Posts

, ,

TikTok Is Addressing Stigma Around Mental Health in the Arab Gulf

Mental Health in the Arab GulfMental health awareness has become increasingly prevalent in the modern day. A study made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 found that worldwide, 970 million people suffer from mental health issues, predominantly anxiety and depression. Mental health has become a well-discussed issue for much of the Western world. The existence of schemes such as mental health days and mental health first-aiders in the workplace demonstrates many businesses’ commitment to improving their workers’ mental health.

In the Arab Gulf, mental health is often considered a taboo subject. Issues such as depression or trauma can be perceived as shameful and shouldn’t be discussed with others. However, TikTok is now being used as a medium to address this stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf states.

Perception of Digital Mental Health Campaigns in the Arab Gulf

A 2024 study analyzing responses to a digital mental health awareness campaign in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demonstrated that mental health remains an incredibly stigmatized topic. The study highlighted prevalently-held beliefs that mental illness does not exist and that such personal issues result from a lack of willpower, laziness or that it is a personal choice to be depressed or anxious.

Many in the survey also asserted beliefs that mental illness holds ties with religious and spiritual deficiencies, proclaiming that issues result from the influences of “Jinn” (evil spirits) or the “evil eye.” They often quoted practices of religious devotion, reciting the Qur’an or regularly praying as the solutions to these problems.

The widespread denial of mental illness throughout the GCC leads to a domino effect of issues, both socially and economically:

  1. Awareness and education around mental health is poor.
  2. Those suffering from issues of anxiety, depression or untreated trauma are unlikely to seek help from either professional services or to confer with others in their communities about their problems.
  3. Without seeking help or as a result of being criticized by others, these issues will likely exacerbate, potentially leading to emotional burnout, job loss, social exclusion or suicide.

Using TikTok To Breach the Stigma Around Mental Health

A few TikTok-based initiatives are currently being used to address the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf. As a free and popular digital platform, TikTok is a powerful tool for reaching those without access to formal mental health services. It uses approachable, entertaining ways to promote understanding and communication. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the top two countries where TikTok has the most reach, with virtually 138.2% of Saudi Arabia’s population using the platform.

In 2024, TikTok began the “Change-Makers Program.” This initiative promoted creators’ and NGOs’ endeavors using the platform to prompt beneficial community changes. At the program’s launch, TikTok announced a list of 50 of these “Change-Makers,” including the first Change-Maker of UAE, Dr. Jana Bou Reslan. A Lebanese educational psychologist and professor, Bou Reslan has been posting TikTok content since 2022 and has garnered more than 220k followers.

Bou Reslan’s content offers Arabic-language education on how to tackle mental health issues such as high-functioning anxiety and low self-esteem. She also encourages well-being practices and open discussion of mental health. “Good mental health is of utmost importance for thriving communities, influencing everything from education to workplace productivity. Social media has been playing a vital role in reaching out to different audiences and promoting positive and relatable topics within our community,” she said.

Furthermore, in February 2024, TikTok MENAT hosted a Youth Mental Health Awareness Summit in Dubai. The event featured discussions by mental health professionals and TikTok’s safety experts. It focused on how social media can better equip young people in GCC with critical-thinking skills, promote media literacy and strive to build supportive digital communities. These strategies aim to improve the mental well-being of young people while also encouraging the building of digital skills that will improve future job prospects.

Improving Mental Health Awareness Can Help Alleviate Poverty

On the face of it, addressing the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf might not appear impactful when it comes to fighting poverty. However, the WHO notes that improving mental health care is inherently linked to reducing inequality and poverty across nations. One of the clearest ways this link manifests is through employment and income potential. Improving employment and income potential. Mental health can have a direct impact on individual employability and the economy as a whole.

According to the 2022 WHO World Mental Health Report, approximately 12 billion workdays a year are lost due to issues associated with anxiety and depression. By promoting open discussions about mental health, introducing workers to stress-reducing techniques and better equipping people for emotional regulation, people are less likely to burn out and hence not lose pay and/or their jobs. Unemployment can also be seen as shameful or indicative of personal failure in the Arab Gulf, especially for men and poor mental health also impacts the ability to find new work.

Another way mental health awareness can contribute to poverty alleviation is by supporting young people. It is estimated that worldwide, one out of seven adolescents exhibit symptoms of mental disorders. In the UAE, 17% to 22% of young people exhibit signs of depression and 28% show symptoms of anxiety. Better mental health awareness and support reduce school dropout rates. Also, by encouraging the diversification of skills in young people into digital literacy, generational poverty can be reduced through new fields of employment. Finally, improving skills in stress management can help with school and work pressures and improve coping skills in economically unstable households.

