to prove themselves as enough to deal with the cold weather enveloping the Strip.

January is Gaza’s coldest month in which temperatures can drop as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), underscoring the challenges faced by those relying on them for survival.

Lack of Electricity in Gaza

The lack of shelter is a significant challenge in the Strip. However, the lack of electricity also plays a critical role in preventing Gazans from staying warm. Before the war, Gaza had an average of 7-13 hours of electricity each day, with occasional blackouts. However, after October 7, according to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were zero hours of electricity available for Gazans in 2024.

Gazans now solely rely on solar panels to charge their phones or other electronic devices. However, only about 12,400 solar panels are available for a population of roughly two million. Without electricity, Gazans will not be able to keep themselves warm. They must rely on blankets and clothing, which are already scarce in the region. So, for many individuals, freezing is the only option they have, in the end causing hypothermia in Gaza to become a reality.

Looking Ahead

International organizations have been outspoken about the lack of resources in the Strip and continue to pressure American and Israeli government officials to let aid in. The OCHA has also repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The U.N. and its partners have also provided critical medical support to those in the Strip. Between December 22 and January 8, about 560,000 people received primary and health care services. However, this work remains insufficient and much more work lies ahead.

– Aya Diab

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Solar Energy Solutions: Powering Health Care in Rural Zambia

health care in Rural ZambiaAccess to reliable electricity is critical for the functioning of health facilities. Yet, only 4% of rural communities in Zambia have access to on-grid electricity. For many health care workers, the sight of a child being born in light is a rare victory in an otherwise dark environment where babies are delivered, sutures are given and patients are treated—all in darkness. This not only endangers lives but also limits the potential for effective health care delivery in rural areas. So, powering health care in rural Zambia is important.

The Importance of Electricity in Health Care

The link between electricity and essential health care services is crucial. Many medical procedures rely on lighting for safe and effective delivery. Furthermore, the lack of electricity severely hampers access to clean water, as pumps depend on power to push water into pipes. This combination creates a challenging environment for health care providers, who often lack the necessary equipment to deliver lifesaving procedures.

The SIRHES Project

In response to this crisis, On Call Africa has launched the Strengthening the Integration of Renewable Health Energy Solutions (SIRHES) project, which specifically targets three rural health systems in the Kazungula District. SIRHES focuses on improving the functionality, quality of care and hygiene. This is achieved by providing solar power in combination with complementary health interventions.

In the past 16 months, the initiative has made significant strides in powering health care in rural Zambia. It has:

  • Equipped three rural health care facilities with solar power systems
  • Trained 82 Neighbourhood Health Committee (NHC) members to support health facility initiatives and promote health within the community.
  • Installed a solar-powered Chlorine Production Unit (CPU) at the Kazungula District Health Office, enabling the monthly production of chlorine for disinfectants used in 27 health care facilities and for water purification in five target communities.
  • Supported the development of a business model for the CPU to generate income and ensure project sustainability.
  • Formed the Kazungula District Technical Working Group to oversee the project and provide long-term support for chlorine production.
  • Coordinated training sessions on operations and maintenance to ensure that solar systems are properly maintained and sustainable within the community.

Final Remark

On Call Africa’s commitment to providing solar energy solutions and powering health care in rural Zambia represents a critical step toward overcoming the barriers posed by energy poverty. Furthermore, by integrating renewable energy into health care systems, the organization not only enhances the capacity of health facilities but also contributes to the broader fight against poverty. This ensures that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the modern health care they deserve. The partnership with local communities and health workers is essential in building a sustainable future, one where no clinic is left in darkness and every life has the chance to thrive.

– Edzhe Miteva

Edzhe is based in London and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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LIF: UK-Mexico Relations and Medical Innovation

LIFMexico’s economy is on the rise after a 3.2% growth in 2023 and boasts the second-largest economy in Latin America. The shock of COVID-19 failed to stunt the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty since rates continued to fall from 43.9% in 2020 to 36.3% in 2022. Although Mexico is exceeding in development, clear income divides remain between rural and urban areas, which is evident in its health care system. The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF), a U.K. program, worked with Mexican innovators to help provide solutions to health care disparities.

