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Charities Fighting Child Mortality in Afghanistan

Child Mortality in AfghanistanAfghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, with 43 deaths per 1,000 live births. The child mortality rate in Afghanistan is even higher, with 97 out of every 1,000 children dying before they reach the age of 5. Child mortality has numerous causes, including malnutrition, sepsis, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), malaria, HIV/AIDS, preterm birth complications and diarrhea. External factors, such as the political climate, can also play a significant role.

Afghanistan’s limited medical facilities exacerbate the issue. The country’s fragile health care system leaves mothers and young children particularly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases. With underdeveloped immune systems, children are especially susceptible to illnesses that claim the lives of thousands in Afghanistan each year. However, there are several charities fighting infant mortality in Afghanistan.

HealthProm

HealthProm, established in 1984, is a U.K.-based nonprofit organization focused on reducing child and maternal mortality. It started working in Afghanistan in 2008 and has significantly lowered the country’s high child mortality rate. The organization has achieved this by providing emergency transport for women in labor to health centers. It also encouraged the local communities to establish Women’s Safe Motherhoods Groups and Men’s Support Groups to create awareness of the risks associated with pregnancy and child birth.

Afghan Mother and Child Rescue

Afghan Mother and Child Rescue (AMCR) is another nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to supporting women and children in Afghanistan. The organization focuses on constructing and maintaining health clinics and medical facilities to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The charity spends approximately $37,000 toward building and maintaining these essential facilities, ensuring greater access to health care for vulnerable populations.

UNICEF

Working alongside Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facilitates the care of children, especially those in vulnerable regions. UNICEF supports Afghanistan’s children through initiatives focusing on health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, all aimed at reducing child mortality. Nearly 1.2 million children younger than 12 months receive life-saving vaccines each year. These immunizations protect against nine diseases, significantly improving their chances of leading healthy lives.

Looking To the Future

Charities like HealthProm, AMCR and UNICEF are working to combat child mortality in regions with the highest rates. As child deaths in Afghanistan continue to decline, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending preventable deaths among children younger than 5 by 2030 becomes increasingly attainable, thanks to the growing number of children surviving and thriving.

The efforts of these charities, alongside other projects, are making a difference in the child mortality rate in Afghanistan by improving access to medical care and providing appropriate life-saving treatments and vaccinations. Since 2020, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births has decreased by 5.4 deaths.

– Megan Hall

Megan is based in Suffolk and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Changing Lives: Vaccinations in Timor-Leste

Vaccinations in Timor-LesteEast Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, shares its island with Indonesia in Southeast Asia. Despite possessing substantial oil and gas reserves, the European Commission classifies it as a Least Developed Country due to insufficient infrastructure and frequent food insecurity. The majority of Timor-Leste’s population relies on small-scale agriculture in rural areas, complicating vaccination efforts due to challenges in reaching these communities. Nevertheless, the country has made significant progress in immunizing its population against common, once-life-threatening diseases like polio and smallpox.

Challenges to Immunization in Timor-Leste

In East Timor, 75% of the population engages in small-scale farming in rural areas, making vaccination efforts challenging due to the sparse distribution of communities. The lack of robust infrastructure—from transportation to educational facilities—further complicates immunization initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education, affecting 45% of East Timorese children. Moreover, the country’s inadequate infrastructure has left many areas difficult to access, hindering widespread vaccination coverage. Consequently, 8% of children in East Timor are ‘zero dose children,’ meaning they have not received any vaccinations. This issue was intensified by school closures in 2020 during the pandemic.

Vaccination Efforts

The East Timorese government boasts a commendable record of vaccination achievements. In the 1980s, it successfully eradicated smallpox, followed by polio in the 1990s, diseases from which Timor-Leste remains free currently. More recently, the country eliminated measles in 2018 and rubella in 2023. Health care workers, including WHO consultants, have been pivotal in ensuring comprehensive immunization coverage. They often conduct door-to-door visits in communities to administer vaccines directly to children who have not been previously immunized. Many children in Timor-Leste miss vaccinations because community health centers are kilometers away, requiring parents to take time off work—a luxury many cannot afford. This approach effectively reduces the logistical burden on parents and ensures children receive essential life-saving vaccines.

HPV Vaccinations

Timor-Leste introduced the HPV vaccine in July 2024, marking a significant achievement in public health. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and other organizations, efficiently managed the vaccine rollout. By the 23rd of Sept., just three weeks into the program, health care workers had vaccinated 90% of the target population of school-aged girls, totaling 56,350 out of the 62,000 targeted. The HPV vaccine is crucial for preventing cervical cancer by protecting against various types of human papillomavirus. In addition to administering the vaccine, health care workers also engaged in community education efforts to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for eradicating cervical cancer in Timor-Leste.

A Bright Future

Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress in vaccination, despite its status as a Least Developed Country struggling with poor infrastructure and connectivity. Effective leadership has enabled widespread immunization, significantly improving the health of the East Timorese people. With continued efforts from the government and support from organizations like WHO and UNICEF, Timor-Leste is well-positioned to enhance the well-being and happiness of its citizens.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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EAA Is Tackling Barriers Faced by Out-Of-School Children

EAAThe distance to school, in many contexts around the world and particularly in remote, rural locations across developing countries, is one of the most obstructive barriers to education access for vulnerable primary-level children. According to the World Bank, “The single most important determinant of primary school enrolment is the proximity of a school.” Stated that as the distance between school and home grows, so, too, does the likelihood that a child will not have a chance to enroll or attend. The negative implications in such scenarios are apparent.

Education Above All Foundation

Since its inception in 2012, the Education Above All Foundation’s (EAA) Educate A Child (EAC) program has focused its energies on working in partnership to design interventions that address the range of barriers out-of-school children (OOSC) face. These efforts create opportunities for marginalized children to access quality primary education. That said, the mission has certainly not been a well-paved road, void of problems or pitfalls.

Yet, by holding fast to a set of core values, the EAA Foundation has shaped its development efforts, particularly by recognizing what works and building on effective strategies that produce results for the hardest-to-reach children. Early on, the EAA Foundation understood that the barriers that keep millions of children out of school, whether due to distance, poverty or other challenges, can “exist in different locations within a country or even within a single location, indicating the need for a variety of approaches and partners to address these challenges.”

That perspective has enabled the program to remain aware of real-world challenges that will inevitably arise while staying open to a variety of solutions—no matter the form they take—even when addressing the same persistent barrier. By now, it is clear OOSC will not benefit from one-size-fits-all approaches; their situations require tailored solutions. With this in mind, the EAA Foundation has recognized the merit of simple yet impactful interventions that have proven effective over the years and contributed significantly to reducing education exclusion.

A Critical Combination

Across the globe, where children on the margins find themselves several kilometers from the nearest classroom, the EAA Foundation and its partners rely on a critical combination of technical expertise and local knowledge to support the will of OOSC to realize their right to education. For instance, to address the distance barrier, the program has helped provide bicycles for children who might otherwise have no recourse but to drop out in Cambodia, The Gambia and Zambia.

This was achieved through respective joint initiatives with Action Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Vision. A buddy system where children travel in groups to and from school, with older peers offering guidance and groupings of mothers helping to ensure safe passage, has been introduced with effect in Nepal with United World Schools.

The Story of Tanzina

Tanzina, from Bangladesh’s remote Sunamganj District, a region prone to severe flooding, especially during monsoon season, grew up in a community where tradition and securing livelihoods against rising water levels often took priority over education. Moreover, traditional school buildings are generally impractical in the area’s natural floodplain.

As a result, young Tanzina had very limited opportunities to ever sit in a classroom. Nonetheless, through her own determination and a boat school initiative implemented in partnership with BRAC, which picks up children, holds classes on the boat and drops them off at home each day, Tanzina was finally able to realize her right to education.

Final Remark

It is remarkable how simple solutions and innovations in the most remote communities can have such an outsized impact on children who face daily challenges, like long distances to the nearest school, through no fault of their own. This serves as a reminder to be creative and seek solutions that fit the local context. After all, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

– Mary Joy Pigozzi, Executive Director, Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child Program.

