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WHO and Africa CDC Work To Curb the Spread of Mpox in Africa

Mpox in AfricaIn August 2024, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that Mpox infections had become a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). To combat the spread, the Africa CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) created a Joint Continental Preparedness and Response plan.

The original plan garnered positive results but not at the rate required to diminish the growth of the infection fully. Together, the Africa CDC and WHO are reworking the plan, hoping to accomplish the goals laid out.

Mpox in Africa

When the original plan was created in 2024, the spread of the disease occurred rapidly from sexual or close contact. It began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and quickly traveled to Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Today, Mpox is present in 28 countries worldwide. However, outside of Africa, the cases are travel-related and rare.

Inside Africa, it is reported to have spread to the Republic of the Congo, South Africa, South Sudan, the Republic of Tanzania and Zambia. Prior to the PCEHS declaration, Mpox vaccines were not available in underdeveloped or developing countries despite originating in the DRC.

The Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan

The Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan, in its original efforts, focused on 10 key pillars in its efforts: coordination, risk communication and community engagement, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical management, infection prevention and control, vaccination, research, logistics and maintaining essential health services.

These pillars have managed to get more than 650,000 people vaccinated within the six countries at the highest risk. Of the vaccinations, 90% were administered in the DRC. Overall, more than one million vaccines were administered over the 10 listed countries and efforts to reduce the spread of Mpox in Africa through the implementation of the vaccination plan have not ceased.

The New Plan

The new plan, which still includes these pillars, intensifies the focus on controlling outbreaks and implementing Mpox prevention into routine health services. After the emergency period ends in August of 2025, the WHO and Africa CDC want the health services to continue. The aim is to prevent the further spread of Mpox in Africa.

To ensure this, the organizations agreed to continue to support countries in continuing the PHECS strategies. Beyond this, they aim to expand community engagement to strengthen the effectiveness of health strategies. Essentially, they will enhance and optimize each pillar, intending to finish the changes by the end of May 2025.

Final Remarks

With the reworking of the Joint Continental Preparedness and Response Plan, the WHO and African CDC hope to garner even more success in curbing and eradicating the spread of Mpox in Africa. Combating Mpox is not just a regional issue; it’s a test of our global commitment to health equity.

– Abby Buchan

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

Photo: Pixabay

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WHO Approves Mpox Diagnostic Test

mpox diagnostic testThe mpox epidemic is spreading globally, with case numbers rising and new countries reporting the illness. As of August 2024, more than 100,000 confirmed cases of mpox (an illness caused by the monkeypox virus) have been reported in more than 120 countries. Furthermore, current figures indicate that there have been 600 deaths this year in Africa alone.

Lack of testing is a large factor in mpox transmission. For example, 63% of suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year were not tested. Testing is vital in virus detection and prevention. Indeed, without a diagnosis, patients do not receive treatment and risk spreading mpox to those around them. Prevention tactics have to be implemented if mpox is to be prevented.

WHO’s Response

In response to the mpox outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first in vitro diagnostic test for mpox in August 2024. Developed by Abbott Molecular, the Alinity m MPXV assay utilizes DNA analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. The test detects the monkeypox virus from human skin lesion specimens in real-time. This groundbreaking test is set to revolutionize the fight against mpox. Indeed, this advance in testing will enhance diagnostic capabilities and facilitate timely responses to outbreaks.

The diagnostic test is currently under Emergency Use Listing (EUL), a procedure that evaluates the safety and efficacy of treatments, including in vitro diagnostics, to assist WHO Member States in making informed decisions about acquiring emergency health equipment. Being designated as an EUL will enhance the global availability of the mpox test, ensuring that more countries can access this vital diagnostic tool in their fight against the outbreak.

Diagnosis plays a crucial role in virus prevention. This fast-working, real-time test will significantly enhance the diagnostic capabilities for monkeypox virus treatment. The Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) method enables the identification of individuals who require intervention. This test allows mpox cases to be accurately identified, monitored and controlled, thereby improving overall public health responses to the outbreak.

A Significant Milestone in the Fight Against Mpox

Dr. Yukiko, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, stated: “This first mpox diagnostic test listed under the EUL procedure represents a significant milestone in expanding testing availability in affected countries.” It indicates a significant advancement in the mpox fight, providing high-quality medical equipment for those that need it. This progression in preventing the monkeypox virus will protect those with mpox and those at risk of contracting it.

