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The Gates Foundation in India: Helping the Fight Against Poverty

The Gates Foundation in IndiaIn 2000, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was created with the belief that “all lives have equal value.” To fight global poverty and ensure that everyone leads a “healthy and productive” life, the Foundation supports various projects worldwide. Since 2003, the Gates Foundation has been working in India, first by creating an HIV prevention initiative that has prevented 600,000  new infections and now by working on alleviating poverty through improving sanitation and providing safe and hygienic facilities. The Foundation’s work also helps the agricultural sector and its marginalized farmers better their productivity and by partnering with local organizations, it offers inclusive financial systems to lactating mothers.

Transforming Sanitation in Wai

The unsafe disposal of human feces is a global issue harming public health, increasing psycho-social stress and hindering human and economic development, with more than 80% of untreated sewage still being discharged into the environment. In India, sanitation remains a vital public health challenge, with 11% of the population – around 155 million people – still practicing open defecation in 2022, according to the World Bank.

One notable example of progress is the city of Wai in Maharashtra, which has implemented an inclusive and equitable sanitation model. The initiative aims to reduce health risks by preventing the accumulation of harmful waste in areas lacking proper sanitation infrastructure. With help from the Gates Foundation and through collaboration with its citizens, Wai was the first municipality in India to introduce scheduled desludging of all septic tanks, providing safe waste treatment for its entire population – regardless of their financial status.

Helping Marginalized Farmers in Odisha

In 2023, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation announced that 65% of India’s population is part of the agricultural sector, providing livelihoods for millions. In Odisha, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for income. A partnership called ADAPT has been established between the Government of Odisha, the Gates Foundation and Samagra- a private consulting firm, to assist marginalized farmers and improve productivity. The goal is to help the state’s policymakers make data-informed decisions in the agricultural sector.

With the ADAPT Dashboard, a Decision Support System that combines agricultural data from various sources into an online platform accessible to government officials, the State of Odisha can then meet farmers’ needs efficiently – anticipating challenges and optimizing the raw material supply chain. ADAPT also shares information on seed treatment, soil health, irrigation and insurance with farmers to increase their productivity.

There has already been a 90% reduction in crop losses with the Customized Pest Advisory service, confirming that while this initiative is boosting agricultural productivity, it is also helping more farmers to thrive despite climate challenges and market fluctuations.

Building Inclusive Financial Systems

Financial inclusion is another pillar of the Gates Foundation’s work in India. One of its key initiatives in this area is supporting the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme in partnership with the Center for Digital Financial Inclusion (CDFI). This program aims to empower women by providing financial assistance during maternity, reducing the financial burden on low-income families during pregnancy and enhancing maternal health.

Since 2017 and with the Gates Foundation’s involvement, the PMMVY scheme has offered $59.50 in direct cash transfers to lactating mothers, compensating for the wage losses they experience during pregnancy and postnatal care. With access to health care services frequently relying on the family’s financial situation, this digital inclusion initiative is crucial for marginalized women who may otherwise be excluded from the formal banking system or cannot rely on their family’s financial support. The program ensures transparency and accountability by delivering the payments digitally, illustrating India’s inclusive growth and economic development.

Conclusion

Through its focus on sanitation, agriculture and financial inclusion, the Gates Foundation is helping the fight against poverty in India. The success of Wai’s sanitation model, the ADAPT partnership in Odisha and the PMMVY scheme demonstrate how targeted interventions can improve health, economic stability and livelihoods. These initiatives show how combining innovative solutions with data-driven policies and equitable access to services can help India build a more inclusive future.

– Alissa Naydenova

Alissa is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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IT Supporting Rural Livelihood in India

Rural Livelihood in IndiaTechnological advancements in the past decades have widened the gap between the rich and the needy. The lack of access to the internet and Information Technology (IT) resources hinders the growth of a considerable percentage of India’s population. However, IT supporting rural livelihood in India has slowly manifested through the combined efforts of private and public sector initiatives.

Mission 2007: Every Village a Knowledge Center

IT supporting rural livelihood in India has been expected to act as a viable option. IT can be used for various purposes like predicting weather conditions and market prices for farming along with gaining useful knowledge and skills. To materialize this, Mission 2007 was initiated in 2003 by an alliance of 150 organizations to avail the benefits of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) dedicated to human well-being in rural areas.

The Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy (NVA) for Rural Prosperity and the Jamsetji Tata Training School (JTS) for Leadership in Rural Knowledge Connectivity were established to support and fuel this IT revolution. They aim to provide IT access and training to more than a million rural people and encourage them by enabling them to enhance their livelihood with the help of IT skills.

The National Virtual Academy

Established in 2003 under the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the NVA aims to train “grassroots workers” to use ICTs to enable them to be responsible for their development and “to build skills and capacities relevant to enhancing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.” Alongside providing training in ICTs, the NVA also facilitates the recognition of rural people who have mastered ICTs and are using their skills to guide the betterment of villages.

The NVA aims to materialize access to “work, income and health security” like e-governance, e-commerce, e-literacy and e-health in rural areas. The initiative seeks to establish a “two-way linkage” communication system, where scientists share information on agriculture and technological advancements with rural communities while rural people provide insights into traditional farming methods. This exchange helps scientists develop sustainable farming practices that integrate both modern and traditional knowledge.

The NVA also facilitates “lateral communication” to enable people within rural areas to share their knowledge and expertise with other rural people through technological means. It, therefore, functions as a “participatory knowledge hub,” tying traditional wisdom with modern science. In 2006, the initiative recognized the achievements of 77 people from across 11 states in India, highlighting its impact in rural areas.

Jamsetji Tata Training School

The JTS aims to provide training on computer applications to rural workers at the grassroots level. It also aims to create virtual platforms to develop learning environments where rural people can learn need-based skills and competencies to gain knowledge specific to their area of work. The JTS is similar to the NVA in its primary aims and objectives and helps further build NVA’s initiatives by equipping people with Village Knowledge Centers (VKCs), Village Resource Centers (VRCs) and Knowledge Hub Consortiums (KHCs) to encourage centralized learning environments.

Some other efforts by JTS include organizing workshops between scientists and NVA fellows, addressing issues at the grassroots level with government agencies, providing training on computer applications and developing virtual platforms for learning.

Conclusion

In 2019, 41% of India’s population, amounting to approximately 574 million people, had access to the internet. Among this, 307 million internet users belonged to the urban population and 264 million people belonged to the rural population. As of 2023, 55% of India’s population, amounting to 821 million people, have access to the internet. Among these, a higher percentage of internet users come from rural areas (442 million) than urban areas (378 million). As a result of initiatives like those mentioned above, India has experienced significant growth in IT access across the country, particularly in rural areas. IT supporting rural livelihood in India is now not only a dream but a reality.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mpox in India: Understanding the Outbreak and Response

Mpox in India: Understanding the Outbreak and Response India has confirmed its first case of a deadlier mpox strain, the clade Ib variant, in Kerala. Previously contained in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this strain is now spreading globally, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health emergency. Authorities detected the case in a 38-year-old man who had recently traveled from Dubai and have identified 29 contacts for self-quarantine.

The Spread of Mpox in India

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded DNA virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. A global outbreak of the clade IIb strain occurred between 2022 and 2023. As of now, the mpox outbreak in India has primarily affected urban areas, especially New Delhi. Although the number of cases has not reached critical levels, there is concern about potential widespread transmission in densely populated regions. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, tracking cases and ensuring containment measures are in place.

India’s Public Health Response

India’s public health response to the mpox outbreak has been swift and coordinated. The central government has urged all states and Union territories to identify facilities and train personnel to manage both suspected and confirmed mpox cases. Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has emphasized the importance of timely sample testing, isolating cases and conducting genome sequencing through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to determine the virus clade.

States have received instructions to boost public health preparedness at state and district levels, establish isolation facilities and enforce strict infection control measures. Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate communities about the disease, its transmission and the importance of early reporting. Additionally, diagnostic capabilities are robust, with 36 labs supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and three commercial PCR kits approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to facilitate testing. These ongoing efforts aim to control the spread of mpox and protect public health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified India’s response and preparedness for the mpox outbreak following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Guidance from WHO has significantly shaped India’s response to mpox, providing best practices from other countries and offering frameworks to manage the disease within a broader public health context.

Looking Ahead

India has responded swiftly and proactively to the mpox outbreak, demonstrating a strong commitment to controlling the virus’s spread. Coordinated efforts at both national and state levels have enhanced diagnostic capabilities, established isolation facilities and promoted public awareness.