What Is the LIF program?

The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) began the LIF program more than 10 years ago to promote global entrepreneurship through the use of technological innovation. Alongside Mexico, the program has partners in 16 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, and Romania. The LIF was launched thanks to funding from the Newton Fund, which is part of the U.K.’s official development assistance and fosters international science and innovation partnerships.

Health Care in Mexico

The Mexican health care system operates on a combination of public, private, and employer-funded schemes. Prior to the introduction of Seguro Popular in 2004, a government program that ensured universal access to health care, three-quarters of the population could not access health care through the Ministry of Health. However, high poverty rates in rural areas of Mexico often leave these populations without adequate access to health care. Services are typically concentrated in the country’s largest cities.

In fact, 88% of dentists in Mexico are located in urban centers. Despite multiple reforms, health care infrastructure in rural municipalities remains insufficient, forcing locals to rely on out-of-pocket expenses. These areas also represent two-thirds of Mexico’s extremely poor. The removal of Seguro Popular in 2020 further increased out-of-pocket health care costs, which indicates the need for further health care security and reform to aid the most inadequate.

The LIF Program in Mexico

In February 2024, LIF joined efforts with technological innovators in Mexico to help the Xicotepec, one of the municipalities that make up the Puebla state. The program funded the use of these medical inventions and services in the communities of Xicotepec. The team operating there organized a Community Health Services (CHS) Week, where 265 people received medical care.

The program covered a variety of training and medical care. Indeed, 90 mothers attended breast cancer screenings, 40 doctors were trained in wound healing, and more than 200 people were trained in disease prevention. The program was well received by its beneficiaries: “The service was very good and necessary. The truth is that we don’t go to the doctor often because we can’t afford it.”

Final Note

Positive partnerships like the LIF program enable medical innovation and treatment to reach the communities that need it most. They can help resolve the negative effects of recent changes in Mexico’s health care system. The capacity of the RAEng to reach remote communities like Xicotepec shows how far-reaching international collaboration is.

– Sofia Brooke

Sofia is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Surpassing Goals: UNICEF’s Polio Vaccine in Gaza

Polio Vaccine in GazaPolio is a serious virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, trouble breathing and sometimes death. Polio can spread quickly, especially in unhygienic conditions, as it can be transmitted through contact with excrement. Most people do not show any symptoms or only contract mild flu-like symptoms that last up to 10 days. However, one in 200 infections still leads to irreversible paralysis, which can happen in a matter of hours. About 5% to 10% of those paralyzed die from paralysis of their breathing muscles. Polio mainly affects children younger than 5, but any unvaccinated person can contract it.

How Is It Back in Gaza?

Gaza recently had its first polio case in 25 years––a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed in his leg. Health experts have been concerned about disease outbreaks in the territory where the Israeli military has destroyed water supply and wastewater disposal networks across the territory, leaving waste to pile up in areas full of displaced people. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in crowded and unhygienic tent camps.

According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, the Israeli army has imposed control over waste dumps, targeting municipality workers, machinery and mechanisms to stop any transfer of waste away from civilian areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the war has caused an interruption in routine immunization campaigns that normally prevent the virus.

UNICEF’s Polio Vaccine in Gaza

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been working with the WHO and the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) along with the Ministry of Health in Gaza to administer the polio vaccine throughout the region in September 2024. About 2,700 workers are a part of the enclave, which started on September 1, to enter Gaza and administer the first round of the two-round vaccine. UNICEF’s original aim was for some 640,000 children ages 10 and younger to receive the type two polio vaccine or about 90% vaccination coverage. Children will need to receive two doses of the polio vaccine at four-week intervals to receive maximum protection. More than 1.2 million vaccine doses have been delivered to Gaza, with an additional 400,000 doses expected soon.

On the first day, the UNRWA reported 87,000 vaccinations were administered out of the 156,000 it was hoping to administer to that entire area. Louise Wateridge, Senior Communications Officer for UNRWA, said it was very promising to see families traveling from other regions as UNICEF and its partners are administering the vaccine one area at a time and asking when the vaccine will be available for them and their children. The polio vaccine campaign had already reached 189,000 children in Gaza as of September 4, ending the first three-day “humanitarian pause.”

More teams are being arrayed across Gaza to administer the polio vaccine. Israel has stated that it sees the importance of preventing the outbreak of polio in Gaza in order to prevent the spread of epidemics in the region. Thus, it has agreed to humanitarian pauses in three-day intervals, which would allow safe passage and access to vaccinations from 6 am to 3 pm every day.

Final Note

Around 560,000 children younger than 10 received the polio vaccine during the first round of the campaign, conducted in three phases from September 1 to 12, 2024, in Gaza. This means UNICEF has already reached its goal of administering the polio vaccine to 90% of children less than 10 in the Gaza Strip. Yet, United Nations (U.N.) officials continue to emphasize that the only way to fight against the virus effectively is through an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

– Anna Thibodeau

Anna is based in Omaha, NE, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Algeria: Public Health Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial ResistanceOn September 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) published Algeria’s updated National Action Plan, which aims to target antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a critical threat to public health. The report offers an overview of previous achievements and identifies the next stage of solutions to be implemented from 2024 to 2028.

Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR is the ability of a pathogen to withstand treatment, complicating the targeting of infections caused by fungi, viruses and other microbes. According to Health Data Source, approximately 3,400 deaths in Algeria were directly attributed to AMR. Furthermore, a total of 13,600 deaths were associated with related health complications.

Globally, health care professionals find that the mutation of microbial and bacterial diseases often outpaces the development of new and effective treatment options. Antimicrobial medicines offer protection against infections and viruses during medical procedures and treatments. However, pathogens usually develop immunity to these procedures, increasing the risk of infection and risking the spread of disease.

Populations Affected by Antimicrobial Resistance

The WHO identifies humans, animals and agriculture as the primary organisms endangered by AMR. The spread of resistant pathogens threatens food safety and the integrity of food supply networks. These pathogens and bacteria, resistant to medical treatments, can proliferate within human and animal populations. Indeed, they become increasingly dangerous with each mutation.

Inequities in access to health care and services make women particularly vulnerable to AMR pathogens. Cultural perceptions of women, along with biases held by health care providers, often lead to delays in the quality of care and services they receive during medical visits. Many women face exposure to unsafe and contaminated environments in their daily activities. For instance, as the primary water collectors in their households, Algerian women risk contracting fungi or viruses from contaminated water sources.

On a positive note, Algerian women are among the most likely to seek medical advice for personal and family health concerns. To address these issues, Algerian officials, along with the global community, are working to enhance the infrastructure of their health care system to tackle AMR-related health conditions.

Algeria Proposes an Updated Action Plan

Algeria will focus on monitoring cases of treatment-resistant bacterial infection to prevent the rapid spread of disease among people, livestock and the food supply. The updated strategy would provide more data for preparing and launching health initiatives and research. Algeria’s newest goals coincide with the One Health system, a collection of health care principles embraced by nations worldwide. The One Health campaign organizes the management of infectious diseases into five divisions:

  1. Surveillance and Disease Intelligence
  2. Emergency Preparedness and Response
  3. Laboratory Systems
  4. Public Health Institutes and Research
  5. Disease Control and Prevention

This organization allows for better tracking of infectious diseases and regulating efforts to implement solutions before major medical emergencies arise.

Goals

The following goals summarize the Algerian government’s participation in reducing the threat of AMR in global communities:

  • Create awareness campaigns about the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance. Additionally, educate the public at the grade school, collegiate and professional levels.
  • Implement a training program for health care, veterinary and agricultural workers.
  • Create better surveillance and data reporting networks to monitor the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Better equip laboratories as centers for research and observation of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Develop and promote treatment options that can serve as alternatives to antimicrobial medications.
  • Establish a system to monitor antibiotic consumption.
  • Prevent and control infection in neonatal settings by updating known hygienic protocols, promoting breastfeeding for new mothers, revisiting the issue of mother-fetus infection and more.
  • Prevent and control community infections by promoting rapid tests for bacterial blood; include private doctor offices, laboratories and hygienic clinics in antimicrobial research.
  • Establish a therapeutic standard on the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Establish a community-based monitoring system for local developments in AMR.
  • Prevent and control infections at the farm level.
  • Create a ranking system for the critical stages of AMR and establish an antimicrobial committee accessible to local Wilaya hospital committees and the private sector.
  • Monitor antimicrobials in human and veterinary health.
  • Develop a therapeutic recommendation for the treatment of AMR in human medicine.
  • Develop a good practice guide for the use of antimicrobial medicines in veterinary settings.
  • Strengthen regulations and training around the use and availability of antimicrobials.
  • Create a documentation system for antimicrobial research and develop financing.
  • Develop research collaborations with universities and create international and national partnerships.
  • Create committees and oversight groups to monitor the implementation of the antimicrobial action plan and develop funding for AMR research.

These goals will promote research campaigns dedicated to understanding, tracking and controlling the transmission of diseases prone to AMR.

Final Note

Combating AMR bacteria will prepare the medical community to limit the spread of complex diseases, protecting a population of 42 million. While the updated program is in the early stages, the Algerian government has committed to partnering with public and private institutions to educate communities nationwide and to ensure long-lasting results.

– Karina Dunn

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

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Pakistan: Ongoing Reduction Efforts

Poverty in PakistanAffected by political turmoil, Pakistan has faced numerous socioeconomic challenges. By 2018, these issues culminated in record levels of poverty, with more than 39% of Pakistan living below the poverty line. Amid widespread unemployment, the government has also grappled with nutritional poverty, particularly affecting the youth. This has led to significant issues, such as nationwide stunting in growth, which is directly linked to these dietary deficiencies. Here are some of the initiatives that are tackling these problems:

Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program

This initiative, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, offers vocational training in various industries, helping young people haul themselves out of poverty and find work. With more than 25,000 youths trained nationwide, the program has played a crucial role in decreasing national poverty. Most notably, the focal point concentrating on an intake of 35% girls has ensured that the marginalized remain a focus. Ultimately, these efforts have contributed to the limitation of poverty and increased job prospects among the youth.

The Sehat Sahulat Program

Initially launched in 2015, the Sehat Sahulat Program is a social health insurance initiative providing free health care services for Pakistan’s underprivileged groups. As a result of the program, the most disadvantaged are supported by free health care. The initiative covers a range of conditions, including cancer and diabetes. Ultimately, the scheme provides financial protection and access to sustainable, quality health care to those most in need.

UNICEF Nutrition Counseling

With more than a third of children suffering from severe food poverty, the country faces an endemic in which its young are at a heightened risk of malnutrition and an unbalanced, scarce diet. The United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) initiative develops cooking demonstrations tailored to new and soon-to-be mothers, ensuring their children can be fed and energized correctly.

Alongside nutritional education, the sessions aim to educate women about the importance of hygiene and its strict relationship with food, with a particular emphasis placed on washing hands before and after preparing food. This focus has been adopted worldwide and in 2022, UNICEF counseling reached 79.3 million people globally.

Combat Against Nationwide Stunting

In Pakistan, more than 40% of children younger than 5 are stunted. A product of long-term malnutrition, stunting “impairs cognitive and physical development, which in turn impacts a child’s potential and productivity.’’ With a large proportion of pregnant women living below the poverty line, many children experience stunted growth in the womb due to their mothers’ poor diet, leading to inhibited development.

The government has launched several initiatives to fight malnutrition to address this issue, with the Ehsaas Nashonuma Program being the most prominent. The program provides nutritional education and cash transfers to pregnant or nursing women. The quarterly stipend is about $5 for mothers and boys and $7 for girls. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have also played a crucial role in the fight against stunting. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services (WASH) initiatives have thrived with the support of NGOs like HANDS. In 2022-23, HANDS conducted 16 WASH projects in 34 districts and nearly 2,000 villages in Pakistan, benefiting more than 1.8 million people.

Nutritional awareness is fundamental to the resurgence of the health of the next generation in Pakistan, pulling them out of poverty. The government has guaranteed that various schemes are in place to tackle widespread poverty. Additionally, it has ensured that the health and hygiene of the population of Pakistan are also addressed. It’s both transparent and reassuring that while the government recognizes this importance, various NGOs share the same concern.

– Jonny Wilkinson

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

Photo: Pexels

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Leading The Way: Cabo Verde’s HIV Fight

cabo verde's HIVCabo Verde, a West African country consisting of islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, has become a leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa through its health care investments and social initiatives. Currently, Cabo Verde is estimated to have an HIV prevalence of around 0.6%. At the same time, AIDS-related deaths decreased from around 200 in 2004 to less than 100 in 2022. This progress has involved declining poverty, which dropped to 28.1% in 2022 from 56.8% in 2001. Cabo Verde’s HIV fight is now focused on projects directed at vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children and disabled people.

Investment in Communities

Combating HIV and AIDS requires involving both the general public and individuals living with HIV in decision-making processes. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has reported that the West Africa region is not on track to meet the goal of eradicating AIDS by 2030, a target set during the Africa Rising Forum in 2014.

The group’s Executive Director expressed the need for “policies and programs that focus on people not diseases.” This involves community-led HIV testing to reach more people. Furthermore, support groups for mothers living with HIV and individual visits by social assistants are also key. One assistant in Cabo Verde expressed how this work allows patients to “have a good quality of life and avoid stigma and social marginalization.”

Regional Asymmetry

A key challenge for Cabo Verde is the disparity in resources between islands, which affects HIV patients’ ability to access care. At independence in 1975, the country had only 13 doctors. However, the health system has since expanded in both size and sophistication, with 80% of the population now living within half an hour of a health facility. The decentralization of smaller health centers has improved access to care, enabling HIV patients to receive antiretroviral therapy to manage the disease. UNAIDS estimates that by 2023, 72% of individuals living with HIV in Cabo Verde were accessing antiretroviral therapy.

Free Health Care

Cabo Verde’s economy has grown significantly since the ’90s, driven by foreign investment and tourism. This growth has led to increased health care spending, rising from $65 per person in 2001 to $165 in 2013. Citizens are entitled to free basic health care, including preventive care and treatment for HIV and AIDS. The country’s social protection efforts are supported by widespread health education, facilitated by high literacy rates and good access to electricity, fostering greater public awareness and engagement.

Advocacy for the Disabled Community

Despite Cabo Verde’s broad progress, vulnerable communities, such as those with disabilities, continue to face challenges. Handicap International, active in Cabo Verde since 2006, has worked to include disabled individuals in the fight against HIV. The organization improved data on the biological vulnerability to HIV infection and promoted inclusive education on HIV and AIDS.

Research found that the HIV prevalence rate among people with disabilities in Cabo Verde is 2.3%. Additionally, about 79% of disabled participants unaware of available HIV care and support. However, the study itself led to 96% of participants gaining an improved understanding of HIV and AIDS.

Preventing Vertical Transmission

Preventing vertical transmission of HIV from mother to fetus is a key priority for Cabo Verde in reducing new infections. Minister of Health Arlindo Nascimento do Rosário emphasized, “Every child has a right to be born healthy and to live a healthy life.” As part of the free health care system, pregnant women are offered HIV testing. If they test positive, they receive antiretroviral drugs and antenatal support to minimize the risk of transmission.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) shared the story of Leila Rodrigues, a mother who discovered she had HIV just weeks before giving birth. Thanks to the care her son received, transmission was prevented. Rodrigues later joined the National Network of People with HIV of Cabo Verde.

Final Note

Cabo Verde’s progress in HIV health care has not come without challenges. However, the country has become a model for investing in change and empowering communities. The WHO Africa Health Forum has highlighted Cabo Verde as an exemplar, with participants visiting to observe how innovations have built a strong health care system. Emulating Cabo Verde’s commitment to social inclusion, universal health coverage and decentralized HIV testing could enable the West African region to more effectively combat the disease.

– Daisy Outram

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons