by Rebecca Laes-Kushner | Jan 31, 2026 | policy
From trauma to limited access to education and jobs, refugees face challenges – but also show resilience, adaptability and a desire to improve their circumstances. There are over 36 million refugees worldwide, as well as approximately 70 million more people internally...
by Rebecca Laes-Kushner | Nov 10, 2025 | health, policy, poverty, public health, social determinants of health
Children’s exposure to lead causes 1.5 million deaths every year as well as health impacts, including lower IQs and behavioral problems, which ultimately impact adults’ ability to earn sufficient wages. Lead exposure is tied to US$1.4 trillion in...
by Rebecca Laes-Kushner | Oct 2, 2024 | policy
Approximately 50 million people today are in slavery, including 12 million children and 22 million people in forced marriages (many of whom are children). Overview of modern slavery Although the top 10 countries are North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia,...
by Rebecca Laes-Kushner | Jun 7, 2024 | policy, poverty, SDGs
Poverty – i.e., financial poverty – is exacerbated by other poverties. Food poverty, including hunger and malnutrition, lead to health problems that impact a person’s potential earnings. Similarly, inadequate schooling hinders a person’s...
by Rebecca Laes-Kushner | Mar 5, 2024 | development, policy, poverty, public health
The importance of small farmersMicro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in the food system in developing countries. Worldwide, SME farms produce approximately 50% of calories, over 85% of fruits and vegetables and about 80% of meat and...
