U.S. leaders share Pope Francis’ assessment that sustainable use of the Earth’s resources will help lift millions from poverty. Through partnerships with local organizations, America participates in many efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and energy and to improve the health of people around the world.
The strategies below, and many others besides, are advancing us toward a common goal of zero extreme poverty by 2030:
Better aquaculture, higher incomes
Many people make a living from the sea and its tributaries. Better managed fisheries and aquaculture can mean higher incomes, and families that are not only healthier and better fed, but also better housed and educated. The U.S., Australia, Bangladesh and Denmark are among the nations helping to develop and implement the necessary strategies.
This fish seller in Bangladesh raised her income by using new drying techniques. Her fish taste better, so she earns more money from the same size catch.
Work together
In many places, people working together in collectives more easily lift themselves from poverty. In Kenya, the Maasai Women Dairy (pictured) helps members find water and transport cows and milk. It has grown to more than 3,200 active members and quadrupled sales.
The U.S. government and private U.S. companies support nonprofit organizations that help communities form collectives.
Keep kids in school
Children who go to school are less likely to stay poor. Those with access to clean food and water are more likely to stay in school.
Feed the Future’s Cambodia HARVEST educates families on how to cook nutritional meals and to employ proper hygiene. It helps keep children healthy — and in the classroom.
Reduce infant mortality
The World Health Organization says global infant deaths have declined from 8.9 million in 1990 to 4.5 million in 2015. That’s progress, but more is needed.
USAID, the lead U.S. government agency working to end extreme global poverty, supports maternal and child health efforts throughout the world. Have a look at what it accomplished in Ghana last year, where a $4.3 million investment vaccinated nearly 100,000 children, treated almost 75,000 cases of diarrhea, and delivered antibiotics to tens of thousands of infected newborns.
We need to do even more
A baby born in 1981 was more likely than not born into extreme poverty, which the World Bank describes as living on $1.25 or less a day. Twenty years later the odds were down to 15 percent.
We’ve made progress, but there’s much more to be done. By setting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders aim to assure poverty reduction remains a top priority.
Keep poverty at the top of the world’s agenda. If you have access to social media, use it! Make some noise for these Global Goals.
