The Curse of Poverty

Poverty means not having the basic things needed to live, such as food, healthcare, education, and shelter. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines poverty as not having enough money to meet these essential needs.

According to the World Bank's 2024 report, 8.5% of the global population—about 700 million people—live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 a day. Extreme poverty affects 700 million people, meaning 8.5% of the world’s population lives on less than $2.15 per day. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” This shows how poverty harms people’s health, education, and overall well-being.

The situation is especially bad in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where 83% of the world’s poorest people live. The United Nations reports that 1.1 billion people are in extreme poverty, with India having the highest number—234 million people struggling to meet basic needs. Other countries, such as Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, follow closely behind. These five countries make up nearly half of the world’s extreme poor, showing how deep and widespread the problem is.

Children are the most affected by poverty. Kids born into poor families are twice as likely to die before the age of five. In 2019, UNICEF reported that 5.2 million children under five died from preventable causes, and poverty played a role in over 45% of these deaths. Lack of healthcare, clean water, and nutritious food turns minor illnesses into life-threatening ones. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals emphasize that “no one should be left behind,” stressing the importance of giving everyone equal access to resources.

Education can break the cycle of poverty. Children born into poor families are five times less likely to finish school, limiting their chances of improving their lives. Education is a powerful tool against poverty, but many barriers prevent children from accessing quality education. According to UNESCO, 258 million children and youth worldwide are out of school. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Urban poverty is increasing. About 1.1 billion people live in slums, and this number is expected to grow. A report from UN-Habitat in 2023 stated that urbanisation is leading to more people living in poor conditions with limited access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. While cities often offer better opportunities, the reality for many people is harsh: overcrowded neighborhoods, pollution, poor public transport, and lack of green spaces. The World Bank emphasizes that urban growth must be inclusive, meaning cities should be built in a way that benefits everyone, especially the poor.

Capitalism causes inequality. The current economic system often focuses on profit rather than meeting the needs of all people. This results in wealth being concentrated in the hands of a few, while many others struggle to survive. Karl Marx once said, “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” This inequality continues to perpetuate poverty by keeping the rich rich and the poor poor, weakening communities and preventing equal opportunities for all.

The poor face stigma and social isolation, which makes their situation worse. They often experience discrimination and are looked down upon by others. This social stigma harms their self-esteem and mental health. Many poor people are treated with disrespect, which deepens their sense of hopelessness and makes it harder for them to find opportunities for a better life.

As Nobel laureate Amartya Sen explained, “Poverty is not just a lack of income; it is the deprivation of basic capabilities.” Poverty is more than just a lack of money—it takes away people’s ability to fully participate in society, harms their mental health, and prevents them from reaching their potential. People living in poverty often feel powerless, which can lead to despair. This cycle of deprivation affects not only individuals but entire communities, making it harder for society as a whole to thrive.

Ending poverty is a moral obligation. The statistics are alarming, but they represent real lives and futures that are being cut short. We need a plan to address the root causes of poverty—unfair economic systems, lack of access to education, healthcare, and jobs—and create a fairer society. Ending poverty is not just a goal; it is a moral duty. As Herbert Marcuse said, “Freedom is not merely the absence of suffering; it is the presence of opportunities.” Fighting poverty requires changing the systems that prioritise profit over people and working toward social justice and equality. The time to act is now—governments, organizations, and individuals must come together to end poverty and create a more just world.

Dr. Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, teacher and scholar of human rights and peace