Photo: EAA

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Health Care Crisis in Sudan

Health care crisis in SudanSudan faces its second year of civil war due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Before the conflict, Sudan was already facing a humanitarian crisis caused by long-term political and economic instability. This year, Sudan was at the top of the list of countries in need of humanitarian assistance due to the escalation of conflict, mass movement of people, and the health care crisis in Sudan.

The Ongoing Civil War

The power struggle between the SAF and the RSF has created division within the country, with the SAF controlling the eastern regions and the RSF controlling the cities of Khartoum and the west. Foreign involvement also further intensified the Civil war, with the UAE and Chad supporting the RSF and Russia supporting and supplying weapons to the SAF. This rivalry and divide create an opportunity for a fractured Sudan with foreign-backed factions, like the Militia warfare in Libya.

Therefore, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has created a need for urgent international attention and humanitarian aid. The World Food Program (WFP) states that this conflict has made “the world’s largest hunger crisis.” Sudan’s situation has impacted millions and has quickly become the largest displacement crisis.

More than 25 million people across Sudan and its neighboring countries, South Sudan and Chad, struggle to find stability, food and shelter. According to the U.N., around 14,000 people have been killed and double that have been injured. More than 3 million refugees have fled the war since April 2023, and more than 8 million are internally displaced.

Poverty and War

Due to the ongoing conflict, food insecurity has become an extreme issue for the Sudanese people. More than 755,000 people face famine-like hunger, and famine on a larger scale could become a reality. In Sudan, 70% of the population relies on agriculture and livestock; however, many of these areas are used as grounds for fighting due to the conflict, according to the British Red Cross.

According to the WFP, 90% of people in need of humanitarian assistance and facing hunger are stuck in isolated areas inaccessible to the WFP. Authorities revoked permission for trucks to cross the borders to reach Sudan which further disturbed the distribution of humanitarian aid. Therefore, thousands of people in Darfur are struggling with hunger and malnutrition.

Health Care Crisis and Human Rights in Sudan

This deadly conflict has completely deteriorated Sudan’s already vulnerable health care system, limiting people’s access to medical attention and essential resources. More than two-thirds of hospitals in conflict zones are out of service, while the remaining are facing closure due to medical supply shortages, limited funding and staff.

Targeted attacks on hospitals and health care workers have prevented injured patients’ including women and children, from receiving medical attention and help. Hospitals in Sudan lack food, water and medicine. This health care crisis in Sudan limits civilians’ access to essential health care services and basic human necessities. Physical and verbal violence against staff has also increased and many people cannot receive medical help due to pressure from external groups.

Moreover, displacement and people’s urgent need to flee have severely impacted the Sudanese population. The lack of health care, water and sanitation led to the spread of various infections and waterborne illnesses. An outbreak of measles has caused the death of more than 1,000 children across the country, while diseases like cholera continue to spread, with around 8,000 confirmed cases, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Overcrowded shelters also increase health risks for vulnerable groups. Families struggle due to high food prices, inadequate shelter and limited medicinal care for people with chronic illnesses. Children also lack access to education due to the severity and distress of the conflict. concerns over sexual violence and public safety are also rising. The UNHCR calls for urgent civilian protection and safe access to aid and shelter.

Solutions

In response to increasing needs, many organizations are contributing to humanitarian efforts in Sudan despite the security and political barriers limiting humanitarian assistance in the country. UNICEF is working to provide essential services for children, including nutrition, education and safe water. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides medical aid, equipment, and urgent surgical procedures for injured civilians.

In addition, Save the Children is working to provide children with psychological support and primarily focus on child protection. At the same time, Doctors Without Borders runs emergency medical projects in conflict zones, offering treatment for malnutrition, vaccine programs and trauma care.

Conclusion

The health care crisis in Sudan has reached critical levels, with most hospitals out of service or struggling to operate amidst the war. Hospitals and health care facilities are short on staff and supplies but face continuous attacks, making them difficult to access and limiting health care treatments. The displacement of people also makes it difficult for people to access basic needs like water and medicine, increasing the risk of sickness and diseases. Many humanitarian organizations are working to provide medical aid, food supplies and shelter. However, urgent international efforts are necessary to support Sudan’s health care system and ensure its people’s safety and security.

– Gufran Elhrari

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Variant Poliovirus Outbreaks and Vaccination rates in Yemen

vaccination rates in YemenYemen, a West Asian country with a population of 40 million, has seen a troubling decline in polio immunization rates. While Yemen was polio-free before 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), national polio immunization coverage dropped from 58% in 2022 to 43% in 2023. This decrease reflects the fragility of Yemen’s health system amid ongoing social, political and security crises. Over the past three years, health officials have reported 273 cases of variant poliovirus outbreaks, a situation exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis and falling vaccination rates in Yemen.

Global Health in Yemen

According to USAID, 19.7 million people in Yemen do not have access to basic health services. In Yemen, only 52% of health facilities are fully functional and most of these lack equipment, essential medicines and specialist physicians—a slight improvement from 2014, when only 46% of health facilities were partially functional. The mortality rate for children under 5 stands at 41.3 deaths per 1,000 births. The deteriorating state of the health care system has facilitated the re-emergence of preventable diseases like polio. UNICEF and WHO are actively collaborating with the country’s health systems to improve these conditions. Furthermore, more than 17 million people in Yemen struggle with food insecurity and 4.5 million are internally displaced due to ongoing violence, economic crises and recurring outbreaks of disease exacerbated by climate events, contributing to the near collapse of the country’s health care infrastructure.

UNICEF Vaccinations 

UNICEF announced a second round of oral polio vaccines for 1.3 million children under the age of 5 from July 15 to July 17, 2024, following a successful first round in Feb. that reached 1.2 million children. In collaboration with WHO and Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, the organization also distributed vitamin A supplements to boost children’s natural immunity against diseases. The immunization campaign targets 12 southern governorates and 120 districts, with approximately 9,000 health workers trained for house-to-house vaccination. This effort is a response to a polio outbreak that left 257 children paralyzed.

Health Initiatives

Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative to Yemen, stated that eradication of diseases is achievable if every child receives vaccinations against poliovirus and other preventable diseases. In collaboration with various partners and organizations, UNICEF is pushing forward the Big Catch-up initiative, aiming to restore and accelerate routine vaccines and immunization services missed during COVID-19. Additionally, health partners and authorities have initiated the Health Emergency Expansion Resource (HEER) initiative to extend integrated primary health care services, including vaccinations, to address polio and measles outbreaks.

Looking Ahead

Collaborative efforts by global health organizations are essential to restoring Yemen’s health care system and halting the spread of preventable diseases. Recent campaigns and health initiatives demonstrate a concerted push to increase vaccination rates in Yemen and enhance primary care access for millions. As these initiatives progress, they offer renewed hope for improving the resilience of Yemen’s health care infrastructure and protecting vulnerable populations, especially young children, from further outbreaks.

– Indira Smith

Indira is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bridging the Gap: Poverty and Maternal Health in Yemen

Maternal Health in YemenYemen is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Maternal health issues and extreme poverty have become some of the deadliest threats in the region. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one woman and six newborns die every two hours in Yemen due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The country’s health care system has been severely compromised by prolonged and intense fighting. Since the conflict escalated between the Saudi-led government coalition and Houthi rebels, maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed.

The ongoing conflict has not only destroyed medical facilities but also led to a severe shortage of medical supplies and personnel. As a result, only approximately half of the country’s health facilities are functional and even fewer are equipped to provide adequate maternal and child health services. This scarcity of resources has left millions of women without access to essential reproductive health care, including prenatal check-ups, safe delivery options and postnatal care.

The crisis is further emphasized by widespread food insecurity and malnutrition, which disproportionately affect pregnant women and new mothers. With the economy struggling, many families struggle to afford necessities, let alone specialized medical care. This economic hardship has created a vicious cycle where poverty and poor health outcomes reinforce each other, with devastating consequences for maternal and infant well-being.

