The aid pause has left thousands of workers jobless and essential services suspended

Originally published on Global Voices

An aid worker distributes grain to a woman in rural Rajarchar Village, Bangladesh. The food was provided by the nonprofit Save the Children and its partner CODEC and funded by USAID. Image from Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), founded after the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act, has been leading US aid efforts in several South Asian countries for decades.

However, an executive order from US President Donald Trump dated January 20, 2025, put all USAID and State Department projects, worth USD 44 billion, on hold for 90 days. According to the order, the administration will review each program and decide whether to cancel it, keep it running, or change it to better align with Trump's priorities. In 2023, the US disbursed USD 72 billion — 1.2 percent of its total budget — to over 200 countries for 20,000 activities, including fighting global hunger, disease, and human rights abuses.

The sudden announcement hit countries like Bangladesh and Nepal hard. These countries have long relied on USAID for essential programs in food security, healthcare, education, and agricultural development. In 2023, Bangladesh received USD 490 million in aid from USAID, while Nepal secured a USD 659 million five-year development deal in 2022.

The aid pause had immediate impacts, including the layoff of over  1,000 workers at Bangladesh’s  International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), a vital research and treatment center dedicated to saving the lives of the disadvantaged. In Pakistan, suspending US-funded health programs endangers 1.7 million people, including 1.2 million Afghan refugees who have been stuck in limbo in Pakistan since the US pulled out of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Lasting impact on Bangladesh

USAID's impact can be seen across nearly every sector in Bangladesh. Expat Bangladeshi Physician Rumi Ahmed shared in a Facebook post:

There is hardly a sector in Bangladesh where USAID has not left its mark. Back in the 1960s, rice production was far lower, but thanks to agricultural advancements — modern seeds, improved techniques, and strategic support — our yields have multiplied, even as arable land has decreased.

Growing up in our villages, we had no electricity. Well into the late 1970s and 1990s, we relied on hurricane lamps. Today, nearly every home in Bangladesh has electricity, thanks in large part to the Rural Electrification Board, which was funded and supported by USAID.

As a cyclone-prone country, we used to see devastating loss of life from storms. In the past, millions perished in cyclones, but today, even with severe weather, casualties are minimal. That’s because of the extensive network of multipurpose cyclone shelters along our coast and the highly effective early warning system — both made possible through USAID’s efforts.

In healthcare, USAID has revolutionized the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by funding and supporting the widespread use of the GeneXpert system, dramatically improving diagnosis and treatment.

And when COVID-19 hit, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines you stood in line for? They were a direct gift from USAID.

Since 1990, USAID has helped Bangladesh cut maternal and child mortality by over 60 percent, expand family planning services, and improve nutrition. USAID has helped improve the quality of education, particularly for children from poor and disadvantaged families, and helped the development successful television program Sisimpur, which has improved literacy, numeracy, and hygiene practices among young children.

Beyond Access and Save the Children in Bangladesh partnered to create the USAID-funded READ program and expand community literacy in Bangladesh. Photo from Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

There have been reports that over a dozen healthcare facilities serving Rohingya refugees have suspended operations recently, cutting off thousands from essential health services in the crowded camps near Myanmar's border in Cox's Bazar district.

As per a report in the Bangla daily “Kaler Kantha”, the aid pause has left over 10,000 workers jobless from 300+ non-profits who sourced grants from USAID.

Health facilities for Afghan refugees in Pakistan to be shut down

Pakistan is also facing harsh impacts from the pause. Over 60 UNFPA-run health facilities are set to close, depriving 1.7 million people, including 1.2 million Afghan refugees, of vital reproductive health services. The freeze also affects development projects, raising questions about regional self-reliance or seeking new allies. Across various sectors, 39 projects worth USD 845 million —including energy, economic development, agriculture, governance, education, health, and humanitarian aid — have been suspended.

The fallout of these suspensions could be a reduction of US influence in Pakistan and a deterioration of the US's reputation in Pakistan.

A man in North Waziristan, Pakistan, receives emergency food assistance through the UN World Food Program, the Government of Pakistan, and USAID’s Office of Food for Peace. Photo from Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0

Suspension of projects in Nepal threatens neonatal health

USAID's projects in Nepal aimed to promote equal access and opportunities, Particularly in the Terai belt, which faces gender inequality issues, limited family health options, and a lack of Indigenous rights. The key sectors where USAID supports Nepal with aid include health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, economic growth, enhancing community participation in Natural Resource Management, humanitarian aid, and women and children empowerment. The aid pause will impact around 300 NGOs, consultancies, and nonprofits for at least three months.

The projects and programs in Nepal that are not aligned with the priorities of the new US administration, like nutrition, climate change, and LGBTQ+ issues, have been affected. Apart from four big project tranches, the USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) project suspension is expected to have a substantial impact on Nepal's development aid, affecting livelihoods and incomes generated by these projects.

This recent curtail from USAID funding has impacted the educational sector of Taplejung district in the easternmost Koshi province of Nepal. 39 schools in Taplejung, where the early grade learning program had started, have been directly affected by it. Trump’s aid cut jeopardises neonatal health care as over 2,000 neonates die in Nepal each year. The USAID funding freeze has also led to the termination of 36 staff nurses in federal and provincial hospitals.

A Nepali nurse working at a teaching hospital in Kathmandu partly funded by USAID. Photo from Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0

Can India step up?

Although India received less US aid relative to its size — around USD 150 million from USAID in 2024 — the US aid pause has caused a setback in grassroots health and education programmes. Analysts say that India, as the largest country in the region with economic stability, can step up to fill some void left by the United States and help countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Written by Rezwan

The cuts are an opportunity to revisit how funds are spent

Originally published on Global Voices

Women feeding child Ready-to-use Supplementary Food (RUSF), a food supplement for the dietary management of children 6. Photo by Abel Gichuru for Action Against Hunger, used with permission.

By Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger

Recent cuts to US government budgets for international aid threaten essential programs worldwide. How should nonprofit leaders respond? With advocacy and enhanced innovation.

Issue advocacy has long been a priority for many nonprofit leaders, and now is the time to draw on that capacity. We need to respond with a sense of urgency while taking a long-term view. 

In the immediate term, many groups are seeking US government waivers for lifesaving programs, yet even in the limited cases where waivers have been granted, funds are not yet flowing in many cases. We also are concerned about what might happen after the US government’s grant review, which is supposed to take place within 90 days. Action Against Hunger, a global nonprofit fighting hunger, faces up to USD 120 million in lost funding in countries like Haiti, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan, meaning hundreds of thousands could be affected and innumerable lives could be lost. Across our sector, the impact could be even greater. 

Leaders should address this challenge individually and through collective action, such as groups like InterAction, a leading alliance of NGOs in the United States. It is worth repeating that these cuts come despite broad bipartisan support for the US government taking a stand to end global hunger, including nearly 60 percent of Republicans who support the issue. 

We also must continue to look beyond the US alone. For example, Action Against Hunger advocacy results in dozens of governmental policy improvements each year, many well outside the US. Collectively, we would do well to expand those efforts. Funds are essential to deliver impact, but we also can take this as an opportunity to revisit how funds are spent.

While continuing to advocate for increased funding, nonprofits also must redouble efforts to maximize impact and stretch every dollar. Innovation has never been more important. The area of hunger prevention and treatment is a prime example and one that might benefit other sectors as well. Here are three steps we can take now.

Streamline processes and programs

My colleagues and I have long championed efforts to simplify the processes and protocols required to provide care for vulnerable populations, particularly children. For example, current policies separate treatment protocols for different severities of acute malnutrition, requiring disjointed services and inefficient support systems. This division makes it harder for families to access care, as severely and moderately malnourished children often need to visit different clinics and use different therapeutic food products.

As a result, every 15 seconds, a child dies from hunger-related causes.

This is an urgent issue. Today, only one in five malnourished children lack access to lifesaving treatment. However, malnutrition is a medical issue, and it is risky to change treatment protocols without solid evidence. To address this, Action Against Hunger, alongside the International Rescue Committee and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, conducted the Combined Protocol for Acute Malnutrition Study (ComPAS). This study tested a unified approach using a simplified diagnostic tool and a single treatment product, all within one combined protocol for both severe and moderate malnutrition.

By treating severe and moderate malnutrition as a single condition rather than two separate ones, the ComPAS approach removes unnecessary complexity, which can reduce costs and expand access to treatment. When tested in South Sudan and Kenya, this approach was found to be just as safe and effective as current treatment methods while lowering costs by about 12 percent per child. By improving efficiency without compromising care, implementing a ComPAS approach for treating malnourished children could enable countless more children to receive treatment each year.

Research the root cause

Prevention is equally crucial to saving lives and lowering costs. For example, research shows that children who have been treated for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are incredibly vulnerable to relapse. Sometimes as many as 30 percent to 50 percent of recovered malnourished children backslide, especially in rural and resource-constrained areas. Given these risks, preventing malnutrition in the first place not only prevents suffering but also reduces the need for repeated services over the long term.

We are looking into new and potentially more effective ways to help ensure and sustain recovery from malnutrition. On the horizon is an improved version of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a nutrient-dense paste that can be eaten directly from the packet without the need for clean water and without a trip to the hospital. Now, more than two decades after its development, scientists are exploring ways to make RUTF more affordable using local ingredients.

Researchers are also studying the gut microbiome, which is crucial to overall health but can be deteriorated by SAM, potentially increasing a child’s risk of future malnutrition. By modifying the bacteria in the gut microbiome, scientists hope to reduce relapse rates and improve long-term recovery in SAM-affected children. 

Prioritize data-based prevention

If prevention is critical at the individual or community level, it is perhaps even more essential at scale. In fact, using proactive measures to prevent humanitarian crises can reduce response costs by as much as 30 percent. The good news is that the global community has developed tools to monitor and provide an early warning about rising hunger levels, so we can save more lives with less funding. For example, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) provide critical insight into food insecurity. Yet, it would be better to detect potentially dangerous hunger conditions even earlier. 

With this in mind, the Modeling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition (MERIAM) focuses on malnutrition among children under five, zoning in on malnutrition outcomes and then forecasting malnutrition prevalence up to 12 months in advance, longer than what other systems allow. Together, MERIAM, FEWS NET, and IPC can help identify malnutrition risks and inform a coordinated response before a potential crisis escalates. 