Final Remark

This step marks just the beginning of the effort to combat mpox. However, there are ongoing discussions with other in vitro diagnostic manufacturers that aim to expand the range of diagnostic options. By increasing availability, these efforts will ensure that treatment and prevention are accessible to those in need, ultimately enhancing the global response to the outbreak.

– Megan Hall

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

Photo: Flickr

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Surpassing Goals: UNICEF’s Polio Vaccine in Gaza

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

How Is It Back in Gaza?

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

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

UNICEF’s Polio Vaccine in Gaza

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

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

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

Final Note

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

– Anna Thibodeau

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

Photo: Flickr

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Algeria: Public Health Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

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

Antimicrobial Resistance

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

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

Populations Affected by Antimicrobial Resistance

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

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

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

Algeria Proposes an Updated Action Plan

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

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

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

Goals

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

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

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

Final Note

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

– Karina Dunn

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

Photo: Flickr

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A Look at Malaria in Ghana

Malaria in GhanaGhana is located in Western Africa and sits on the Gulf of Guinea. It boasts a fairly high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, at $2,203. Nearby countries, such as its neighbor Togo, sit at $942. Despite the high income, the nation is suffering one of its largest economic crises, marked by rampant inflation.

As a result, poverty is widespread, affecting approximately 24% of its 33.48 million residents. This translates to around 8 million people living below the poverty line. Many of these individuals face significant hardships, including health challenges. Malaria, in particular, has been a persistent and severe issue for Ghana.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is caused by five types of parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most severe. While malaria is found in various regions globally, it is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.

In 2022, 94% of malaria cases occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Although malaria is both preventable and curable, it is a serious and rapidly progressing disease that requires prompt treatment. Ensuring those at risk have continuous access to necessary care is crucial for combating this dangerous illness.

How Does Malaria Impact Ghana?

In 2022, Africa experienced a massive malaria outbreak, with approximately 249 million cases and more than 608,000 deaths reported. Ghana alone recorded 5.3 million cases and 11,557 deaths. Although the outbreak has subsided, Ghana’s vulnerable health care system, which receives only 4% of the country’s GDP in funding, remains at risk for future malaria outbreaks.

With little spending on health care, Ghana’s system is weak, making it challenging for many citizens to access efficient care. Coupled with widespread poverty, affording medications is a struggle for many. Although a national health care insurance program exists, about 48% of the population is not enrolled. The combination of a weak health care system and a significant amount of people in poverty means that the country stands at a higher risk of outbreaks and infections.

What Is Being Done?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with Ghana to combat malaria, achieving significant progress. Notably, they facilitated the distribution of the world’s first malaria vaccine to 708,970 children nationwide. Furthermore, WHO introduced the National Malaria Strategic Elimination Plan to eradicate malaria in Ghana.

In addition to WHO, other organizations are actively combating malaria in Ghana. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has made significant contributions. They have distributed insecticides nationwide to protect against mosquito bites, provided malaria chemoprevention to more than one million children and delivered approximately 2.8 million doses of preventive medicine.

Final Note on Malaria in Ghana

Ghana continues to face significant challenges, including persistent poverty and various systemic issues. However, the efforts of WHO and USAID have yielded positive results. The country’s health system is gradually improving and receiving increased government funding. While eradicating poverty in Ghana will be a lengthy process, eliminating malaria will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for many, especially those living in poverty.

– Tyra Brantly

Tyra is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know about Health Care in Bangladesh

Health Care in BangladeshAs of March 2024, Bangladesh has committed to transforming into a Smart-Bangladesh High-Income Country by 2041, with health care identified as a key priority in this plan. A collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bangladeshi government has been established to advance health care. As of 2022, Bangladesh had only 13 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, compared to the global median of 49. This partnership aims to improve these figures and enhance health care access for millions.

Life Expectancy in Bangladesh

Life expectancy in Bangladesh has increased significantly, from 65.6 years in 2000 to 73.1 years in 2021. This compares favorably to Southeast Asia’s overall life expectancy, which rose by 5.01 years from 63.4 years to 68.4 years in the same period. Bangladesh has improved the accessibility of health care, but there is more to be done.

