Health development versus medical relief: Not a turf battle
2006
Health Development vs. Medical Relief
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Guy-André Pelouze
Primary Institution: St. John Hospital, Perpignan, France
Hypothesis
Sustainable intervention creates a bias for development agencies to maintain the status quo.
Conclusion
Emergency humanitarian aid alone has not improved health in the long term, and a more sustainable approach is needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Emergency humanitarian aid has not improved health on a medium-term basis in the last four decades.
- Improvements in wealth, water supply, and agriculture benefit populations more than free goods from international aid.
- Sustainable programs are necessary for long-term health improvements.
Takeaway
Giving people food is good, but teaching them how to grow their own food is even better for their future.
Potential Biases
The author suggests that a focus on sustainable aid may lead to a bias that maintains the status quo.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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