Banking for the Poor in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Jun 30th, 2009 5:00 PM EST
By ONE.Partners

Women pack up their businesses at the end of the day at the crowded Grand Marche market in Kinshasa, Congo

The Grand Marche market in Kinshasa brims with tens of thousands of vendors. To the untrained eye, the market is full of chaos and confusion. To those who dare to look past the sea of people, however, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest market is an organized, catalogued, and thriving economic system.

Delegates from Opportunity International on a recent trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo soon discovered that there was more to the story than met the western-trained eye. Visitors are required to gain permission from the Queen of the Market (a title of true honor) to wander around the winding pathways between tightly-packed stalls. The Mayor of the Market lists the vendors present and their businesses as he proudly shows off his domain. The infrastructure is unexpected, and looks different than traditional infrastructure, but it works.

In a market like this it is hard to believe that only 1% of the DRC’s 66.5 million people have bank accounts.

Without access to formal financial services, the vendors in this marketplace are unable to get a loan that will help them to grow their business. They cannot safely save the profits that they make. They do not have the ability to take out insurance to keep them from losing their business if a fire devastated the market. They cannot gain additional structured training.

Opportunity International, a ONE partner organization, has plans to open a formal financial institution (or FFI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ultimately, the organization’s goal is to bring loans, savings, insurance, and training to those who are living on less than $2 per day. With 99% of the population in need of banking services, Opportunity is poised to enter a market with much potential.

In this country roughly the geographical size of Europe, plagued by war, economic instability, and corruption, an Opportunity International formal financial institution can help to make the difference between families being able to afford only three meals per week to families being able to afford three meals per day.

To learn more about Opportunity’s commitment to providing microfinance solutions to the working poor in almost 30 countries, visit www.opportunity.org.

-Sonja Egeland Kelly, Opportunity International

Matt Damon, ONE and a Tractable (Yes, there is one) Global Problem

Jun 29th, 2009 4:58 PM EST
By ONE.Partners

Update! We are now within just a few hundred signers of our 100,000 goal. If you’ve not already done so, please sign our petition in support of the Water for the World Act. On that same topic, check out this great post from John Sauer and Katryn Bowe of Water Advocates:

More than 99,000 Americans have signed an unprecedented petition to the Senate in support of global access to clean water and sanitation. The petition calls for more Senators to join Sen. Durbin and Sen. Corker to sponsor the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 (S.624), a landmark bill that would commit the United States to providing 100 million people with first-time, sustainable access to clean water and sanitation by 2015.

The advocacy organization ONE galvanized the campaign with the help of Matt Damon, a clean water champion. “Water is one of the smartest poverty fighting investments we can make,” wrote Damon.

The outpouring of support reveals the growing momentum for solving this global crisis. More journalists, universities, and politicians than ever are beginning to recognize how shameful it is that the United States has not done more on behalf of this preventable issue. And they are acting – louder than in recent memory – to do something about it.

884 million people in the world lack access to safe water, and 2.4 billion people do not even have a proper latrine to dispose of their human waste. This creates a catastrophic burden on women in developing countries (who must walk miles to fetch water), causes 1.6 million children to die of diarrhea yearly and chokes economic growth.

The solutions are known and affordable– but will only be used if there is enough political commitment to funding them. Universal access to water and sanitation is still a pipe dream for many poorer countries, especially nations in Africa. At the current rate the African continent will not even cut in half the proportion of those living without access to sanitation until 2076. This is an international travesty, but the US Government is in a position to kick-start momentum so as to greatly reduce the burden of the international safe drinking water and sanitation crisis.

Already the petition is having an impact. Since the start of the campaign three weeks ago, four Senators have signed on as co-sponsors bringing the total to 10. The petition delivery is scheduled for this week and advocates hope more Senators will sign on. The related bill (H.R.2030) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Blumenauer of Oregon, and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

This bipartisan legislation is critical for the water, sanitation and health community. If the American public and politicians commit to solving the water and sanitation crisis, the Millennium Development Goals would be closer to being reached and a push can be made for universal access to water and sanitation—the ultimate goal.

The legislation builds off of the ground-breaking Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005, which made addressing the water and sanitation challenge a priority of US international development policy.

We all saw how public support for AIDS was a catalyst for life-saving action. Now the same might be done for water and sanitation.

-John Sauer and Katryn Bowe, Water Advocates

Letter to the Editor: Keeping our promise to the Global Fund

Jun 29th, 2009 2:51 PM EST
By Chris.Scott

ONE Member Michael Castaldo of Dover, New Hampshire recently wrote in this excellent letter to the editor of the Foster’s Daily Democrat. It was so well done and well deserved, I hope Michael doesn’t mind if I re-post it here in full:

Don’t trim fat on the backs of the poor

To the editor: Right now, the world faces historic challenges. The economic downturn in our country has affected my own family with furloughs and fewer work hours, resulting in smaller wages. But I know that I am not the only Granite Stater, or American that is feeling the tough times. Sadly, so too, does much of the world feel the economic squeeze. But for the world’s poorest people who live in extreme poverty the margins are somewhat finer, and sometimes a matter of life and death.

I am proud to say that under the leadership of President Bush, a small portion of our meager International Assistance budget has been supporting The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria, and TB. This fund provides lifesaving medicines to people around the world and it is both accountable and transparent. It is a tremendously effective program and has won high praise for its nonpartisan, fair and compassionate approach — not divvying aid based on our personal interests, but instead valuing every life as important as the next. All the time, the program demands good governance and implements sustainable and empowering long-term solutions.

If I break a promise I made, I lose something intangible. But if our nation breaks our promise to the Global Fund, lives will be lost. It is impossible to calculate how many, but what is certain is that over two million people are alive today who would not be, because of the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund. This is a proven program that is demonstrating results by saving millions of lives and improving our global reputation around the world.

Yet for all the good it does and all the accolades it receives, there are some in the Congress that are not putting their full weight behind fully funding the Global Fund and behind keeping our promise. I call on both Senator Shaheen and Senator Gregg, the ranking member on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, to firmly stand behind the Global Fund. I ask that they stand up, and find the funds that will help save lives around the world. Make no mistake, the current fiscal crisis makes these international decisions difficult, but turning away now is antithetical to our own interests and beliefs — it is against who we are and what we believe. We need to trim the fat of government, but don’t do it with the lives of the world’s poorest.

Michael Castaldo

Performance Incentives for Global Health

Jun 26th, 2009 1:59 PM EST
By Rena Pacheco-Theard

Last week, the Center for Global Development (CGD) hosted a launch for a new book called Performance Incentives for Global Health: Potential and Pitfalls. In the book, authors Rena Eichler and Ruth Levine, as well as members of CGD’s Working Group on Performance-based Incentives, describe a way to finance development which is receiving increasing attention – the transfer of money or services to patients or providers in exchange for taking action to improve health or meeting performance targets. The book examines the successes of these programs in Haiti and Rwanda, as well as Nicaragua and other examples from around the world.

In Haiti, institutional deliveries by skilled attendants increased by over 19% at NGOs which received payments based on results achieved in comparison to those paid based on inputs (like health workers trained, for example).

In Rwanda, provinces with performance-based financing reported the largest increases in the quantities of both curative and preventative care services. These provinces also outperformed non-performance-based ones in terms of effective management of deliveries and referral systems. As a result of encouraging results from these pilots, the Ministry of Health scaled up to a national model of performance-based financing.

In Nicaragua, immunization coverage increased more than 30% in areas which implemented a cash transfer program similar to the one described in our blog post from last Tuesday, in comparison to areas that did not implement this type of program. Amongst the poorest, the increases in immunization rates were even greater than 30%.

Other countries in Latin America, such as Colombia and Mexico, reduced child stunting by 6.9% and 29% in girls through cash transfer programs. In Russia, providing food, travel subsidies, and other services for patients with tuberculosis helped to reduce treatment default rates from 15-20% to 2-6%, which means more people continued to receive the treatment they needed.

Performance-based incentives are not a cure-all for all health system problems, but they are a promising tool for increasing service usage and performance. As authors Eichler and Levine noted, this strategy may be particularly useful where current incentive structures fail to reward strong performance, where households face financial, physical and social barriers to access, and in weak-state settings.

-Rena Pacheco-Theard & Lisa Fleisher

Zimbabwe still hungry despite increase in crop production

Jun 25th, 2009 5:38 PM EST
By Beth Adler

Thanks to good rainfall, Zimbabwe has been able to increase production of maize—the staple crop in the country—by 130% to 1.1 million tons. Despite this increase, however, 2.8 million people will still face food shortages this year, as the UN Food and Agriculture Orgaization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) report. Zimbabwe’s food security situation is still extremely tenuous, with basic necessities out of reach for most households. The report also warned that Zimbabwe could see the lowest-ever wheat harvest this winter due to high seed prices and electricity shortages.

“This year’s improved harvest comes after two consecutive years of poor production,” said the World Food Programme’s Jan Delbaere, who worked on the report, reports AP news agency. “Having depleted their food stocks and sold livestock and other assets to cope with the effects of the recent crises, many rural households are still struggling to survive.”

If you’re curious about the report, you can find it here.

-Beth Adler

Bipartisan Action on Foreign Operations Funding

Jun 24th, 2009 4:16 PM EST
By Arjun Mody

Chairman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) exemplified bipartisan leadership in navigating the $48.8 billion State-Foreign Operations bill though the House Appropriations Committee yesterday afternoon. After a few amendments, the bill passed by a near unanimous voice vote demonstrating solid support for live-saving, effective programs.

Over the past few months ONE members across the country contacted Members of Congress on the importance of fighting poverty, and it is clear that ONE has been heard. But no resting on our laurels, there is much, much more to do. The full House will take up the bill after the July 4th holiday, and the Senate Appropriations Committee will begin its work around the same time.

On our key programs, some funding levels are very good, and on others, we need to do more. For global health programs, the House Appropriations Committee provides $7.7 billion, which includes fully funding PEPFAR at $5.259 billion. The global health amount also includes $750 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and there is an additional $300 million in the Labor-Health and Human Services bill for a total of $1.05 billion, but the need is $2 billion, so we have some work to do in boosting the funding for this critical, proven program. Good news is that the bill fully funds the President’s Malaria Initiative at $585 million and the Millennium Challenge Account at $1.4 billion, both huge increases from last year’s levels. There is also positive funding for basic education, child and maternal health, and other development programs.

However, in addition to the Global Fund, there is another area of significant concern, and that is the funding of the President’s Food Security initiative. The President’s request was approximately $1.4 billion, but the bill provides about $1 billion, and we believe most of this cut will be felt by African and Latin American countries. This is a key initiative that will help the world’s poorest countries increase their agricultural productivity, reduce poverty, and provide economic prosperity.

Yesterday’s action marks an important step in the funding process, and also provides us with the opportunity to make a difference going forward.

-Arjun Mody

Photo Journal: At the Tema General Hospital

Jun 23rd, 2009 1:23 PM EST
By Morgana Wingard

On Day 5 of our listening/learning trip to Africa, we visited the Tema General Hospital (a (RED)/Global Fund site), located 22 miles outside of Accra in the largest port, industrial city in Ghana. Built in 1954, the hospital is currently undergoing renovations in an effort to better serve the increasing number of patients. An eye care center was recently completed and the Minister of Health just announced plans to construct a new, modern maternity block.

These are some photos from a PMTCT (prevent mother-to-child transmission) program funded by the Global Fund. The PMTCT program at Tema General Hospital provides voluntary counseling, testing, treatment and services to prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child.

-Morgana Wingard

Making Africa Fit for Children

Jun 19th, 2009 11:31 AM EST
By Pooja Gupta

June 16 was the Day of the African Child. This year’s discussion, “Africa Fit for Children: Call for Accelerated Action Towards Their Survival,” was jointly hosted by the African Union and the African Diplomatic Corps, the Global Health Council, Save the Children, and the US Coalition for Child Survival. The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Charles MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children, included Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali, Ambassador of the African Union to the United States, Her Excellency Hawa Ndilowe, Ambassador of Malawi to the US, His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, Ambassador of Mali to the US, Gloria Steele from USAID, and World Health Organization (WHO) Ambassador Liya Kebede.

Here are some highlights:

Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali: The Day of the African Child marks the third year celebration of good practices in Africa. During the past 5-7 years many countries, including Malawi, Botswana, Libya, and Ethiopia, have seen a reduction in child mortality. If Africa continues in this way, it will be on its way to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. However efforts on the ground need to be strengthened; Africa is capable of even more.

Her Excellency Hawa Olga Ndilowe: Africa has faced many challenges in health care and although there has been progress, more work lies ahead. Over the past few years Malawi has mainly focused on reducing child mortality and morbidity. To do this, the country has adopted three main community-level areas of focus:

• Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS
• Breast feeding: Generally, the recommendation in Malawi is that women living with HIV should not breast feed. This proves to be a big challenge as breastfeeding is usually the most affordable option.
• Increased access to clean water and sanitation, medications and education.

These strategies have been successful. Malawi has witnessed significant improvements in its mortality rates: maternal mortality has reduced from 234 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1992 to 122 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006. In addition, infant mortality has reduced from 134 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1999 to 69 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006. These figures are proof that we have the tools to save the lives of millions of women and children, we only have to reach them.

His Excellency Abdoulaye Diop: Through partnerships with UNICEF and Save the Children, the Ministry of Health is embarking on a national child survival strategy. Vulnerable groups – particularly mothers and newborns – will be a focus of integrated care at the community level. To care for both mother and child, community health care should be strengthened and focused on child immunizations, bed nets, and treatment. The Ministry of Health is eager to strengthen international partnerships, such as with Save the Children, and not only increase the frequency of care, but also the quality.

Gloria Steele: Many advocates have moved beyond rhetoric and into action and are getting results: there is renewed support for maternal and child health care – Congress increased its budget by 25% last year. Additionally, in 2008, the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) reached 25 million people in one year alone. However, there is still a long way to go – 50 million children still suffer from malaria. Using resources more efficiently and integrating all our initiatives – including education, food security, and global health – can yield more results. Also, building capacity in these regions, including health systems, will help produce sustainable results.

Liya Kebede: “No woman should die giving life.” 99% percent of maternal deaths occur in developing countries, and about half of these deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. and 45% of women in sub-Saharan Africa deliver their babies in the absence of skilled attendance. The death of a mother severely affects the lives of her children: children who lose their mothers are five times more likely to die in infancy, more likely to miss out on life saving vaccinations, and less likely to go to school. Action is important now, especially as the H.R. 1410 Bill: Newborn, Child and Mother Survival Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Betty McCollum, is on the agenda for Congress.

-Pooja Gupta & Eloho Ovhori

Bread for the World Lobby Day

Jun 18th, 2009 11:24 AM EST
By ONE.Partners

Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA-28), lead sponsor (along with Rep. Mark Kirk, R-IL-10, not pictured) of HR 2139 addresses Bread for the World members at a morning briefing.

“Law doesn’t happen by accident.” These were the words of Diana Ohlbaum, Senior Staff of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as she addressed participants at Bread for the World’s Gathering 2009. To make laws fair and compassionate for hungry people, we have to make our voices heard in congress.

So, Bread for the World members from across the country spoke out powerfully on Capitol Hill Tuesday as a part of our annual Lobby Day. Bread members from 38 states held meetings with more than 181 Congressional offices.

Our message: it is time to reform U.S. foreign assistance to make it more effective in reducing hunger and poverty. Specifically, we asked our house members to co-sponsor HR 2139, the “Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 2009.”

Even if you weren’t able to make it to DC to advocate with us, you can be a part of the action too by calling your House member and urging their co-sponsorship. You can use Bread’s special number to be connected directly to the Capitol switchboard at (800)826-3688.

Bread also honored five Members of Congress for their consistent leadership on issues that affect hungry and poor people. Lobby Day Awards went to Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC-6), Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY-18), and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA-10).

But remember, fair laws don’t happen by accident. Speak out today to make foreign aid more effective.

-Jennifer Coulter Stapleton, Bread for the World Communications

Photo by Bread for the World/Rick Reinhard

The Unseen Consequences of Unsafe Water

Jun 17th, 2009 2:57 PM EST
By ONE.Partners

The pond in Jisonayili, Tamale, where a girl drowned collecting water. Photo: WaterAid / Jon Spaull

If today is a typical day, 4,000 children under five will die from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water and inadequate sanitation. Millions of women will spend hours collecting water from rivers, streams and other distant sources, rather than earning money or growing food. Thousands of children will miss school due to water-related illness or water collection.

The impacts that unsafe water and sanitation have on health, education and livelihoods are profound, but well documented. It’s a disturbing, but sadly familiar tale.

But whenever I visit a WaterAid program and speak with communities, I am caught by surprise hearing individual accounts about the less expected, but no less devastating, costs of unsafe water.

In Tamale in Ghana, I spoke with a community mourning the loss of a young girl who died due to an unsafe water source - not from drinking the water, but because she fell into an open pond and drowned. When families are struggling to survive, adults simply do not always have the time to supervise children collecting water.

In the Kiteto District of Tanzania, women were crushed and killed when a hand-dug well collapsed on them.

In the mountains of Nepal, a grandmother confessed the guilt she felt at leaving her baby grandson unattended every morning. She had no choice: she could not carry him up the steep rocky path from the water source, and the family needed water, so babysitting had to come second.

Mana Laxmi Shakya, from Nigalopani village in Nepal, with the grandson she has to leave alone while collecting water. Photo: WaterAid / Libby Plumb

In Ethiopia, villagers expressed their gratitude for a new water point, telling how it would save women from being sexually assaulted as they crossed a forest to reach the river where they used to collect water.

Investing in safe water supplies is essential in improving health, reducing infant mortality and boosting productivity. But it’s also a vital key in keeping families safe in other ways: freeing up time for families to spend together, and increasing the security of women.

Investing in water is not only an investment in economic growth and poverty reduction, but it is an investment in people. And that is why the U.S. Government must continue to strengthen its work to support developing country governments in their efforts to deliver the basic service of safe water to those in need.

To learn more about how WaterAid works to overcome poverty by enabling the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education, please visit www.wateraidamerica.org.

-Libby Plumb, Senior Communications Advisor, WaterAid America