– Aneela Agha

Aneela is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Feeding the Future: Uttar Pradesh’s Community Kitchens

Uttar Pradesh’s Community KitchensDuring the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India, initiatives to establish community kitchens emerged as critical lifelines for vulnerable citizens. Launched as a part of the state’s relief efforts for both those living in poverty and for citizens stranded due to lockdown, these kitchens provided essential meals to those facing food insecurity. 

Uttar Pradesh’s Community Kitchens

In 2020, Uttar Pradesh launched a significant community kitchen initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat hunger and support populations like migrant workers and daily wage earners. Collaborating with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and religious groups, the state’s government quickly established more than 7,000 community kitchens across all 75 districts. These kitchens provided meals for the impoverished and displaced individuals as lockdown measures disrupted livelihoods.

Furthermore, to make these kitchens even more accessible, Uttar Pradesh became the first state to geotag its kitchens and shelters, partnering with Google Maps to help people locate nearby facilities. This geotagging effort helped ensure that needy individuals could easily find food and shelter during the crisis. This initiative was especially significant during the crisis, as it helped ensure that needy individuals, including the elderly, migrant workers and those stranded in remote locations, could easily find food and shelter without unnecessary delays.

Global Impact

The creation of these community kitchens has evolved into a larger, global trend of efforts to combat food insecurity. Though these initial community kitchens were pandemic-driven, many such initiatives were adapted to address ongoing socioeconomic challenges continuously. Community kitchens in Uttar Pradesh now serve as emergency responses and as a buffer against the growing inequality exacerbated by the pandemic. They have become permanent safety nets for those facing prolonged food insecurity driven by unemployment and disrupted food supply chains.

By providing consistent access to nutritious meals, these initiatives help alleviate the pressures on struggling families and individuals, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The sad reality is that food insecurity has doubled in parts of Asia, further underscoring the critical role that initiatives like these play​. In the aftermath of the lockdown, local authorities and NGOs have kept these kitchens running to help people whose livelihoods were yet to recover fully.

The impact of such efforts greatly supports similar global community-based programs that seek to combat hunger. These programs continue to address the population’s long-term economic vulnerabilities, including the pandemic’s financial effects and unemployment.

Moving Forward

The challenge moving forward will be ensuring that Uttar Pradesh’s community kitchens are supported as permanent fixtures in public welfare systems, adapting to post-pandemic realities and the continued economic instability they were designed to mitigate. However, by taking Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives into consideration, we may also make great strides against the longstanding issue of food insecurity.

– Trinity Lee

Trinity is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Suniti Solomon: Pioneering HIV/AIDS Researcher and Activist

suniti solomonSuniti Solomon neatly laid out photographs of prospective brides and grooms on her small desk, carefully tucking them under a stainless-steel cup and saucer and away from the force of the wind. Over filter coffee, and with her colleagues’ help, she was going to play matchmaker.

But what was evolving in this unassuming house on a quiet street in Chennai’s otherwise bustling T. Nagar was far from an ordinary arranged marriage. It was a result of Dr. Solomon’s affection for everyone who knocked on the door of her NGO. Deeply involved with her patients’ lives, she understood how their suffering was compounded by social stigma. She was working hard to remedy their lack of matrimonial opportunities by matching them with each other.

Suniti Solomon’s Discovery of HIV in India

Dr. Solomon joined the Madras Medical College in 1971 for her postgraduate degree in microbiology, after having trained in London and Chicago. As a member of its faculty in the early 1980s, she read papers across international medical journals detailing the quick spread of what many considered a mysterious disease then: HIV, according to The Hindu.

Working against the government’s HIV-denying narrative at the time, Dr. Solomon, along with her student Selleppan Nirmala, collected blood samples from 100 members of the sex worker community in Chennai in 1986. As she had anticipated, six samples tested positive for HIV. This was possibly indicative of a much larger epidemic across the country, given the size of India’s population.

This shocking finding catapulted the government into action. It braced for a crisis like no other, given the prevalence of poverty and lack of access to quality health care in the country. However, remarkably enough, this disaster was averted: India’s incidence rate has remained below 0.3%. The annual number of people newly infected with HIV declined by close to half between 2010 and 2021 in India.

This progress is thanks to the successful control of contagion in India. This has been achieved with free antiretroviral therapy, awareness initiatives and effective engagement with civil society. But it is also due, at least in part, to Dr. Solomon’s efforts.

