SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 1

END POVERTY IN ALL IT FORMS EVERYWHERE

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It is a fact that more than 700million people, i.e. 10% of the world population still live in extreme poverty and surviving on less than US$1.90 per day. As at 2018, about 80% of employed workers together with their families lived in extreme poverty hence; a job still is not a guarantee for decent living. While only 41% of women giving birth received maternity cash benefits, 122 women aged 25-34 live in extreme poverty for every 100 men of the same age group.

It is true that global poverty rates have been cut by more than half since the year 2002, but 1 in 10 people in developing regions still live with their families on less than US$1.90. 42% of Sub-Sahara African population continues to live below the poverty line.

Poverty manifest itself via hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, not leaving out social discrimination and exclusion together with lack of participation in decision-making process.

In the year 2012, Africa’s rate of extreme poverty fell from 1990’s 56% to 43%. Increased population has led to an estimated 63million more people living in extreme poverty than in the past years. The commitment in Africa needs to be transformed into actions so as to realize a zero poverty Africa. Some of the ways Africans can collectively fight this social plaque include;

-All African citizens should demand actions rather than commitments, to effectively measure progress.

-Data on poverty needs to be adequate and updated so as know who is poor, where they live and what they need.

-International aids should readily support national efforts.

-Everyone must get in board, with no one left behind.

-African countries must all together work side by side.

-The poorest should continue to be helped.

PlAN INTERNATIONAL on it part believes that the five important tools needed to end poverty are;

1-Quality Education

2-Access to health care

3-Water and sanitation

4-Economic security

5-Child participation

            Poverty is passed on from one generation to another and if our generation does not combat and eradicate poverty, poverty in the future generation is inevitable.

Welisane Maagbor