Health improvement is an objective of all economic-level countries to increase the well-being of populations and reduce mortality. A key indicator of population health is life expectancy at birth which offers a clear picture of how effective health interventions work and reflects the quality of life in a society. As healthcare innovations continue to progress, people are living longer, but not everyone benefits equally; health disparities are critical, especially in developing regions. In this context, we will examine the relationship between economic factors, such as GDP per capita and social contributions, and health outcomes in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant countries. We will explore how economic growth affects life expectancy as well as mortality rates to find effective public health strategies in these regions.
Economic Disparities and Health Challenges in the GCC and Levant
The connection between economic prosperity and health outcomes is evident in the GCC and Levant regions, but countries with lower economic standing face more significant challenges. Qatar, with the highest estimated per capita income at $69,034 by 2057, could benefit from better healthcare, longer life expectancy, and overall improved health. On the other hand, the majority of Levant countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, struggle because of limited economic resources. While Oman is a GCC country, it also faces economic constraints that impact health financing. By 2065, all these countries are expected to have some of the lowest GDP per capita and net income levels, which will directly affect their healthcare systems and public health outcomes.
The primary issue in these lower-income countries is the insufficient health expenditure, which limits the development of healthcare resources and infrastructure and result in poor health outcomes like higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy. Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria are known for having the lowest health expenditures in the region, with Oman’s spending relatively lower than wealthier Gulf countries like Qatar and the UAE. This creates a vicious cycle and consequences are unavoidably negative: limited funding results in fewer healthcare resources, which in turn leads to poor health outcomes. Countries with high mortality rates, like Syria, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, are therefore, resulting in health disparities.
These countries also have difficulty controlling social determinants of health, like education, income inequality, and access to basic services. They will continue to have disparities in health outcomes compared to their prosperous neighbors in the GCC unless a holistic solution is found. Mortality rates in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan are high as they are struggling with the worst figures in the region. Additionally, life expectancy is lower in Levant Countries and Oman. Economic limitations are thus restricting health improvements and contributing to these disparities.
A Multifaceted Approach to Health Improvement
The current situation in these nations presents a challenge and an opportunity to develop strategies that tackle the root causes of poor health outcomes. A multifaceted approach should be implemented to overcome economic and healthcare system limitations.
Increased Health Expenditure: The most urgent step is to increase public health funding, as healthcare is critical for the Levant countries. This sector should become a part of the principal national budget. Innovative financing projects like collaborations or expansions of public and private health insurance should be considered, and funds from other sectors should be used differently. For example, the Quality of Life Programme in Saudi Arabia, which is in line with Vision 2030, aims to improve well-being and increase life expectancy to 80 years by that year. Public health is also given top priority in the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles while guaranteeing that the elderly population has access to better medical care.
Economic Diversification: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Oman can work toward economic diversification to generate more tax revenue, which, in turn, could be reinvested into the healthcare system. Take the example of the partnership between Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Deep Knowledge Analytics. They invest in biotech, pharmaceutical, and AI-driven healthcare sectors to stimulate economic growth while improving healthcare accessibility.
International Support and Partnerships: Levant countries also have the option to look for international collaborations, foreign aid, and grants to enhance their healthcare systems. Countries like Germany, which contributes the most to social contributions, have strong social safety nets. Utilizing these international resources can help in closing the economic gap between more developed and less developed countries. In the UAE, there is the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC) and the Omics Centre of Excellence, that can help Levant countries by dealing with health challenges like chronic diseases and facilitating knowledge transfer, and healthcare innovation.
Focus on Preventive Care: A shift toward preventive healthcare, including public health campaigns, immunization programs, and lifestyle changes, is essential. Currently, GCC countries focus on longevity programs that deal with critical lifestyle factors affecting health outcomes, such as diet, physical activity, and nicotine use. Initiatives such as displaying calorie counts on restaurant menus, imposing sugar taxes on sweet drinks, and launching educational programs that promote healthy eating and active living could be implemented in Levant countries, hence reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Social Determinants of Health: Prioritizing education, fair income distribution, and access to sanitary facilities and clear water are all critical for improved health. Better health outcomes and an overall higher quality of life will result from this.