Smiling Sun Clinics 

Smiling Sun Clinics has been a prominent part of health care in Bangladesh since 1997. It is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization (NGO) network of maternal and child health clinics globally. The NGO Health Services Delivery Project supports the Smiling Sun network, allowing millions of Bangladeshis to access health care. This network is composed of 25 NGOs and 399 clinics that are located in both urban and rural areas.

The services provided include emergency obstetric care and maternity care. More than 10,000 part-time clinics also operate and refer clients to full-time clinics if they believe more care is required. This allows community health workers to offer personal health care to their communities and helps to ensure universal health coverage.

The World Bank and USAID’s Roles in Health Care in Bangladesh

By 2025, one in every 10 people in Bangladesh will be 60 or older and this figure is expected to rise to one in five by 2050. In response, the World Bank organized a workshop in August 2023 to bring together health experts, stakeholders and policymakers. The goal is to foster progress in shaping health care to better address the needs of an aging population in Bangladesh.

Additionally, in August 2023, the World Bank approved $200 million to support primary health care in the country. This pledge benefited the Urban Health, Nutrition and Population Project, which will help 2.5 million children and provide 250,000 pregnant women with at least four antenatal checkups. Furthermore, in 2019, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in Bangladesh provided more than 46 million health service consultations. Technological improvements included developing solutions to detect deadly drug-resistant TB within two hours and digitizing national health information.

UNICEF’s Role

UNICEF’s immunization programs in Bangladesh have reached 3.5 million newborns with the Measles and rubella vaccine (MR1). Additionally, its nutrition interventions have improved the health and growth of countless children. The organization also helps strengthen health care infrastructure and train health workers to enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations.

– Amy Fox

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

Photo: Flickr

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Health and Vector-Borne diseases

Vector-Borne DiseasesVector-borne diseases comprise 17% of known infectious diseases, like malaria, Dengue fever and West Nile virus. Vector-borne diseases result from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by vectors. Despite causing millions of cases each year worldwide, adverse climatic conditions can worsen the global burden of these infections and negatively impact human health.

Effect of Adverse Weather on Vector-Borne Diseases

Vectors are sensitive to their environments. An increase in the earth’s average temperature presents a difficult challenge for addressing vector populations, as altered weather patterns and temperature changes affect vectors directly and indirectly. Rising temperatures can increase the speed of vector life cycles and breeding, which can increase vector populations and the speed of pathogen replication in hosts.

Indirectly, the weather changes impact the habitats and environments where these vectors exist and can change their geographic range and distribution. Mosquitoes, for example, breed in stagnant water; increased precipitation in some areas can amplify the number of vector breeding sites. These long-term changing weather patterns can increase vector’s geographic range, as warmer winter temperatures allow vector species to live in a larger area, increasing the range of the infections they spread to humans.

The burden of vector-borne diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, disproportionately affecting the most impoverished populations. Malaria is one of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases globally, with an estimated 219 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of these deaths occur in children under five, with mosquitoes being the primary transmission vector.

Helpful Organizations

Many international organizations focus on this issue, working with the public health perspective and tackling changing climatic conditions to safeguard human health. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a crucial role in combating vector-borne diseases by funding and supporting the distribution of vaccines for diseases such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. GAVI-supported yellow fever campaigns in more than 10 African countries protected more than 130 million people. Its efforts have significantly increased vaccination coverage in low-income countries, reducing the incidence of these diseases and enhancing human health security.

While Gavi seeks immunization coverage for many diseases, the Malaria Elimination Initiative (MEI) focuses on eliminating malaria through surveillance and response, vector control, program management and drugs and diagnostics. MEI has a global focus and projects in South America, sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. MEI has made significant progress in working at national, regional and international levels. Furthermore, the Nature Conservancy is an international organization with multiple priorities, including improving resilience for vulnerable habitats and communities, working with governments on clean energy policies and maximizing natural carbon storage opportunities through habitat conservation and agriculture practices.

Conclusion

The impact of changing temperatures on vector-borne infectious diseases is profound, exacerbating their global burden and highlighting the need for targeted investments and improvements. Investing in outbreak responses and enhancing disease surveillance systems is crucial to counter the increased infection potential from changing climatic conditions. These strategies can reduce exposure to vectors and susceptibility to vector-borne diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations. Additionally, investing in ecosystem stabilization and forest and wetland preservation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, limit climate variability and contain vector habitats.