Collapsed Health Care System

The conflict has caused a breakdown of Yemen’s health care system. As of 2024, 17.8 million people require health assistance, with one-quarter being women. Among them, 5.5 million of reproductive age, including pregnant and lactating women, struggle to access necessary health services. This is largely due to a shortage of female doctors and nurses, as well as a lack of essential medical supplies. Currently, only one in five functioning health clinics can provide maternal and child health services.

In addition, more than 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women in Yemen are estimated to require treatment for acute malnutrition. Food shortages and insecurity increase the risks of giving birth to newborns with stunted growth and malnourished infants. The lack of medical infrastructure has left millions of women without access to essential health care services.

Economic Impact

The severe economic conditions in Yemen have left 80% of the population struggling to meet basic needs, which directly impacts maternal and infant health through malnutrition and lack of access to care. The economic crisis has worsened the situation for pregnant women and new mothers. The devaluation of the Yemeni Rial and high inflation rates have severely restricted families’ ability to afford nutritious food.

Additionally, the crisis has led to widespread displacement, with 73% of the 4.2 million displaced people being women and children. Despite the Ministry of Public Health and Population’s policy of free access to health care, Yemenis still pay more than 50% of their health expenditures out of pocket.

International Aid

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has played a crucial role in addressing Yemen’s maternal health crisis by:

  • Being the sole provider of life-saving reproductive health services in the country.
  • Leading the coordination and provision of women’s reproductive health and protection services nationwide.
  • Supporting emergency obstetric and maternal health care at more than 100 health facilities.
  • Offering services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through 36 safe spaces, eight shelters and seven specialized mental health centers.
  • Leading a rapid response mechanism in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF to provide emergency relief to newly displaced persons.

The European Union (EU) has also been a significant contributor to Yemen’s humanitarian efforts by:

  • Allocating more than $130 million in humanitarian funding to address the most pressing needs in the country.
  • Contributing nearly $1.6 billion since 2015 to address the Yemeni crisis, including more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid.
  • Recognizing 13 humanitarian Air Bridge flights since February 2024 to respond to the urgent health crisis triggered by outbreaks of infectious diseases, including cholera.
  • Funding the refurbishment of health centers, such as the Shahir Health Center in Hadramout.

Additionally, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in improving maternal and child health in Yemen. The agency-funded Systems Health and Resiliency Project (SHARP) has made strides in improving maternal and child health services in 14 districts across three governorates. SHARP has reached more than 1.8 million Yemeni people with activities aimed at improving their health. The project has trained and partnered with community midwives, reproductive health volunteers, health facility workers and community members to provide essential health care and support.

Conclusion

Addressing Yemen’s maternal health and poverty crisis requires urgent via coordinated international assistance. Many organizations have contributed to aid and support, but the scale of the issue is demanding and requires a greater response to save lives and break the cycle of poverty and ill health.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

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

Photo: Flickr

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3 Innovations Reducing Poverty in Kosovo

3 Poverty Reduction Innovations in KosovoThe Republic of Kosovo lies in Southeast Europe, bordering Albania to the southwest and Serbia to the North. The nation has struggled with poverty over the years. According to the BTI project, Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with more than 40% of Kosovo’s population of 1.67 million living below the poverty line. The nation faces high unemployment rates in an economy heavily dependent on remittances from its diaspora, leaving it vulnerable to economic shifts abroad and rising corruption levels. However, recent initiatives by the government and various organizations have successfully reduced poverty rates in Kosovo.

Economic Growth

According to the World Bank, since declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo has experienced a 50% increase in per capita income and a 35% decrease in poverty. Instead of relying on foreign aid for economic growth, the government has increased investments, with help from projects and a stronger financial system. Kosovo has also faced challenges like inefficient economic management and a weak government, which have impacted the economy’s growth.

As a result, the Kosovo Economic Governance Activity (KEGA) was implemented, which is a five-year initiative funded by USAID to help the Kosovo government make reforms in policies to promote growth in the private sector and strengthen public financial management. This initiative resulted in €1.2 billion in formalized buildings that secured citizens’ property rights and an 86% increase in tax revenues, rising from €457 million in 2018 to €852 million in 2023. 