In conclusion, there is a strong correlation between health disparities between GCC and Levant countries and economic factors such as GDP per capita, income inequality, and healthcare expenditures. Many Levant countries still have low incomes and insufficient healthcare investment, but GCC countries, especially Qatar, have high-income levels and better healthcare outcomes. Therefore, some recommendations are related to economic diversification, and social determinants improvement to break the cycle of poor health outcomes and reduce the mortality gap. These actions can maximize life expectancy and build a healthier future for the entire region.
Srtip. (2024, September 10). Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park showcases innovations in vertical farming at the global vertical farming show 2024. Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Showcases Innovations in Vertical Farming at the Global Vertical Farming Show 2024. https://blog.srtip.ae/srtip-showcases-innovations
Africa, a sprawling continent marked by extraordinary variety, is often called the “birthplace and resting place of the young,” a term that reflects its profound disparities and struggles. With the globe’s most youthful populace, Africa is prepared for remarkable development and transformation. Yet, numerous barriers stand in the way of tapping into its full capacity. As shown in the accompanying chart, Africa’s distinction as the youngest continent highlights both its vast potential and the significant obstacles it must overcome.
The word “challenges” really captures the tough and often overwhelming situations that so many young people in Africa face every day. Things like widespread child labor, spotty access to decent schools and medical care, and shaky political situations can leave African youth feeling sidelined and stuck, with few paths forward. On top of that, poverty, ongoing conflicts, and the ripple effects of climate change pile even more weight onto their struggles.
One of the biggest hurdles is the shaky state of primary education, which keeps holding the continent back. Schools often lack the basics—there aren’t enough supplies, buildings are falling apart, and good teachers are hard to come by. Kids end up crammed into overcrowded classrooms, learning from outdated lessons, and without enough books or tools to really thrive. It’s a mess that locks too many into a cycle of poverty and unfairness, stopping Africa from reaching the heights it could. Fixing this education crisis is key to lifting up the next generation, breaking that poverty trap, and setting the stage for a stronger, more stable future. Plus, child labor is still all too common—way too many kids are pushed into risky, backbreaking jobs because of poverty, slim chances at school, and lax rules. (Just look at the numbers: Africa’s got the lowest primary school attendance and the highest rates of kids under 14 working tough jobs.)
Next up, Africa’s still grappling with some heavy stuff—people aren’t living as long as they could, and way too many kids don’t make it past their early years, shining a spotlight on the continent’s serious health struggles. A big part of this mess comes from shaky healthcare setups, not enough access to basic doctor visits or medicine, and poverty that’s just everywhere. Diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and lung infections hit hard, and then you’ve got hunger and dirty water making things even worse. To turn this around, Africa needs stronger healthcare systems, more clinics and doctors within reach, and real focus on stopping and treating the sicknesses that keep popping up. Putting money and effort into health could mean fewer deaths, longer lives, and a shot at a brighter, healthier tomorrow. (The numbers back this up—Africa’s got the highest child death rates and the shortest life expectancy from birth.)
Finally, early marriage remains a huge hurdle for women across Africa. Deep-rooted customs, tough economic realities, and slim chances at school keep this damaging tradition alive, stripping girls of their freedom, stunting their dreams, and locking in patterns of unfairness and gender bias. (On top of that, Africa tops the list for the highest share of women married before they hit 18, compared to anywhere else in the world.)
To take on the tough issues we’ve talked about in Africa, we need a big, well-rounded game plan. That means pouring effort into better schools, spreading the word about kids’ rights, cracking down on labor laws, lifting up women and girls with education and real job chances, and pumping resources into healthcare—building clinics and focusing on stopping diseases before they spread.
Wrapping it up, Africa’s young people are a mix of promise and struggle. They’ve got the power to steer the continent’s future, but they’re up against some serious roadblocks that slow them down. Recognizing their worth and betting on this next generation is the key to unleashing Africa’s true strength and crafting a better tomorrow for all.
Africa’s youth face immense challenges that shape their future and impact the continent’s development. Through the lens of the World Development Index, we examine key indicators that highlight systemic
issues affecting children:
Primary School Enrollment – How does access to education vary across regions?
Child Labor – What percentage of children aged 7-14 are engaged in work instead of school?
