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5 Charities Helping After the Venezuelan Earthquakes

Nurse holding a clipboard in a hospital hallway, representing healthcare support. Charities Helping After the Venezuelan EarthquakesOn June 24, 2026, two earthquakes with 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes hit northern and central Venezuela. Since then, more than 3,500 people have died, thousands were injured, and tens of thousands remain missing. Additionally, over 17,000 citizens have been left homeless after the damage and destruction of approximately 59,000 buildings.

Before these earthquakes, Venezuela was already in a state where about 8 million people needed humanitarian aid. The aftermath has caused overcrowding, the spread of disease, and difficulty accessing food and water as thousands attempt to find shelter. This situation has pushed those already in need into a deeper crisis. Multiple charities and organizations, already working in Venezuela, have been able to provide immediate assistance. Here are five charities helping after the Venezuelan earthquakes:

5 Charities Helping After the Venezuelan Earthquakes

  • Project HOPE: Project HOPE has reached 1.2 million people since 2019, providing health and humanitarian assistance in Venezuela. Since the earthquakes, Project HOPE has focused on delivering medical care and supplies, clean drinking water, mental health support, and search and rescue teams where needed. They currently have over 100 staff members in the field, many of whom were already working in Venezuela.
  • Doctors Without Borders: Doctors Without Borders has sent about 50 staff members to respond to the crisis. Their main focus is providing medical care to those injured and sick. They have supplied eight hospitals with the resources to treat around 4,000 patients. They continue to support the country by building mobile clinics offering physical and mental health care, with the first one launched in Naiguatá, La Guaira.
  • The International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee has supported women and children in Venezuela since 2021 by providing primary health care, reproductive health services, and assistance with malnutrition, food and hygiene. In 2025, they helped more than 75,000 citizens. They are currently providing medical care, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services to those affected by the earthquakes.
  • Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps has impacted over 496,000 Venezuelans since 2019. They prioritize distributing medical supplies, specifically maternal care, and providing cash assistance and entrepreneurship training. During this crisis, they continue to offer cash provisions and support to damaged community health facilities, focusing on basic needs such as nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene. They have delivered sanitation and hygiene kits to 200 children in Caracas.
  • World Vision: World Vision has been providing assistance in Venezuela since 2019, focusing on children. They work with over 2,000 local partners to offer food, water, sanitation and psychological aid across La Guaira, Caracas and Miranda, helping nearly 15,000 people since the earthquakes. They have also established child-friendly spaces for structured play and psychosocial support.

Looking Ahead

Rebuilding and recovery remain critical for Venezuela and its citizens. As charities and organizations continue their efforts, along with international assistance, the support needed is available, making the road to recovery possible.

– Ally Jones

Ally is based in Bethany, OK, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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5 Organizations Helping To Rebuild Myanmar After the Earthquake 

Myanmar After the EarthquakeOn March 28, one of the largest earthquakes to hit Myanmar at a 7.7 magnitude disrupted the daily lives of millions. Twelve minutes after the first earthquake struck, a second earthquake that was 6.4 in magnitude hit Myanmar, compounding the damage already done. Thousands have died, and even more have been injured. 

Military forces control the majority of the territory and some opposing forces, such as the National Unity Government’s People’s Defense Force, have said they would pause all military action in affected areas. Because of the conflict, getting outside aid into the country is not simple. However, this has not stopped several organizations from taking action and bringing aid to the millions in need. Here are five organizations helping to rebuild Myanmar after the earthquake. 

Project HOPE

This organization specializes in global health and works on the ground with local representatives to bring health care aid to countries around the globe. After the Myanmar Earthquake, Project HOPE worked with one of its partners, SAMU, to put mobile medical teams on standby if needed by the government. However, they have already deployed two mobile units with the help of another partner, Community Partners International, which is connecting people in need with medical assistance. 

When a disaster like this occurs, a significant issue many may not think about is the logistics of how life-saving aid is going to make its way into affected areas. Project HOPE’s response team in Yangon is addressing just that, as they are working out supply chain routes that can help aid organizations connect with local communities and bring essentials such as food, clean drinking water, and hygiene kits into affected areas.

Save The Children

This organization focuses on every aspect of an impoverished child’s life and ways to improve it. As children are some of the most vulnerable after the devastating earthquake, Save the Children mobilized 10 on-the-ground teams of around eighty staff members in various fields to help render aid to more than 91,000 people thus far. 

Save The Children understands the need to provide specific care for children that is often overlooked. This is why they have established safe spaces for children in affected areas to play, learn and receive mental health support. Many schools have sustained structural damage after the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, leaving many children no place to continue their education. Save The Children is working with local organizations and partners to evaluate how they can rebuild and repair these essential spaces.

International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC)

As the largest humanitarian network in the world, the IFRC has unprecedented access to getting fast aid into countries after a disaster strikes. It immediately coordinated with the Myanmar Red Cross Society to establish mobile health clinics to assist with overwhelmed hospitals. As access to working plumbing and clean drinking water is extremely limited in many of the hardest hit areas, they have also been working to distribute water purification and hygiene kits to help ease this burden. 

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Following the earthquake in Myanmar, the IRC quickly realized hospitals were becoming increasingly overcrowded and that there were not enough workers to go around. To help ease the workload of the hospitals and get help to those unable to reach a treatment center, it mobilized health teams to coordinate with local authorities and started administering medicines and aid to those in need. 

Doctors Without Borders

Founded in 1971 by doctors and journalists, Doctors Without Borders has worked for years to provide impartial medical aid to those in crises. The organization was quick to step in after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, providing the highly affected areas with skilled staff members not only in medicine but also sanitation, water, and logistics. 

With how large the impact zones are and how many were affected, Doctors Without Borders sees their current limitations and is pushing for a larger “scale-up” of aid within the country. They are communicating and working with the country’s Ministry of Health to ensure more help is being provided in hard-to-reach areas that have lost contact with officials because of blackouts. 

Looking Forward 

Even before the earthquake struck Myanmar, millions were already in need of humanitarian support. This natural disaster only worsened these conditions and put millions more in need of assistance. These organizations are helping to administer life-saving aid to a country in a state of emergency by providing essential resources, medical services, and labor forces.  

– Collier Simpson

Collier is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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MCIC Leading the Way in North Macedonia

MCICNestled in the heart of the Balkans, North Macedonia is marked by its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Yet, like many nations in the region, it grapples with significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, high unemployment rates and limited access to essential services such as health care and education. Despite these obstacles, several dedicated charities and organizations are making strides to improve the lives of North Macedonians. Through their focused efforts in health care, education and social inclusion, these organizations address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term, equitable development.

MCIC

Established in 1993, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) promotes sustainable development, civil society and democracy in North Macedonia. The organization implements a wide range of programs for poverty reduction, social inclusion and community development. MCIC’s efforts include supporting small-scale agricultural projects, advocating for improved water management and promoting gender equality and social justice.

By working with local communities and international partners, MCIC helps create opportunities for marginalized groups and contributes to the overall development of North Macedonia. Since its inception, MCIC has established more than 1,300 projects as part of 60 programs in several sectors, including health and education and immediate aid. The organization has also enhanced rural communities’ ability to address internal issues, leading to improved access to drinking water for 250 villages across the country.

SOS Children’s Villages North Macedonia

SOS Children’s Villages North Macedonia is part of the global SOS Children’s Villages network. It provides long-term care, education and family support for children without parental care or those at risk of losing it. The organization has been active in North Macedonia since 1995, focusing on creating a loving home environment for needy children.

The organization offers family-strengthening programs that support vulnerable families in maintaining stability, ensuring children can grow up in a secure environment. SOS Children’s Villages North Macedonia also provides educational support and vocational training, empowering young people to become self-reliant adults. The organization currently supports 330 adults and children, with about 160 young people attending its training.

Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia

The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia has been vital to the country’s humanitarian efforts since its establishment in 1945. The organization provides various services, including disaster relief, health and social care and support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled and refugees. Through its extensive network of volunteers, the Red Cross delivers essential aid during emergencies, conducts blood donation drives and offers first aid training to the public.

The organization also runs various programs promoting health and well-being, such as disease prevention campaigns and mental health support services. In 2022, the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia reached more than 60,000 people with its long-term services and development programs and 1,200 people with its disaster response and early recovery programs.

Project HOPE

Project HOPE has been active in North Macedonia since 1992, focusing on improving health outcomes and building resilient health care systems. The organization works closely with local partners to train health care professionals, enhance medical facilities and ensure access to essential medicines and services. Project HOPE’s efforts include addressing chronic health issues such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and supporting maternal and child health programs.

In 2007, Project HOPE, through its Medical Re-Supply Program (SMRP), delivered $97 million “worth of essential medicines and medical supplies throughout the country.” By strengthening the health care infrastructure and empowering medical staff with the necessary skills and resources, Project HOPE is improving health care quality in North Macedonia.

Shaping a Brighter Future

In the face of significant socioeconomic challenges, these organizations exemplify the resilience and dedication needed to foster positive change in North Macedonia. Through their diverse and impactful programs, they are addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for long-term, equitable growth across the country. These charities empower individuals and communities by focusing on essential areas such as health care, education, social inclusion and humanitarian aid, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for all North Macedonians.

– Benjamin DeMarais

Benjamin is based in Rogers, MN, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

How Project HOPE Provided Aid After Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas

Hurricane DorianOn September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian swept across The Bahamas, claiming the lives of 74 people, with 282 people still missing, and causing $3.4 billion of damage. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the storm affected 76,000 people. To date, it is the worst-ranked storm to ever hit the country. Project HOPE, a global health and non-governmental organization, was among the first to provide emergency aid to the area.

Economic Vulnerability of The Bahamas

Situated in the Caribbean, The Bahamas are an archipelago of 700 islands, only 30 of which are inhabited. Famed for its white beaches and clear water, the area is a popular vacation destination. Between January and July 2023, 5.89 million tourists visited the islands. 

While high rates of tourism promise economic profitability, reliance on tourism to support the economy places the country in a vulnerable position. In 2023, the Investment Climate Statement of The Bahamas reported only 30% of the country’s GDP stems from non-tourism-related services and more than half of the workforce is part of the tourism industry. With the Bahamas’ GDP heavily reliant on tourism, natural disasters and external factors such as COVID-19 can cause the economy to greatly suffer.

The Damage that Hurricane Dorian Caused

The catastrophic damage of Hurricane Dorian included the destruction of more than 13,000 homes, forcing many to evacuate. Project HOPE reports that on the Island of Abaco, which was among the worst regions affected, only 20% of all buildings were left unscathed. Medical attention and supplies, food, sanitary water, gas and electricity supplies were all impeded.

Project HOPE’s Impact

Project HOPE’s emergency response team (ERT) was able to reach Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, three days after the hurricane. Working in conjunction with the locally registered NGO Restoration Abaco, they delivered more than 16,000 critical relief and hygiene supplies, including body bags, soap, bandages, diapers, toothbrushes and drinking water. The ERT also ensured the donated supplies were usable and organized them efficiently. Overall, Project HOPE delivered more than $3 million of medical supplies. It also set up a triage and examination area in the Fox Hill Community Center, where more than 200 survivors were sheltering.

Hope for the Future

Although the initial impact of the hurricane was visibly evident, its long-term consequences continue to impact the region. Project HOPE provides ongoing support for recovery and rebuilding in The Bahamas. It conducts first-aid and health care training through Creole-speaking volunteers to the Haitian population, is rebuilding damaged infrastructure and provides crucial psychological support to survivors. Investing in long-term solutions for The Bahamas allows the sowing of the seed of hope and creates greater resilience against future extreme weather events.

At the end of 2022, the International Trade Administration reported that the government of The Bahamas has subsequently invested in light manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries and renewable energy to diversify The Bahamas’ economy.

– Heidi Helen Horgan
Photo: Flickr

HOPE for Public Health in Micronesia

Public Health in MicronesiaCommemorating 65 years of dedicated service across numerous countries worldwide, Project HOPE has consistently addressed the most pressing needs of people during emergencies and challenging disasters. While their impact has touched the lives of countless individuals globally, their primary focus lies on Micronesia, particularly in the realm of public health education. Approximately 12 years ago, Project HOPE established its presence on the island of Chuuk, within the expanse of Micronesia’s islands, and began disseminating its invaluable services. 

5-Day Plan

Over the course of a mere five days, Dr. Lynn Bemiller and Nurse Maureen Kisicki generously dedicated their expertise to providing essential aid during critical C-section surgeries. However, their contributions extended beyond this immediate assistance; they also engaged in reciprocal knowledge exchange, imparting vital medical procedures to the health care practitioners at Chuuk Hospital. Departing Chuuk, they left behind a legacy of public health education that is poised to yield enduring improvements in well-being for years to come, according to Dr. Bemiller.

Project HOPE’s Beginning

With a vision to revolutionize the health care system, Project HOPE goes beyond mere assistance to global health care; it actively engages in the education of local health care professionals within each nation, fostering the implementation of sustainable strategies for enhanced health care. Rooted in the belief of establishing enduring solutions for the transformation of medical systems across nations, Project HOPE becomes a beacon of hope for individuals in their day-to-day existence, alleviating concerns related to public health challenges.

Dr. William B. Walsh, driven by the harrowing sights he witnessed in the South Pacific during his service in the Navy during World War II, emerged as the visionary behind Project HOPE. Collaborating closely with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Walsh successfully orchestrated the chartering of a U.S. Navy hospital ship at the remarkable cost of $1 per year. This vessel was christened the “SS HOPE.” By 1974, the SS HOPE was ready to set sail, the tangible embodiment of Dr. Walsh’s mission. However, the legacy he established didn’t merely remain at sea; it transitioned onto land, carried forward by the concerted efforts of volunteers, health care experts and collective teamwork across the nation under the banner of Project HOPE.

Micronesia’s Journey Towards Improved Public Health 

According to the World Health Organization, Chuuk State has begun to intensify its public health screenings of Tuberculosis and leprosy in order to control infectious diseases in that nation. This ensures the ongoing health and safety of its population while also contributing to regional and global efforts to curb the spread of these contagious illnesses. Through these rigorous public health measures, Chuuk State plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier future for its citizens and beyond. 

Not confined to Chuuk State alone, the impact of Project HOPE’s medical volunteers resonates across the Federated States of Micronesia, extending notably to Pohnpei. Within this realm, Dr. Bemiller and Nurse Kisicki, steadfast in their commitment, immersed themselves in the tropical climate, tending to an impressive “nearly 300 patients in a single day.” Dr. Bemiller underscores that, while the ailments were not severe, the opportunity to deliver additional insights and health education directly in the patient’s native language proved invaluable. Project HOPE’s ethos transcends the conventional model of rendering aid and then departing; instead, it emphasizes the propagation of transformative medical knowledge, thereby nurturing the growth of self-sustaining medical services in diverse global nations. This approach catalyzes a sustainable health care legacy that continues to flourish even after the volunteers return to the United States.

Future Hopes and Plans

In 2023, reports have detailed the impact of climate change on the Federated States of Micronesia. The report strongly underscores the imperative to both recognize and effectively address the looming issues posed by powerful storms and potentially devastating natural disasters. These significant shifts in the climate landscape give rise to heightened risks impacting citizens’ well-being and raise valid concerns about an upsurge in diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. Against the backdrop of these global shifts, it becomes crucial for the government to proactively implement measures aimed at enhancing the nation’s resilience against extreme weather fluctuations and reinforcing its health care system, all in preparation for the inevitable changes that lie ahead.

Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope exists. The Asian Development Bank has diligently engaged in funding multimillion-dollar projects aimed at aiding Micronesia in fulfilling its comprehensive endeavors toward national improvement, encompassing areas from health care to education and energy. While their financial backing represents a significant initial stride towards Micronesia’s envisaged brighter horizon, sustained and unwavering support remains imperative to effectively tackle the potential long-term operational hurdles that might emerge amidst these encouraging initiatives. Anchored by a national Strategic Development Plan spanning 2004 to 2023, Micronesia’s future presents a vista of promise, brimming with infinite potential to uplift public health standards for its citizens. 

Conclusion

Project HOPE’s 65-year journey is a testament to its unwavering commitment to global welfare, marked by transformative health care interventions. Their legacy spans from emergency responses to focused initiatives in Micronesia, catalyzing enduring improvements in public health education and services. The 5-Day Plan exemplifies their holistic approach, where Dr. Bemiller and Nurse Kisicki’s expertise not only healed but also left behind a legacy of knowledge for sustainable public health methods. The organization’s inception through Dr. William B. Walsh showcases its belief in sustainable health care solutions that transcend borders. Micronesia’s progress, propelled by intensified public health efforts and knowledge sharing, reflects the power of collaboration. Amidst climate challenges and health threats, the future holds promise with initiatives like the Asian Development Bank’s support, underpinning Micronesia’s trajectory towards elevated public health standards.

– Sandy Kang
Photo: Flickr

HIV/AIDS in Honduras

HIVAIDS in Honduras
With a population of more than 10 million, Honduras is the second-largest country in Central America but it has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases in the region. Since its first cases in 1985, the disease has quickly become an epidemic, causing up to 1,000 deaths per year and leaving as many as 16,000 orphans as of 2021.

Reasons for High HIV/AIDS Rates

The spread of HIV/AIDS in Honduras is largely due to a lack of awareness, education and health care. USAID reports that only 65% of women reported using condoms as a preventative measure and 90% of women faced at least one obstacle in accessing health care. More than half a decade later, in 2012, only 61% of individuals reported having used a condom during their last sexual encounter with a high HIV-risk partner and 32% used this protection the last time they paid for sex. Just 57% of HIV-positive individuals were aware of their condition, according to a 2021 report. Delayed detection and lack of treatment allow the disease to spread, often unnoticed, through communities, via intercourse, mother-to-child transmission and infected blood.

The Effects of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is primarily dangerous for its weakening of the immune system, making the carrier vulnerable to other infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), one of the main causes of death of HIV carriers in Honduras. Approximately 13% of TB patients in Honduras have HIV, according to USAID.

After diagnosis, carriers often face stigmatization and discrimination from their community. The 2005–2006 Honduras Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) showed that only 46% of women would buy produce from an HIV-positive vendor and only 56% believed an infected teacher should be able to continue his profession. Unemployment and poverty further marginalize these individuals, USAID reports. As three-quarters of HIV infections in Honduras occur in its most economically active population, the age group of 20 to 39, the economic growth of communities and the nation as a whole is impeded.

In some cases, HIV/AIDS infections have led to human rights abuses in the form of involuntary sterilization. A 2018 City University of New York (CUNY) research study presented the case studies of two women seeking asylum in the U.S. to avoid sterilization on the basis of their diagnosis.

The Most Affected

Higher rates of HIV/AIDS exist among Honduras’ more vulnerable communities, such as female sex workers, gay men and Garífuna communities. Although neither homosexuality nor sex work is illegal, both communities report regular harassment and stigmatization and these disadvantages are subsequently amplified upon diagnosis, according to The Global Fund report.

The Afro-indigenous ethnic group, the Garífuna, reported a rate of HIV infections “over three times the national average,” largely because of the high levels of migration which facilitates sexual concurrency and the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Efforts to Fight the Epidemic

Internal and external efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Honduras have shown consistently positive results. Plans have primarily focused on promoting education surrounding sexual and reproductive health, expanding STI treatment and prevention, providing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and increasing surveillance and research. HIV/AIDS incidence has fallen from 0.7% in 2007, according to USAID, to 0.2% in 2021. AIDS-related deaths also fell from 40 per 100,000 in 2002 to 7 per 100,000 in 2020.

The PEPFAR provided AIDS-related support to more than 30,000 Hondurans in 2022 alone and identified 1,190 undiagnosed individuals, who were then able to seek treatment. The nonprofit organization Project HOPE has worked in Honduras since 1984 to support the eradication of HIV/AIDS-related deaths. This progress is ongoing.

Additionally, The Global Fund recently achieved a U.S. grant of up to $19.1 million for Honduras for 2022-2025. Its aims include reducing deaths from AIDS-related causes by 50% and reducing HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men to 5% or lower.

The Future

There is still far to go in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Honduras and unforeseen challenges such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic threatens disruption to HIV/AIDS treatments and preventative programs. Nevertheless, progress is visible and ongoing. Improved access to critical treatment means a diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.
 
– Helene Schlichter
Photo: Pixabay

The Fight Against Non-Communicable Diseases in Indonesia

Healthcare in Indonesia
The COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the spread of airborne diseases and the vulnerability of the human population, but in everyday lives, another form of disease continues to haunt humans. These are non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are typically long-lasting and do not have a specific cause. The most common NCDs are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes. The cause of death for individuals around the globe remains NCDs in 71% of all cases, an alarming statistic that becomes more apparent considering most of these deaths are premature. Of those dying from NCDs, 85% are located in “low- and middle-income countries.” The prevalence of these types of diseases in Indonesia and other countries harms specifically those living in poverty. Among numerous other challenges in their daily lives, people do not have the resources for medical treatment or must utilize all of their remaining resources for treatments. The prevention of NCDs prevails as an important policy goal to implement in the fight against decreasing the number of deaths associated with NCDs and reducing poverty.