Final Remarks

In low-income countries, there is roughly one mental health professional per 100,000 persons. With such critically low access to services, free digital-based platforms such as TikTok provide easily accessible education on mental health and culturally appropriate content made in local languages.

They are a good entry point for NGOs looking to help communities. TikTok creators are busy addressing the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf to help people learn skills for personal empowerment, provide the means to form digital support networks and give access to advice where formal psychological services are unavailable.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

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

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Addressing HIV/AIDS in Morocco

HIV/AIDS in MoroccoThe HIV/AIDS epidemic in Morocco has had life-changing consequences for communities all over the world. International leaders have made significant progress over the past 30 years in improving awareness of the disease and accessibility to treatment, but countries must still take substantial action to fully eradicate it. Morocco has taken large strides towards this, launching various campaigns to do so. However, the extreme levels of poverty that the country is facing are forcing its residents into lifestyles that intensify their risk of contracting the disease, while the government’s lack of economic stability means prevention and treatment schemes are difficult to enact. Without U.S. support, the country lacks many resources which would be indispensable to its fight against HIV/AIDS in Morocco.

The Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Morocco

As of 2024, the number of people living with HIV in Morocco stands at 23,000. About 5.9% of HIV/AIDS cases are men who engage in sexual relationships with other men (MSM), 7.1% are drug users and 2.3% are sex workers. The socio-political climate of Morocco still subjects these populations to extreme levels of discrimination, which often prevents them from seeking treatment. Additionally, 9% of Morocco’s population live currently in poverty. These difficult conditions, alongside the prevalence of sex tourism and human trafficking, mean there are an estimated 4.3 million sex workers living in Morocco, 2.3% of whom (knowingly) suffer from HIV.

The prevalence of drug users is also intertwined with national poverty, with economic stress forcing many to turn to substance abuse as a form of relief. The country’s lack of free health care also stands as a barrier to impoverished individuals accessing diagnoses and treatment, further increasing the risk of infection for those affected. Offering schemes to help alleviate the pressure of national poverty may prevent those it affects from turning to high-risk modes of employment and dangerous drug use, while making treatment accessible to those unable to afford healthcare bills. 

Breaking Down the Stigma

In comparison to other Middle Eastern and North African countries, the rate of HIV/AIDS among the population is relatively low. This is due to Morocco’s unmatched ability in implementing testing, diagnoses and treatment programs within its vulnerable communities. 

Thanks to the introduction of self-testing methods, the population now have access to a more discreet method of diagnosis. However, hospitals must still confirm tests offering positive results, limiting their anonymity and leading to a relatively low use rate.

Morocco’s ban on homosexuality, sex work and injection drugs, alongside general societal disapproval, means that many people who engage in these activities do not attempt to seek treatment for HIV/AIDS. 

In 2024 at the Taragalte Festival, Moroccan artist OUM announced that she would be ascending to the role of National Goodwill Ambassador in Morocco for UNAIDS. As a popular artist and social influencer, OUM’s work in spreading awareness and encouraging education about HIV prevention will be vital in breaking down the intense stigma surrounding the illness. UNAIDS foresaw that OUM’s efforts in erasing negative narratives via her public influence would improve access to HIV/AIDS preventative knowledge, diagnoses and treatment, particularly among high-risk communities in Morocco.

The US’s Impact

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a campaign aimed at controlling the international HIV/AIDS epidemic, does not currently practice in Morocco. This means the country does not have access to U.S. funded resources that could have a significant impact on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and, due to the nation’s lower economic status, could not be financed by only their government. PEPFAR supports communities most vulnerable to the illness and with high-risk populations making up the majority of diagnoses in Morocco, the U.S. Department of State’s assistance could offer profound assistance in curbing the epidemic where it is most rife. 

HIV/AIDS in Morocco is preventable. Governmental strategies to combat the disease and its often poverty-rooted causes are already having a profound impact on decreasing its prevalence in the country. However, the epidemic requires further action to achieve total eradication. Reducing societal stigma is an important aspect of making treatment more accessible, but assisting those in poverty, through Moroccan and U.S. funded support, to obtain affordable healthcare schemes and engage in lower-risk lifestyles is by far the most crucial method of ending HIV/AIDS in Morocco for good.

– Amabel Smith

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

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

The Hidden Struggles of Japan’s Working Poor

Japan's Working PoorHidden beneath cutting-edge industries, technological advancements and economic resilience, Japan’s working poor is rising. Due to a lack of visibility and cultural stigma, many workers in Japan are left struggling without any safety net or means of improving their circumstances.

The Reality of the Working Poor

The term “working poor” originated in the United States (U.S.) and refers to individuals who remain below the poverty line despite being employed. More than 30% of employed individuals in Japan fall into this category. Those most affected include younger workers earning lower wages, graduates unable to secure stable employment and middle-to-older generations with limited access to skills development.

A significant factor contributing to the growing population of Japan’s working poor is the decline of Shūshin koyō or lifetime employment. This traditionally guarantees job stability from graduation to retirement. In contrast, there has been an increasing shift toward temporary and contract-based employment, leaving workers vulnerable to financial instability. Budget cuts, particularly within Japan’s civil service, have also led to an increase in irregular jobs that offer lower wages and uncertain futures.

Japan’s economic stagnation has exacerbated financial insecurity, reducing the government’s role in providing social welfare and emphasizing individual responsibility more. As irregular work contracts become more common, private pensions and health care benefits decline, leaving workers unprotected. Critics say “years of deregulation of the labor market and competition with low-wage China have brought a proliferation of such low-paying jobs in Japan. These jobs are “largely uncovered by an outdated social safety net, created decades ago as a last resort in an era when most men could expect lifetime jobs,” compounding the circumstances of Japan’s working poor.

Cultural Barriers

With 80% of those living in poverty included in Japan’s working poor, the country’s deeply ingrained societal norms further complicate matters. The stigma surrounding financial struggle discourages individuals from seeking government aid, even when entitled to assistance. Many people avoid discussing poverty due to concerns about social judgment or personal shame.

The concept of “invisible homelessness” is on the rise. Financially unstable workers, though employed, often resort to living in internet cafés rather than renting permanent housing. The bureaucratic complexity of accessing public assistance discourages individuals from getting the needed help.

Efforts to Combat the Issue

Government intervention has played a role in alleviating poverty through tax reforms and welfare policies. However, historically, Japan has emphasized family and community-based support rather than direct state intervention. Many relief laws, such as the 1874 Relief Regulations and the 1929 Relief and Protection Law, limited aid to only the most vulnerable individuals while excluding the working poor.

However, Japan’s welfare programs have expanded since the Daily Life Security Law (1946, revised 1950). Policymakers have now reviewed plans to increase Japan’s spousal tax deduction threshold to help relieve household financial pressures further. Additionally, in October 2021, Japan’s minimum wage increased from approximately $6.3 to $6.4. For context, Japan’s average loaf of bread costs roughly $1.58. Many argue, therefore, that this minimum wage must be increased further or that a universal “basic income” should be introduced. This would mean that the Japanese government would provide every individual with a standard fund needed to live.

However, this is contentious as there is, as yet, no other country in the world with such a system. There are concerns over where the funds could come from and objections because it could reduce the country’s work ethic. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also play a vital role in supporting struggling workers. Groups such as the Moyai Support Center in Tokyo and HomeDoor in Osaka provide housing assistance, job training and community advocacy efforts. However, as these organizations are only local to certain cities and with the perpetuation of stigma, there are still members of Japan’s working poor who need help.

Key Takeaways

Japan’s working poor continue to face economic uncertainty exacerbated by stagnating wages, irregular employment contracts and deeply ingrained cultural stigma. While governmental policies and NGO efforts aim to combat the issue, lasting change requires systemic reform and societal shifts.

Expanding employment assistance can help workers transition to stable jobs with better pay and benefits and strengthening vocational training will also improve their chances of securing steady work. Critics maintain that increased state involvement is paramount for protecting wages and benefits, regardless of employment type.

Greater awareness and open conversations about financial struggles are critical for breaking the stigmas that reinforce the cycles of poverty. By fostering a culture of support and advocacy, Japan could create a future where no worker is left to struggle in financial hardship.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

,

Vocational Education Centers in South Korea

Education Centers in South KoreaIn South Korea, three types of vocational education training centers correspond to three life course stages. First, in the youth stage, it’s a vocational high school. Second, during the adult years, one can enroll in a public or private vocational training center. Lastly, in the later years of life, there are lifelong education centers. Started through a top-down government-led policy, vocational education training centers in South Korea are structurally well organized. However, social stigma toward those who choose the vocational path over higher education prevails. This continues in the job field, with significant wage differences and inequalities between white-collar and blue-collar jobs. Severe industrial incidences of apprentices have also risen as a social issue to be solved.

Vocational High School

Vocational high schools provide specialized education specialized to youths, typically aged 15-18, following middle school general education. The making of vocational high schools was driven by the surging need for workers during South Korea’s industrialization period in the ’60s-’80s. To supply the labor force to industries, the government used a centralized national strategy, the “Five-Year Economic Development Plan,” to establish and support vocational high schools.

