Political geography
Keep Politics Out of Fighting Disease
IPN Opinion article
The WHO has once again denied Taiwan the right to participate in the annual World Health Assembly...
Public health, medical knowledge and human lives should not be used as political bargaining chips. It is especially odd that Beijing would resort to threats in the WHO forum, when Beijing receives far more in aid from the WHO than it contributes, while Taiwan is eager to contribute to the WHO for the benefit of all peoples, including mainland Chinese. The cash-strapped WHO would surely welcome new contributors to its coffers and to its knowledge and capabilities.
Africa\'s economic tragedy
IPN Opinion article
As countries seek to tackle HIV/AIDS and other calamities its instructive that the political process be streamlined. Policies that enhance freedom and prosperity are needed urgently to reverse the economic tragedy. The African ruling elites ought to understand that they stand to benefit more with a prosperous population than with an impoverished, sickly nation.
Free the Kenyan economy to achieve growth
IPN Opinion article
Instead of politicians grabbing all the energies of Kenyans, it would be better to focus on issues that can make Kenyans productive. Free the economy of Kenya to achieve growth.
Kenya\'s Budget 2002/3 - Free the dead capital
IPN Opinion article
. The Kenyan individual will be said to be economically free if his/her wealth accumulation is not through political rent seeking, force, fraud or theft and is protected from the physical invasion by others. Without putting in place policies that release Kenya's creative energies, the prospects of economic growth are slim.
In Uganda, Influx of Aid Dollars Spurs Debate on Economic Effects
IPN Opinion article
"Uganda is beginning to wonder whether too much aid might actually damage its economy."
Rethink policy on poaching
IPN Opinion article
The Kenya government should urgently involve local communities in the conservation sector and put in place policies that will make them get revenue from wildlife. Very little trickles down to the locals from over a million visits by tourists because of the tourism cartels mostly owned by foreigners. Kenyans remain spectators and victims of the modern form of eco-imperialism ñ they are barred from using their natural resource to satisfy outsiders who yet again patronize the whole industry.
Donor funding has disabled economic fabric of Africa
IPN Opinion article
"Kenyans give birth to already indebted children. Stalled projects right from buildings at universities, roads and government vehicles now dot our landscape. Over-reliance on aid has led government policies not to address national needs - but the needs of donor agencies. "
Donor funding has disabled economic fabric of Africa
IPN Opinion article
"Kenyans give birth to already indebted children. Stalled projects right from buildings at universities, roads and government vehicles now dot our landscape. Over-reliance on aid has led government policies not to address national needs - but the needs of donor agencies."
Nigeria AIDS drug deal soured
IPN Opinion article
Eighteen months ago, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria announced a deal with Indian drug company Cipla to provide reduced price anti-AIDS drugs to 15,000 Nigerians. To improve drug delivery and health infrastructure, the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Gates Foundation, among others, donated over $150 million. But despite Obasanjo\'s assurances of success, only about 800 people have since been treated, and the drug stockpile will expire in less than six months.
With a population of over 120 million people, Nigeria provides the leadership in the north of Africa much like South Africa does in the south. And like its southern African neighbor, it is failing to address the AIDS pandemic.
Human deprivation in South Asia
IPN Opinion article
"Economic growth is like a wild horseóit needs to be trained to serve the real interests of society. If the horse misbehaves in some societies, leading to deprivation of many human lives, then the fault is not that of the horse but the skill of the rider. Economic growth is essential in poor societiesóbut even more important is its structure and distribution. While policy makers must accept the logic of the marketplace, they must also turn around and make markets work more efficiently in the interest of all people. It is people friendly markets that are needed."