Decrease in Unemployment

Focus Economics reported the rate of unemployment in 2019 at 26.7%, and in 2023, it decreased to 10.9%. This rapid decrease resulted from initiatives such as the electronic platform K-GenU, which UNICEF launched to provide opportunities for Kosovo youths to access paid internships and to establish connections with employers. The platform helps young people with skills in job searching. Another initiative by UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, prepares young people for the labor market and has provided internships for around 500 young people in 57 businesses.

Social Protection Initiatives

Many people in Kosovo do not have access to health care, education and protective services. This is due to the ineffective programs to help reduce this shortcoming. To combat this, UNICEF increased support for the Law on Social and Family Services, which aims to broaden services and ensure that everyone in need has the right to access these services. UNICEF in Kosovo also focuses on ensuring that policies that are aimed at aiding children lead to real change in their lives. This involved planning and managing the money for certain programs and directly helping municipalities to ensure that children most in need are receiving the help. 

Moving Forward

While Kosovo faces challenges ranging from high rates of unemployment and ineffective social programs, the Kosovo government and international organizations have taken successful steps to tackle this problem. The World Bank reports on a new strategy called the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Kosovo for the years 2023 to 2027. This aims to help the country improve its economy over the next five years to create more jobs and improve living standards. 

– Nouf Hunaiti

Nouf is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education Initiatives in Namibia

education initiatives in namibiaIn the southwestern African nation of Namibia, education is of vital importance. Compared to its neighbors, Namibia invests around 10% more of total government expenditures on education, at roughly 25%. Furthermore, literacy rates are 92% overall and 95% for youth. This emphasis on the nation’s youth is critical for development in Namibia because an educated population base can raise employment and boost the nation’s economy. Despite these current successes, unequal access to education and poverty remain in the country, with 17.2% of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. In response, both the government and international organizations have developed plans for education initiatives in Namibia that tackle these issues and grow an educated workforce.

Government Work

Education is mandatory for Namibians between 6 and 16 years old and is free for both primary and secondary school since 2013 and 2016, respectively. In 2023, the country announced the Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Basic Education in Namibia and Zimbabwe program, which trains teachers in both nations and establishes a community-based style of learning which emphasizes living heritage and culture.

With this initiative, Namibia moves closer to achieving SDG 4 – access to quality education for all. In addition, Namibia has recently undertaken efforts to digitize its education system, launching “The Digital Schools” as a test project to improve “digital learning environments and enhance teachers’ digital skills.”

USAID

Despite the efforts of the Namibian government, inequalities and deficiencies in education persist. Thankfully, international organizations have stepped up to spur development through their education initiatives in Namibia. USAID has been active since the nation’s birth through its Basic Education Systems Project, helping children in densely populated and underserved regions access primary education before it was free to do so.

USAID’s Ambassador Scholarship Program finances education for orphans and vulnerable children and keeps them in school, helping them receive an equal education to more advantaged students. Finally, a Youth Development program instills in students life skills and vocational training to keep them enrolled in education.

Roger Federer and MCC

Since 2018, the Roger Federer Foundation has encouraged a smooth transition for students entering primary school through its School Readiness Initiative. It assists Namibia’s youth with enrolling and staying in school and promotes equal access between girls and boys. Furthermore, its Early Learning Kiosk offers stimulating digital learning to students at a low cost in the form of a tablet.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), another U.S.-based development effort, spent $145 million instituting education initiatives in Namibia through its Namibia Compact. The program trained new teachers and offered new textbooks to students. While test scores and education improved somewhat, the MCC founds new facilities to often not meet the needs of Namibian communities.

UNICEF

UNICEF focuses on education at a young age, using its Integrated Early Childhood Development approach to improve nutrition, stimulation and learning opportunities for pre-primary Namibian children, especially the disabled. Furthermore, the program trains parents in skills to ensure their children’s sustained learning on the path to enrollment in primary education.

Namibia is already far ahead of most African nations in terms of education. However, inequalities exist between vulnerable and disabled populations and the rest of the youth population. With both the government of Namibia and outside organizations recognizing this issue and taking action, vast improvements in education—and development as a whole in Namibia—are sure to follow.

– Cole Zickwolff

Cole is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Libya

Poverty in LibyaLibya is a country in North Africa and has one of the largest oil reserves in Africa which is a primary influence in the country’s economic and political state. It was under dictatorship for 42 years and now faces the consequences of the 2011 civil war and NATO intervention. Libya’s economic state and political warfare continue to create instability for the population. Poverty in Libya is a growing issue driven by constant struggle. The country’s fragile economy and growing inflation have limited access to jobs and essential services like health care and education. The ongoing armed conflict in Libya is disrupting people’s livelihoods and fuels regional disputes, causing poverty amongst displaced populations affected by the current situation in Libya. 

Current State of Poverty in Libya

After the 2011 revolution and the death of Muammar Al-Gaddafi, the country faced a prolonged civil war, which weakened the state politically and economically. Now Libya faces power struggles, ongoing food insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure. Libya is home to an estimated 8.2 million people and more than 300,000 of the population is currently displaced, with more in need of humanitarian assistance.

Before the 2011 Civil War, Libyan families’ costs for food were offset by the welfare state that provided free education, housing, public services and health care. Since then, poverty in Libya increased with around 325,000 people in need of assistance, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The impact of COVID-19 further toppled Libya’s economic state and led to its decline in 2020 revealing the severity of the pandemic. Countless people lost their jobs and livelihoods due to the economic downfall of Libya during the outbreak leading to many facing prolonged food insecurity and need for assistance.

Libya’s Economic and Political Situation

The conflict in Libya is the focal cause of Libya’s economic decline. The 2016 internal armed conflict, which lasted until 2018 had severe consequences, including civilian casualties and human rights violations. Security-related outbreaks have led to 2,240 fatalities in 12 months between 2019 and 2020; General Haftar’s Libyan National Army could be responsible for 80% of civilian casualties. Libya’s political struggles between East and West increase the risk of harm and reduce the efforts for stability. 

Libya is also struggling with a liquidity problem. Libya relies on oil production and international oil prices to fuel income. However, the instability in Libya has led to “inconsistent government revenues,” according to a 2020 report. This pressure has created liquidity problems for the country, severely impacting people’s ability to withdraw public wages and savings from banks. 

Moreover, Libya operates under a dual exchange rate system which causes distortions in currency value and rapid inflation and devaluation. The constant disruptions in the supply chain force Libyans to rely on black-market currency exchange for access to money, according to a 2020 report. This liquidity problem leads to higher living costs due to the limited access to cash, creating food instability for people in Libya.

Education and Health Care

Amongst the Libyan population, the new generations are the most vulnerable and affected by the ongoing unrest and economic instability. Although Libya has seen economic growth in 2023, health care and nutrition are still slowly progressing. According to UNICEF, Libya has seen a decline in child and infant mortality rates as well as a decrease in the population living below the poverty line to 7.1% in 2022. However, primary healthcare and nutrition services plummeted. Education enrolment rates increased to 92%, but many youths, including migrants and refugee children, lack learning opportunities. 

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Education in Libya revealed the complex situation of the overproduction of health care workers and the shortage of nurses, doctors and specialists. Medical education standards in Libya are rated below average, with low certification standards. This issue limits people from access to quality healthcare, especially for those in poor, rural or disrupted regions.

Solutions and Efforts to Poverty in Libya

The WFP built partnerships with the government of Libya, local NGOs and international organizations to fight poverty and food insecurity in contribution to the U.N. Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. It has developed a 2023-2025 strategic plan that addresses the need for emergency food assistance and support for the most vulnerable communities in Libya.  

WHO and the Red Crescent are working to strengthen and repair the Libyan health care system by providing medical supplies and raining health care workers. This initiative mainly focused on Derna and other regions in Eastern Libya affected by the floods in 2023 that left many displaced and in need of medical and humanitarian assistance. 

In 2023, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health ensured the accessibility of primary health care, nutrition and medical support. After the Floods, efforts focused on nutritional screening for 5,461 children and malnutrition management. UNICEF also succeeded in installing 627 vaccination administration systems across Libya, reducing the risk of rising mortality rates, according to 2023 UNICEF report.