Infant Mortality – How does Africa compare to the world in terms of child survival rates?
Life Expectancy at Birth – Where does Africa stand in global trends?
Child Marriage – How many women were married by age 15, and what are the long-term effects?
These factors reveal the vulnerabilities children face daily, shaping their chances for a better future. By analyzing these indicators, we uncover deep-rooted patterns:
Does lack of education force children into labor?
Does high infant mortality contribute to lower life expectancy?
Is Africa systematically depriving its children of their fundamental rights—education, healthcare, and security?
This study seeks to provide answers, highlighting the urgency for action.
Primary School Enrollment
Tropical African countries report the lowest primary school enrollment rates, limiting opportunities for millions of children.
Child Labor
The same regions have the highest percentage of children aged 7-14 engaged in labor, reinforcing the cycle of poverty.
Infant Mortality
Africa records the highest infant mortality rates globally, with preventable diseases and lack of healthcare being major contributors.
Life Expectancy at Birth
The continent also has the lowest life expectancy, a direct result of inadequate healthcare and poor living conditions.
Child Marriage
A staggering percentage of women in tropical African countries were married by age 15, limiting education and economic independence.
A Young Continent with Untapped Potential
Despite these challenges, Africa remains the youngest continent globally—a beacon of potential if the right investments are made.
To break these cycles, urgent action is needed:
Prioritize Children’s Rights
Education, healthcare, and child protection must be at the core of national policies.
Immediate interventions are required to improve living conditions.
Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure
Investments in healthcare systems are critical to reducing infant mortality and increasing life expectancy.
Ensuring access to essential medical services is a must.
Raise Awareness & End Child Marriage
Community education on family planning and healthy relationships is key.
Legal frameworks must be enforced to protect young girls from early marriage.
Reform & Expand Education Systems
Rural areas need better schools, resources, and teacher training.
Investing in education is the most sustainable path to long-term progress.
By addressing education, healthcare, awareness, and civil society empowerment, we can reshape Africa’s future—ensuring its youth thrive rather than merely survive. The time for change is now.
The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has revolutionized how students approach learning, making tasks like summarizing articles, generating ideas, and simplifying complex topics more efficient than ever. However, alongside the undeniable benefits, these tools raise significant challenges that warrant attention. In this blog post, we delve into the critical issues surrounding students’ reliance on ChatGPT, offering actionable advice to navigate these concerns effectively.
The Appeal of ChatGPT in Education
ChatGPT, with its ability to generate coherent and context-aware responses, has become a go-to resource for students at all levels. Its applications range from simplifying research to generating coding solutions and even summarizing entire research papers. According to recent studies, 85% of students regularly use AI tools for academic purposes, with many finding them invaluable for improving productivity and managing workloads.
For instance, from 2021 to 2023, the average hours students spent using AI tools increased significantly, reflecting a growing reliance on these technologies. Such trends illustrate how generative AI is becoming an integral part of modern education. However, as its use becomes more pervasive, deeper challenges emerge.
The Challenges of Generative AI in Learning (Problem)
Despite its advantages, the widespread adoption of ChatGPT has introduced several critical concerns:
1. Difficulty Verifying AI-Generated Content
A striking 42% of students report challenges in verifying the accuracy of AI-generated information. While ChatGPT can produce detailed responses, it is not immune to inaccuracies or biases. Students who fail to cross-check the content risk incorporating misinformation into their academic work, jeopardizing the credibility of their assignments and research.
2. Overreliance on AI Tools
Generative AI’s convenience can lead to overdependence, with 35% of students expressing concerns about relying too heavily on tools like ChatGPT. This overuse risks eroding critical thinking skills and independent problem-solving abilities—skills essential for academic and professional success. Over time, such dependency may hinder intellectual growth, reducing the ability to engage deeply with academic material.
3. Limited Improvement in Conceptual Understanding
Although AI tools streamline workflows, only 45% of students feel that ChatGPT enhances their understanding of complex concepts. This suggests that while the tool excels at simplifying and summarizing information, it may not always foster the deeper engagement necessary for meaningful learning and retention.
4. Ethical Concerns and Academic Integrity
The ease of generating high-quality content also raises questions about academic integrity. For instance, students may submit AI-generated essays or solutions without fully understanding the material, undermining the educational process and the value of their academic credentials.
Problem Evidence
Actionable Advice for Students (Solution)
To leverage ChatGPT effectively while addressing its pitfalls, consider the following strategies:
1. Balance AI with Traditional Methods
Use ChatGPT as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional learning methods. Engage in manual problem-solving and research to retain essential academic skills.
2. Verify Information
Cross-check AI-generated content with trusted academic sources to ensure its accuracy and reliability. This habit not only safeguards the credibility of your work but also enhances your critical evaluation skills.
3. Limit Dependency
Set boundaries for AI usage. For example, rely on ChatGPT for brainstorming ideas but take the time to write and refine your assignments independently.
4. Be an Active Learner
Engage actively with the material by asking questions and seeking multiple perspectives. Use AI tools to clarify doubts but prioritize developing your own understanding.
Final Thoughts (Recommendations)
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT hold immense potential to revolutionize education, but their use must be approached with caution. While they offer convenience and efficiency, they also present challenges that can undermine critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and academic integrity if not managed responsibly. By adopting a balanced approach and staying vigilant about the pitfalls, students can harness the power of AI to complement their learning journey rather than hinder it.
Lebanon’s university students, known for their determination and aspirations, are now enduring a convergence of unprecedented crises that have left their academic progress and mental health in jeopardy. The cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating Beirut port explosion, and the ongoing war has created a precarious situation where the resilience of Lebanon’s youth is being tested.
Recent data highlights the toll these overlapping challenges have taken on students’ educational and emotional well-being. The shift to online learning during COVID-19 disrupted traditional academic structures, and the Beirut explosion further shattered stability with lasting trauma. Now, the ongoing war has introduced new levels of stress, displacing families, straining resources, and exacerbating financial difficulties. University closures and unstable learning environments have compounded the problem, with students reporting reduced engagement, declining academic performance, and heightened anxiety.
Quantitative indicators provide a stark picture. Stress levels among students have soared to unprecedented heights, with most reporting severe psychological distress. GPA trends illustrate a notable decline, underscoring the strong link between mental health challenges and academic outcomes. Qualitative feedback from surveys and interviews reveals a growing sense of hopelessness and the pressing need for institutional support.
To address these challenges, Lebanon’s educational institutions must adopt both short-term and long-term strategies. Immediate measures could include offering remote mental health counseling, implementing flexible grading policies, and ensuring access to academic resources for displaced students. Longer-term solutions might involve building resilient support networks, integrating mental health resources into the academic framework, and fostering partnerships with NGOs and global organizations.
Global examples, such as post-conflict recovery initiatives in other countries, highlight the importance of coordinated action to safeguard students’ academic and emotional well-being during crises. For Lebanon’s youth, who are the foundation of the country’s future, creating a stable and supportive academic environment is not just an educational necessity, it is a moral imperative.
Chess, through history, has been used to determine someone’s intelligence; it has been used geopolitically in 1972 when the famous American Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky from the USSR, signaling Western intelligence over Eastern one. Not only that, it was also the first time humanity was in danger from computers, after the fatal defeat of Gary Kasparov in 1996 vs. IBM Deep Blue, where many thought it was the end of humanity. But what if I tell you this game that has existed for more than 1500 years can also teach us about human psychology?
In our project, we decided to tackle multiple aspects of human behavior, by what and how it is affected, drawing some conclusions and hypotheses from the data collected (source: Lichess). For anyone who would like to see the complete visuals with a story. And if someone wants to familiarize with some chess terms please check the last paragraph.
1) What factors contributes to mistakes made during the game :
First, we studied the relationship between mistakes and different time formats. What was astonishing is that players tend to make almost the same amount of mistakes across all time formats even though they use more time in longer time formats.
This drew the obvious question: if we humans won’t perform better with more time, what factor would influence our results? Apparently, after studying the relationship between mistakes and Elo (players strength in chess), the higher the Elo of a player, the fewer mistakes he tends to make, dropping by a whopping 50% between the weakest and strongest category. This highlighted a key finding in our project: Expertise is attained by the number of hours and training we have, instead of the additional time given to think more.
2) Mental psychology in chess :
The other aspect we wanted to tackle is mental psychology. We want to see how probable a comeback is. We looked at the number of players that tend to win a game after having a piece disadvantage (which in chess is a big enough advantage); we found out that 37% of players who were first losing could turn the tables around by winning (25% of the time) or making a draw (12% of the time).
After these findings, we wanted to determine the percentage of resignation by Elo categories. Surprisingly enough, higher-rated players resign twice as much as their counterparts.
Aren’t we taught in chess and in real life to never give up? Then how do these successful players resign more while staying in the top 5%? After further examination, we discovered that stronger players tend to play more moves, meaning that they fight on average more than the average player. Resignation is just a sign of respect for their opponent, when they know that their situation is hopeless.
3) Time adaptability and the punishment of overthinking:
Another dimension was the average thinking time for each player and its consequences. After examining the longest think during the game, we found out that, on average, 35% of the time, players tend to use the mostamount of time only to end up making an inaccuracy or a mistake! This shows that in every game there is a 70% chance that one player will overthink his move and make a bad move:
“The more you overthink, the less you will understand.” ~ Habeeb Akande.
The second finding showed that higher-rated players are more adaptable; if given more time, they use it wisely, almost 3 times more than the lowest categories. But when rushed, they tend to use the least amount, knowing well that they should move fast, relying on their intuition and decision-making skills.
4) The consequences of low endurance:
In the final part we examined the effect of fatigue. We found out that games that tend to last longer, (above 300 sec) tend to have the most mistakes.We thought this was because of players’ endurance; they tend to be more tired the longer the game lasts; nonetheless, this could be due to other factors such as time pressure!
In addition, we studied the effects of different phases of the game, the opening is where players tend to make the least mistakes; they usually make more mistakes during the middlegame; finally the endgame is where players tend to have the most amount of mistakes, which is another evidence that this could be due to a lack of endurance, or it could be simply that we are more careful in the beginning than the ending.
“If you are as careful at the end as you are at the beginning, there will be no failure.” ~ Lao Tzu
Conclusion:
To conclude, chess is not simply a game, a war over the board, but it is a history of human beings, something that connects us with our inner selves. Whether you are chess enthusiasts or someone who has never considered the game, we cannot deny its teaching us the complexities of human psychology.
We demonstrated that expertise is about the training that we need, how to always fight because there’s always a chance, the effect of overthinking on our decisions, and how we human beings tend to make less optimal decisions when tired.
Further investigation, lead us to find out that when a stronger player competes against a weaker one, the later spend 44% more time thinking.
Is this due to stress and underconfidence from the weaker player? Or is it simply because the other is just stronger, forcing the opponent to think more? But what we know for sure is that the next time you see some pieces of wood moving on a 8 by 8 square, it might be a game, but also it might be chess.
Familiarizing ourselves with some chess terms:
This part just covers some basic introductory to chess and terms that are used through out the project. First, achess game can end by time forfeit, which means one of the players has run out of time. Or mate, it’s when a player checkmates the other, meaning he won in chess terms. Draw is when neither player has clearly won the game and finally resignation is when a player decides that his situation is hopeless and won’t continue playing.
Time formats which are classical typically a game is around 20 mins for each player, rapid 10 mins, blitz isaround 5 mins and bullet between 1-2 mins.
Elo indicates a player’s strength, the bigger the number the stronger a player is with 1400-1600 category having the biggest player base.
Next up, Africa’s still grappling with some heavy stuff—people aren’t living as long as they could, and way too many kids don’t make it past their early years, shining a spotlight on the continent’s serious health struggles. A big part of this mess comes from shaky healthcare setups, not enough access to basic doctor visits or medicine, and poverty that’s just everywhere. Diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and lung infections hit hard, and then you’ve got hunger and dirty water making things even worse. To turn this around, Africa needs stronger healthcare systems, more clinics and doctors within reach, and real focus on stopping and treating the sicknesses that keep popping up. Putting money and effort into health could mean fewer deaths, longer lives, and a shot at a brighter, healthier tomorrow. (The numbers back this up—Africa’s got the highest child death rates and the shortest life expectancy from birth.)