Nowadays, vocational high schools come in two forms: specialized high schools and Meister high schools. There are 464 specialized high schools which account for 80% of vocational education. The schools teach topics of agriculture, industry, information and business. Furthermore, 12% are general high schools that provide vocational education. Finally, 8% are Meister high schools driven to provide specific industrial needs by training technical experts in fields of AI and digital technology.

Colleges and Private Training Centers

For colleges, there is the Junior college under the Ministry of Education. Polytechnic college falls under the Ministry of Employment and Labor. While both provide vocational education, Junior colleges run on the basis of acquiring a certain number of credits to graduate with courses lasting 2-4 years. This is a form of higher education. On the other hand, the Polytechnic college education is between 6 months and 2 years, with less strict conditions to meet. It provides not only an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in a certain industry but also prepares students to get the National Technical Qualification.

Their subject fields include machinery, design, architecture, electronic engineering, information and communication, media and biology. Private institutions and academies also provide a wide range of vocational education. Without the burden of following a set curriculum and acquiring credits, private institutes give a variety of options and freedom to match the student’s needs. While some courses can be covered through government subsidies, for some, it could be not very easy to afford private education.

Lifelong Education

Lifelong education came to being with the critique of traditional academic learning and the rise of topics of social change and life course theory. Korea acknowledged the importance of lifelong education in the ’70s and has included it in the constitution as a basic right for everyone to seek education at any stage of life. It has also been made the country’s duty to provide educational opportunities to the people. The government, therefore, established the National Institute For Lifelong Education (NILE). NILE offers programs such as adult literacy, online lifelong learning and an academic credit bank system, which lowers the barrier to acquiring a degree.

Stigma and Sacrifice

While South Korea managed to establish a strong social system of vocational education training centers for every stage of life through nation-led policymaking, problems prevail on a pragmatic level. These include labor exploitation, industrial incidents and more. Numerous tragic incidents happened to vocational high school students undergoing apprenticeships. In between being a student and an adult, these apprentices were thrown into labor without safeguards. Due to the high stigma and indifference toward vocational education and apprentice students, these problems only started to get acknowledged in 2016 after a tragic incident.

A 19-year-old apprentice was repairing safety screen doors at Guui subway station between the railway and the platform when the train came in and hit the young worker. The safety manual was set for two workers to be in teams to prevent safety hazards, but at that time, the 19-year-old was working alone. After this news was reported in the media, the topic of vocationally educated students and unsafe, exploitative labor of the apprenticeship gained attention from the public.

Conclusion

Vocational education challenges in South Korea are significant, rooted in social stigma and pressure on institutions to demonstrate their value. However, there is hope for change. As awareness of the importance of skilled trades and their vital role in the economy grows, attitudes are shifting. By fostering a greater appreciation for vocational education and the experienced workers it produces, South Korea could create a more inclusive society that values all forms of education and work. Embracing this change can lead to a brighter future for individuals and the economy.

– Minji L. Kim

Minji based in Seoul, South Korea and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

South African Women: The Young Women for Life Movement

South African WomenThe socioeconomic system set in place during South Africa’s apartheid era continues to pervade the country today. HIV’s disproportionate impacts Black South Africans, particularly women, is but one example. South African girls and women are disproportionately impacted by HIV due in part to gender- and race-based inequality. South Africa’s 2023 strategic plan for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reports that nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections occur in women.

According to the International Journal for Equity in Health, the low socioeconomic status of women, especially Black women, in the country places them at greater risk of contracting HIV. Poverty — which in South Africa is the result of historical inequalities — is a “significant factor” in the way HIV/AIDS spreads — the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are experiencing poverty. In response, the Young Women for Life Movement works with girls and women who are affected by poverty, marginalization, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDs, helping them to “break free of the cycle of poverty and violence.”

Cape Town’s Young Women for Life Movement

The Young Women for Life Movement was founded in 2019 when 80 adolescent girls and young women came together in a backyard in Cape Town. The program receives support from the United Nations (U.N.) Women, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Southern Africa Catholics Bishops Conference and Peace Commission. With their support, the program has grown and, as of June 2024, has impacted 8,000 women and girls in South Africa.

Women can grow within the program as it provides financial literacy training, skills-building training in business and entrepreneurship, leadership dialogues and peer support through a network of women and girls who face similar circumstances. The Young Women for Life Movement “models a unique approach to building resilience against gender-based violence and HIV among young women,” stated U.N. Women HIV/AIDS Specialist Jacqueline Utamuriza-Nsizabira. The movement also helps women influence policy through advocacy. It has grown into a “powerful network for influencing policies,” Utamuriza-Nsizabira said.

