Poverty does not restrict itself to the lenses of the world media. It reaches all corners of the globe, and affects hundreds of millions of people. Invariably, when a disaster strikes, the world media will descend to capture and publicise the unfolding events. This ritual happens so often, it is now expected. After all, it generates millions in donations and makes the west feel good about itself. I suppose in that respect those nations are the lucky ones.
Not everybody is so fortunate, however. What about the forgotten countries? Several of them are also affected by disaster, humanitarian crises and severe poverty, but hardly a word is mentioned about their plight.
In this series, I wish to explore and reveal some of those forgotten countries caught in the grip of severe and complex poverty. Then maybe, more can be done to help.
Dr Hossam Said (MBChB, MBA)
Director of International Programmes at Islamic Relief Worldwide