Due to poor infrastructure and declining economies, many West African countries have seen a large rise in Moped transportation.

“The moped revolution is one of the most evident expressions of informality in contemporary West Africa. It economics is straightforward. The Chinese economy is capable of delivering motor-cycles at affordable prices so people buy and use them. The conditions under which they do so are however very problematic.

“Religious charities in Indonesia are changing the way they conduct themselves. As an Islamic state, much of Indonesia’s charitable work is done by faith-based organizations in the country. However, the role and the type of work conducted by religious organizations, is changing to fit better with the times.

South American countries are seeing a change in epidemiology profiles, that is to say, fewer cases of communicable disease, primarily associated with poverty, and increased cases of chronic diseases that require more costly long-term interventions and are often associated with richer communities.

"Under Vietnam’s HIV/AIDS laws, no child can be denied access to a school if either they or any of their family is living with HIV or AIDS. Vietnam’s laws on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control are comprehensive but are not widely known. Public prejudice against HIV/AIDS infected people also stems from the fact that historically, it has been associated with drug users and prostitutes. Combined with the public attitude and lack of awareness, this has led to children with HIV being discriminated against in schools.

"In Jordan, Bedouin women are consulting doctors via mobile phones. These women are not culturally empowered to seek help without their husband‟s permission. Therefore, mobile phone has provided them access, although limited, to health care."

Implications from SFG:

"The state government of Maharashtra is working on a plan to upgrade Mumbai’s water supply and sanitation department to be on par with other international cities. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will submit a report wherein the 15 current state of water supply and sanitation will be mapped. The mapping process will involve a survey asking citizens about water supply and sanitation, as well as their suggestions. The report is due to be submitted by June. The mapping process will take approximately one year after starting."

"While conditional cash transfers by governments have a clear effect on poverty reduction, a more sustainable and resilient to economic crisis impact could be achieved by taking into account the multiple dimensions of poverty and applying more spending, targeting and scaling up government efforts. Inequality —by gender, ethnicity and access to education and health services— is the main factor behind continuing poverty.

"As stated earlier, infrastructural problems such as impassable roads during rainy seasons in rural areas do limit access to healthcare facilities. In the face of this challenge, some rural communities in the Kissidougou region of southeastern Guinea have found an innovative solution that is proving to be effective in combating both maternal and child mortality. They are using a system of 'motorcycle ambulances;' these are three-wheeled motorbikes outfitted with small trailers that can carry one health worker and a reclining patient.

“…cultural norms that in part prohibit women from seeing male doctors and many prefer herbalists and practitioners of traditional medicine.

“Cote d'Ivoire's civil war wiped out the health sector in the rebel- held north, dramatically reducing the number of available doctors and health workers. The departure of health staff and the decline of functioning clinics and hospitals are believed to have led to an increase in maternal mortality rate in the country. A study said that in addition, nearly 80 percent of health facilities in rebel territory were looted or destroyed and remaining clinics lacked equipment and essential drugs.”

Implications: