by aed05 | Nov 20, 2023 | Dashboard, Visualization
In 2020, Lebanon witnessed a substantial decrease in the percentage of immunization against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT), Hepatitis B (HepB3), and measles among children aged 12-23 months. After more than ten years of stability, the immunization rate dropped to 67% in 2021, marking its lowest point in recent history.
Standing Out in a Global Context of Decline:
While middle-income and low-income countries experienced a decrease in immunization percentages in 2019 and 2020, Lebanon stood out with the most significant decline. Comparatively, when pitted against low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries, Lebanon witnessed the highest decrease in the percentages of DPT, Measles, and HepB3 immunization during these pivotal years.
This raises crucial questions about the specific factors contributing to Lebanon’s distinct challenges in maintaining essential childhood vaccination rates.
Economic Struggles Impacting children Immunization:
In 2019, Lebanon experienced a significant economic crisis, resulting in widespread job losses, with the unemployment rate reaching 13% by 2020. The cost of everyday items surged, approximately 85%, creating substantial challenges for individuals to afford medical expenses and seek necessary healthcare. Accessing healthcare has now become a luxury for many citizens, including children, as parents prioritize essential goods over vaccinations for their kids.
In addition, the Lebanese government allocated similar resources in Lebanese Lira to its healthcare system in 2019 and 2020 as it did in 2018. However, the impact of inflation eroded the purchasing power, diminishing the effectiveness of the government’s support, especially given that healthcare costs are often priced in US dollars.
Shielding the Health of the Lebanese :
In the world public health, the ramifications of low vaccination rates against DPT , Measles and HepB3 are far-reaching and dire. The repercussions extend from the heightened risk of individual health issues to the vulnerability of entire communities facing outbreaks. These outbreaks not only strain healthcare systems but also impose a substantial economic burden, creating a global health threat. The gravity of these consequences becomes most evident in the specter of preventable deaths looming over communities.
Recognizing the gravity of these consequences, urgent action is essential. The government must increase its investment in vaccination programs, ensuring free and universal accessibility. It should collaborate with international entities such as World Health Organization and NGOs to get financial support.
These efforts will not only promote individual well-being but also strengthen the communal defense against potential outbreaks, paving the way for a healthier and safer future for all.
by tgc05 | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
The sustainable development goals set by the United Nations outline the global targets to be achieved by 2030. Among these, SDG 3 focuses on ensuring health and well-being for all, and more specifically SDG3.4 targets the mental health well-being.
We can see in the graph that males suicide rate is much more higher, approximately three to four times, than females suicide rate, no matter if the country is developed or not. And this applies to approximately all countries if not all.
But what is the main cause? the root cause underlying behind this? MASCUNALITY.
Social expectations weigh heavily on men, discouraging them from expressing vulnerability and seeking for help, creating a silent struggle, and isolating them in their battles with mental health.
The call to action is clear:
- Challenge stereotypes around mascunality by promoting for a more inclusive and open understanding of mascunality and challenging the social norms that prevent men from showing signs and expressing weekness.
- Promote mental health education by encouraging mental health programs and addressing the struggles men face.
- Finally, let men have access to mental health services.
Finally, we need to keep track of the rates. For sure if the plan is going to be in action, these rates will go down.
by mha108 | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
Inflation Rate in The Arab World:
The map above illustrates the inflation rates in the Arab world in 2021, with Lebanon and Sudan registering the highest percentages of inflation. Inflation is an increase in the level of prices of the goods and services that households buy.
High inflation reduces the purchasing power of money, making goods and services more expensive. This erosion of purchasing power is particularly challenging as it diminishes the real value of the currency, leading to a noticeable decline in the standard of living for individuals and restraining their ability to afford essential goods.
Negative GDP Growth Adds Another Layer of Challenge to Lebanon and Sudan:
The bar chart shows the GDP growth and inflation rates across Lebanon, Sudan, and other Arab countries in 2021. GDP growth, or Gross Domestic Product growth, represents the percentage change in the total value of goods and services produced within a country. In the context of the chart, the negative GDP growth in Lebanon and Sudan underscores a formidable challenge. Negative GDP growth occurs when an economy contracts, producing fewer goods and services than in the previous period. This contraction, coupled with soaring inflation rates as evident in the chart, adds another layer of complexity to the economic challenges Lebanon and Sudan are facing. A shrinking economy impacts employment, investment, and overall economic well-being, making it imperative for policymakers to address these dual challenges with targeted and effective strategies.
Emulating China’s Success: A Blueprint for Economic Diversification and GDP Growth
As seen in the line-chart above, The GDP growth in China has significantly increased starting 2020. China’s extraordinary economic growth can be attributed to a strategic blend of market-oriented reforms and targeted initiatives.
Diversifying the economy played a pivotal role, as the country shifted from an agrarian focus to developing various industries, such as reducing state control, encouraging private businesses, and welcoming foreign investments.
China’s success story underscores the effectiveness of a multifaceted approach, combining diversification with reforms that prioritize efficiency, global integration, and sustained economic planning.
by lma81 | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
In an era marked by a collective aspiration for progress, SDG 9 emerges as a beacon of industrial, infrastructural, and innovative advancement. It is a testament to our global commitment to foster economic vitality and environmental sustainability. Within this framework, high technology exports serve as a crucial indicator of a nation’s innovative capacity and its ability to thrive in the competitive tapestry of the global market.
However, beneath the surface of this technological renaissance lies a stark disparity. The digital divide casts long shadows across the globe, with some nations forging ahead in high-tech exports while others struggle to keep pace. This divide is more than just an economic gap; it’s a chasm that could compromise the collective journey toward sustainable development.
Our visual exploration of high technology exports from 2007 to 2020 reveals a tale of contrasting fortunes. The red line of China ascends with unwavering determination, showcasing the fruits of its long-term investment in technology and education. In contrast, the United States and the European Union experience a more tumultuous journey. Their lines on the graph depict an odyssey of innovation, marked by periods of growth and times of uncertainty, reflecting the complex interplay of economic forces and policy decisions.
To bridge this global divide, a strategic and collaborative approach is paramount. It calls for a renewed emphasis on STEM education, nurturing the next generation of innovators, and a harmonization of policies that bolster research and development. Moreover, international partnerships can serve as conduits for sharing technological advancements, enabling all nations to contribute to and benefit from the global innovation ecosystem.
The success of such a comprehensive strategy is evidenced in the very patterns displayed in our data visualization. The steadfast climb of China’s high technology exports is not a mere coincidence but the result of deliberate and focused initiatives that have placed innovation at the heart of its development strategy. This success story affirms the potential for similar outcomes in other nations, should they choose to follow suit.
In conclusion, the narrative depicted through the lens of high technology exports is one of both caution and hope. It underscores the urgency of fostering an environment where innovation is not confined to the few but is a shared goal pursued by all. By embracing these strategies, nations worldwide can make significant strides towards achieving SDG 9, ensuring that the future is built on a foundation of sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. In doing so, we can ensure that sustainable innovation is not merely a distant dream but a present reality.
by zbn01 | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
Over time, child labor transitioned from agricultural and small handicraft settings to the industrial sector during the era of the Industrial Revolution. In urban areas, children became valuable labor assets due to their low wages, lower likelihood of participating in strikes, and susceptibility to manipulation. Factors such as socioeconomic inequalities and limited educational access are key contributors to the persistence of child labor.
In the world’s poorest countries, we encounter children engaged in the workforce. For instance, in South America, Brazil (2,065) ranks the highest in terms of child employment. While Jordan ranks the highest in terms of working hours (53.2)
Ensuring access to high-quality education and continuous learning opportunities is essential for enabling individuals to lead fulfilling and productive lives and for achieving sustainable development. Despite notable advancements in school enrollment, millions of children still face exclusion from education, particularly in regions where educational systems struggle to keep up with the challenges posed by rapid population growth.
Lack of educational opportunities often forces children into the workforce perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting their potential. Quality education not only equips children with knowledge and skills but also fosters critical thinking and empowerment, enabling them to make informed choices about their lives.
For instance, the deteriorating economic conditions in the Jordan Kingdom have forced thousands of children into hazardous work including dangerous machinery, heavy loads, long hours, and unhealthy living conditions. The below graph shows the long working hours of Jordan children’s employment, where the education levels are minimal.
The graphs show, the inverse relation between children employment rates and education levels. The higher the education levels, the less the children employment rates are across the countries.
Efforts to improve and expand access to education ought to be combined with programs to end child labor. This means addressing issues like poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate infrastructure that impede access to education. Prioritizing quality education allows nations to break the link between inadequate education and child labor, laying the foundation for long-term development and the well-being of future generations.