Non-Communicable Diseases in Indonesia

Located in Southeast Asia and consisting of numerous islands, Indonesia boasts a tropical climate. Indonesia is one of the most populous countries in the world, behind China, India and the United States. The demographics of the population are young with 42% under the age of 25. About 10% of the population lives in poverty.

With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing into focus some of the pre-existing health conditions that remain health risks when contracting the virus, it is important to address the concerns of high rates of NCDs and improve health care in Indonesia. According to the World Bank, NCDs caused 76% of deaths in Indonesia in 2019, a number that continues to rise over time. This is above the rate of 71% of deaths that NCDs have caused in the world, meaning that people must pay close attention to the risks of NCDs within this population.

Project Hope

In 1958, a Navy veteran, Dr. William B. Walsh founded an organization called Project Hope. His service in World War II inspired him to address health concerns that he encountered during wartime. The organization’s work started on a restored ship called SS Hope which delivered healthcare around the world, especially during the Cold War. Now, Project Hope operates by training the local medical community of volunteers in more than 20 countries. Over its 60 years of service, the organization trained more than 2 million individuals and delivered $2 billion in resources to communities in need.

To respond to the problem of NCDs in Indonesia, Project Hope assists with diagnosis and education about the issue, even utilizing remote training during the COVID-19 pandemic with a partnership with Brown University. The organization works especially hard on the ability to diagnose patients because it predicts many cases of NCDs remain undiagnosed. This realization is relevant because it assists in knowing how to respond and treat diseases within the population, the ability to prevent certain diseases and asserting control over diseases rather than simply reacting to emergencies involving one’s NCD. The organization educates doctors on diabetes and delves into issues related to asthma by training medical professionals and providing information on the detention of asthma. Project Hope helped more than 11,000 people seek treatment for their diseases, transforming the field of health care in Indonesia.

Project Hope’s Larger Impact

Apart from its work in NCDs, Project Hope also assists in other areas of health care in Indonesia. The organization works to address the deaths of mothers and infants, which largely occur in live births and due to malnutrition, respectively. Through health programs for mothers and children and “monthly wellness clinics,” local communities work together to address maternal and child health. Similarly, Project Hope responds to disasters within the region. For example, after the tsunami in Sulawesi in 2018, Project Hope assisted in providing insecticide to prevent malaria, providing water through new purification systems and checking for NCDs in the population.

The range of work that Project Hope completes in health care in Indonesia is broad but equally important. Through its main project of addressing NCDs in the region, improving maternal and child care and emergency response, the organization continues to make a large impact on the region after more than 60 years.

– Kaylee Messick
Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Providing Aid to Ukraine

Aid to Ukraine
Tensions mounted between the Russian and Ukrainian governments for years following the fall of the Soviet Union. But, in the latter half of 2021, Russia drew immediate international attention to the region when it built up a military presence along the Russia-Ukraine border. The aggressive action received immediate criticism from the international community, and on Feb. 24, 2022, the United Nations Security Council convened to discourage further conflict. Amid the meeting, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are providing aid to Ukraine in response to the invasion.

The Humanitarian Consequences

Since the invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has noted more than 1,500 casualties. As of March 11, 2022, more than 3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries and experts predict that the conflict will have broader ramifications for international security. Russian military attacks crippled hospitals and residential areas, and against this backdrop of violence, Ukrainians both in and out of the country lack important resources. Vulnerable populations, including women, children and those below the poverty line, particularly need help as they lack basic medical services and necessities like food, water and shelter.

3 Organizations Providing Aid to Ukraine

Amid the protests and violence, several countries and organizations expressed their support for the Ukrainian people by providing aid to Ukraine.