Overcoming Stigma

According to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine, stigma and discriminatory attitudes against individuals with HIV are “persistent” throughout communities in South Africa, both urban and rural. HIV stigma in South Africa is correlated with HIV-affected individuals undergoing less medical treatment in terms of voluntary HIV antibody testing, palliative care and counseling — subsequently increasing HIV transmission. According to AVAC, HIV stigma is “deleterious to health-care use and delivery behaviors in South Africa.”

AVAC also stated that Black women living with HIV in South Africa experience significant trauma, with their positive HIV status adding further stress to their lives. Extreme cases of HIV stigma can manifest as violent behavior. The Madridge Journal of AIDS reports that stigma affects South African adolescent girls and women “socially, economically and mentally,” undermining their chances of seeking health care and improving their quality of life.

The Young Women for Life Movement helps girls and women “break through” this stigma and fear of discrimination, providing a sense of community where women and girls feel safe to disclose their HIV status and are encouraged to seek proper care. Program coordinator Phindile Maseko informed U.N. Women that some young women and girls in the Cape Town movement are living with HIV. “They were so discouraged when we met them that they had even stopped taking antiretroviral medication,” she said. But now, they have hope and are fighting for a better future.”

Overcoming the Cycle of Poverty

Maseko met Gugulethu Mdoba, who had gotten pregnant when she was 18 and struggled to raise her child, encouraging her to join the program. When Mdoba joined the Young Women for Life Movement, she sold baked goods to raise money to support her child. After gaining support and learning business skills through the program, she now has a bakery and recently began to teach other girls and young women how to bake.

“My business has grown a lot,” said Mdoba. “I have many customers now. I deliver my products to salons and shops. Sometimes I just walk a short distance and my muffins are sold out because people pre-order them and I deliver them the next day.” By providing girls and women with financial literacy, the initiative empowers them to access better health care and support services, which can improve their health outcomes and overall well-being. With increased economic stability, they are better equipped to confront and challenge stigma, reducing their social isolation and improving their ability to live openly and confidently.

Closing Thought

By empowering South African girls and women living with HIV/AIDS to break through stigma and the cycle of poverty, the Young Women for Life Movement promotes resilience, promotes better health outcomes and enhances their overall quality of life.

– Ahna Fleming

Ahna is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

How Poverty in India Makes It Difficult to Seek Support

Poverty in IndiaAcross the globe, the discussion surrounding mental health has become more accepting in recent years. By reducing stigma and increasing access to potentially life-saving care, people are now more than ever encouraged to get the help they need. India is no exception to this. The Indian government launched the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) to improve mental health services in 1982 and aims to provide community-based mental health care.

A watershed moment in awareness for those struggling with their mental health in India was the Mental Health Care Act 2017. The act ensured that every person has the right to access mental health care and treatment from services run or funded by the government; this treatment must be of good quality, affordable and available without discrimination.

The Role of Poverty in India

These acts alone cannot overcome the exceptionally disadvantaged position impoverished individuals in India face. People experiencing poverty in India often reside in rural or underserved urban areas where mental health services are scarce or nonexistent. Even these government-run mental health facilities are limited and unevenly distributed around the country. According to a National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) conducted in 2015-16, about 70-80% of those suffering from mental disorders in India did not receive treatment, an unsettlingly high statistic.

Additionally, communities are unable to band together to support these individuals, with almost half of persons surveyed by the NMHS attributing mental health struggles to personal weakness. This deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health is prevalent in India, which leads struggling children and adults to blame themselves for disorders rather than seeking the help necessary. In these areas, school systems also tend to have less information to speak about mental health, unknowingly allowing deep-seated cultural beliefs and superstitions about mental health to persist to the detriment of struggling citizens.

In fact, the literacy rate in rural India stands at around 68.91%, compared to 84.11% in urban areas. This disparity limits the dissemination of mental health information. Even online means fail, with those in poverty-stricken areas only accounting for about 25% of the country’s total internet database, hindering access to online mental health resources and telehealth services.

Perseverance

Because of India’s shortage of trained mental health professionals, telehealth services are absolutely vital yet inaccessible to those who need them. Despite the government’s attempts at change, their reach has been limited; however, this isn’t to say that all hope is lost. Mental health services are currently being integrated into primary health care to ensure that mental health assistance is accessible at a base level.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has made another example of the attempts to raise support. Schools are essential in shaping children’s foundational beliefs, which is why discussing mental health topics in the school curriculum and providing training for teachers to identify and support students with mental health issues is the best way to bring change to the country.