– Hodges Day

Hodges is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Pharma Giants against Poverty: Merck’s Plan to Eradicate Bilharzia

BilharziaSchistosomiasis, also known as Bilharzia, is a tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms that claims 200,000 to 300,000 lives a year. Its prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is significant, second only to malaria. Contracting schistosomiasis is serious and symptoms can be lethal. It can eventually cause stunted growth, learning disorders and anemia. The task of eliminating the disease is considerable, but one that Merck believes it can accomplish.

Answer to the Problem

Merck’s plan to eradicate Bilharzia is one of education, innovation and practicality. The water-borne parasite that causes the disease is far more widespread in poorer communities with a lack of access to clean water. This indicates that the ultimate cause of the disease is rooted in poverty. In 2007, Merck allied with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate schistosomiasis, pledging to wipe out the disease by 2030.

The Merck Praziquantel Donation Program is an initiative developed by Merck to tackle the disease. It focuses on the distribution of praziquantel, the tablet used to treat the disease, with enormous success rates. The program primarily focuses on preventing and treating the disease in school-age children in poorer communities. Additionally, the program emphasizes the role of education in preventing schistosomiasis.

Is It Working?

In short: yes! Merck has donated more than 1.5 billion tablets of praziquantel to the WHO. Additionally, more than 800,000 people have been treated as a result of Merck’s plan to eradicate Bilharzia. Countries are targeted individually to increase efficiency and maximize the number of people who can benefit from the program.

In Rwanda, a further 8 million tablets have been supplied in support of its plan to eliminate schistosomiasis and “Neglected Tropical Diseases.” Merck has also pledged money to the Deworming Innovation Fund, which looks to wipe out schistosomiasis and intestinal worms in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia, furthering its campaign against tropical diseases.

The Bilharzia Storytelling Lab

After previous sessions in Rwanda and Kenya, in 2024, the Bilharzia Storytelling Lab (sponsored by Merck) took place in Ethiopia, a competition that asks candidates to formulate storytelling-oriented answers to facing schistosomiasis. The winning solution is decided by a panel of judges and granted more than $10,000 to facilitate the implementation of the solution throughout the country. Focusing on the educational dimensions of tackling Bilharzia, the workshop this year was held in Addis Ababa. The initiative has so far helped treat more than 800,000 people. Individual communities that are most in need of education and treatment for the disease have benefitted from the initiative. 

The groups most at risk are still largely unaware of the disease. Most at risk include school-age children and women, highlighting how necessary the money invested by Merck truly is. As is the case in many developing areas, women are still largely tasked with domestic duties that require access to clean water. This is not realistic for many women in sub-Saharan Africa, meaning many women have no choice but to expose themselves unknowingly to schistosomiasis in order to carry out tasks expected of them. Because of the Praziquantel Donation Program and Bilharzia Storytelling Lab, Merck’s plan to eradicate Bilharzia stands a chance of meeting the 2030 goal set out in 2007.

Final Remark

The financial capability of pharmaceutical giants can evidently be utilized for change. When corporations decide to use their wealth to benefit the international community, millions benefit. The benefits help those who are suffering needlessly from curable diseases to spend their time furthering their families and businesses. Once healthy, they can become assets in their communities and consequently improve the country’s prospects in the future. Merck has demonstrated this beautifully. It has returned futures to countless school children, allowing them to contribute to society rather than sentencing them with disease.

– Molly Ralph

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

Photo: Flickr

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Clean Drinking Water for the Rohingya

Water for the RohingyaAmid the Rohingya refugee crisis, clean drinking water remains a critical and elusive lifeline, with Cox’s Bazar’s limited infrastructure leaving countless at risk from waterborne diseases. In the early days of the crisis, humanitarian agencies focused on providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.

For various reasons, Cox’s Bazar’s land cannot maintain clean water and much of the water tested at the beginning of the crisis showed high levels of Escherichia coli. The issue of contaminated water persisted due to limited capacity for water treatment centers, limited supplies and geographical constraints.

The WHO’s Efforts

The World Health Organisation (WHO) took action quickly. In 2018, it distributed 2,150 water filters and community filters and “conducted training for health partners on installing and maintenance of the filters,” which, in hopes, would provide five years of clean water. However, conditions remained challenging. In 2019, cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and Acute Watery Diarrhea were reported to be widespread among the refugees.

Amid the pandemic, conditions only worsened, with a virus requiring frequent handwashing; the Rohingya faced challenges combating this. Additionally, due to unsanitary water, many in the camps tested positive for hepatitis A and pregnant women posed a particular threat of contracting hepatitis E from the infected water.

The Human Relief Foundation

Access to clean water for the Rohingya has become a focus of many charitable organizations. The Human Relief Foundation (HRF) has worked toward providing more clean water for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. For example, HRF has built a well in Rankut, in Cox’s Bazar, where 172 school students and 35 households dwell, limiting the distance residents have to travel to collect water. This, in turn, limits the possibility of infections in the water and allows for time focused on activities like schooling and volunteering.

World Water Day 2024 Initiatives in Cox’s Bazar

In March 2024, World Water Day was celebrated in Cox’s Bazar and the surrounding host countries. Community Partners International is a nonprofit that empowers vulnerable communities in Asia. It has distributed more than 100,000 water purification tablets, 2,500 hygiene kits and around 50,000 soap packets. Additionally, it provided the Rohingya with 43,000 “household education sessions” to help address the clean water crisis.

Final Remark

Despite efforts, Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar still struggle with clean water access. Continued global support and investment in WASH infrastructure and education are vital to combat waterborne diseases and improve well-being, ensuring safe water remains a priority for these vulnerable communities.

– Lydia Young

Lydia is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Facts about Diseases Impacting Sudan

Diseases Impacting SudanSudan is a country in Africa and ranks among the poorest countries in the world. With such rampant poverty comes a plethora of challenges that the nation must face. In addition to these challenges, Sudan has been in conflict since April 2023. This conflict has only inflated many of the problems faced by the country, especially diseases. These are three facts about diseases impacting Sudan that people should know.

Fragile Health System

The health system in Sudan is severely underpowered. With very little investment, it cannot provide efficiently and thus many citizens struggle with getting the health care they need. There is a shortage of skilled doctors within the country, and half of the people who attend health care facilities are likely to receive no aid. In addition, due to the crisis, more than 70% of all health care facilities do not operate, drastically impacting how much diseases affect Sudan, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Frequent Outbreaks

War in Sudan has caused massive outbreaks of multiple diseases due to the worsening living conditions and the high amounts of displacement, causing further deterioration of health as diseases impact Sudan. In addition, vaccinations have not been able to be administered to many people, leading to increased illness throughout the country. Diseases that have had outbreaks include cholera, hepatitis, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, meningitis and haemorrhagic fevers. Not only are these outbreaks occurring domestically, but they are also spreading to neighbouring countries as well. As long as the war rages in Sudan, it will be very difficult for many of the people suffering from these diseases to be helped due to the struggling health care system.

Mortality Rates and Life Expectancy

Life expectancy in Sudan has been rising slowly over the years in Sudan, but it remains fairly low at 66 years old. The global average is roughly 70 years old. Many people die from preventable diseases in Sudan due to the poor health care system, which significantly lowers life expectancy. In addition, another big cause of the low life expectancy is that infant mortality rates are alarmingly high. While the rates have declined over the years, just like life expectancy, it remains a problem.

According to UNICEF, for every 100,000 live births, 295 women will die, and this is the result of minimal aid provided to women both during and after their pregnancy. Only just over 50% of women receive a minimum of four antenatal care visits. After they give birth, only 34% of women receive post-natal care services, and 69% can receive a tetanus toxoid vaccination.

Aiding the System

The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with health authorities to distribute medical supplies and improve the coordination of health response. In a situation report from December 2023, WHO confirmed that a Cholera vaccination campaign in the Gedaref and Al Jazirah states targeted at 2.26 million people had a 98% coverage rate. This same report also confirmed that over 1190 metric tons of supplies have been donated to WHO hubs in Sudan. As of May 2024, WHO secured a $3 million donation from the European Union.

The efforts of WHO undoubtedly have aided the struggling health system and will continue to stabilize it during this time of conflict. Vaccine administration will continue hoping to reach as many people as possible, and campaigns to do so will continue. Other organizations, such as the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), work in health facilities to provide sexual and reproductive health care. There is a lot more work to do, but the truth shown by these efforts is that it is very feasible to improve how diseases impact Sudan.

– Tyra Brantly

Tyra is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr