An end to poverty is a global issue

Editor—Rich and developing nations can both do more to end poverty: “The WHO called for substantial new investment in the public health infrastructures of the world's poorest countries. More resources are needed to strengthen health systems, to make it easier to deliver antiretrovirals.”¹ These are all part of a global acknowledgement that poverty must be tackled in earnest.

In Zambia, debt repayments to the International Monetary Fund cost $25m (£13m, €19m) more than the budget for education.² Examples such as these have led to more than 100 UK charities and other organisations issuing a joint demand that “rich countries should increase aid, cancel world debt, and change the rules of world trade so that they favour the interests of the poor.”²

Project leaders of the UN millennium project, which was unveiled this year, call for “a decade of bold action,” saying that high income countries must open their markets to developing country exports and should help the poorest countries to raise export competitiveness through investments in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and science and technology. The report also highlights the role that developing countries must play, for example, “The African Union should promote regional trade and cross border infrastructure and that increased international support should go to countries that have demonstrated good governance.”

With practical commitments by both sides, the health problems that plague the developing world, such as the high rate of fatal communicable diseases and lack of medicines, might be improved. Real changes are starting to take place: Gordon Brown (the British chancellor) has already pledged international debt relief for the poorest countries.

Such measures are crucial for global health and stability. Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the United Nations millennium project, says, “When people lack access to medical care, safe drinking water and a chance at a better future, their societies are likely to experience instability and unrest that spills over to the rest of the world.”

1. Fleck F. Rich nations should pay more to developing countries. studentBMJ 2005;13:48. (February.)
2. Eaton L. Charities and rock stars join forces to tackle world poverty. BMJ 2005; 330:59.