By equipping us with insights and options, these approaches enhance efficiency and impact. They can help us predict and prevent famine, streamline operations to reach more children, and one day prevent relapse in the children we treat. Investing in research and innovation enables us to maximize impact within limited budgets. But, we need the funds to invest.

Now is the time for global leaders to commit to both increased funding and smarter, more effective solutions — because when it comes to hunger, aid is not just a financial matter — it’s a life-or-death imperative. 

Written by Guest Contributor

Washington also provides Togo with military aid

Originally published on Global Voices

Boxes labeled USAID. Screenshot from the video “The suspension of USAID funds is already having an impact in Côte d’Ivoire on the RFI YouTube Channel. Fair use.

Many developing countries receive development aid from USAID, a US government agency. The agency’s sudden freeze on funding will likely halt the progress of several African programs.

Every year, the United States pledges more than USD 40 billion to humanitarian aid and international development in developing countries. In Africa, Togo is one of the countries where this aid plays a vital role in many aspects of its community development: education, health, security, and governance. According to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2024 Human Development Report, Togo has made progress, rising from a score of 0.539 in 2021–2022 to 0.547 in 2023–2024. This report states:

…le Togo a enregistré des progrès remarquables à l’instar des précédents rapports. Pour la 5e année consécutive, le pays est classé 1er dans l’espace UEMOA [Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine] et 4e cette année dans la CEDEAO [Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest] après le Cap-Vert, le Ghana et le Nigeria.

As in previous reports, Togo has made remarkable progress. For the fifth consecutive year, it topped the ranking at the WAEMU level [West African Economic and Monetary Union]. This year, it ranked fourth at the ECOWAS level [Economic Community of West African States] after Cape Verde, Ghana, and Nigeria.

A hard blow to education support

The Togolese authorities do everything possible to support education for all. At the beginning of the 2024 school year, the primary school enrolment rate was 94.6 percent. However, challenges remain in supporting vulnerable children. School meal programs are in place to prevent disadvantaged children from dropping out of school.

Togo benefits from the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program that USAID provides. In response to this suspension, the Togolese news website 27avril (27 April) reported:

C’est un programme doté de 33 millions de dollars en 2023. Il est mis en œuvre par Catholic Relief Services (CRS) et devait permettre à des milliers d’écoliers togolais d’avoir accès à un repas quotidien, ce qui permettra de les maintenir à l’école. Le programme avait été prolongé pour cinq ans.

In 2023, this program received USD 33 million. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international humanitarian agency, introduced the program to give thousands of Togolese schoolchildren a daily meal, enabling them to stay in school. The agency had extended the program for five years.

What’s more, 27avril also reported plans to introduce a new USD 29 million program:

Une autre enveloppe de 29 millions de dollars était attendue pour un nouveau programme, « Nourriture pour le progrès ». Ce sera en termes de don de produits agricoles américains aux pays en développement et aux démocraties émergentes engagées dans l’introduction ou le développement de la libre entreprise dans leurs économies agricoles. Le Togo attend également ce fonds.

There were plans for another USD 29 million program, “Food for Progress.” This program involves donating US agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing or expanding free enterprise in their agricultural economies. Togo also expected this funding.

Health progress in decline

Togo has made significant progress in the health sector, partly due to its foreign partners and donors, such as the United States. For the benefit of several African countries, including Togo, the United States is committed to stopping malaria with USAID and combatting HIV/AIDS with its President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative.

Further to this, the news website Togo First published:

Au Togo, le PEPFAR a décaissé 9,2 millions de dollars américians en 2023 et 6,2 millions en 2024, pour financer l’accès aux antirétroviraux pour plus de 300 000 patients, le maintien des services VIH pour 46 000 individus pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, les campagnes de dépistage et le développement des infrastructures de soins. En 2023, l'Initiative du Président des États-Unis contre le Paludisme (PMI) avait annoncé son tout premier financement pour le Togo, avec un investissement de 12 millions de dollars pour la première année du programme.

La suspension des fonds menace directement l’accès aux traitements pour des centaines de milliers de malades et risque d’entraîner une recrudescence de l’épidémie.

En clair, une coupure durable de ces financements pourrait remettre en cause 20 ans de progrès dans la lutte contre le VIH/SIDA au Togo.

In Togo, PEPFAR disbursed USD 9.2 million in 2023 and USD 6.2 million in 2024 to fund antiretrovirals for more than 300,000 patients, HIV services for 46,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic, screening campaigns, and healthcare infrastructure developments. In 2023, the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) pledged its first-ever funding to Togo, investing USD 12 million in the program’s first year.

The suspension of funding directly threatens access to treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients, potentially causing a resurgence in the epidemic.

In short, a long-term cut in funding could jeopardize 20 years of progress made in combatting HIV/AIDS in Togo.

Strengthening security is a major challenge

In addition to education and health, the United States also engages in military matters in Togo.

With Togo facing jihadist incursions and violent extremism, the United States stepped up its military cooperation to combat insecurity in the north of the country bordering Burkina Faso and Benin, where the armed groups and terrorists are present.

In 2023, the United States pledged USD 591,000 to Togo as part of this military cooperation. This support primarily involves training the armed forces on the front line in northern Togo. Togo First reported:

Ces financements permettaient notamment de former les forces de sécurité togolaises et de renforcer la surveillance des frontières face aux menaces djihadistes venues du Sahel.

This funding primarily made it possible to train Togolese security forces and reinforce border surveillance when dealing with jihadist threats from the Sahel.

According to Togo First, there is a real risk of this suspension negatively impacting Togo’s security defense system:

Mais cette suspension pourrait affaiblir encore davantage la coopération militaire entre Lomé et Washington, à un moment où le Togo fait face à une montée de l’instabilité dans le nord du pays.

This suspension could further weaken the military cooperation between Lomé (the capital of Togo) and Washington during the heightened insecurity in northern Togo.

Uncertain future for people implementing programs

Like in all countries where USAID operates, people responsible for implementing Togo’s USAID-funded programs will also suffer. In the north of the country, where the humanitarian situation is at the forefront of several programs, employees must wait at home for at least three months from February 2025 to see whether this decision will be upheld or repealed. Kodzo [pseudonym] told Global Voices:

D'un côté, cette décision de la nouvelle administration américaine est venue comme un coup de massue pour anéantir nos espoirs d'échapper au chômage. Parce que nous sommes sur le terrain chaque jour et nous travaillons auprès des communautés pour leur apporter notre appui. D'un autre côté, nous voyons partir en fumée les efforts de plusieurs années pour un développement des communautés. C'est très dur à accepter et nous devons nous préparer au pire dans la mesure où ils maintiennent leur décision.

On the one hand, the new US administration’s decision comes as a heavy blow, shattering our hopes of escaping unemployment. We work with communities every day, offering our support. On the other hand, we are witnessing several years of community-building efforts go up in smoke. Acceptance is tough, but we must prepare for the worst if they are to uphold their decision.

According to Abidé, a volunteer for a USAID partner organization, whose name she would like to withhold, Donald Trump’s first term as president of the United States (2017–2021) is proof they will uphold this decision. In an interview with Global Voices, she said:

Le président américain est connu pour ses prises de position extrêmes vis-à-vis de la marche actuelle du monde. Sauf un miracle, je me prépare au pire, du moins pour ces quatre années à venir si les portes de l'USAID se ferment définitivement. Aucune lueur d'espoir.

The US president is well known for his extreme views on world affairs. Barring a miracle, I am preparing myself for the worst, at least for the next four years, if USAID’s doors close for good. There is no glimmer of hope.

Like Kodzo and Abidé, other people find themselves in a similar situation, and not just in Togo. Given the importance of US humanitarian aid, this suspension will have more profound consequences if extended. In addition to the United States, Togo receives support from other partner countries and institutions, including China, Germany, France, and the European Union.

Written by Jean Sovon Translated by Laura · View original post [fr]

Citizens bear the brunt of the government’s commitment to fossil fuel production and the absence of effective policies to reduce their negative impact

Originally published on Global Voices

Image by Arzu Geybullayeva via Canva Pro

This article was first published on Meydan TV. An edited version is republished here under a content partnership agreement. 

In November 2024, Azerbaijan hosted the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference. At the time the country was granted the hosting torch, many experts questioned the country's track record on climate and environmental commitments. Rightly so, as the country ranked 121st on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which measures 180 countries. Yet, for the government officials, hosting COP29 was a major achievement. While the conference may have placed Azerbaijan on a global stage and helped the government secure new energy deals, for Azerbaijanis, the conference meant little with all the restrictions and inconveniences introduced during the conference and, in the long-term, on their livelihood. In the case of the latter, even before COP29, scores of climate organizations highlighted the risks of failing to meet Paris Agreement goals globally. Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, the government's continued commitment to producing fossil fuels, coupled with a lack of effective policies to reduce their negative impact, is already evident as Azerbaijanis bear the brunt.

Impact on health

The EPI, published by Yale University, evaluates 58 indicators in 11 categories, including air pollution, water resources, waste management, deforestation, fisheries management, and heavy metal pollution across 180 countries.

Water scarcity

Written by Arzu Geybullayeva, Meydan TV

Before 2022, around 3 million Ukrainians lived with disabilities, a number that has surged due to the full-scale war

Originally published on Global Voices

Photo of Valentina Dobrydina provided by author, published with permission

For over two decades, Valentyna Dobrydina has been an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. She is a representative of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities of Ukraine, working in her native Chernivtsi region in the South-West of the country. Her work has taken on new urgency since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has left an estimated 8 million people internally displaced, including a significant number of individuals with disabilities.

According to the pre-2022 census, around 3 million Ukrainians live with disabilities, a number that has surged due to the full-scale war. Anna Romandash interviewed Valentina Dobrydina for Global Voices.

Activism as a social necessity

It’s been almost thirty years since Valentyna started using a wheelchair. She admits: at first, it was very difficult to adjust, both mentally and physically. She struggled with this new reality where her capacity to move freely was very limited — mostly by the lack of accessible infrastructure on the streets, but also by the absence of information and communities of support.

“It took me three years to adapt to my new life,” she reflects. “But when I could confidently move around in a wheelchair, I returned to that promise I made to myself. I started helping others.”

She united like-minded individuals to create a civil organization focused on advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

“There are a lot of young people with disabilities in villages and remote towns who often stay at home,” she notes. “My job is to show them they can be active and defend their rights. They don’t need to wait for someone to show up and fix things for them; because if they know their rights, they can act and demand more from their communities — and generate change themselves.”

The war has exacerbated the challenges faced by this community in Ukraine.

“The number of people with disabilities has increased due to injuries from the war,” Valentyna explains. “The ability to provide assistance at the state level has decreased because of military spending.”

Statistics from the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine indicate that as of early 2023, approximately 2 million people have been injured due to the invasion, many suffering permanent disabilities.

“The needs of this community are vast and growing,” Valentyna asserts. “We must act swiftly to address them.”

Advocating for inclusion

“Accessibility issues are everywhere in my daily life,” Valentyna states. “Public transportation, medical facilities, and architectural objects still need significant improvement.”

Despite the challenges, she believes in gradual change.

“We have to work on the human factor so that ordinary Ukrainians understand why inclusion is necessary everywhere and always,” Valentyna says, “It is crucial to make inclusion a part of Ukraine’s reconstruction and an irreplaceable aspect of all social programs and initiatives.”

Starting  from 2023, Valentyna has been coordinating the Empower Project in her native Chernivtsi region. The project, launched by the European Disability Forum and implemented by the National Association for Persons with Disabilities, provides urgent support to those who require it through financial assistance and other aid. For instance, it supports internally displaced people and veterans with disabilities by giving them assistive technologies; the initiative also focuses on advocacy work and mental health support for people with disabilities affected by the war.

“Last year, we trained local government representatives on ethical communication,” Valentyna recounts. “We created a video showcasing personal stories of discrimination, addressing the use of incorrect terminology when talking about disability.”

We also conducted an accessibility audit of pedestrian crossings in rural communities, involving local authorities and citizens with disabilities. Thanks to this, funds were allocated to improve accessibility, so now, wheelchair users and other people with mobility issues can move more freely in their communities.

Through advocacy campaigns, Valentyna seeks to foster a positive attitude toward people with disabilities — as well as empower them to be more proactive in their home communities. This way, the activist hopes to make the needs of people with disabilities more mainstream, so inclusion and accessibility become a common trend even in rural areas.

There are already some positive changes from this work: Valentyna highlights how in one rural community, a playground was adapted so children with disabilities could play alongside their peers.

“These changes are not just about physical spaces,” she says. “They’re about building a society that values inclusivity.”

A call to action

“Our initiative helps people not only from a financial point of view, but also provide them with knowledge and more confidence in themselves,” Valentyna continues, “This is very valuable.”

As a person with disability, I know that your engagement and will to fight depends only on you. It stems from your own willingness to be the changemaker. I can only set an example and provide necessary information to others, but the rest depends on them. I hope that my example will inspire others to take action in their own communities.

Currently, Ukraine struggles to address the needs of people with disabilities — for instance, there are no updates statistics on how many people with disabilities live in the country amid the war, or where they are located and under what circumstances. Valentyna in her work contributes to filling some of these gaps, through actions such as collecting the relevant data and supporting people who may not have a disability status, but who also struggle with accessibility or other health-related issues.

She highlights challenges in this work: while the number of people with disabilities is on the rise, the number of volunteers and professionals in this field is decreasing. For instance, many of Valentyna’s colleagues fled the country due to the ongoing war, so local organizations and NGOs lack resources to deliver aid or connect with people with disabilities in remote areas.

Further, there is more insecurity as the Russian war continues. Many people who had some savings in the early months of the full-scale invasion are now in a more precarious situation, so there is a greater demand for financial assistance and other support.

In addition, there is the war trauma and the psychological effects of living in an invaded country for a long time. Valentyna admits that this especially affects veterans who returned to their homes after an injury, and who struggle adjusting to their lives as persons with disabilities. They miss their fellow soldiers who are still on the frontlines, and they struggle adjusting to their communities or finding work as a result of disability.

As Ukraine embarks on its war reconstruction, Valentyna keeps on pushing for more inclusion in every step of the process.

“A nation can only rebuild itself when it includes every voice and every story,” she asserts. “With united effort, Ukraine can emerge stronger — where we cherish individuals with disabilities, support wounded veterans, and treat all people with dignity.”

Written by Anna Romandash

CITES discovered unsustainable exploitation of sandalwood trees in Southern Africa

Originally published on Global Voices

A group of Samburu women at a capacity building meeting on sandalwood conservation, Photo by Carroll Omuom, used with permission.

By Linda Ngari with support from the Resillience Fund and Unganisha Cultures.

The sandalwood tree, known as Losesiai in Samburu language, is of immense traditional value to the people of Kenya’s Samburu County. According to Lillian Letiwa, one of the women leading conservation efforts in the county, sandalwood leaves have many uses, including as a way to ward off evil spirits in newborns. Lillian noted:

We believe that by tying sandalwood leaves around a newborn’s neck it brings the child good luck. So the tree is one of the most valuable in our culture.

She added that they also use sandalwood leaves as medicine.

We heat up the leaves and press to shrink lumps in the breast.

The women in Samburu swear that this same process can cure breast cancer. 

Although a senior researcher at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Peter Gachie, said there is no proof that sandalwood leaves can cure breast cancer, he does not dismiss the innumerable medical benefits of the tree. According to Gachie, parts of the sandalwood tree have medical value for antimalarial, antibacterial, and antifungal purposes and have proven useful in curing impotence, chest problems, joint pains, fatigue, diarrhea, and ringworms. He explained:

Locals have been using the tree for years without it being threatened. Mostly using the barks or the leaves. But when it gained international recognition, it became a threatened species because now the whole tree is uprooted to acquire the sandalwood oil found in the roots. Traditionally, the bark would be used to brew herbal tea. Powder made from the barks is used as an antivenom against snake and centipede bites. It is further used as a painkiller after circumcision, or for toothaches, and even menstrual cramps. In Tanzania, it is used to cure anaemia, sexually transmitted diseases and typhoid.

The sandalwood tree grows naturally in drylands like Samburu. In the Samburu communities, having a sandalwood tree in your home implies richness. The sweet scent it produces would be used while making sacrifices in shrines, and it was also given to bind couples who wanted to divorce so they’d get back together. Due to its array of domestic uses, the women of Samburu automatically assume the role of chief custodians of the sandalwood tree. Men are often away from home with the cattle as the people of Samburu are a pastoralist community. Lillian explained:

For example we build houses, and have to think about where it is so we’re not cutting trees or encroaching protected areas. We look for food for the home, and often sell cow milk while farming on the side.

Lillian is the Project Coordinator for a community-based organisation called Ngari Green Project. The organization advocates against environmental crimes by creating awareness through radio programs and also trains communities on clean cooking and sustainable income-generating activities. Of the 50 members of the organization, 48 are women.

Lillian Letiwa (middle) alongside members of the Ngari Green Project organisation. Photo by Lillian Letiwa. Used with permission.

Demand for the East African sandalwood

The East African sandalwood is not necessarily sought after in the global market. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) calls it the “false” sandalwood. Asia and Australia are the biggest producers of sandalwood oil — theirs is the “true” sandalwood. According to CITES, Australian sandalwood- Santalum spicatum and Indian Sandalwood- Santalum alba belong to the same species and have “excellent blending properties and a large proportion of high-boiling constituents in the oil, making it valuable as a fixative for other fragrances.”

A liter of sandalwood oil is worth up to USD 3,000 in the global market. CITES states that Asia and Australia have traditionally been the source of sandalwood oil, but more recently, the East African sandalwood of the Osyris species was found to produce oil containing comparable similarities with the true Sandalwood oil, although of different quality. CITES noted:

There is high demand for Sandalwood oils by the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries driven by limited supplies from traditional source countries such as India, Indonesia, Pacific and Australia putting pressure on the alternative source, the East African Sandalwood.

In India and China, sandalwood is under state protection and is often referred to as a sacred tree, and harvesting from the wild is prohibited. This has shifted the trade to the East African sandalwood leading to over-exploitation of the species. Unlike the control system that has been put in place for the traditional source countries, such mechanisms are lacking for Osyris lanceolata. In addition to Kenya, CITES discovered unsustainable exploitation of sandalwood trees in Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan with Kenya reporting the highest level of trade.

As a result, Osyris lanceolata, the East African sandalwood, is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The government of Kenya also issued a ban on sandalwood harvesting in 2007.

Illegal sandalwood trafficking

Willis Okumu, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security studies, has been investigating sandalwood trafficking in Samburu since 2020 and traced its supply chain to China. His research in 2022 exposed the key actors and networks facilitating illegal sandalwood trafficking in Kenya.

“At the Kilindini Police station in Mombasa there were about six containers of sandalwood that were confiscated from the Port of Mombasa. Police documents showed that most of them were being transported to China. In China, there is a big industry called the ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine.’ Just the way the Samburu people believe that sandalwood is a cure to many ailments, the Chinese believe the same,” Okumu said in a phone interview with Global Voices.

According to Okumu, locals in Samburu sell one kilogram of sandalwood for about one dollar. In comparison, one kilogram of sandalwood can produce up to 20 milliliters of oil worth about USD 40. 

Being the breadwinners, the women of Samburu also dabble as the main actors in sandalwood harvesting. “It's the women that go into the community forests to uproot sandalwood trees for sale. They are the ones who cut the tree into pieces as per customers’ orders. Some even form associations to raise money that facilitate the trade. If you go to the police station in Samburu, the list of people arrested for sandalwood trafficking, including ownership of vehicles used, are mostly women,” said Okumu.

The sandalwood supply chain chart by Dr Willis Okumu, used with permission

KEFRI’s solution against sandalwood extinction

Through artificial propagation, KEFRI has been testing the growth of the Indian Sandalwood in Kenya since 2019. The Indian sandalwood is among the “true” sandalwood species that grow faster, produce more oil and are more desirable in the international market. The institute hopes to later introduce it to communities for commercial use as they preserve the native sandalwood. 

“So far, [the Indian sandalwood] is doing even better than ours,” said Gachie, “Ours has the habits of a shrub by growing many different stems. But the Indian one has one stem, so it has the habits of a tree. So we anticipate that the Indian one will even produce stronger wood. Its oil also has a higher market value.”

Sandalwood trees grown at the same time in 2022, Indian Sandalwood (left) East African sandalwood (right) at KEFRI’s Rumuruti office in Laikipia County. Used with permission.

According to Lillian, most of the work that women do is “unproductive.” Referring to the physically intense nature of work with little to no financial benefit. She hopes to introduce the women of Samburu to the Indian sandalwood sales once KEFRI rolls out the initiative.

Written by Linda Ngari

Several animal species are threatened with extinction

Originally published on Global Voices

Lemur species leaning on a tree dried up from the lack of rainfall in Madagascar. Screenshot from the video ”Climate Change and Deforestation Threatens Madagascar’s Biodiversity” on the Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel. Fair use.

This article was published as part of the Climate Justice in Africa Training.

Although Madagascar is very rich in biodiversity, it remains particularly vulnerable to the damage caused by global warming. This damage has a devastating impact on ecosystems and local communities.

Because of its geographical location and remoteness, Madagascar is home to some unique flora and fauna. More than 80 percent of its species are endemic. Media outlet Brut Nature shared this on X (formerly Twitter):

C'est l'un des paysages les plus spectaculaires de Madagascar : un immense labyrinthe de calcaire où prospèrent une faune et une flore exceptionnelles.

Voici la réserve naturelle intégrale du Tsingy de Bemaraha pic.twitter.com/bdrpFUZHyG

— Brut nature FR (@brutnaturefr) April 28, 2020

This is one of Madagascar’s most spectacular landscapes: An immense labyrinth of limestone where exceptional flora and fauna flourish.

Here is the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve pic.twitter.com/bdrpFUZHyG

— Brut nature FR

However, rising temperatures, disruptions in rainfall patterns, and an increased frequency of natural disasters put this unique biodiversity and the local communities’ livelihoods at serious risk.

Ecosystems at risk and agriculture sector disrupted

Malagasy forest ecosystems are at particular risk. Prolonged droughts and forest fires, fueled by global warming, have rapidly reduced natural habitats.

Deforestation , such as slash-and-burn agriculture (called navy  and illegal logging of precious woods, contributes to the extensive loss of forests. In January 2021, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) published the scientific report “Deforestation Fronts: Drivers and Responses in a Changing World,” offering a detailed analysis of the causes of deforestation and potential global solutions. This report identifies 24 “deforestation fronts” worldwide, the regions where deforestation is particularly intense and where the remaining forests are critically endangered. Madagascar is among the 24 critical fronts.

Between 2004 and 2017, the island lost around 700,000 hectares of forest, primarily in the eastern and western areas. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, more than 60,000 fire outbreaks were recorded in Madagascar’s forest areas in 2020. Between 2002 and 2023, Madagascar lost around 1.08 million hectares of its primary tropical rainforests.

On a socioeconomic level, climate change significantly impacts local communities. Agriculture, which contributes to a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product, is the primary livelihood for most of the population. It employs around 80 percent of the people in employment, and is particularly vulnerable to climate variations. More frequent droughts hamper food crop productivity and threaten food security. According to a WWF report published in 2019, 53 percent of Madagascar’s terrestrial protected areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This is mainly due to the loss of natural habitats caused by deforestation.

What’s more, access to drinking water is becoming increasingly difficult in regions like Southern Madagascar, exacerbating the risk of disease. Air pollution also affects human health.

Coral bleaching adversely affects coral reefs, vital for the health of marine ecosystems and local fisheries. When water temperatures rise beyond what corals can tolerate, they expel algae, revealing their white skeleton, hence the term “bleaching.” Coral reefs act as nursery habitats for various fish species. Their degradation reduces marine biodiversity and affects food security for coastal communities.

Direct threat to biodiversity

Often described as a “biodiversity hotspot,” owing to its exceptional biodiversity and unique flora and fauna, Madagascar's major environmental threats weigh heavily on its natural resources.

Human activity threatens biological diversity by damaging natural habitats and disrupting life cycles. Madagascar is home to various emblematic species, such as lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs. From the tropical rainforests in the east to the arid regions in the south, the mangroves in the west, and the coral reefs, its varied ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance and local livelihoods. However, they are facing unprecedented threats, with a score of 4.69 out of 5 in the 2024 Ecological Threat Report.

A video by media outlet Le Monde Afrique titled “In Madagascar, 95 percent of the lemur species are facing extinction” highlights this threat:

One of the greatest threats to biodiversity is the excessive use of pesticides. Pesticides contaminate soil and water, thus threatening pollinators and other critical species. In addition, global warming and chemical, plastic, and noise pollution create a hostile environment for multiple living creatures, increasing the risk of extinction.

The loss of endemic Malagasy species also has a destabilizing role to play. Each species is involved in vital interactions. This loss directly and severely impacts humanity, affecting various aspects of the daily lives of Malagasy citizens.

Finally, biodiversity loss has a social and economic impact on various sectors, such as tourism and fishery, that depend on the ecosystems’ rich diversity.

Solutions and action to preserve biodiversity

Comprehensive and political action is essential to combating biodiversity losses. In 1995, Madagascar ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which promotes ecosystem conservation and the protection of marine and terrestrial areas. These agreements encourage countries to undertake measures to preserve natural habitats and stem harmful practices.

Given the threats that deforestation poses to the country’s natural resources, some have adopted innovative measures. This Tv5monde report explains:

#Madagascar est un haut-lieu de la biodiversité mondiale. 80% de sa faune et de sa flore sont endémiques. Mais la déforestation menace cette richesse naturelle. Reportage dans la forêt d'Anjozorobe où des paysans ont choisi l'apiculture comme alternative à la coupe de bois. pic.twitter.com/HHJ4XmQVWW

— Le journal Afrique TV5MONDE (@JTAtv5monde) January 17, 2021

#Madagascar is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. 80 percent of its flora and fauna are endemic. However, deforestation threatens its natural resources. A report on Anjozorobe forest tells how farmers have chosen beekeeping as an alternative to logging. pic.twitter.com/HHJ4XmQVW

Madagascar’s current environmental situation highlights the urgent need for local and international action to mitigate the impact of global warming. Although the main challenge is finding solutions that protect Malagasy ecosystems, ensuring resilient livelihoods for its citizens is also important.

Written by Mamisoa Raveloaritiana Translated by Laura · View original post [fr]

Some have proposed closing the camps altogether

Originally published on Global Voices

Mae La Refugee Camp, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand. Flickr photo by Mikhail Esteves, CC BY 2.0

This article by Sicha Rungrojtanakul and Sorawut Wongsaranon was originally published by Prachatai, an independent news site in Thailand. An edited version has been republished by Global Voices under a content-sharing agreement.

Chaos has ensued among civil society organizations working with refugees on the Thai-Myanmar border after the US government under President Donald Trump implemented an executive order immediately halting foreign aid for 90 days, resulting in the closure of hospitals in refugee camps which receive funding from the US government.

At Mae La and Umpiem refugee camps, hospitals funded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) were closed. Pornsuk Kerdsawang, who works for an NGO in the border area, said that every patient has been asked to leave the hospital, while women in labor have to find their own way to a Thai hospital. Projects on community health, mother and child health, as well as vaccination, sanitation, and waste management projects inside the camps, which receive funding from the US, have also been affected.

A doctor working on the Thai-Myanmar border, speaking anonymously, also said that some of their organization’s programs have been suspended due to the executive order and that support for food and medication has stopped in some places. The staff are also no longer being paid.

Some camps have “stopped functioning,” said the doctor, who said that some patients have been transferred to Thai hospitals, though most returned home. Some critically ill patients also remain in the camps.

Meanwhile, funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for NGOs working along the border has stopped, raising concerns among civil society.

Thai hospitals stand ready

Hospitals on the border in Tak province are preparing for an influx of patients from the refugee camps. Dr Worawit Tantiwattanasap, Director of Umphang Hospital in Tak, said that the rising number of patients due to the closure of camp hospitals is unlikely to be a major issue since patients from these camps only make up around one-third of its total number of patients. Public health NGOs are also still working in coordination with the hospital, which he said improved the situation.

He said that hospital directors from the five districts on the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak met with Tak’s provincial governor and provincial public health doctors on January 28. They agreed that hospitals must follow humanitarian and human rights principles and care for patients whether they are being supported by an NGO worker or not, and that they must treat emergency cases that could result in death or disability, including labor and delivery, accidents, or other serious illness such as strokes, without charging a fee.

Each district has been asked to conduct a survey of patients at refugee camps in the area and come up with a plan of what needs to be done to care for them and how they might divide up critical patients among government hospitals.

Dr. Worawit also proposed that the Ministry of Public Health set up a national fund for humanitarian aid because Thailand is being affected by policies implemented by a more powerful nation, which has a worldwide impact and is something out of its control. He said that Thailand has received funding from foreign donors and support from NGOs and companies. He added that while NGOs can only do so much, their primary healthcare support helps, and only severe cases are referred to hospitals along the borders.

Dr. Worawit said he is happy that public health personnel have united to support border hospitals and patients and that the hospitals are not left to handle things alone. He noted that they are following a policy implemented by Tak’s provincial governor, its public health office, and the Minister of Public Health.

Civil society left in limbo

Pornsuk said that the situation in the field and among civil society workers has been chaotic because the executive order freezes all funding and halts all activities that have expenses. It is unclear whether medical workers will be able to keep doing their work.

“If staff are going to take care of patients, my personal thought is that it should be possible, but now there is fear … so no one really knows what to do. The idea has emerged that everything is prohibited,” Pornsuk said.

Pornsuk is concerned that humanitarian work along the borders will be significantly affected if the US does not change its policy since most humanitarian funding for health services, food, and shelter in refugee camps comes from USAID.

“It won’t stop immediately because they have other sources of funding, but a lot of their overall budget will disappear, and it has to have an impact this year,” Pornsuk said.

Pornsuk said that several projects run by Mae Tao Clinic, a clinic for migrant workers in Mae Sot, have been suspended because they were funded by the US. Other organizations funded by USAID, including internally-displaced persons camps in Myanmar and Karenni groups’ education projects, could also have their funding cut in the future.

Time to close the camps?

Following the hospital closure, Fair Party MP Kannavee Suebsang suggested that it is time to close the camps and allow the refugees to integrate into Thai society. He said that this is a solution to the humanitarian issues that have been discussed for a long time because the refugees in these camps cannot return to Myanmar due to the ongoing violence that has persisted since the 2021 coup, and they have almost no chance of going to a third country. Several generations have now been born in the camps.

Pornsuk said that civil society organizations working in the camps know that one day foreign funding will be cut, so they want the Thai government to start seriously considering closing the nine refugee camps.

Actually, in the long run the refugees want that. The funding cut this time might play a part in making the Thai government think seriously that [the refugees] don’t want to live like this. They haven’t wanted to rely on others for everything.

Pornsuk said that solving these issues requires a lot of management and that the refugees themselves want to be part of the process. She noted that the refugee committee previously played a larger role in managing the camps, but they have slowly been pushed out. Meetings are now mostly for Thai government officials and foreign NGO workers, while the refugee committee has to ask to sit in on them. She believes that this is because the Thai government feels that it is easier to go through large NGOs.

[The refugee] are being excluded. It became just NGOs and the Thai state. In the past, [the refugee committee] had more power than now to take care of themselves, and they were stronger than this. They said that it’s also time that they were given back their role.

Written by Prachatai

The prevalence of food inequality through conversations with two teenage girls.

Originally published on Global Voices

School girls in the Central African Republic.  Image by hdptcar from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

In many African communities, food is more than just sustenance — it's a reflection of culture, tradition, and, often, gender dynamics. At the dinner table, the subtle yet prevalent practice of prioritizing boys over girls manifests through what scholars term gender differences in food insecurity. This disparity, where adolescent boys receive larger portions or better quality food than girls, has far-reaching consequences and underscores deeper societal attitudes towards nutrition and gender equality.

Adolescent girls in Africa often face heightened risks of anemia, stunted growth, and weakened immunity. With an estimated 60 million cases of anemia in adolescent girls annually, costing the Africa Union (AU) member states a staggering USD 1.38 billion, widespread malnutrition and invisible inequality exacerbate the gender health gap and threaten the well-being of future generations.

In 2023, the AU and Nutrition International (NI) launched the adolescent nutrition campaign “With Good Nutrition, She’ll Grow into It” (SGII), with a simple message that girls can become anything and everything they want to be and good nutrition is critical to helping them get there. 

In an interview conducted in Ejigbo, Lagos, Nigeria, Adesewa Olofinko from Global Voices explores the prevalence of food inequality through conversations with two teenage girls, Favour Okeowo and Fisayo Falade.

The interviews were conducted with parental consent and in the presence of a guardian to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Adesewa Olofinko (AO): Do you have health programs and school subjects that teach girls about the importance of nutrition?

Favour Okeowo (FO): Yes, in my school, we have physical and health education (PHE) programs and food and nutrition subjects twice every week, but it is not a compulsory subject, so some students don’t take the class. Although we don’t do much during the PHE [physical and health education] classes, it’s always a chance to engage in physical activities like running or other games.  

Fisayo Falade (FF): We have Home Economics, but it’s very broad. They teach us about home management, nutrition, clothing, and other things. The teacher does not dwell on nutrition like that — except maybe when we had a topic on ‘Classes of foods.’ But they usually just say, ‘Don’t eat too much junk food, eat a balanced diet.’ 

AO: Have you ever gone to school or bed hungry because there wasn’t enough food to go around? How does this affect your ability to focus or participate in school activities?

FO: I don’t eat most of the time before going to school in the morning. But my mum gives me about 300 naira (USD 0.19) or 500 naira (USD 0.32) to buy food. If there’s an extra lesson in school, then sometimes she gives me around 700 (USD 0.45). It can buy me puff-puff (a Nigerian staple snack) and a drink or fried yam and pepper, sometimes Akara (bean cake) and bread.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common nutritional cause of anemia is iron deficiency, which is a serious global public health problem affecting 30 percent of women and girls 15–49 years old worldwide.

Nigerian local foodstuffs.  Image by Bukky658,  from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

In 2022, the AU declared the theme of the year “nutrition” as a way to advocate for the development of a strategic framework for the prevention and management of anemia in Africa. Even though the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy (ARNS) 2016–2025 targeted a 50 percent reduction in anemia among girls and women of reproductive age (15–49 years), it lacked a dedicated strategy to achieve this goal.

AO: Do you feel that boys and girls in your family are treated differently when it comes to food? Can you share any examples of this?

FF: My brother eats a lot more than me. I am three years older than him, but he gets the bigger portion every time. He eats a lot. I think it’s because he’s a boy and boys eat more than girls. He’s stronger than me too, but I am taller.

This imbalance and the practice of gendered feeding inequality in many African communities are often rooted in cultural norms and perceptions of value. The underlying, unspoken rationale in many households is that boys are seen as investments in the family’s future, while girls are expected to marry and eventually “belong” to another family.

AO: Do you understand why your parents give you smaller food plates than your brother?

FF: My father always said that boys grow up to become breadwinners of the family and will carry on the family name but that the girl should focus on her education and domestic responsibilities. Even though I am three years older than my brother, they give him bigger portions of food than me because my mum says he is stronger and ‘a man.’ I know it’s wrong, and I hope to one day change that and prove to them that a girl can become anything she wants. 

The cost of unequal portions in Africa

The practice of gendered feeding carries long-term consequences beyond the present, particularly for a girl’s health, education, and future opportunities. In adolescents, malnutrition is not only capable of stunting physical and cognitive development, but it leaves girls less equipped to perform academically or compete in the labor market.

The Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy (ARNS 2026–2035), the successor to the ARNS 2016–2025, is aimed at supporting the achievement of a 50 percent reduction of anemia in adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. Through various nutrition policies, they are designed to assist AU member states in refining their national goals and programs.

Even though this silent hunger or inequality in feeding denies girls both physical nourishment and opportunities to thrive, it isn’t an indictment of African culture as a monolith. Across the continent, there are variations in how food is distributed and valued, with family structure, parental working status, and socioeconomic status playing an important role in the diet quality of adolescents. 

Rebalancing the plate

Organizations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and many other local agencies continue to play a huge role through advocacy and campaigns to tackle malnutrition and adolescent nutrition for girls on the continent. In October 2023, Tanzania became the first African country to launch the Nutrition International “She’ll Grow Into It” campaign at the national level, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition for the development and well-being of adolescent girls.

Feeding inequalities are a mirror to the broader gender imbalances in our societies. For the African Union to achieve its Agenda 2063 of a prosperous Africa, every child must have an equal chance to thrive, regardless of gender, and sometimes, it begins on the plate. As the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy enters its next decade, it remains to be seen whether there will be tangible progress in tackling malnutrition and anemia reduction across the continent.

Written by Adesewa Olofinko

In the face of relentless war and displacement, Palestinians find strength in solidarity, transforming loss into resilience

Originally published on Global Voices

Palestinians return to what remains of their homes on the second day of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Screenshot from a video uploaded to YouTube by The Independent. Fair use.

By Omar Shahin

In the face of the relentless war and destruction unleashed by Israel in Gaza, displaced Palestinians have developed a remarkable array of coping and adaptation mechanisms. These strategies, deeply embedded in cultural and social values, reflect an enduring resilience and a strong sense of community solidarity. Against the backdrop of loss and upheaval, these mechanisms have enabled individuals to navigate the harsh realities of displacement, achieving psychological and social stability even in the most trying circumstances.

Finding strength in social bonds

Some of the real-life stories of displaced Palestinians I witnessed working as a consultant in mental health and psychotherapy in Gaza illustrate the remarkable resilience and resourcefulness of individuals in the face of adversity.

Displacement often strips individuals of their homes, livelihoods, and familiar surroundings, leaving a void that is often filled by the support of family, friends, and the broader community. This network of social support provides a vital sense of security and belonging, helping to mitigate feelings of isolation and despair. Displaced Palestinians often lean on these relationships, drawing strength and comfort from the collective effort to endure.

Umm Ahmad, a mother of five who lost her home and was forced into a temporary shelter, refused to succumb to despair. She took the initiative to organize community activities, helping other women coordinate psychological support sessions, childcare, and shared responsibilities. Her efforts not only allowed her to adapt to her new reality but also inspired others to find strength in solidarity.

For many, reframing their reality becomes another cornerstone of survival. By focusing on aspects of life they can control and honing new skills to address their challenges, individuals adapt with a sense of purpose and agency. 

Sami, a university student, refused to let the conflict derail his education. Unable to continue his formal studies, he turned to online courses, learning programming and graphic design. These new skills opened alternative opportunities, demonstrating how self-development can be a powerful coping mechanism.

Solidarity in action

Religious and spiritual practices also play a pivotal role, offering psychological comfort and a wellspring of resilience through faith and rituals. These practices anchor individuals, providing them with a sense of hope and endurance.

The spirit of community solidarity shines through in collective initiatives that bring displaced individuals together. Volunteer groups often form to support those in need, from distributing aid to organizing childcare and shared meals. Rebuilding social bonds within host communities becomes essential as displaced people forge new relationships to ease their integration and adaptation.

Yousef, a young man in his twenties, faced the double blow of displacement and unemployment. Instead of retreating into isolation, he joined local relief teams, distributing aid and assisting the elderly. This volunteer work gave him a renewed sense of purpose, transforming his role from victim to active contributor within his community.

Cultural and recreational activities also emerge as powerful tools for coping. These activities not only provide much-needed stress relief but also preserve cultural identity, fostering continuity and stability in an otherwise unstable existence. Through traditional crafts, music, or storytelling, displaced Palestinians maintain a connection to their heritage, drawing strength from the familiar.

For Hajja Khadija, an elderly woman uprooted from her village, solace came in the form of traditional Palestinian embroidery. Her craft not only helped her cope with the psychological stress of displacement but also provided a modest income. By teaching other displaced women this art form, she reinforced a sense of identity and solidarity among those around her.

Persistent challenges

Despite these inspiring examples, displaced Palestinians face a multitude of challenges that complicate their efforts to adapt. Economic pressures loom large, as limited financial resources and job opportunities make it difficult to meet basic needs. Psychological stress — stemming from constant fear, anxiety, and instability — takes a heavy toll on mental health. Adapting to new environments presents further hurdles, particularly when the cultural and social landscape differs significantly from what individuals are accustomed to.

The resilience of displaced Palestinians underscores the importance of fostering supportive environments that amplify these coping mechanisms. Community and governmental institutions play a critical role in providing psychological and social support, creating conditions for sustainable stability. From ensuring access to education and healthcare to supporting cultural preservation, these efforts can make a significant difference in mitigating the negative effects of displacement.

Laila, a mother of two, initially felt overwhelmed by the chaos of displacement. Finding refuge in the support of her family, she established a simple daily routine to provide stability for her children. Her efforts created a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty, illustrating the importance of family cohesion in weathering crises.

Ultimately, the strength of displaced Palestinians lies in their rich cultural heritage and the solidarity that binds their communities together. Their stories are a testament to the human capacity for adaptation and survival, even under the most difficult circumstances. By recognizing and supporting these efforts, the broader global community can contribute to a future where resilience is matched by opportunity and stability.

Omar Shahin is a mental health and psychotherapy specialist currently based in Gaza.

Written by Guest Contributor

Small island states rely on the loss and damage funds to assist vulnerable communities

Originally published on Global Voices

“Rise for climate to build a fossil-free world’ action in Port Vila, Vanuatu in September 2018. Photo from Flickr account of 350.org. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Several Pacific leaders and institutions have expressed concern over the withdrawal of the United States of America from the Paris Agreement and what it means for the future of global climate action.

US President Donald Trump signed the order after his inauguration, which would stop the US government’s contribution to the loss and damage funds under the agreement signed in 2015. As of 2024, the US covered about 22 percent of the budget for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC ) for 2024–2025, totaling about USD 7.5 million.

Trump also withdrew the US from the climate treaty during his first term in 2017, but his successor reversed this decision in 2021. The landmark Paris Agreement binds 196 nations to work together toward bringing the global temperature down to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

According to the October 2024 report from the United Nations Environmental Programme, global greenhouse gas emissions continued to increase in 2023, with wealthy countries like the US producing around 77 percent of all emissions. In comparison, Pacific island nations account for just 0.02 percent of global emissions.

Despite this gap, Pacific nations are more prone to the harsh impacts of climate change, such as severe cyclones, rising sea levels, land degradation, and more. These disasters have displaced communities, destroyed livelihoods, undermined local economies, and created significant social strife in many countries.

Asked during a panel at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, about Trump’s executive order, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape reminded the US to consider its “moral responsibility”:

While it is not my place to advise the government of America, it is prudent that the biggest holder of carbon footprint takes the greater responsibility (because) much of the burden is being borne by those of us with the least carbon footprint.

There is a moral responsibility by each global leader to think from the global perspective instead of from their own national-interest perspective.

Evidence shows that we are at a tipping point, almost reaching the end of earth’s sustainability level. If this planet sinks, we all sink with it. There is no second Earth.

Vanuatu Attorney General Arnold Loughman called Trump’s action a “troubling precedent” and “bad behavior” that would have grave consequences in the region. He warned that the US government's withdrawal from the agreement would severely affect international climate financing.

These funds are essential for building resilience and supporting adaptation strategies. Losing this support could severely hinder ongoing and future projects aimed at protecting our vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

Vanuatu was among the countries that submitted a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) urging the United Nations body to issue an opinion about the obligation of states to address global warming under international laws and the penalties for the failure to act.

Fiji Prime Minister and former Minister for Climate Change Sitiveni Rabuka said that Pacific nations are now rethinking their climate action plans.

It will force us to rethink our position, some of us have been worrying, thinking about how the West particularly those closer to cooperation partners in the Pacific such as Australia and New Zealand.

We try to comply with the demand for protocols about carbon emission.

We have been with the rest of the world encouraging those that have been extracting or exporting fossil fuel to scale down.

His minister for environment and climate change told the media that the government has already written a letter urging Trump to reconsider his decision.

In a Facebook post, New Zealand’s former Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, believes that the withdrawal of the US will allow China to expand its influence in multilateral institutions.

…guess who'll step up big time to take their place as a leading force for global multilateral organizations? — it will be China!

…when the great USA withdraws from these global organizations and doesn’t want to pay their fees etc. it just means, China can now go about providing a global leadership role in these organizations without any interference from the USA. If you can’t count on your traditional allies and partners like the USA who else will step up big time in supporting small island states like the Pacific?

In an editorial, Samoa Observer called out Trump for dismissing the devastating impact of climate change.

For Trump, climate change is a hoax, for Pacific nations like Samoa, it is a reality we are living in. Maybe the Los Angeles fires and the hurricanes last year are not enough for one of the world’s richest men to realise that it is not a hoax.

A former Fiji minister posted on X that Pacific residents will continue to fight for a climate-resilient future.

President Trump has today signed an executive order for USA’s withdrawal from the Paris (Climate) Treaty. Our commitment to fighting for a climate resilient future for all Fijians and Pacific Islanders will not be diminished by this.

— Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (@AiyazSKFiji) January 21, 2025

Perhaps Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. should extend another invitation to Trump to snorkel in the waters of the Pacific and witness the degradation of the ecosystem caused by climate change. In December 2024, Surangel Whipps Jr told the media about his proposal to invite Trump to the next meeting of Pacific leaders.

I would very much like to bring [Trump] to Palau if he can. That would be a fantastic opportunity to take him snorkelling and see the impacts. See the islands that are disappearing because of sea level rise, see the taro swamps that are being invaded.

The decision is also causing waves in the US, where several politicians and environmental advocates are pushing back on Trump's decision. US Billionaire Michael Bloomberg has also announced he will step in to personally fund the Paris Climate Agreement, matching the amount the US has withdrawn.

Written by Mong Palatino

Officials must balance urbanization with environmental protection

Originally published on Global Voices

Sasol Secunda Facility emissions. Image by AntimatterMachine from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed).

By Grace Kobare

African cities are growing rapidly, with over 65 percent of the continent's population expected to live in urban areas by 2060. However, while increased urbanization can create many economic and social benefits, it also comes with downsides. For instance, a recent report by Greenpeace revealed that South Africa is among the top air polluters on the continent. 

Air pollution occurs when harmful pollutants are released into the air, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment. It remains a top global environmental health concern, particularly in densely populated urban areas. In South Africa, air pollution is the second largest health risk, responsible for 25,800 early deaths in 2019. Urban air pollution harms individual health, and places additional strain on South Africa's already overburdened healthcare system, reducing productivity while also discouraging tourism and foreign investment. 

Contributing factors

Ranked as the 12th-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, South Africa's emission crisis is primarily driven by its energy sector. The country hosts six of the world’s 10 largest nitrogen dioxide emission hotspots and nine of Africa’s 10 largest nitrogen dioxide point sources.

South Africa is also home to two of the world’s largest sulfur dioxide emission hotspots and four significant sulfur dioxide point sources. In the southern African region, emissions of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (such as industrial solvents) are predominantly linked to the energy sector. Meanwhile, residential fuel combustion for heating and cooking is the primary contributor to black carbon emissions, also known as soot, which can cause immediate health impacts.

Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, produced from the high-temperature combustion of fossil fuels, are major pollutants with well-documented public health risks. Prolonged or acute exposure to these gases poses serious health concerns. Nitrogen dioxide has been linked to long-term asthma risks and the exacerbation of respiratory conditions, while sulfur dioxide is primarily associated with asthma-related hospital admissions.

In low- and middle-income countries, approximately 85 percent of particulate matter originates from biomass combustion. This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where about 70 percent of low-income households depend on polluting fuels, such as wood, paraffin, and coal, for domestic energy needs like cooking and space heating. This reliance contributes significantly to household air pollution (HAP).

HAP increases the risk of stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer, with women and children being most vulnerable due to prolonged indoor exposure. Specific fuels determine health outcomes; biomass smoke is linked to chronic bronchitis and COPD, while coal smoke elevates lung cancer risk. Even paraffin, considered cleaner, impairs lung function and worsens asthma. In South Africa, HAP remains a critical public health issue. 

Additionally, transportation is another major contributor to pollution in South Africa, with over five million cars on the roads in Johannesburg alone, each releasing harmful gases into the air. Many vehicles rely on outdated technologies, and refueling systems are often not modernized. Also, heavy dependence on personal vehicles, along with significant use of buses and trucks, results in high levels of traffic-related emissions. 

As reported by the Daily Maverick, another key source of air pollution is industrial hubs near urban centers, such as the Mpumalanga Highveld and the Vaal Triangle, which are major sources of pollutants like PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide due to coal mining and coal-fired power stations. In 2022, the South African High Court ruled that the poor air quality in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) violates citizens’ constitutional right to an environment that is safe for their health and well-being.

The country's growing energy demands, industrial activities, and transportation needs driven by urban growth make rapid urbanization a significant contributor to increasing air pollution in South Africa. Johannesburg, for example, is on track to become a megacity by 2030. Its rapid expansion intensifies emissions from sectors like electricity generation, which heavily relies on fossil fuels, as well as the transport and metals industries. These activities release harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrous oxides, and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for safe air quality. 

According to a 2015 research conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP,) South Africa has Minimum Emissions Standards (MES) for industries, but enforcement is inconsistent, and air quality monitoring is unevenly distributed. Approximately 40 percent of the population lacks access to air quality monitoring within a 25 kilometer (15.53 mile) radius, hindering effective evidence-based interventions.

Solutions

Potential solutions to South Africa’s air pollution problem include expanding renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on coal, which could significantly improve air quality. Enhancing public transport infrastructure to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, implementing green building standards, and creating urban green spaces can help mitigate pollution and its effects. Additionally, strengthening regulations under the Air Quality Act of 2004 and promoting cleaner industrial practices are crucial for achieving long-term improvements.

South African officials are working with organizations like the Clean Air Fund and UNEP through campaigns, policy recommendations, and partnerships with local governments and communities. These collaborations aim to address systemic challenges and promote sustainable urban growth.

For example, in 2023, the Clean Air Fund began its air pollution initiatives in South Africa, building on its broader work across African cities in partnership with C40 Cities. As noted in this report, Johannesburg joined the Breathe Cities initiative, receiving technical support, capacity building, and community engagement to implement clean air measures that could save 2,800 lives and USD 640 million (ZAR 12 billion) by 2040.

In Cape Town, the UrbanBetter Citizens for Clean Air Campaign empowered young runners to collect air quality data and advocate for clean air policies. Additionally, a collaboration with Climate Visuals produced a free photo collection spotlighting communities most affected by air pollution in Johannesburg and the Highveld. By engaging local leaders, community groups, and academic institutions, Clean Fund aims to advance sustainable, locally-led solutions and address the widespread impact of air pollution across South Africa.

Air pollution in South African cities highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts in policy reform, public awareness, and sustainable urban development to balance rapid urbanization with environmental protection. Addressing this challenge requires collective action from policymakers, businesses, and citizens to tackle root causes, support regulatory measures, and implement solutions like cleaner energy and better urban planning. By coming together to demand change and take concrete steps, South Africa has a vital opportunity to curb air pollution and safeguard public health and the environment.

Written by Guest Contributor

In the summer of 2024, Russian social media was flooded with advertisements promoting egg donation in China.

Originally published on Global Voices

Photo by Luma Pimentel on Unsplash. Free to use under an Unsplash License.

In the summer of 2024, Russian social media was flooded with advertisements promoting egg donation in China. Healthy, attractive young women taller than 162 cm were promised several thousand dollars for their biological material. In addition to the payment, donors were offered free flights to another country, accommodation in luxurious hotels, and gourmet meals. However, there was one catch — commercial egg donation is illegal in China. People of Baikal (Ludi Baikala) investigated the workings of the underground market selling Russian eggs. A translated and edited version is republished on Global Voices with permission.

The interview

Anna, a 22-year-old Moscow resident (name changed at her request), prepared for her interview with the family of potential buyers as instructed by her agent. She applied minimal makeup, as Chinese people prefer natural beauty. She let her long, dark hair fall over her shoulders, tucking it behind her ears to create the appearance of prominent ears — a feature considered attractive in China. The interview was conducted via video call with a translator. However, only Anna’s camera was turned on, so the buyers could see her, but she could not see them.

The interview began with standard questions: height, weight, blood type, and family background. This was Anna’s sixth such interview, so she knew how to behave: always smile, tell the truth when answers can be easily verified, and embellish where necessary. For example, she added five years to her grandmother’s age because Chinese clients value donors with long-living relatives. Anna was asked to walk in front of the camera, stand in a doorway to show her physique and height, and display her teeth.

This time, the couple asked Anna several unexpected questions. What grades did she get in math at school? Did she enjoy her work? 

Two days later, the agent told Anna that she had been chosen for donation, meaning she would be flying to China within a week.

Anna's story begins

In April 2024, Anna, a part-time student and designer, came across an Instagram video. The video resembled a travel advertisement, with scenes of sightseeing and dining. The girl also showed off US dollar bills, claiming donors could make between USD 3,000 and 7,000. The video was posted by an agency recruiting women for egg donation abroad, primarily in China. It stated that candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old, neither too thin nor too fat, and free of bad habits and hereditary diseases.

Anna was intrigued by the opportunity to earn money and visit Asia for free. Moreover, she had already donated eggs six times in Russia without complications, earning up to RUB 100,000 (USD 1,300) per procedure. However, there was one major obstacle: while egg donation for money is legal in Russia, it is prohibited in China.

Anna spent a month deliberating whether to take the risk and apply. In May, she decided to apply to the agency. Anna quickly received a response from a manager asking her to send photos. She was then asked to fill out a questionnaire about her age, height, weight, education, blood type, the dates of her upcoming menstrual cycle, and a brief biography. 

The Chinese family was found by an agent she had met through the donor chat.

The process unfolds quickly

Egg donors must undergo a course of hormonal stimulation. This treatment aims to retrieve more eggs than during a regular ovulation cycle. The hormonal stimulation begins on the second day of the donor’s menstrual cycle and is performed in China. Clients are unwilling to wait, so Anna’s visa was expedited, and tickets were booked within four days. She also underwent various tests.

The underground market for Russian eggs

In July 2024, the RTVI Telegram channel noticed a surge in identical Instagram videos advertising egg donation in China.

People of Baikal identified at least 18 Instagram accounts advertising egg donation in China. These accounts showcased images of cash bundles, new iPhones, and MacBooks purchased with the earnings. They also framed donation as a way to “help childless couples who have lost hope of conceiving naturally.” Women from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan were targeted as potential donors.

Many agency employees have no medical background. For example, one video from the account “Da Donation” features a manager who worked as an eyelash extension specialist from 2018 to 2020, according to her Instagram activity. On the website of “Sunshine Egg Donation Agency,” the listed IVF medical expert is a business coach with a degree from the Volgograd branch of the Soviet Trade Institute. The coordinator for prospective parents previously worked as an astrologer. None of these representatives responded to requests for interviews.

Who chooses ‘Slavic eggs?’

The cost of egg donation depends on various factors. Women can set their price, but agents usually help them assess their value based on market conditions and their personal attributes.

First and foremost, clients prioritize physical appearance — height, weight, fair skin, and blemish-free complexion. Chinese clients generally dislike birthmarks, freckles, and red hair. Tattoos, false eyelashes, and fillers also reduce the likelihood of being chosen. Fashion trends for donor appearance evolve; currently, “cuteness” and “femininity” are in demand. Agencies encourage women to send photos wearing dresses and smiling.

Higher payments are offered to donors with prestigious university degrees, foreign language skills, or artistic talents, as clients hope their children will inherit these traits.

It's not the just the women who make money: according to Anna, her agent earned USD 2,000 for every donor who completed a program.

Why is China’s underground egg market growing

In 2020, the Chinese newspaper The Paper reported that university students were alarmed by ads for egg donation plastered on the walls of women’s restrooms. A reporter posed as a prospective donor and contacted the agency listed in the ad. They explained that “egg girls” or “egg sisters” were categorized by quality. Women from top universities could earn up to CNY 40,000 (USD 5,500), while donors with average looks and no higher education received CNY 10,000–20,000 (USD 1,400–2,800). 

Contracts are not signed with donors because buying and selling eggs is illegal in China. However, the business persists, despite authorities’ efforts to remove advertisements. This is because legal egg procurement for IVF is almost impossible in the country.

According to a 2003 circular from the Chinese Ministry of Health, only leftover eggs from IVF patients may be used, and only by married women with documented infertility. This has created long waiting lists, forcing many families to turn to underground agencies. By 2021, there were more than 400 clandestine agencies in China, according to  Chinese media outlet CCTV.

Egg retrieval and a health scare

Anna’s program took place in Chongqing, a city of 32 million people in southwestern China. She stayed in a hotel room with panoramic windows on the 18th floor. A young Chinese assistant hired by her agent drove her to all appointments, communicating through a translator app.

When Anna’s period began, she visited a clinic for a series of tests. Afterward, a nurse visited her hotel daily at 4 p.m. to administer hormonal injections. The program restricted alcohol, smoking, exercise, and sex, but Anna was otherwise free.  

The hormonal stimulation lasted 10 days. On the day of the egg retrieval, Anna’s assistant took her to a residential area instead of a clinic. Her phone and documents were taken, and a sticker with Chinese characters was placed on her arm. Alongside four Chinese women, Anna entered a tinted white van. Unable to see outside, she felt anxious.

“I started to panic a bit, thinking they were going to sell my organs. But seeing the local women chatting and laughing calmed me down. I figured if they were coming too, everything would be okay,” she said.

The van stopped directly at a building entrance, leading to a staircase. At the top, Anna found an operating room and recovery wards. “It was some kind of makeshift clinic — definitely underground. That scared me because the checkups were in good hospitals. I assumed the retrieval would happen there,” she said.

Under anesthesia, Anna’s eggs were retrieved using a needle guided by ultrasound. She woke up half an hour later and was taken back to meet her agent. Her belongings were returned, and she was given IV fluids at a legitimate hospital. However, severe abdominal pain struck later that night.

Back to the hospital

“I couldn’t move — I just lay there in excruciating pain. My abdomen was swollen, and I could barely breathe. It was the worst night of my life. In Moscow, I would be back to normal immediately after the procedure. I’d never experienced anything like this,” Anna recalled.

The next morning, she was taken to a hospital, where she vomited while her blood pressure was being checked. After another round of IV fluids, her symptoms began to subside, and by evening, she felt better. 

Four days after the procedure, Anna flew back to Moscow. Despite not signing any contracts with the agency, she received her promised USD 7,000 in cash upon returning. 

A Chinese doctor suggested that Anna’s severe symptoms might have been a reaction to anesthesia, but Anna suspected ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). 

Even minimally invasive procedures like egg retrieval carry risks. “There can be allergic reactions, post-retrieval bleeding, or ovarian hyperstimulation. Can a donor be absolutely sure she will receive proper emergency care? And who will take responsibility for complications if the donor returns to her home country? She ends up alone with her problems,” said reproductive specialist Nadezhda Veryaeva.

Anna discussed her condition with her agent, who said mild forms of OHSS are common in China, possibly because doctors use higher doses of medications to ensure results. People of Baikal found no reports of Russian donors suffering severe complications in China. However, there are documented cases involving Chinese donors. For instance, in 2017, a high school girl nearly died after selling 21 eggs on the black market. In 2019, a university student was hospitalized with severe OHSS after attempting to use the money to buy a new iPhone.

Competition among donors 

Recently, competition among donors has intensified, driving down prices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel was restricted, agencies paid top dollar for donors from Russia. But with China reopening its borders in 2023, the influx of new candidates has caused a drop in fees.

There also exist donor agencies in Cambodia, Laos, Cyprus, and Georgia, the latter becoming a hotspot for surrogacy tourism after it was banned for foreigners in Russia. Most clients in these countries are also Chinese. The market is expanding into Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where surrogacy and egg donation are legal.

In spite of her previous unpleasant experience, Anna went to China again. This time, she was promised USD 8000 — a sum she would never receive in Russia — so, even with the risks, Anna decided she would do it again.

Written by Baikal People Journal

The controversial legal conclusion notwithstanding, this matter remains unresolved in the eyes of environmentalists and governance advocates

Originally published on Global Voices

Feature image via Canva Pro.

This article was first published on Global Voices’ contributor Emma Lewis’ blog; an edited version appears below with permission.

We are not satisfied: that is the message from a large group of civil society organisations and individuals in an Open Letter to Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the extraordinary behaviour of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the government agency responsible for enforcing justice with regard to environmental crimes.

NEPA’s announcement in court on November 27, 2024, that it was withdrawing criminal charges against Trade Winds Citrus Limited for a December 2023 oil spill in the Rio Cobre that affected the water supply of neighbouring communities, was greeted with surprise and condemnation from many corners of society. The media started talking about a “secret deal” between NEPA and the company; the details of the mediation agreement were not even revealed to the judge in court because of a non-disclosure clause.

Subsequently, NEPA Chairman Weldon Madden was asked to resign, while Matthew Samuda, the minister with responsibility for the environment, issued a statement that “the Government of Jamaica is not satisfied that the issue was handled at the Board leadership level with the required standards of transparency and openness.” Under considerable pressure, details of the Mediation Settlement Agreement were finally published on NEPA’s website, where a Chronology of Events from the oil spill can also be found.

Jamaica's rivers — including the Rio Cobre — have often been under siege from industrial pollution. In 2021, The Rio Cobre suffered a spill of caustic effluent from the nearby bauxite plant – and this incident was not the first time. The West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco), which runs the plant, was a repeat offender that “received multiple breach notices” and were, at the time, “defendants in a legal case filed by NEPA over a 2019 discharge into the river which resulted in a massive fish kill and several persons falling ill.” Windalco later tried to restock the river with fish, but the transparency of that process was also called into question.

In this most recent case, there are a number of issues arising that warrant further investigation. NEPA’s comment, relayed by Minister Samuda, that it determined withdrawing the case was justified based on “the limited material impact of the incident and the comprehensive cleanup undertaken” has given some environmentalists pause. Whether the damage caused by the oil spill was extensive or not, and regardless of how many fish were killed or not, the issue goes beyond that. Trade Winds Citrus Limited committed an environmental crime, which NEPA was prosecuting with the go-ahead from the DPP since the crime does not amount to a few dead fish; rather, it has an impact on nearby communities and the ecosystem in general, which many feel were hardly taken into consideration.

Will this be NEPA’s modus operandi going forward? And if it is “business as usual,” then what does that consist of? The Open Letter, signed by 39 groups and individuals, including the Jamaica Environment Trust, Friends of Rio Cobre, Freedom Imaginaries, Jamaicans for Justice, Stand Up For Jamaica, Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal, and Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council, outlined these and other concerns to the DPP.

“Under the fiat granted by your office,” it said, “the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the administrative arm of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), is tasked with prosecuting environmental crimes. NEPA’s decision, however, to pursue mediation in this case raises serious questions about its commitment to environmental justice. We now urgently request a comprehensive investigation by your office into NRCA/NEPA’s actions. This is critical to restoring public confidence in environmental law enforcement and ensuring that agencies with prosecutorial powers act at all times in the public’s interest.”

Some of the issues identified included the fact that mediation was pursued in this case. “[I]ntended for compromise between private parties,” it said, the approach was “unsuitable for holding environmental offenders accountable, especially where there is significant public impact and public interest. It undermines deterrence and signals leniency toward environmental crimes.” The letter also criticised NEPA's narrow focus, which “prioritised the fish kill while disregarding the broader impacts of the oil spill on the river ecology, river users and the surrounding communities.”

Furthermore, NEPA dropped the case “based on vague assurances from TWCL, including commitments to best practices and collaboration, which lack clear enforcement mechanisms.” The signatories took this as a demonstration of “a lack of interest in prosecuting environmental crimes and a lack of intent to hold environmental offenders accountable within the criminal justice system,” especially when coupled with the fact that the agreement prevents “legal action by either party” and prohibits NEPA from assisting communities who may want to bring action against TWCL. This clause, it maintained, “stifles the communities’ and the public’s rights to seek justice, undermining and betraying public trust in environmental governance and the administration of justice.”

The group statement also alleges a lack of transparency or meaningful consultation with the affected communities, an exclusion that “denies stakeholders of their right to participate in the resolution of a matter directly impacting their lives and environment. The inclusion of a confidentiality clause in the mediation agreement, intended to shield its terms from public and judicial scrutiny, is unacceptable given the public nature and significant interest in this offence.”

The controversial legal conclusion notwithstanding, this matter remains unresolved in the eyes of environmentalists and governance advocates: “The public deserves full transparency and public accountability regarding NEPA’s decision-making processes and assurance that environmental laws will be enforced openly, vigorously and with due regard for environmental law standards, principles and best practices.

“Environmental crimes demand robust legal action — not alternative resolutions that fail to deliver justice or protection of natural resources. We urge your office to revisit this case, investigate NEPA’s actions, and undertake a long overdue broader review of NEPA’s prosecutorial effectiveness to strengthen environmental governance.”

Written by Emma Lewis

The challenges include, lack of good roads, language barriers and misinformation

Originally published on Global Voices

A nurse vaccinates a baby in Accra, Ghana, in 2020. Image is public domain

By Keletso Thobega

As of August 2020, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, a disease that had previously paralyzed thousands of children across the continent each year. This was a major milestone in the fight against polio, which began with the World Health Organization's Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. This initiative led to a 99 percent decrease in new polio cases globally.

However, a new vaccine-derived mutation of this virus has emerged in Southern Africa, largely linked to low immunization coverage.

In an online interview with Global Voices, some health experts working on the continent highlighted several challenges hindering the complete eradication of polio. They emphasized that successful eradication efforts must go beyond vaccination campaigns to include strengthening supply chain systems, ensuring that polio education and vaccines reach even the most remote and rural communities across Africa.

Village Reach, a non-profit organization that focuses on improving health products and services’ accessibility in low-income and low-resource communities, shared insights on why and how they strengthened their supply chain systems.

Luciana Maxim, director of Health Supply Chain and Lab System Strengthening at Village Reach, told Global Voices that at the end of 2021, they received funding from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to conduct national assessments of the lab sample referral and transport system for polio in several countries across Africa. According to Maxim, many areas in Africa — particularly rural areas — have poor transport infrastructure, which makes it challenging to reach the communities.

For example, in some areas, some roads have potholes or are unpaved, making it difficult for vehicles to get there. In these places, healthcare workers must find other ways to distribute vaccines, which might take significant time or money, such as through bicycles or helicopters.

The same logistical challenges occur regarding the timeliness and quality of transportation for lab samples, including human and environmental samples suspected of polio. These challenges make it difficult for healthcare workers to meet WHO guidelines that infected samples should be transported to a national or international polio lab within three days of specimen collection. 

Tsedeye Girma, UNICEF’s global polio outbreak response coordinator, told Global Voices that depending on the context, they used various modes of transport to get polio vaccines to the most remote health facilities. “This includes refrigerated trucks, motorcycles, boats, pack animals, and also by foot,” she said. She added that in some countries, like Malawi and Mozambique, they have even used drones to deliver vaccines. 

Girma detailed how the recent vaccine-derived polio cases in Southern Africa were swiftly contained:

Once wild polio was detected again particularly in Malawi and Mozambique in early 2022, everyone went into emergency mode to contain these outbreaks. It was imperative to get samples to the labs as soon as possible, to raise awareness at the community and health worker level, and to catch up all children on their routine immunizations post-COVID19.  We were part of these efforts, and the wild polio outbreaks were contained quickly that same year, she noted. 

Maxim pointed out that 13 out of the 15 countries where they have been working since have experienced vaccine-derived polio outbreaks. A vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare strain of poliovirus that evolves from the weakened live virus used in the oral polio vaccine (OPV). This live virus is designed to stimulate the immune system and build protection against polio. However, if it circulates in under- or unimmunized populations for long enough or replicates in an individual with an immune deficiency, it can mutate and regain the ability to cause disease.

Maxim added:

We quickly realized that, in order to help suppress outbreaks, we need an integrated approach that ensures samples for all outbreak-prone diseases reach labs within days. We took every opportunity to integrate resources, staff and data across diseases and across health system functions.

Girma said it is critical to build a decentralised presence and ties with communities. 

She explained:

We take a community-centric approach in engaging local communities as active partners in the fight to end polio. We recruited and trained thousands of local community members including traditional leaders, religious leaders, polio survivors, women groups, youth, and other community influential people to work as polio outreach workers and mobilizers.

Most households in Africa have women as breadwinners, and the majority of polio community mobilizers have been women, which is critical in areas where cultural norms restrict their male healthcare workers from entering households with only women.

This approach makes all the difference in getting the message across and ensuring children get vaccinated, Girma added. 

To enhance the reach of the vaccination campaigns, UNICEF and other stakeholders have made efforts to craft messages in a multitude of local languages, but the language barrier in polio vaccine campaigns persists. These messages are often broadcasted through megaphones by town announcers and mobile public announcement vans that traverse from one community to another.

Vaccine misinformation also remains a significant barrier to reaching children. Girma said that community mobilizers play a key role, addressing parents’ and caregivers’ concerns about vaccines during visits. 

“We also use social listening tools to track and counter false information about vaccines both online and offline. UNICEF’s digital community engagement program mobilizes over 70,000 online volunteers worldwide to counter misinformation and provide accurate and timely information about vaccines.” Some of the common falsehoods they encounter include claims that vaccines are painful and cause illness, weaken the immune system, are designed to harm young people, or are not culturally or religiously acceptable.

In a message to mark World Polio Day 2024, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, reported that 134 cases of polio type 2 had been detected in 2024 alone as of September 5. The circulating variant was identified in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.

As polio eradication efforts continue, Maxim and Girma express hope that governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations will collaborate to combat vaccine misinformation. They also stress the importance of prioritizing funding to strengthen supply chain systems, ensuring equitable access to vaccines and healthcare services across the continent.

Written by Guest Contributor