We estimate the scale of suffering across events to help people compare their human impact, recognize overlooked harm, and inform decisions about where to focus attention and support.
The number of people affected tells only part of the story. How intensely they suffer and how long it lasts also matter. We bring these dimensions together using a proposed measure called the Universal Suffering Unit (USU), making different harms and opportunities for relief easier to compare.
A concrete reference point can make an abstract amount of suffering easier to picture. We chose kidney-stone pain as a recognizable example of intense pain. One USU represents the modeled suffering in a defined six-hour pain profile, giving our estimates a consistent scale. Longer, less intense experiences can also accumulate substantial suffering on this scale.
The reference does not imply that every kidney-stone episode follows that pattern or ends after six hours. Estimates for other experiences remain provisional.
Our analyses connect possible relief with the cost of delivering it. These estimates are early starting points for understanding what help could achieve.
Provisional central scenarios. Coverage, time periods and cost models differ, so the figures are not a ranking. Each analysis explains what could change its result.
Donation estimate
Mosquito nets can prevent acute malaria in young children.
per $100 received by AMF
Young-child illness over three years after net distribution. Gross benefit; adverse effects unestimated.
Donation estimate
Repair surgery can relieve persistent physical discomfort and emotional distress.
per $100 received by Fistula Foundation
Later relief during postoperative days 91–365. Gross benefit; treatment burden unestimated.
Donation estimate
Community-based psychological support may help adults experiencing depression.
per $100 received for Zimbabwe work
90 assumed days of relief within the first six months. Gross benefit; adverse effects unestimated.
Program-cost estimate
Surgery can stop eyelashes rubbing against the eye and relieve persistent pain.
per $100 in modeled program costs · 2025 USD
Later relief during days 91–365, less an assumed recovery burden. Balance of selected pain effects; incomplete benefit and harm coverage.
Exploratory program-cost estimate
Supported care for podoconiosis can reduce recurring bouts of acute pain and fever.
per $100 in modeled program costs · 2026 USD assumption
Avoided acute attacks in the first year. Gross benefit; treatment burdens unestimated.
Cost is provisional: assumes $200 per participant-year, not a verified provider price.
Exploratory program-cost scenario
Palliative care can make a day less painful, even when an illness cannot be cured.
per $100 in modeled program costs · 2026 USD assumption
Physical relief during funded care weeks. Gross benefit; treatment harms unestimated.
Cost and relief are provisional: assumes $40 per patient-week and one point of average additional relief.
WSI publishes research and estimates. We do not collect donations through this website.
Our growing list covers disasters, disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises. Each estimate includes a stated set of experiences and a defined period.
Each report shows its scope, sources and assumptions. The shared method explains the reference unit, while lower and higher scenarios show how selected choices affect a result.