Treating the Disease and Healing the Individual

Thoroughly attuned to patients’ stories of struggle – from the case of an infected 13-year-old to a family whose members died by suicide when news of their diagnosis spread, Dr. Solomon opened India’s very first voluntary HIV testing and counseling center at Madras Medical College. She transitioned to independently running her own NGO in 1993, the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE).

With this, Dr. Solomon built a safe and nurturing space for every person living with HIV who had fallen through the cracks in public health care. YRG CARE started with just three employees. However, it now has a 1,000-member-strong workforce, spread throughout India’s 28 states, according to the American Society for Microbiology. It pioneered HIV awareness programs in schools and colleges. It has provided care to nearly 2 million people living with HIV, from easier access to specialized pharmaceutical drugs to recuperation facilities at in-patient centers.

Suniti Solomon: Legacy

Dr. Suniti Solomon received many accolades when she was alive, from an honorary Doctor of Medical Science degree from Brown University to a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society. She passed away in 2015, at the age of 76. Many people, including The New Yorker’s Michael Specter, remember her as warm, empathetic and soft-spoken. Old interviews reflect her feistily unorthodox and good-humoured spirit. Colleagues recall that she inspired hope and courage in them. The government of India posthumously awarded her with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2017.

– Shiveka Bakshi

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

Photo: Flickr

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Meesanallur in Tamil Nadu Is Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Meesanallur in Tamil NaduThe village of Meesanallur in Tamil Nadu, India, has become a symbol of hope and transformation for marginalized communities, particularly the Irula tribe, who have long been trapped in cycles of poverty and bonded labor. Through strategic interventions by government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), Meesanallur has transitioned into a thriving community, offering security, stability and a model for rehabilitation replicable for other impoverished populations in regions susceptible to economic exploitation.

About Meesanallur in Tamil Nadu

Prior to its transformation, Meesanallur was a typical example of the challenges faced by many rural villages in Tamil Nadu. The village was characterized by extreme poverty, with most of its inhabitants, particularly those from the Irular tribe, living in dilapidated huts with little to no access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation or electricity. The lack of education and employment opportunities perpetuated a cycle of poverty, forcing many families into bonded labor to survive. This economic exploitation was compounded by social marginalization, as the Irular community faced significant discrimination, further limiting their access to resources and opportunities for advancement.

Transforming Lives Through Planned Resettlement

One of the most significant aspects of Meesanallur’s transformation is the resettlement of Irula families who were once kept in near-perpetual poverty, often for generations, as the victims of exploitative working conditions and bonded labor. These families have now been resettled in the planned community of Meesanallur, where they have been provided housing, education and economic opportunities. The resettlement initiative, supported by the International Justice Mission (IJM) and local authorities, has been crucial in providing these families with the security and stability they lacked for generations.

In Meesanallur, the construction of new homes, complete with basic amenities such as electricity and sanitation, has been a game-changer. These homes have provided physical shelter and a sense of dignity and belonging. The availability of legal land ownership has further empowered the residents, giving them a stake in their future and a foundation upon which they can build better lives.

Economic Empowerment and Education

Economic empowerment has been a cornerstone of Meesanallur’s success. The community has been equipped with resources and training to engage in various income-generating activities. For instance, residents have received support to start small businesses, engage in agriculture and access employment opportunities. These initiatives have significantly reduced the community’s reliance on exploitative labor practices, helping them achieve financial independence.

The Broader Impact and Future Potential

The success of Meesanallur as a model for breaking the cycle of poverty holds significant potential for other vulnerable communities, particularly those facing similar challenges of bonded labor, marginalization and economic deprivation. The approach taken in Meesanallur—combining resettlement, economic empowerment and community building—can be adapted and implemented in other regions with similar demographics.

For instance, the model can be applied to other tribal communities across India, many of whom face similar issues of exploitation and poverty. By providing secure housing, legal land ownership and opportunities for economic and educational advancement, these communities can be lifted out of poverty and given the tools to sustain themselves long-term.

Conclusion

Meesanallur stands as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities across India and beyond. Through strategic interventions and a holistic approach to rehabilitation, the village has successfully broken the cycle of poverty and provided its residents with the means to build a better future. The model of Meesanallur has the potential to be replicated in other vulnerable communities, offering a pathway to security, stability and dignity for those who have long been deprived of these fundamental human rights.

