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.
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.
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.
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.
In the wake of economic crises that shook nations, Lebanon in 2019 and Greece in 2010 faced turbulent times. Both crises were rooted in corruption, leading to drastic declines in GDP growth. However, the divergent paths they took in managing their public health expenditures reflected the crucial role of external support, particularly from the European Union (EU), in shaping their healthcare resilience. The following graph depicts the impact of each economic crisis on the growth of the GDP for each country.
Greece:
Greece’s Response in 2010: As the economic crisis unfolded in Greece, the government faced the daunting challenge of preserving essential public services, including healthcare. Despite severe austerity measures, Greece was able to maintain a relatively stable level of public health expenditure, thanks in part to support from the EU. The EU, in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank (ECB), provided financial assistance and worked closely with Greek authorities to implement structural reforms.
In the tumultuous landscape of Greece’s economic crisis, the government, stood resilient in preserving public health expenditure due to the support of the EU. Aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) Greece’s commitment to maintaining health services during austerity was instrumental in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, mitigating potential disparities among its citizens.
Maintaining Public Health Expenditure: The EU support for Greece’s health sector included targeted funds, policy guidance, and technical expertise. Greece’s commitment to maintaining public health expenditure, even amid broader economic challenges, was seen as a strategic priority. The EU assistance helped Greece safeguard essential healthcare services, ensuring that the population continued to have access to medical care despite the economic downturn. Greece was able to increase its public health expenditures and decrease its private health expenditures even in light of the crisis.
Investment in Health Infrastructure: One key aspect of the EU support was the emphasis on investing in health infrastructure and promoting efficiency within the healthcare system. This approach aimed not only to address immediate needs but also to build a foundation for long-term sustainability. Greece utilized these funds to upgrade medical facilities, enhance healthcare delivery, and improve overall public health outcomes.
Lebanon:
Lebanon’s Struggle in 2019: In contrast, Lebanon faced a more challenging situation in 2019. The absence of a supportive regional union akin to the EU left Lebanon with fewer external resources to combat its economic crisis. Rampant corruption, compounded by political instability, hindered effective governance and the ability to mobilize funds for public services.
Public Health Expenditure Dilemma: As Lebanon grappled with economic turmoil, the public health sector bore the brunt of budget cuts. Public health expenditure decreased, leaving the population vulnerable, particularly in a time when healthcare needs were escalating with the rise of COVID 19. The lack of external support and a fragmented political landscape hindered Lebanon’s capacity to protect its citizens’ health. The economic crisis of 2019 prevented Lebanon from safeguarding the situation of its citizens. The public health expenditure decreased significantly and the private health expenditure increased which left citizens to bear the heavy load of the crisis.
Impact on Healthcare Accessibility: With decreased public health spending, the burden on private healthcare providers increased. Private health expenditure rose as individuals sought alternatives to strained public services. The divide in healthcare accessibility deepened, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations who lacked the means to access private healthcare.
The divergent paths of Greece and Lebanon underscore the critical role of external support during economic crises. Greece’s ability to maintain a relatively stable level of public health expenditure with the assistance of the EU highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and financial support in times of crisis. In contrast, Lebanon’s struggle to secure external aid resulted in a significant impact on public health services. This tale serves as a reminder that international cooperation and support can play a pivotal role in mitigating the human costs of economic downturns, particularly in the realm of healthcare.
In a world teeming with progress, one persistent challenge darkens our collective horizon – the rising specter of suicide. Behind the cold statistics lie countless untold stories of despair, each one a testament to the urgent need for a compassionate and effective response. Let us delve into the stark realities that underscore the gravity of this issue.
The global landscape of suicide mortality rates is a sobering tableau. Over the years, the data reveals a consistent gender disparity, with male suicide rates consistently surpassing those of females. Between 2000 and 2019, the male suicide rate remained at an alarming average of 16.075%, overshadowing the female rate. While there has been a slight decrease in the overall rate, from 11.63% in 2000 to 9.33% in 2019, the persistence of high numbers and occasional spikes, like the one in 2013, signals an urgent need for intervention.
Economic disparities exacerbate the issue, as revealed by the Gender Distribution of Suicide Mortality Rates by Income Class. Notably, those with low income levels exhibit lower suicide rates (9.71% for males and 4% for females), hinting at a potential link between financial struggle and mental health. Paradoxically, the highest suicide rate is observed among high-income males, reaching a staggering 21.23%. The reasons behind this economic divergence merit careful consideration.
Zooming in on a country-by-country perspective, certain nations emerge as outliers, bearing the weight of exceptionally high suicide rates. Lesotho, Eswatini, the Russian Federation, Guyana, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Ukraine, South Korea, Botswana, Latvia, and Hungary are among the nations grappling with disproportionately high suicide rates. Identifying patterns within these outliers offers crucial insights into potential factors contributing to the crisis.
We should collaborate on comprehensive mental health education programs to destigmatize mental health issues and foster a culture of open communication. Developing targeted support systems for individuals facing economic challenges will address the intricate relationship between financial struggles and mental health. Strengthening community support systems to identify and aid individuals at risk ensures that no one is left to battle their demons alone.
Comprehensive Strategies for Mental Health Advocacy against Suicide could be the following:
Collaborate with educational institutions to integrate mental health education into curricula, focusing on destigmatization, early detection, and coping mechanisms.
Implement awareness campaigns to reach a broader audience and enhance understanding of mental health issues.
Establish programs offering financial counseling, employment assistance, and mental health resources tailored to different income groups.
Foster partnerships with businesses to create inclusive work environments that prioritize employee well-being.
Develop community-based mental health initiatives, including support groups, helplines, and outreach programs.
Encourage local leaders to champion mental health awareness and facilitate resources at the grassroots level, strengthening community outreach efforts.
In conclusion, conducting pilot programs in select regions to assess the effectiveness of the proposed solutions is a necessary step. Moreover, utilizing quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as changes in suicide rates, public awareness, and community engagement, will help evaluate the impact of implementing these measures.
Findings/Recommendations:
Upon validation, refining and scaling successful programs for broader implementation is the next logical step. Advocating for policy changes that prioritize mental health and allocate resources to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to the global suicide crisis is crucial. Remember, breaking the chains requires a collective effort – a united front against the darkness that shrouds the lives of those grappling with the heavy burden of despair.
