Children’s Survival Shouldn’t Depend on Where They Are Born
Over the past 25 years, the world has made great progress in reducing child mortality. However, millions of children still die before their fifth birthday. The main reason is where they are born and the economic status of their countries and families.
Children born in wealthier nations have a much higher chance of survival than those in poverty, conflict zones, or rural areas. While some low-income countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have made significant progress, others like Somalia, Niger, and Chad continue to struggle.
The Reality of Child Mortality in 2022 4.9 million children under five died, mostly from preventable causes.
5 countries with the highest under-five mortality rates:
1- Niger
2- Nigeria
3- Somalia
4- Chad
5- Sierra Leone
5 countries with the lowest under-five mortality rates:
1- Iceland
2- Japan
3- Norway
4- Singapore
5- Estonia
These numbers highlight a widening gap-low-income and fragile states are falling behind.
Global Progress in Reducing Under-Five Mortality
Since 1990, the global under-five mortality rate has dropped by more than 50%. However, progress has been uneven. Children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia still face the highest risk of early death. A child born in Somalia is 80 times more likely to die before age five than a child born in Iceland.
Who Gets to Survive?
• Low-income countries face child mortality rates up to 15 times higher than high-income countries.
• The highest rates are in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central & Southern Asia.
• Children from low-income families are less likely to survive than those from wealthier backgrounds.
To close this gap, countries struggling with high child mortality should learn from success stories like Bangladesh and Ethiopia, which have significantly reduced their child mortality rates.
Comparison of Under-5 Mortality Reduction: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have reduced child mortality at a much higher rate than Niger, Chad, and Somalia, despite facing similar economic challenges and having sharing same geographical locations
Lessons from Bangladesh and Ethiopia
Bangladesh has cut its child mortality rate by over 75% since 1990—one of the world’s best improvements.
Ethiopia has reduced child mortality by over 60% since 2000, thanks to major healthcare investments and community health programs.
How did they succeed?
• Investing in maternal and child healthcare
• Expanding vaccination coverage
• Improving nutrition programs
• Training community health workers
Under-5 Mortality and Mother’s Education
Education is key to child survival.
• Mothers with higher education levels are more likely to seek healthcare, provide proper nutrition, and recognize early illness signs.
• Countries with higher dropout rates (like Niger, Chad, and Somalia) have higher child mortality rates.
The Impact of Communicable Diseases
Countries with high child mortality also face high rates of communicable diseases and maternal nutrition deficiencies.
• Bangladesh and Ethiopia have strong vaccination programs, leading to major mortality reductions.
• Niger, Chad, and Somalia still struggle with widespread diseases, worsening child survival rates.
What Needs to Be Done?
1️-Strengthen education and prevent school dropouts, especially for girls.
2️-Implement strong vaccination programs, like those in Bangladesh and Ethiopia.
3️-Improve maternal and child nutrition to prevent early deaths.
4️-Combat communicable diseases through improved sanitation and healthcare access.
The Potential Impact
If other struggling countries follow the same path, they could reduce child mortality at similar rates:
• Ethiopia: Reduced mortality 5.5 times, from 200 deaths per 1,000 in 1990 to 46 in 2023.
• Bangladesh: Reduced mortality 5 times, from 146 in 1990 to 29 in 2023.
Applying these strategies in Niger, Chad, and Somalia could achieve similar progress.
Recommendations
• Expand healthcare access in low-income and rural areas.
• Improve maternal education and nutrition programs.
• Invest in clean water and sanitation.
• Scale up vaccination programs and community health services.
• Provide financial aid and international support to struggling nations.
If fully implemented, these interventions could save 9 million children under five by 2030.
Further steps could be taken to narrow the economical gap between high-income and low-income countries
1- Increase Global Investment in Health & Education
2- Enhance Technology Transfer & Innovation : Bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology, telemedicine, and AI-driven education
3- Develop Sustainable Job Creation Programs: Support entrepreneurship, vocational training
References:
1- World Bank World Development Indicators: “https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators”
2- UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, 2024: “https://data.unicef.org/resources/un-inter-agency-group-for-child-mortality-estimation-unigme/”
3- Child Mortality, Still Birth and Causes of Death Estimates,April, 2024 : “https://childmortality.org”
For years, Rwanda faced the challenge of low economic growth, struggling as a low-income nation. One of the primary obstacles holding back progress was limited access to quality education. Without proper schooling, the workforce lacked the skills necessary to drive economic expansion, leaving the country in a cycle of slow development and limited opportunities.
In the mid-2000s, Rwanda made a bold decision to prioritize education. School enrollment rates surged as the government introduced policies to increase accessibility and improve quality. More schools were built, teachers were better trained, and initiatives like free primary education ensured that more children, especially in rural areas, had access to learning. The investment wasn’t just in basic education—vocational training programs and skill-based learning were also emphasized to align with the demands of the evolving job market.
The impact of this shift soon became evident. Data from the World Development Index shows a steady increase in school enrollment starting in 2007, and in the following years, Rwanda’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita also began to rise. Alongside this, Rwanda’s literacy rate improved significantly, indicating that more individuals were gaining essential reading and writing skills. This increase in literacy directly contributed to economic progress, as a more skilled workforce led to greater productivity, higher wages, and new opportunities for economic participation. While Rwanda still lags behind middle-income countries, its upward trajectory signals promising long-term growth potential.
This transformation highlights the power of education in driving economic mobility. However, investment in schools alone is not enough—there must be a corresponding increase in job opportunities to absorb the growing number of educated individuals. Continuous monitoring of educational outcomes and labor market trends will be essential to sustaining this progress. Looking ahead, expanding access to higher education and specialized training will be critical in propelling Rwanda toward even greater economic stability.
By prioritizing education, Rwanda has laid a strong foundation for its future. The path forward requires ongoing efforts, but the country’s experience serves as a compelling case study on how knowledge and learning can reshape an economy, proving that investing in human capital is one of the most effective ways to drive national prosperity.
Do any of you know a small business owner?
If you do, you probably know how incredibly difficult it is to run a small business.
Now, let’s imagine opening and running a small business in Lebanon where we are hit by both economic and political instability.
Let us introduce you to Ghassan Beyrouthy. A proud owner of a small Hotel Bel Azur, it is a family run business in Jounieh.
Bel Azur is facing several issues and challenges. These issues are common within the Hotel industry; however, the repercussions of these challenges are heightened due to Lebanon current economic crisis and its political instability.
Bel Azur Beach Club thrives during the summer, attracting citizens, expats and foreigners who flock to Jounieh to enjoy the beautiful Lebanese summers and shores.
However, operating as a Beach Club poses great challenges with revenues during the winter season. The demand season of beach clubs, the current Lebanese economic and political climate make operations for Bel Azur unsustainable.
The challenges of low revenue are also attributed to the winter’s high number of cancellations of premium rooms. The premium rooms are a major revenue stream of hotels allowing Bel Azure to make nice profit margins.
While in the summer, Bel Azur is able to book premium rooms with a low cancellation risk rate. During the winter season, demand severely drops and cancellations rise widening the revenue gap. Each cancellation represents the opportunity cost of an empty room. Furthermore, it causes an increased operational cost, wasted resources and a disruption in staff schedules.
Over the years, hotels in the industry have been investing more technologically. In the industry, the dominant way to secure reservations is online through a strong digital presence.
Unlike many of its competitors in Jounieh, Bel Azur, has struggled to manage and push its digital presence. The lack of a strong digital presence puts Bel Azur at a significant disadvantage.
Competitor’s in Jounieh have strong connections with online booking platforms, a strong social media team and push targeted marketing strategies. Thus, competitors are able to capture a larger share of reservations during the low demand in the winter season.
For Bel Azur, its low online presence impacts its revenue particularly in the winter months when every booking counts.
By concentrating on drawing in business travelers, Bel Azur can greatly increase its revenue and occupancy rates. The corporate segment exhibits the lowest cancellation rates.
Bel Azur can establish itself as the perfect location for business gatherings and events by making investments in conference spaces and business facilities. In addition to drawing a consistent flow of business travelers, this calculated action will lessen the effects of seasonal variations, especially in the off-peak months.
We leveraged our close personal relationship with the owners of the event planning company to connect them with Bel Azur Hotel. We were aware of their struggle to expand beyond their existing customer base, which was primarily located in the Matn area. They were exclusively hosting events in that region and were looking for ways to grow. Recognizing the opportunity, we introduced them to Bel Azur’s owner and proposed a strategic partnership: making Bel Azur their go-to venue for events. This would not only give the event planning company a strong presence in Jounieh but also allow them to extend their reach into the Keserwan area. As part of the deal, they would receive exclusive access to the venue, ensuring no competition, as well as marketing support through the hotel’s channels to boost their visibility. The event planning company would also benefit from discounted rates for their clients, along with priority access to the venue during peak seasons. Both parties saw the mutual benefits, and the deal was agreed upon, setting the stage for a promising collaboration that would help both businesses thrive.
Meet the Event Planning Team
Small businesses face great challenges especially currently in Lebanon plagued by economic crisis and political instability making it a challenging environment for entrepreneurs to navigate. Through simple data exploration, we identified a struggling family business, Bel Azur Hotel.
By connecting Bel Azur with an event planning company, we created a partnership that tackled the seasonal revenue dips and cancellations. Furthermore, the partnership allowed the event planning company to expand its reach to new markets. Hence, the partnership we assisted in creating is mutually beneficial for two small business in Lebanon.
The impact we created as four university students with limited work experience proves that simple, organized and concise efforts can lead to big positive changes.
If we could help not one but two small business in this extremely tough environment, imagine the difference you could do in your own community!
The question is not if you can do it, it’s will do you it?
Every parent dreams of giving their child the best start in life, and education often takes center stage in this pursuit. But with so many factors influencing academic performance, where do you begin? We delved into recent research and analyzed a dataset on this topic, uncovering actionable insights that parents can use today to prepare their child for a successful educational journey.
Introducing the P-T-P-T Framework, a data-driven roadmap to help parents make informed decisions that nurture academic excellence. This concept revolves around four key pillars:
Peer Influence
Teacher Quality
Parent’s Educational Level
Tutoring Sessions
Peer Influence: The Power of Positive Environments
The company your child keeps can shape their educational trajectory. Research shows that students thrive in schools where their peers are disciplined, motivated, and collaborative. Conversely, negative peer influences—like bullying or unhealthy competition—can hinder progress.
Recommendation:
Look for schools that prioritize a clean, nurturing environment and promote healthy social interactions.
Engage with school communities to ensure a positive atmosphere that supports learning and personal growth.
Teacher Quality: The Cornerstone of Academic Success
The expertise and adaptability of teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s learning experience. Effective teachers inspire, address diverse needs, and foster engagement, even in challenging situations like hybrid or online learning.
Recommendation:
Choose schools known for investing in teacher training and development.
During your search, prioritize institutions with a proven track record of hiring highly qualified educators.
Parent’s Educational Level: A Lifelong Investment
Believe it or not, your own educational background has a ripple effect on your child’s academic success. Educated parents are often better equipped to guide, support, and inspire their children’s learning journey.
Recommendation:
Take steps to further your education, whether through formal degrees or personal development courses.
Engage in your child’s education by creating a stimulating home environment that values learning.
Tutoring Sessions: Tailored Support for Growth
Supplementary tutoring can help your child overcome challenges or excel in specific areas. However, the most effective tutoring often starts at home—with you.
Recommendation:
Equip yourself with skills to mentor your child effectively. Attend workshops, read parenting resources, and seek tools that align with your child’s learning needs.
When external tutoring is necessary, choose programs tailored to your child’s unique strengths and areas for improvement.
Your Roadmap to Action
The P-T-P-T framework is more than just a concept—it’s a guide for proactive parenting. By focusing on these four areas, you can create a solid foundation for your child’s education.
Start today:
Explore schools with strong peer environments and exceptional teacher quality.
Invest in yourself through education and parenting resources.
Engage actively in your child’s academic journey.
Every parent has the power to unlock their child’s potential. The choices you make now will pave the way for a bright and fulfilling academic future.
It was a long-awaited vacation for Sara, a frequent traveler who had planned every detail of her trip meticulously. She boarded her flight with high hopes, ready to embrace the journey ahead. Yet, her excitement slowly faded as she experienced long delays, cramped seating, and unresponsive service. By the time she landed, her mood had shifted from excitement to frustration. Across the aisle, however, another passenger was smiling, delighted by the in-flight entertainment and exceptional service.
Why do these vastly different experiences occur on the same flight? What makes one passenger satisfied while another feels let down? This project dives into the complex factors influencing airline passenger satisfaction, shedding light on what truly matters to travelers and how airlines can improve their services to win customer loyalty.
Key Insights from the Analysis
Using a dataset of 129,880 airline passengers from the United States, our team explored how various flight experience factors, demographics, and service attributes contribute to overall passenger satisfaction. Here’s what we discovered:
Passenger Satisfaction Trends: A significant portion of passengers (57%) fall into the “neutral or dissatisfied” category. This indicates a substantial opportunity for improvement in airline services.
Factors with the Largest Impact:
Online boarding, in-flight entertainment, seat comfort, and cleanliness emerged as the top drivers of passenger satisfaction.
Features like gate location and departure/arrival time convenience had minimal impact on satisfaction scores.
Demographic Insights:
Smaller-aged passengers (0 – 18 years) reported higher dissatisfaction compared to other age groups.
Economy-class and Economy Plus passengers expressed higher dissatisfaction compared to business travelers.
Gender did not have an impact on satisfaction as both genders showed similar satisfaction rates.
Data-Driven Recommendations for Airlines
Prioritize High-Impact Areas: Investments in online boarding, seat comfort, cleanliness, and in-flight entertainment could significantly reduce dissatisfaction.
Focus on Specific Demographics: Tailor services for smaller-aged passengers and first-time flyers, as these groups are more prone to dissatisfaction.
Continuous Monitoring: Establish feedback loops to adapt and evolve service offerings based on passenger needs.
How We Presented Our Findings
To communicate these findings effectively, we developed interactive dashboards showcasing correlations, demographic breakdowns, and feature impact analyses. These visualizations are accessible below and allow stakeholders to interact with the data, exploring insights in greater detail.
Our interactive dashboard and accompanying visuals can guide airline executives in making data-informed decisions to elevate passenger satisfaction levels and foster loyalty in a competitive market.
Looking Ahead
The airline industry thrives on customer trust and satisfaction. By addressing these key areas and continuously refining their services, airlines can not only enhance the passenger experience but also gain a competitive edge. Let’s use these insights to revolutionize the passenger experience! Whether you’re an airline executive, a policy maker, or a data enthusiast, join us in transforming these findings into actionable strategies. Share your thoughts, collaborate on solutions, and let’s redefine what exceptional air travel looks like.
That’s the Number of People Around the World who Use Social Media Platforms—5,169,999,998 and Counting!
Regardless of the time we spend or the platforms we use, social media has become a natural part of our lives and thus affects us in a way or another. Therefore, it’s only logical to get some exposure about how the general public uses social media and in what forms it affects us. In this post, we’ll discuss social media usage patterns and its effects both on mental health and sleep patterns. Hopefully, by the end of this, we’ll get a general sense of what we as individuals can do to prevent the associated side effects.
To understand social media usage, its impact on mental health, and sleep patterns among Lebanese young adults, we conducted a survey titled How Does Social Media Affect Your Mental Health and Sleep? The survey collects information about Demographics, Media Consumption Habits, Mental Health, and Sleep Patterns. Through these categories, the study aims to shed light on the potential correlations between social media habits and well-being, especially during this period of heightened uncertainty.
Did You Know? You Might Spend Over 3 Years of Your Life on Social Media
A shocking statistic indicates that a considerable amount of respondents spend 6-10 hours a day on social media. Over a lifetime, this adds up to 15 years spent on screens—assuming someone starts at age 15 and lives to 75. That’s a significant chunk of life devoted to scrolling! Such prolonged usage often goes unnoticed, but its cumulative effects can impact mental health, productivity, and even personal relationships.
Most social media users tend to spend their time online during the evening and late at night, which reflects a shift toward using social media as a means of unwinding after a busy day, but it also raises concerns about how late-night scrolling could affect sleep patterns, we’ll observe that at a later stage.
When it comes to content, political and local news dominate the types of information consumed, followed by global events, entertainment, and health updates, this indicates that the majority of respondents are constantly concerned of the current events throughout their day. And while staying informed is valuable, the overwhelming focus on political and local issues can cause stress. As users, we must be mindful of the information we consume and how it affects our emotional well-being. Social media can be a powerful tool for learning and connection, but only if we balance its usage.
Overwhelmed by the News? How Negative Headlines Are Taking a Toll on Your Wellbeing
The majority of respondents admit to taking breaks from consuming news due to its negative impact on their mood, indicating that they are overwhelmed by what they’re experiencing, we are interested to know more details about the feelings associated with this. It turns out that the feelings of stress, sadness, and impaired concentration— reported as the most common emotional responses to social media— are one of the causes of such discomfort, which when coupled with the widely consumed form of news (political and local news) gives a clear evidence on the existence of a feedback loop where consuming stressing news creates negative emotions, which in turn diminishes our ability to concentrate and process information effectively.
In addition, users perceive news as burdensome, unsafe, and addictive, which underscores how many users feel trapped in a cycle of negative content. The fact that “relaxing” ranked the lowest among descriptors reveals news consumed are affecting users’ wellbeing. Social media’s focus emotional stories is causing this perception, which leaves users drained rather than relaxed or entertained. This begs for an action we must take: rather than passively consuming whatever is presented, we should actively seek balanced, credible sources, and most importantly, to avoid mindlessly checking the news throughout the day, but to assign specific times to do so, for example, in the afternoon or a brief amount of time. This way, we can reduce feelings of helplessness and focus on news that inform us, while going about our daily lives in a healthy manner.
Social Media and Stressful News Are Disrupting Your Sleep
The first visualization shows a clear trend: as screen time on social media increases, the likelihood of users reporting a negative impact on their sleep quality increases as well. This is especially apparent for people who spend 30 minutes or more using social media. This underscores the role of prolonged screen exposure in disturbing natural sleep cycles, likely due to overstimulation and the mental strain caused by engaging with stressing or conflict related content. For those seeking better sleep, cutting down on screen time—especially before bedtime—may the solution to get better sleep, hence improving life aspects such as productivity and mood.
The second visualization links frequent sleep disturbances with a negative perception of news consumption. Users who frequently experience disrupted sleep are more likely to report that consuming news has a negative effect on their mood and mental state. This suggests that poor sleep can heighten emotional sensitivity, making the consumption of stressful or burdensome news even more overwhelming.
Recommendations
Although social media provides benefits, it’s proving to having a toll on mental health and sleep, especially in such times of war. Poor sleep, linked to excessive screen time and negative news consumption, further compounds these issues, leaving individuals emotionally drained. In a country already facing immense pressures, mindful media consumption and digital boundaries are essential steps toward preserving mental and physical well-being. As social media users, we can prevent the symptoms we’ve mentioned by:
Limit social media use, especially before bed.
Assign specific times for checking updates to avoid overstimulation.
Follow credible, balanced sources and avoid doom-scrolling or consuming emotionally charged content excessively.
Take regular breaks, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and emotional recovery.
