No poverty

SDG 1 calls for an end to poverty in all its manifestations by 2030. It also aims to ensure social protection for the poor and vulnerable, increase access to basic services and support people harmed by climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters. Poverty is the deprivation in well-being among individuals, families, communities or countries. Insufficient access to food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare, safe shelter, proper education and information are pushing around 700 million of the world’s population to sink in a vicious cycle. When health and living conditions start to worsen, less productivity and financial insufficiency as a result, will end up with extreme poverty and the cycle continues.

Poverty  is related to living in a polluted environment and facing cultural, social and political hardships, therefore huge health effects are expected, such as; chronic diseases, communicable diseases and premature death. 

Poor life conditions’ stressors increase crime rates and violence in the community. Low access to healthcare, unemployment and low education are most remarkable factors for risky behaviours among the poor while coping with stress. Health inequities is another one side of poverty, especially when speaking about children and adolescents, as they do not have any control over their health or any other factors that affect it. 

A child in poverty might be exposed to psychological, sexual, domestic abuse and violence against his family members, in addition to high probability of drug abuse among family members who tend to have mental illnesses and suicidal tendencies. Half of people living in poverty are under 18 years old, with lower chances of having a fresh good start in life.

The first first SDG of the United Nations represents the urgent need of active supporting systems that eliminate poverty with all forms and dimensions by 2030. Considering the economic consequences of the current Coronavirus pandemic, more than 71 million people will be pushed back into extreme poverty. All humanity can work hand-in-hand to ensure a better future by taking actions and supporting policies that help people in need.