Poverty is
a huge issue around the world, affecting billions of people. In America we are
relatively isolated from extreme poverty, which makes us much less aware of and
sympathetic for people who suffer from poverty. About half of the world lives
on less than $2.50 a day, and about one sixth of the world live on less than
$1.25 a day. This means these people barely have enough money to provide food
for themselves and their families, forget common luxuries that we have in
America like cars and electronics.
One of the
effects poverty around the world, is people living in poverty cannot afford sufficient
shelter or clean water. One billion people around the world do not have access
to clean water, which can lead to deadly waterborne illnesses. These illnesses
are often treatable, but those who are forced to drink unclean water usually
cannot afford medical treatment. This cycle makes it very difficult for those in poverty to remain healthy. In many tropical countries that have high poverty rates, also suffer from malaria which is one of the biggest killers in the world.
As you can see, poverty is a huge problem around the world. People on every continent suffer from it, even in some of the richest nations on earth. Although it may be impossible to help all people who are in poverty, it can be helped immensely by charity and other efforts.