– Abby Collins

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

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Vulnerable Groups: The Elderly in Bangladesh

Elderly in BangladeshThe world currently has approximately 720 million people over the age of 65. By 2050, about 22% (36 million) of Bangladesh’s people are projected to be in this age category. With this in mind, it is important that this growing demographic is taken care of. In particular, the poverty affecting the elderly in Bangladesh is a concern that should be attended to.

Elderly Poverty in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most impoverished countries and the effects of poverty are felt hardest by vulnerable populations like the elderly. The Global AgeWatch Index ranks countries by how well their older populations are faring socially and economically. Bangladesh is considered a distinctly tough country for older people as HelpAge International ranked Bangladesh 67th out of 96 countries on the 2015 Global AgeWatch Index.

The organization notes that a considerable amount of the hardship inflicted upon older people in Bangladesh is due to natural disasters and extreme weather. Cyclones, floods, and heatwaves destroy the homes and livelihoods of elderly people. Additionally, HelpAge notes that elderly people in Bangladesh are often refused healthcare due to ageism within the country’s public health system.

Elderly people in Bangladesh also struggle to maintain a dependable income since finding employment is harder with age, especially with common and physically demanding jobs like rickshaw pulling or soil digging.  As in many other lower-income countries, elderly people in Bangladesh have to look for employment in old age due to inadequate livelihood support and insufficient social security measures.

While by no means exclusive to Bangladesh, another problem that the elderly face in Bangladesh is stigma, as pointed out by Dr. Atiqur Rahman. The stigma described is one that views the elderly as unproductive, unhealthy and needing intensive and constant care. Dr. Rahman describes the idea of the elderly being a burden as both morally and economically incorrect.

Old Age Allowance Program

The Old Age Allowance (OAA) program is a government social pension scheme that assists the elderly in Bangladesh. Originally implemented in 1997, the program provides welfare payments to qualifying elders in order to help them get by. The overall size of the program was rather small at its inception, supporting about 400,000 people. Since then, the OAA has come to cover 4.4 million elderly in Bangladesh and the size of the payments increased from 100 to 500 Bangladeshi takas (around $6). Granted the growth is a step in the right direction, the program is not yet at a point where it can help in the broad sense. Elderly poverty has still increased since it started. The OAA program accounts for a minuscule portion of Bangladesh’s budget (0.53%) and covers only 2.25 million elderly people.

Additionally, much of the fund is going to the wrong people. A study by the University of Dhaka’s Bureau of Economic Research and HelpAge International discovered that elderly people who are not impoverished are getting 50% of the total benefits and about 33% of the fund is going to those who are younger than the eligible age. Another study found that local governments lack the knowledge and interest to properly target relevant beneficiaries most in need.

Organizations Supporting the Elderly in Bangladesh

HelpAge International provides early warning systems for potential natural disasters. In times of these disasters, the organization ensures the elderly have shelter, food and access to services. For long-term relief, HelpAge restores livelihoods by supporting small business enterprises with low-cost community loans. The organization also provides training for healthcare workers to treat conditions affecting the elderly and works on improving healthcare infrastructure and referral systems for the elderly.

The Care First Foundation is an organization that offers the elderly in Bangladesh risk monitoring, referrals, counseling, medicine and medical support, home care and activities. Its goal is to expand its initiatives to alleviate elderly suffering through proper community support and services.

With more support from organizations and improvements to the social support system provided by the government, the elderly in Bangladesh can thrive and not just simply survive.

– Sean Kenney
Photo: Flickr

,

The Untold Story of Russia’s AIDS Epidemic

Russia’s AIDS EpidemicAmid a global pandemic, Russia is fighting a medical war on two fronts; as Russia deals with the spread of COVID-19, Russia’s AIDS epidemic is worsening. As the HIV  infection rate continues to decline in the rest of Europe, the transmission rate of HIV in Russia has been increasing by 10 to 15% yearly. This increase in transmission is comparable to the yearly increase in transmission of HIV in the United States in the 1980s at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

The AIDS Epidemic in Russia

Among other factors, the erosion of effective sexual health education and a rise in the use of opioids has led to a stark increase in the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Russia. The epidemic of AIDS in Russia has received little attention from the Russian Government and the international community, partly because of the nation’s social orthodoxy and the stigma surrounding drug use and HIV/AIDS.

The Silent Spread of HIV

A significant number of Russians infected with HIV are those who inject drugs. Roughly 2.3% (1.8 million) of Russian adults inject drugs, making Russia the nation in Eastern Europe with the highest population of those who inject drugs. Due to the stigma associated with drug use as well as the threat of harsh criminal punishment, few drug users who have been affected by HIV seek treatment. A study from the Society for the Study of Addiction found that in St. Petersburg only one in 10 Russians who inject drugs and are living with HIV currently access treatment.

A large part of the stigma surrounding AIDS in Russia comes from the return of traditionalism to the Russian government following the election of Vladamir Putin in 2012 and the strong connection between the traditionalist Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Government. The Orthodox Church, in particular, has blocked efforts to instate sex education programs in schools and campaigns to give easier access to safe sex tools like condoms. While methadone is used worldwide to treat opioid addiction to lower the use of drug injection and therefore HIV transmission, the Russian Government has banned methadone. Any person caught supplying methadone faces up to 20 years in prison.

HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Studies conducted during 2020 have shown that Russians living with HIV and AIDS have faced difficulties in accessing treatment. According to UNAIDS, 4% of Russians living with HIV reported missing medical treatment due to the pandemic and roughly 30% of respondents reported that their treatment was somehow impacted by the pandemic.

The same study found that HIV-positive Russians had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis at a rate four times higher than HIV-negative Russians. However, HIV-positive Russians were less likely to seek medical attention for COVID-19 despite the high health risks, such as a weaker immune system that can accompany HIV. More Russians are contracting HIV yearly but the stigma of living with HIV is preventing HIV-positive Russians from seeking medical treatment.

Destigmatizing HIV/AIDs in Russia

With little national attention paid to the epidemic of AIDS in Russia, the movement for change has come from individuals looking to give visibility to and destigmatize HIV/AIDS. In 2015, after television news anchor, Pavel Lobkov, announced on-air that he had been living with AIDS since 2003, Russian doctors including Lobkov’s own doctor, saw a surge in people seeking HIV tests and treatment. In a nation where AIDS is highly stigmatized, a national celebrity showing that one can live a normal life with AIDS brought comfort to many Russians living with HIV/AIDS.

More Russians living with HIV/AIDS have made efforts to shed light on Russia’s HIV epidemic and destigmatize HIV to the public as well as in the medical community. Patients in Control, a nongovernmental organization run by two HIV-positive Russians, Tatiana Vinogradova and Andrey Skvortsov, set up posters around St. Petersburg that read “People with HIV are just like you and me,” and encourage HIV-positive Russians to seek antiretroviral treatment. HIV-positive Russians like Skvortsov and Vinogradova are trying to bring national attention to a health crisis that is seldom discussed, hoping to create a national conversation and put pressure on Russian officials to take action on the worsening epidemic.

A Call for Urgent Action

HIV-positive Russians and AIDS activists like Skvortsov have argued that until the Russian Government puts forth an “urgent, full forced response” to Russia’s AIDS epidemic, the rate of transmission will continue to climb. Many Russians on the ground are making public campaigns to destigmatize and normalize living with HIV, hoping to persuade the government to take action.

In 2018 alone, AIDS took the lives of 37,000 people across Russia. As of May 2020, more than 340,000 Russians have died of AIDS. While the social atmosphere of Russia, influenced by Putin’s government and the Orthodox Church, has created a shroud of secrecy and shame surrounding the AIDS epidemic, many HIV-positive Russians hope that the intensity of the epidemic will force the Russian Government to make a concerted effort to address Russia’s AIDS epidemic.

– Kieran Graulich
Photo: Flickr

, ,

Improving Bipolar Awareness in India

Bipolar Awareness in IndiaIndia is the second-most densely populated nation in the world, with more than 1.3 billion people. Of that number, more than 82 million citizens suffer from bipolar disorder, according to data from 2019. Bipolar disorder in India often goes undiagnosed and untreated for reasons ranging from ancient superstitions to the cost of treatment, but, bipolar awareness in India is steadily progressing.

Bipolar Disorder in India

Improved bipolar awareness in India exemplifies how a concerted effort can reduce stigma and create an affordable and readily available avenue for treatments such as therapy and medication. Indians, mostly women, have been disowned and abandoned by family or a spouse after receiving a bipolar diagnosis. In a country where the consequences of a mental condition are isolation and disconnection, the need for awareness and education is paramount.

A nation that once attributed bipolar disorder to demonic spirits, planetary alignments or a sinful past life, has come extremely far in its understanding of the illness. But, the stigma surrounding the disorder is still prevalent in India, and many, especially those from rural locations, believe bipolar disorder is a choice or an illness reserved for the rich and privileged.

BipolarIndia Organization

One resource improving bipolar awareness in India is the organization BipolarIndia. The community was created in 2013 by Vijay Nallawala, an Indian man that suffers from bipolar disorder, and his mentor and friend, Puneet Bhatnagar. BipolarIndia’s mission is to create an empathetic, judgment-free environment for bipolar people to find information, treatment, and most of all, support from those that can relate to their struggle.