– Sophia Lee

Sophia is based in Media, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Energy Poverty in India

energy poverty in indiaDue to rapid population growth and economic development, India has a need to scale up its energy capacity to alleviate energy poverty and meet its energy demands. Energy poverty refers to household access to affordable, reliable and safe energy services. Although India could be the third largest economy by 2030, per capita income is below the global average, with regional infrastructure disparities affecting access to modern energy sources. The energy situation disproportionately impacts lower-income households, who spend a large portion of their income on energy or use less desirable energy forms, according to the 2023 Energy Research and Social Science article.

Governmental programs aim to alleviate energy poverty in India while promoting more reliable and efficient forms of energy. The Indian government will continue to subsidize all energy forms to meet growing demand while promoting technological development and private investment.

Energy Poverty In India

Energy poverty is still widespread in India because of the challenges of affordability, capacity and reliability. According to the Household Energy Poverty Index, 65% of households experienced energy poverty in 2020, but this is improving.

Energy poverty in India declined between 2004 and 2012 in most states but increased in poorer states which account for more than 30% of India’s population. It is declining slower in rural areas  — the greatest improvements being in major cities.

Energy poverty rates are higher than income poverty rates. In rural areas, 57% of households experience energy poverty while 22% experience income poverty, compared to 28% and 20% respectively for urban areas.

Energy poverty affects disadvantaged groups. It is linked to lower socio-economic status and level of education. Furthermore, lower castes and marginalized communities such as the Dalits and tribal Adivasi are particularly energy-poor or have only seen marginal rates of energy poverty decline, according to the 2019 Energy and Buildings article.

Despite nearly all Indians having access to electricity, 41% still rely on traditional biofuels like cow dung and wood for cooking because of financial insecurity. Women and girls are more likely to collect and prepare bio-fuels, detracting from time spent on education, childcare and income-generating activities, according to the 2019 Energy and Buildings article. These fuels create pollutants associated with chronic respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis and bronchitis.

India’s Energy Challenges

India has been increasing fossil fuel subsidies because of its carbon-intensive economy. Last year, 58% of energy consumption and 77% of generated energy came from coal. Crude oil accounted for 31% of energy consumption last year, but India imports approximately 87% of it, leading to vulnerability to price fluctuations and geopolitical risks that prevent lower-income households from accessing energy affordably and reliably.

Fossil fuel subsidies reinforce income inequalities by mostly benefiting higher-income individuals. They also contribute to health and environmental costs that disproportionately impact the poor.

During the global energy crisis, the Indian government instituted fuel price caps, tax cuts and budgetary transfers to help combat energy poverty. However, such measures led to overconsumption because fuel prices did not reflect their market value or social costs. This resulted in an estimated $346 billion in lost tax revenue in 2022 and less space for renewable energy and infrastructure development critical for low-income households.

Government Energy Policy in 2024

To address these issues, India is taking a hybrid approach by boosting all forms of energy. India is expected to invest more than $35 billion annually in advanced energy solutions by 2030.

Renewable energy is another focus, with a target to increase non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.  The 2024 budget allocated approximately $71.7 million to the Green Hydrogen Fund to promote green hydrogen production and stimulate private-sector investment.

The budget also allows the first public-private nuclear energy partnerships, inviting $26 billion in investments for small modular reactors and research and development. The government will also engage in joint ventures for thermal power plants.

To ensure more equitable access, approximately $1.2 billion was allocated to subsidize solar panel installation for 10 million households and provide 300 units of free electricity monthly for some lower-income households. Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) projects like private solar panels, micro-grids and other community-focused projects help reduce energy poverty in Indian marginalized communities.

In addition to diversifying its energy sources, India has also diversified the countries it imports oil from to reduce price fluctuations due to supply changes and geopolitical tensions.

Energy Poverty in India: Conclusion

India’s multi-dimensional approach aims to balance its energy needs with sustainable and equitable access. Investments in advanced energy solutions and private sector ventures, as well as investments in clean energy and infrastructure, are necessary to meet India’s growing energy demand while working toward sustainable development goals.

Energy poverty in India is difficult to alleviate because of reliance on fossil fuels, deep socio-economic inequalities and infrastructural and financing challenges. However, India has made spectacular progress in recent decades in other developmental areas like poverty alleviation and expanding access to electricity. While the path to ending energy poverty is complex and long-term, recent government plans demonstrate continuity in efforts to alleviate the issue.

– Luke Ravetto

Luke is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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HIV in India: Working Towards Improving the Health Care

hiv in indiaMore than two decades ago, Bill and Melinda Gates learned about the contagious Rotavirus, present in several countries. The more they learned, the more devoted they became to helping. Higher-income countries could treat rotavirus with ease, but lower-income countries struggled with it, leading to many casualties. Hearing this, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation started working in India in 2003. The foundation launched the Avahan Program, which targeted HIV prevention. Avahan was incredibly successful in its endeavors, eliminating nearly 600,000 infections.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also partnered with others to help the Indian government in defacing polio. These efforts were not easy; nearly 2.3 million volunteers helped with vaccination efforts, and their labors were fruitful. The efforts helped provide vaccines to 170 million children finally eradicating polio in India in 2014, according to the foundation’s website.

CDC in India

In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established its first Indian office in New Delhi. Establishing this office was one of the first steps to their end goal: eliminating any presence of HIV in India by 2030.

The CDC, partnering with National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) began advancing HIV treatment in India. They improved accessibility to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral load (VL) testing. With CDC, NACO created 740 ART centers in India, all providing specialized care, disease management and ART, according to a 2024 CDC report.

Regarding their laboratories, the CDC has worked on reaching remote areas through community-led testing, and access to PLHIV. Additionally, the CDC is collaborating with the Indian Government to create systems within their laboratories, dedicated to the early detection and management of HIV, along with continued care regarding cervical cancer, according to the same report.

The CDC and the Indian Government have partnered together regarding testing, targeting districts with a high HIV prevalence, including Mumbai, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Andhra Pradesh, according to the CDC. This partnership has led to an increased awareness and understanding regarding HIV.

USAID Project

Additionally, USAID and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine started a project to make HIV treatment available in socially remote areas. This program has opened several centers that help with treatment. There are centers dedicated to teenagers, where they have access to “sports, music, and life-skills programs, while also accessing counselling, social services and peer support on their HIV journey.”

This mix of services allows them to navigate life and challenges as they live with HIV. There are also centers for transgender people, that provide specialized treatment for HIV along with general healthcare services as well. In these specific centers, they provide stigma-free care, allowing for a more accepting, safe atmosphere for patients. There are also online platforms such as SafeZindagi.in, which can often be a faster or easier option for patients. It provides confidential care and counselling for those living with HIV.

HIV in India: The Future

Having centers like these available to the general public is a game-changer. Factors that may inhibit people from seeking care include stigma, transportation accessibility, cost, lack of awareness, and more. Programs like these, along with the work from the CDC and Indian government, are slowly tackling these issues and working towards a healthier India.

Now, around 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India, compared to the 39.9 million people living globally with HIV. Thanks to the efforts from the CDC, the Indian Government and USAID, HIV prevention in India is advancing in an upward trajectory.

– Lakshya Anand

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Hunger Amid Progress: Addressing Food Poverty in India

Food Poverty in IndiaDespite India’s strides in poverty reduction, the country still struggles with severe food poverty, especially among children. A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report underscores this contradiction, revealing that 40% of children in India face severe food poverty. These two statements highlight different aspects of the issue, but their lack of nuance makes it harder to grasp the broader picture.

Comparisons With the National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides additional context to the UNICEF findings. The NFHS-5 data indicates that India’s child wasting rate is the highest globally at 18.7% and the child stunting rate is 31.7%. These figures reflect the persistent challenges in addressing malnutrition despite various government initiatives like the National Nutrition Mission and the Public Distribution System.

Insights From the Global Health Index

The Global Health Index (GHI) further corroborates the severity of India’s hunger crisis. With a score of 28.7, India is categorized as having a “serious” hunger level. This index highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition, including food insecurity, poor dietary diversity and inadequate health services.

Gaurav Dwivedi: Methodology and Challenges

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Gaurav Dwivedi, a data journalist from New Delhi Television (NDTV), emphasized the importance of data validation in assessing food poverty. Dwivedi noted that much of the available data is not validated by the government, resulting in discrepancies that hinder effective policy-making. He also highlighted the lack of awareness and educational programs on nutrition and motherhood, which further exacerbates the issue at the grassroots level.

Dwivedi noted that dietary diversity plays a crucial role in understanding food poverty. In India, ancestral knowledge rather than formal education often influences nutritional choices. This lack of formal nutritional education is particularly ironic in urban areas, where access to information is ostensibly better. Additionally, Dwivedi criticized the rigid criteria set by organizations like UNICEF, which may not accurately reflect the nutritional realities of different countries.

