Access to electricity in rural areas of Western and Central Africa is a big problem and it is projected to be very low compared to Latin America and Caribbean rural areas. Based on the data provided, from 2035 to 2050, although an increase expected, the access to electricity in the rural region it is still very low when compared to Latin America/Caribbean.
Although both Latin America/Caribbean and West/Central Africa are known for being emerging economies experiencing economic growth and development, and face problems with lack of electricity access in rural regions, there are some key differences between these two regions that make the gap even more significant; Latin America/Caribbean is home to some of the largest economies in the world such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina and is making a lot of progress in the last few years. On the other hand, West/Central Africa is a more diverse region with a wider range of economies. Some countries in the region, such as Nigeria and Ghana, have relatively strong economies, while others, such as Sierra Leone and Liberia, are still struggling to recover from conflict and instability.
Based on the data provided, it is possible to track that the percentage of rural population with access to electricity in Western and Central Africa in the coming years it is still below 20%, while for Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to reach almost 80% in 2065. This evidences that progress in this matter for the Western and Central Africa region is much slower.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the significant discrepancy of access to electricity in rural areas of Western and Central Africa, including:
High costs of connecting rural areas to the electricity grid
Many rural areas are located in remote and difficult-to-access areas
Lack of political will to invest in providing access to electricity in rural areas
Limited resources available in many countries of Western and Central Africa
However, there are a number of opportunities for increasing access to electricity in rural areas and with continued investment in renewable energy technologies, off-grid solutions, and growing political commitment to universal access, it is possible to close this gap in the coming years.
Some of the proposed solutions are for providing more access to electricity in such regions are off-grid alternatives, which are listed below:
Solar home systems to provide electricity for basic household needs, such as lighting, charging phones, and running small appliances.
Solar lanterns, a type of solar light that is powered by a solar panel. It is portable and affordable and can be used reading, studying, and working.
Microgrids are small-scale electricity grids that are not connected to the main power grid which are powered by a variety of sources, including solar, wind, and biomass to provide electricity to a community or a group of households in a rural area.
Biomass-powered generator uses wood, crop residues, or animal manure. It is considered a more sustainable way to generate electricity than traditional fossil fuel generators, however, it can be more expensive to operate.
Although there is still a lot of work to be done in order to improve electricity access to the population living in the rural regions, especially of Western and Central Africa, some off-grid solutions have been already implemented and studies show that these solutions have been effective.
The World Bank found that solar home systems have a positive impact on education and health outcomes in rural areas of Africa as children are more likely to attend school and complete their education. Additionally, they are also less likely to suffer from diseases that are exacerbated by lack of electricity, such as malaria and respiratory infections. Another study by the African Development Bank (AfDB) found that microgrids have a positive impact on the quality of life in rural areas of Africa as households are more likely to have access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. They are also more likely to be connected to the internet and have access to digital services. Finally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that biomass-powered generators have a positive impact on the environment in rural areas of Africa. They produce fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuel generators and also help to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable development.
Finally, some recommendations for increasing access to electricity in rural areas of Latin America and the Caribbean and especially Western and Central Africa are related to governmental actions. Governments and private investors should continue to invest in renewable energy technologies as its cost has been falling in recent years, making it more affordable. Additionally, governments in these regions should build political will by raising awareness of the economic and social benefits of access to electricity, especially for rural areas. Finally, governments should also create enabling environments for the deployment of renewable energy technologies and off-grid solutions. This includes providing clear and predictable policies, regulations, and incentives for renewable energy and off-grid solutions.
By taking these steps, it is possible to increase access to electricity in rural areas of Western and Central Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. This will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in these regions.
Africa, the vast and diverse continent, often referred to as the “source and cemetery of youth,” encapsulates a multitude of contradictions and complexities. With a population that is predominantly young, Africa possesses an extraordinary potential for growth and development. However, it also faces numerous challenges that hinder the realisation of this potential. (as shown in the below visualisation, Africa is the youngest continent).
The phrase “cemetery of youth” highlights the harsh realities that many young Africans face. High levels of children employment, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and political instability contribute to a significant number of youth feeling trapped and disenfranchised. Moreover, issues such as poverty, conflict, and the impact of climate change further exacerbate the challenges faced by Africa’s youth.
First, poor primary school education in Africa remains a pressing issue that hampers the continent’s development. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers contribute to a subpar learning experience for many children. High student-to-teacher ratios, outdated curricula, and a lack of access to quality educational materials further exacerbate the problem. This educational disadvantage perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality, hindering the full realisation of Africa’s human potential. Addressing the challenges in primary education is crucial for empowering future generations, breaking the cycle of poverty, and fostering sustainable development across the continent. In addition, the practice of child labor persists in Africa, with numerous children engaged in hazardous and exploitative work. Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and weak labor regulations contribute to this issue (as shown in the below visualisation Africa represents the lowest percentage of primary school enrolment as well the highest child labor % between 0-14).
Second, Africa continues to grapple with low life expectancy and alarmingly high mortality rates among children, reflecting significant health challenges faced by the continent. Factors such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential medical services, and widespread poverty contribute to this grim reality. Infectious diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and respiratory infections pose significant threats, while malnutrition and lack of clean water exacerbate the situation. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive healthcare systems, improved access to healthcare facilities, and targeted interventions to prevent and treat prevalent diseases. By investing in healthcare, Africa can reduce mortality rates, enhance life expectancy, and pave the way for a healthier future. (as shown in the below visualisation Africa represents the highest child mortality rate as well as the lowest life expectancy at time of birth).
Finally, early marriage remains a significant challenge for women in Africa. Cultural practices, poverty, and limited access to education perpetuate this harmful practice, denying girls their rights, hindering their personal development, and contributing to a cycle of inequality and gender-based discrimination. (Also, Africa represents the highest rate of women who were married first at age of 15 among all other continents).
To address the above problems in Africa, comprehensive solutions are needed. These include strengthening education systems, promoting awareness of children’s rights, implementing and enforcing labor laws, empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities, and investing in healthcare infrastructure and preventive measures to combat prevalent diseases.
In conclusion, Africa’s youth simultaneously embody hope and struggle. They possess the power to shape the destiny of the continent, but they also face significant barriers that impede their progress. Recognising and investing in Africa’s young generation is essential for unlocking Africa’s true potential and creating a brighter future for all.
In the least developed countries across the world, balancing the number of newborn and the unfortunate number of infants who pass away remains a challenge. These regions often face the difficult challenge of high birth rates, which contribute to an explosive population growth that strains their already limited resources. However, reducing infant mortality proves to be a crucial challenge. Today, we will discuss the complex and pressing issue of finding a balance between birth rates and infant mortality in the least developed countries, seeking to highlight the societal, economic, and health implications of this delicate balance.
According to word bank data, the average global infant mortality rate for 2021 is 45 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, in least developed countries, the average infant mortality rate is generally much higher, at 73 deaths per 1,000 live births. For example, in Guinea, the average infant mortality is 134 deaths per 1,000 live births which is double the rate seen in the least developed countries. On the other hand, we can clearly observe the low average of infant mortality rate in developed countries. Taking the European Union as an example, the average rate is just 5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The high average rate of infant mortality can be attributed to various factors, such as inadequate healthcare quality, poor maternal health, political instability, exemplified by South Sudan and limited access to clean water, particularly in certain African countries.
To address the high average rate of infant mortality associated with these highlighted factors, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and quality in affected regions is crucial. This can be achieved by investing in medical facilities, providing training for healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies and equipment. Moreover, improving maternal health can be achieved through educational program and accessible prenatal care, which significantly contribute to reducing the infant mortality rates. Efforts should also be made to provide clean water access to communities, especially in some African countries, by implementing clean water initiatives and supporting infrastructure development. Finally, promoting stability and peace in regions like South Sudan can create a favorable environment for healthcare improvements and access to essential services.
Several countries have already taken steps to improve their healthcare systems, including investments in infrastructure, expanding vaccination coverage, and enhancing prenatal care and skilled birth attendance. For example, Lebanon achieved a significant 39% reduction in infant mortality over a decade by implementing improvements in their healthcare sector.
In conclusion, ensuring access to quality healthcare is a key strategy to reduce infant mortality rates. To accomplish this, it is essential to support the collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as international organizations, to improve the healthcare systems. Furthermore, efforts should be directed towards training local healthcare workers, strengthening the supply chain, and facilitating access to clean water. To transform these recommendations into tangible and long-lasting solutions, a steady commitment is necessary, along with consistent support from developed countries.
In a world where infant and neonatal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, We need to highlight this global problem and demand immediate attention specifically in Lebanon. Infant mortality rates are elevated worldwide, stemming from various causes, including complications during childbirth, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access. Evidence showed that in Lebanon the highest number of deaths are infant and neonatal, therefore we need to implement the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this issue and improve healthcare access for infants such as strengthening maternal and prenatal care, improving neonatal care to ensure the well-being of newborns, enhancing immunization programs to protect infants from preventable diseases and promoting breastfeeding continually by provide resources and guidance to mothers. To test whether the strategies will be successful, we need to ensure that the data was collected and analyzed by the program’s end. Monitor infant mortality rates in Lebanon, assess healthcare access and utilization, and evaluate immunization coverage and breastfeeding rates. By implementing the mentioned strategies, the possibility of decreased infant and neonatal mortality will be 20% in Lebanon therefore in the world too, we feel that this demonstrates the success of our strategies and that we should not only continue to offer them but also expand our research and move forward and take it internationally.
Problem:
The number of deaths around the world, with a particular focus on infant & neonatal deaths, is a significant concern , and Focusing on Lebanon for the year 2019-2021 the highest-rated deaths are infant & neonatal deaths.
Problem Evidence:
Infant mortality rates remain high in many countries, indicating a pressing issue that requires attention. Statistics reveal that infants are particularly vulnerable to various causes of death, including complications during childbirth, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and lack of access to healthcare.
Potential Solution:
Implement comprehensive strategies to reduce infant mortality rates and improve healthcare access and outcomes for infants globally.
Solution Details:
Strengthen maternal and prenatal care: Enhance healthcare services for pregnant women, including regular check-ups, prenatal vitamins, and access to skilled birth attendants to ensure safe deliveries.
Improve neonatal care: Invest in neonatal intensive care units, equipment, and trained medical personnel to provide specialized care for newborns with critical conditions.
Enhance immunization programs: Develop and implement comprehensive immunization programs to protect infants from preventable diseases.
Promote breastfeeding: Educate and support mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding, ensuring access to resources and guidance for successful breastfeeding practices.
Improve nutrition interventions: Implement targeted nutrition programs to address malnutrition in infants, focusing on adequate breastfeeding, balanced diets, and nutrient supplementation.
Solution Validation:
Monitor infant mortality rates: Track and analyze infant & neonatal mortality rates globally and compare them with previous years to assess the effectiveness of implemented interventions.
Evaluate healthcare access and utilization: Assess the availability, accessibility, and utilization of healthcare services by mothers and infants to ensure equitable access and identify areas for improvement.
Monitor immunization coverage: Measure and monitor the coverage and effectiveness of immunization programs to determine their impact on reducing infant & neonatal deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Measure breastfeeding rates: Monitor and evaluate breastfeeding rates to determine the success of efforts in promoting breastfeeding practices and improving infant nutrition.
Recommendations/Findings:
Strengthen health systems: Invest in healthcare infrastructure, train healthcare professionals, and ensure access to essential medicines and medical equipment.
Increase education and awareness: Conduct campaigns to educate communities, particularly mothers and caregivers, about the importance of prenatal and neonatal care, immunization, breastfeeding, and nutrition.
Foster partnerships: Collaborate with international organizations, governments, and NGOs to leverage resources, expertise, and best practices for reducing infant mortality rates globally.
Collect and analyze data: Establish robust data collection systems to gather accurate and timely information on infant & neonatal deaths and their causes, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Many countries consider unemployment a significant social issue that contributes to suicide. It seems that when unemployment rate increases, so does the suicide rate in a sample of selected countries. This correlation is evident when examining a selected sample of countries. For instance, in Lesotho, a country struggling with one of the highest suicide mortality rates, there also exists a high level of unemployment. Alternatively, countries like Kuwait demonstrate both low unemployment and suicide rates. This evidence underscores the need for governments to address this problem head-on by focusing on job creation and economic recovery.
To combat the adverse effects of unemployment on mental well-being, implementing policies that foster job growth and skill development is paramount. By promoting initiatives that stimulate employment opportunities and nurture a skilled workforce, countries can effectively reduce their unemployment rates, consequently mitigating the associated risk of suicide. Furthermore, it is imperative to establish robust support systems, such as mental health counseling services and community resources, to assist individuals facing distress from unemployment.
Notably, Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman have successfully managed to mitigate the effects of unemployment on suicide rates. These countries have remarkably low levels of both unemployment and suicide. Such positive outcomes serve as powerful evidence that higher unemployment rates directly contribute to an increase in suicide mortality rates. It is crucial for policymakers to recognize and act upon these findings, prioritizing job creation, economic stability, and mental health support systems simultaneously.
In conclusion, the close correlation between unemployment and suicide rates necessitates immediate action. Policymakers should make it a priority to implement comprehensive strategies for job creation and economic stability. Simultaneously, investing in mental health support systems is crucial to addressing the emotional toll that unemployment can take on individuals. By taking decisive measures to address these issues, societies can foster a brighter future where individuals are empowered with opportunities, resilience,and ultimately reducing the impact of unemployment on suicide mortality rates.