  1. CARE. As an international humanitarian organization founded in 1945 to fight global poverty, CARE provides aid to Ukraine and other conflict-ridden countries. Following the crisis in Ukraine, the organization began initiatives to assist the people most in need, especially women, children and the elderly. The organization “aims to reach 4 million people” through its Ukraine Crisis Fund and partnership with fellow organization People in Need to “distribute urgently needed emergency supplies such as food, water, hygiene kits and cash to cover daily needs.” On March 3, 2022, these necessities arrived in Lviv, Ukraine, through trucks filled with “food, diapers and sleeping bags.” In the meantime, People in Need is handing out food in heated tents to civilians along the Slovak-Ukrainian border.
  2. Project HOPE. This NGO tackles the need for medical supplies and mental health resources. Response teams on the ground coordinate with local groups to assist refugees and provide assistance to hospitals in Ukraine. On March 14, 2022, Project HOPE  shipped “22 pallets of antibiotics and surgical supplies to Lviv.” The organization is also helping hospitals maintain some normal functions while assisting displaced people with otherwise limited access to health care services. Additionally, Project HOPE provided mental health resources to refugees in Romania by supporting local NGOs, noting that “mental health needs are the most urgent health concerns for refugees at this time” as Ukrainians enter countries where they have no social network or support system.
  3. Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator developed the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to direct money toward relevant, effective organizations, including the Red Cross, vetted international and national NGOs and United Nations agencies. The fund lets individuals indirectly allocate aid to Ukraine. Though the pooled fund underwent establishment in 2019, the effort is more important than before as ReliefWeb notes that, since Feb. 24, 2022, “Ukraine’s security and humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly.” The fund provides the necessary money for “health care, food aid, clean water, shelter and other humanitarian assistance” throughout Ukraine. As the crisis worsens, the United Nations can ensure funding “reaches the people most in need when they need it.” Like CARE and Project HOPE, this fund accepts donations straight from ordinary citizens to achieve humanitarian objectives.

Looking Ahead

Though it may seem difficult to imagine an end to the years-long conflict, individuals, organizations and countries across the world are directing their attention to hurt and displaced Ukrainian populations and there are ways for ordinary citizens to help. As the crisis unfolds, it is more important than ever for ongoing relief efforts to both receive and provide aid to Ukraine to protect vulnerable populations.

– Lauren Sung
Photo: Flickr

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How NGOs in Ukraine Alleviate Poverty During War

NGOs in UkraineUkraine has a long history of political turmoil and foreign interference since it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. From the annexation of Crimea in 2014 to Russia’s covert war in the Donbas, Russia has consistently engaged in undermining the territorial and political integrity of Ukraine. Remaining in line with these actions, on February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladamir Putin authorized a military invasion, or what he dubs a “special military operation,” against neighboring Ukraine. During the first week of the invasion, 1 million refugees fled the destruction and warfare taking place in Ukraine. In light of the destruction that the Russian invasion caused, NGOs in Ukraine are trying to funnel much-needed aid from international donors to Ukrainians.

Medical Assistance

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to an abysmal shortage of necessary medical supplies. Ukraine is “facing shortages of zeolite,” a necessary material for the manufacturing of medical oxygen, and by March 1, 2022, UNAIDS announced that Ukraine has “less than a month’s” supply of HIV/AIDS medication. In addition, Ukraine has had to abruptly pause efforts to contain Polio “as health authorities shift to emergency care.”

With the lack of medical supplies, NGOs in Ukraine, including Doctors Without Borders and Project HOPE, have been funneling medical aid to alleviate the critical medical shortages in Ukraine. Doctors Without Borders is organizing kits of both medicine and medical equipment to alleviate Ukraine’s medical shortages from Doctors Without Borders’ logistical bases in Bordeaux and Brussels. To increase the supply capacity for medical assistance, Doctors Without Borders is also establishing warehouses in Western Ukraine.

Project HOPE, with more emphasis on supporting Ukrainian refugees, is operating in Eastern Europe to deliver crucial medical supplies to fleeing Ukrainians in coordination with government agencies. In Moldova, Project HOPE has been coordinating with Moldova’s Ministry of Health to deliver medical supplies for Ukrainian refugees, which includes an Interagency Emergency Health Kit designed to assist 10,000 individuals for a span of three months. The Interagency Emergency Health Kit consists of one ton of medical resources, such as medical supplies, topical treatments, oral therapeutics and medical devices.

Refugee Assistance

Aside from NGOs in Ukraine delivering medical assistance, NGOs are also operating outside of Ukraine in Eastern Europe to support refugees. In particular, “CARE’s partner organization” is operating with aid workers on the Slovak-Ukrainian borders to establish heated tents for people to rest as well as sanitation facilities and portable toilets. For refugees, emergency relief teams are also providing “crisis intervention and psychosocial assistance” services.

The organization People in Need is also providing heated tents, designed to provide a space for Ukrainian refugees to rest, capable of holding up to 200 individuals. The organization is also providing water, hygiene items, food and SIM cards for communication on the Slovak-Ukrainian border. Furthermore, People in Need has also established facilities for Ukrainians waiting for border control near Velky Berezny to vet them.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is critical: the U.N. estimates that an additional 4 million individuals “may flee Ukraine.” While the Russian invasion of Ukraine is dim, there is hope as NGOs in Ukraine are providing aid and local organizations are working to alleviate the refugee flow from Ukraine into Eastern Europe.

– Alexander Richter
Photo: Flickr

COVID-19’s Impact on Chile

COVID-19's Impact on Chile
COVID-19’s impact on Chile has been particularly negative. The pandemic triggered a recession that caused significant increases in unemployment and poverty. Unemployment reached 14%, the highest rate since the 2008 global financial crisis. Additionally, poverty levels have risen from 9.8% to 15.5% since the start of the pandemic, according to the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a result, the pandemic has hit lower and middle-class Chileans the hardest. The World Bank estimates that the country’s middle class decreased by 2 million people in the opening months of the pandemic alone. Despite these grim numbers, though, there are governments, NGOs and individuals doing meaningful work that gives cause for optimism. Here are five sources of assistance that have reduced COVID-19’s impact on Chile.

5 Sources of COVID-19 Aid to Chile

  1. Grassroots Aid. The first type of aid begins at the individual level. Many local communities have taken it upon themselves to create volunteer soup kitchens, which have proliferated in at-risk areas across the country. Chileans call these kitchens “ollas comunes,” or “collective pots” that help to combat food insecurity in light of the recent economic downturn. Most of the kitchens started out small, but many now serve hundreds of meals every day of the week. For many Chileans with little or no income during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the kitchens stood as a stable source of food that likely saved many lives and slowed the spread of malnutrition in rural communities.
  2. Chile Solidario. Translating to “Solidarity Chile,” Chile Solidario is a federal program established in 2002 that focuses on cash transfers and social assistance for low-income households. This program helped create Chile’s welfare infrastructure, which the federal government used to provide direct assistance throughout the pandemic. The transfers offer truly impactful aid by concentrating funds on Chile’s most vulnerable households.
  3. U.S. Aid. By September 2021, the U.S. had provided approximately $1.8 million in COVID-19 assistance for Chile. This assistance went toward the purchase of two field hospitals, eight ventilators and miscellaneous personal protection equipment (PPE). The U.S. dedicated further funds to local organizations, most of which provide basic health and hygiene products, including hand sanitizer, plastic gowns and personal hygiene kits. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research provided $500,000 to a team of Chilean scientists to research the spread of COVID-19 and study the evolution of new variants, which can help improve local responses to future outbreaks.
  4. Private Aid. Many U.S. companies have created their own private initiatives to provide assistance to Chileans. Most notably, the UnitedHealth Group donated $1 million to Desafío Levantemos Chile, a public foundation that has raised emergency funds for Chilean communities in need since 2010. The foundation has helped around 1.9 million people through more than 2,200 service projects across the country and has used this donation to purchase medical equipment for public hospitals and retirement homes. The Pfizer Foundation also donated $100,000 to the Chilean Red Cross to help those who the virus affects. Over the course of the pandemic, the Chilean Red Cross has donated 6,000 liters of disinfectant while leading multiple vaccination campaigns and delivering 37,500 PPE items to affected communities. Many U.S. brands stepped in to offer direct assistance to vulnerable populations. Walmart donated food directly to hungry Chileans, and other brands, including McDonald’s, Starbucks and Domino’s Pizza, have delivered free food to frontline health care workers.
  5. Nonprofit Aid. Two notable U.S. nonprofit organizations are doing meaningful work in the region. By September 2021, Project HOPE had sent more than $140,000 worth of medical supplies to Chile, which included blood pressure monitors, face shields, disposable gloves and KN95 masks. Another U.S. nonprofit called World Hope International made a similar donation of medical supplies, which they delivered directly to first responders in Chile. The U.S. Air Force helped transport both donations and has cooperated with the Chilean Air Force throughout the pandemic to facilitate the transfer of aid into the country.

Looking Ahead

COVID-19’s impact on Chile is certainly difficult for many Chileans, however, community service, foreign aid and nonprofit donations stand as major sources of hope throughout the pandemic. Due to these efforts, Chile is on its way to recovery. The OECD Economic Survey concluded that the national economy will resume gradual growth over the next two years with output reaching pre-pandemic levels by late 2022.

– Jack Leist
Photo: Flickr