The Urgency of Addressing Food Poverty

Figures and insights from various reports highlight the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle food poverty in India. This involves improving data validation, enhancing nutritional education and adapting policies for climate change and population growth. Additionally, more substantial political commitment and accountability are essential to ensure that economic progress improves nutritional well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While India has made significant economic progress, the persistence of severe food poverty among children highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society and international organizations to ensure every child has access to a nutritious and diverse diet, paving the way for a healthier future.

– Malaikah Niyazi

Malaikah is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Initiatives Improving India’s Literacy Rate

3 Initiatives Improving India’s Literacy Rate India’s literacy rate has seen significant improvement in recent years, reducing the correlation between poverty and illiteracy. In 1981, the overall literacy rate stood at 40.67%. In a study ending in 2022, around 40 years later, it had risen to 76.32%. Additionally, studies reveal that illiterate people in the later statistics are mostly elderly people, indicating that illiteracy among younger generations has been largely eradicated. These encouraging statistics result from multiple literacy initiatives proposed by the Indian government. Here are three programs that have made a notable difference.

National Literacy Mission

The Government of India founded the National Literacy Mission in 1988. The initiative focuses on two main projects: The total and post-literacy programs. The Total Literacy Program focuses on teaching adults basic literacy. The second program was implemented afterward and is aimed at neo-literates. This means people who have picked up literacy skills in an informal setting later in life. The Continuing Education Program is the Mission’s third program. It provides spaces such as reading rooms and libraries for the members of the programs.

The National Literacy Mission has covered more than 597 districts and when including all three programs, the NLM has covered 150 million neo-literates. Additionally, 125.6 million people have been made literate through this program. Gender disparity is another crucial aspect of this program, as the initiative comprises 60% female to 40% male counterparts. There is also a focus on working with India’s most underprivileged, working with 23% of learners from the Scheduled castes and 12% belonging to the Scheduled tribes. This project is ongoing, but significant progress has been made, with a jump from 52.21% literacy in 1991 to 65.37% in 2001. 

Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat

Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat (PBBB) is a literacy initiative that was founded in 2014. It focuses on children within government schools, working with them to solidify their reading and writing skills to set them up for higher education. The program also works with teachers to help train and mentor them within the program. PBBB also aims to make reading a joyful and natural skill for children. The lessons are taught in their mother tongue and the Ministry of Education implements initiatives like the ‘100-Day Reading Challenge’ launched in 2022, which ensures that children are supplied with reading material in their native language. The program is made up of two components: system and classroom. This means emphasizing sufficient teacher training and learning material combined with the more intangible effort of having a supportive learning environment.

The Central Government has supplied specialized bridge material for tribal populations, free textbooks, supplementary reading and teacher training. The program aims to create a supportive and informed group of teachers and administrators who can help support their children as they progress through their education. Although PBBB is focused on early learning, the skills the students learn are made to be lasting and hugely foundational. 

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was created in 2015 by the Prime Minister. It focuses on women’s empowerment, with the name meaning “save the girl child, educate the girl child.” The initiative is trying to shift how society views women and girls. Additionally, it strengthens their education and gives them a place in the world further than the home. The program has launched many successful initiatives. BBBP has implemented training programs for district-level officers and frontline workers. Some other notable progress is the organization of street plays in villages and markets in Pithoragarh that focus on the struggles that girls face in their lifetime, for example, abortion. The plays generate awareness of these issues in a more interactive sense than classes or pamphlets.

Additionally, the ‘Udaan – Sapneya Di Duniya De Rubaru’ scheme in the Mansa district allows girls to spend the day with a person of their desired profession (doctor, lawyer, etc). This program has been hugely successful, with the participation of more than 70 girls. The program also offers financial incentives and awards for girls in school. It creates guidelines and protocols to make schools safe and supportive for them. These are only a few examples of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’s initiatives and this program only continues to support and empower women. Although this program is not strictly centered on India’s literacy rate, it creates an important precedent for future education and empowerment of women. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao allows women to grow beyond anything expected by creating supportive environments and opportunities for education and awareness. 

Looking Ahead

These three initiatives have helped improve India’s literacy rate and empower underprivileged groups. These ongoing initiatives focus on adult and child literacy and emphasize gender equality and supportive educational environments. The National Literacy Mission has made significant strides in adult education. Furthermore, Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat has laid a strong foundation for early childhood literacy. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao continues to empower and educate girls, changing societal attitudes. Together, these programs pave the way for India’s more literate society.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash