I am from a lower-middle-income country (Lesotho) and have a Masters in Public Health. I want to use my career to do impactful work related to Health, but there are few organizations in the Effective Altruism community considered as ‘impactful’ in the country, for example none suggested by Givewell. At the same time, the country faces high unemployment rates if I were to consider having an impact through civil service. Options to do good according to effective altruism feel out of reach for me as a citizen of Lesotho. How do I navigate having an impact in a low-resource setting? Thanks so much.
Hi Mokhantso, thanks for the question. I think some of the advice I gave in this other comment might apply: it can be hard to find opportunities in some situations, but no one has a monopoly on applying these principles to effectively reduce suffering and save lives. One option might be to look at Charity Entrepreneurship’s charity incubation program to start a health charity of your own inspired by these principles. If you are able to join the civil service, you might implement effective programs and build state capacity- for example I know Lead Elimination Project has worked closely with government officials in various countries to help implement their program. In the future I’d also encourage you to look out for regional EAGx conferences that you might attend to learn more and network with high impact health professionals, such as the EAGx Nigeria conference that just happened. And I’d definitely keep an eye on ProbablyGood’s job board and resources.
I’m not sure if this is a full answer to your question, though. I feel for your situation and admire that you want to use your career to reduce suffering and have a positive impact.
Hi,
I am from a lower-middle-income country (Lesotho) and have a Masters in Public Health. I want to use my career to do impactful work related to Health, but there are few organizations in the Effective Altruism community considered as ‘impactful’ in the country, for example none suggested by Givewell. At the same time, the country faces high unemployment rates if I were to consider having an impact through civil service. Options to do good according to effective altruism feel out of reach for me as a citizen of Lesotho. How do I navigate having an impact in a low-resource setting? Thanks so much.
Hi Mokhantso, thanks for the question. I think some of the advice I gave in this other comment might apply: it can be hard to find opportunities in some situations, but no one has a monopoly on applying these principles to effectively reduce suffering and save lives. One option might be to look at Charity Entrepreneurship’s charity incubation program to start a health charity of your own inspired by these principles. If you are able to join the civil service, you might implement effective programs and build state capacity- for example I know Lead Elimination Project has worked closely with government officials in various countries to help implement their program. In the future I’d also encourage you to look out for regional EAGx conferences that you might attend to learn more and network with high impact health professionals, such as the EAGx Nigeria conference that just happened. And I’d definitely keep an eye on ProbablyGood’s job board and resources.
I’m not sure if this is a full answer to your question, though. I feel for your situation and admire that you want to use your career to reduce suffering and have a positive impact.