Conclusion

Poverty in Libya is deeply caused and rooted in the country’s ongoing conflict, political instability, inflation and economic decline. Limited access to employment and education combined with fragile political and economic structure continues to impact vulnerable populations significantly. Many NGOs and IGOs are addressing and putting in the effort to combat Poverty in Libya. However, the constant instability has made that difficult. Addressing these challenges requires governmental reforms and a stable economy to create a pathway away from poverty. 

– Gufran Elhrari 

Gufran is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UNICEF’s Action Against Child Displacement in the DRC

Child Displacement in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of nearly 100 million. The DRC is rich in natural minerals, hydropower potential and extensive arable land. However, most of the population is unable to benefit from this wealth. The DRC faces political instability, autocratic leaders and long-term conflict. The country is in a humanitarian crisis, with much of the population, including children, experiencing displacement and extreme poverty. Many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are providing aid to help people affected by displacement, such as UNICEF’s action against militia-induced child displacement in the DRC.

Militia-Induced Child Displacement in the DRC

Much of the DRC is controlled by militia rebel groups, with territories seized on a regular basis. Its east and north provinces experience the most unrest, with violent killings of adults and children, as well as the ransacking of homes, schools and health centers. Families are often separated and forced out of their villages into crowded settlements without safe water, health care and basic services. More than eight million people in the DRC are “acutely food insecure.” Alongside the internal displacement of its citizens, the DRC also hosts refugees from neighboring conflict-affected countries.

Children are being recruited as militia fighters and subjected to sexual assault, violence and separation from their families. Rebel forces have displaced three million children from their homes. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are causing mass displacement of civilians and humanitarian organizations in eastern DRC. Recently, militia forces shelled refugee camps in the region, killing 17 people, most of whom were children.

UNICEF’s Mission

Without urgent humanitarian aid, children will continue to suffer. Malnutrition, disease and displacement to unsafe areas are causing high child mortality rates. UNICEF faces challenges while delivering aid due to dangerous environments and weak transport infrastructure for delivering resources. However, UNICEF’s action against militia-induced displacement of children in the DRC, alongside other national partner NGOs, works to provide urgent basic services. These include tarpaulins for shelter, cooking utensils, clean water and sanitation. It also has three long-term initiatives:

  1. Safe Spaces: UNICEF collaborates with local governments and NGOs to provide safe spaces for children. It focuses on providing protective services for survivors of sexual violence, forced military recruitment and separation from their families. In addition to providing physical protection, UNICEF also provides mental health and psychosocial support.
  2. Health Care: Militia groups have invaded many health care centers. The rebels use the premises to set up bases, cutting off basic health services to the population. UNICEF provides support to primary health centers in conflict areas. In 2023, these centers reached more than 375,000 children younger than 5.
    Children are provided with health checkups, including routine and emergency immunizations, to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as polio. UNICEF is also responding to the latest cholera outbreak. The organization provides communities with safe drinking water and water treatment kits. The NGO has people on the ground providing decontamination services for homes, as well as prevention techniques such as awareness and surveillance.
  3. Education: Educational institutions have also been overrun by rebels forcing children out of education. In response, UNICEF has built temporary education units to allow displaced children the opportunity to continue their education safely. It provides school supplies, remedial classes, psychotherapy support and encourages peacebuilding activities.

The Future

In 2019, the DRC appointed a new president, Félix Tshisekedi. He promised major reforms in a bid to transform the country’s image of poverty and war into a growing economy and a favorable place for investment. With support, the Congolese government is attempting to overthrow militia groups and reassert authority in the country.

Similarly, in 2022, the World Bank Group set up the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). This four-year strategy promotes the stabilization and development of the DRC. A large focus of the CPF is on human development and improving essential services such as education, health and social welfare. In 2023, the DRC received more than $8.6 billion from the World Bank to fund 23 development initiatives.

The DRC still suffers from fragility and conflict. However, missions such as UNICEF’s action against militia-induced child displacement in the DRC and the Country Partnership Framework are having positive impacts on the country’s security, economy and the well-being of its people.

– Millie Trussler

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

Photo: Flickr