Weekly Development Policy News

Click here (opens Google Reader) to access my weekly selection of mainstream news articles covering rich world policies and practices that affect poor people in developing countries.This week's development news focused on global health and climate change. As the International AIDS conference winds down, the media report on past accomplishments and failures as well as new research promoting the fight against AIDS and other global health threats. Climate change coverage reported increased flooding in developing countries at the same time rich countries are shutting down a program aimed at strengthening poor countries’ ability to forecast and withstand such climate-related threats.Sample articles:Climate-Change Program to Aid Poor Nations Is Shut (New York Times: 8/7/08)The National Center for Atmospheric Research recently terminated the Center for Capacity Building program, which focused on strengthening poor countries' ability to forecast and withstand droughts, floods and other climate-related hazards. The move strikes controversy as science budgets are decreasing but the threat posed by climate change continues.Call for Targeted Aids Prevention Funding (Financial Times: 8/6/08)Researchers at the International AIDS conference in Mexico City urge for more attention to AIDS prevention. The Global HIV Prevention Working Group, an alliance of public health experts, clinicians and advocates, endorsed UN calls for proven prevention programs currently receiving very modest funding such as male circumcision.Read all the articles from this week (opens Google Reader)