Absolute Poverty

Absolute Poverty

By: Tan Sri Son | 07/01/2025

Absolute Poverty: A Global Humanitarian Crisis

Absolute poverty refers to a condition in which individuals or families are unable to meet the most basic necessities of life—food, clean water, shelter, education, and healthcare. It is typically measured using the international poverty line, currently set at $1.90 per day by the World Bank. People living in absolute poverty face life-threatening challenges daily and often have little to no access to essential services.

Unlike relative poverty, which is based on a person’s economic status compared to others in the same society, absolute poverty represents a universal standard of deprivation. It is most commonly found in regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South Asia, and rural areas of developing countries. For example, many families in remote villages survive on subsistence farming, with no access to clean water or medical facilities. Children in these communities often cannot attend school because they must work to support their families or because schools are simply too far away.

The effects of absolute poverty are severe. Malnutrition leads to stunted growth and weakened immune systems. Lack of clean water and sanitation causes deadly diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Without access to education, children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to secure better opportunities for the future.

Combating absolute poverty requires global cooperation and targeted efforts. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies must work together to provide sustainable solutions such as access to education, healthcare infrastructure, clean water systems, and economic opportunities. Programs that empower local communities and focus on long-term development rather than temporary relief are essential.

In conclusion, absolute poverty is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity today. Eradicating it is not just a matter of economic development—it is a moral imperative. A world where no one suffers from hunger, disease, or lack of opportunity is not only possible but necessary for global peace and progress.

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