BipolarIndia hosts a National Conference every year on World Bipolar Day to create awareness for the illness and educate residents from all over the country. In 2015, the organization began hosting monthly support meetings for individuals to speak with peers that can understand their struggle. It has also recently developed a way for patients to receive real-time support through the Telegram App when they feel they may need immediate help. Resources such as the Telegram App are invaluable due to the lack of mental health professionals in India.

The Mental Health Care Bill

Data from a 2005 report shows that there are only three psychiatrists per million citizens and only 0.06% of India’s healthcare budget goes toward improving mental healthcare. The Indian Government passed a Mental Health Care Bill in June of 2013 laying out a mission to improve bipolar awareness in India as well as reduce stigma surrounding all mental health issues. The bill has been undergoing revisions and policy modifications based on the guidance given by the Indian Association of Psychiatry.

Efforts to Raise Awareness

The government’s efforts to raise awareness about the complexity of bipolar disorder and the number of Indians that suffer in silence is vital to the disorder being understood. The Indian government aims to provide communities with adequate care and reliable information, leading the nation to a better understanding of a complicated mental disorder.

Bipolar awareness in India has improved with private organizations such as the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) funding research on effective treatments and raising awareness across the globe.

Also fighting for bipolar awareness, Indian celebrities, including Deepika Padukone, Rukh Kahn, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Anushka Sharma, have stepped forward and opened up about their personal battles with bipolar disorder, combatting the stigma surrounding the illness.

The Road Ahead

Bipolar awareness in India has slowly improved but still has a long way to go. If the government aims to change the attitude toward bipolar disorder and improve treatment, a significant investment in research is vital as well as a comprehensive understanding of the disorder.

–  Veronica Booth
Photo: Flickr

,

Period Poverty: Period Products Bill in Scotland

Period Products Bill in ScotlandOn November 24, 2020, a groundbreaking moment occurred that changed the struggle against period poverty. The Scottish Parliament passed the Period Products Bill in Scotland. This new bill guarantees free access to necessary hygienic period products to all who require them. Member of the Scottish Parliament, Monica Lennon, championed the fight against period poverty in Scotland and played a significant part in passing this revolutionary legislation.

Ending Period Poverty in Scotland

Even with the United Kingdom being one of the world’s wealthiest countries, period poverty remains a recurrent problem. In 2018, more than 20% of those polled in Scotland stated that they either had limited or no access to period products. Another 10% had to sacrifice food and other necessities to afford them. One in 10 experienced bacterial or fungal infections due to a lack of sanitary products. These rates have gone up to nearly one in four during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Period Products Bill in Scotland practically eliminates these problems. Accessibility to sanitary products must be made by the Scottish Government and organized countrywide. Public restrooms in educational institutions must contain a variety of period products without charge and it also allows oversight over local jurisdictions to ensure enforcement of the law.

Ending Menstruation Taboos

Menstruation has become a stigmatized topic worldwide, despite half the population experiencing it. The dangerous and outdated idea that periods are not appropriate for discussion and seriousness is damaging to those subjected to these taboos.

From South America to Africa, antiquated menstruation views have led to long-lasting negative consequences for those suffering from period poverty. In some cultures, menstruating girls and women must separate themselves from the rest of their community. In Nepal, so-called ‘menstruation huts‘ have dire consequences for women, with local organizations stating that many deaths associated with the practice go unreported.

The importance of ending taboos about menstruation is evident. The Period Products Bill in Scotland is a meaningful step to engage the rest of the world over these unsound presuppositions of menstruation and begin addressing period poverty globally.

Implementing Period Poverty Legislation Worldwide

There has already been worldwide attention brought to the neoteric Period Products Bill in Scotland. Lennon has been fielding communications from leaders and lawmakers around the world, ready to implement similar laws in their own countries. According to Lennon, “Scotland has provided a blueprint and shown how it can be done.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, logistical problems of supplying period products and economic suffering are causing governments to reevaluate the impact of period poverty. Countries with strong infrastructure can utilize Scotland’s approach to combat the worsening situation fast and effectively. The rest of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have already taken note of the problem and Scotland’s practical policy.

Ending Global Period Poverty

In underdeveloped countries, Scotland’s lead in the battle against period poverty can pave the way for education and destigmatizing menstruation. Poverty-fighting organizations can create similar international implementation plans in developing nations with little investment. Thanks to Scotland’s leadership, period poverty may soon become as antiquated as the stigmas surrounding it.

– Zachary Kunze
Photo: Flickr