International aid and its implication on the health of recipient countries

Dear Azu, 

International aid, despite the literal meaning of the words, does not
imply a "a benevolent donation given to poor countries by generous,
rich nations so that the former can meet primary needs of its
citizens. More often it is a loan provided by a government or
international agency that the recipient must pay back within a
specified period. it is never a cash donation given with no strings
attached." (Source: COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
INTRODUCTION ON INTERNATIONAL AID, The University of Southern
California, http://www-scf.usc.edu/~yucekus/january22-lecture1.html).

Aid, thus, serves first and foremost the interest of the donor
country, and not those of the receiver. The implications for the
health of the receiving country depend therefore on the interests of
the donor county(ies). These interest, and the aid itself, might not
comprehend with the country's health, democratisation or stability.
Aid "is usually more effective in better off developing countries in
spurring economic growth due to the presence of the conditions
necessary for sustainable growth (such as political stability and the
general absence of conflict). Therefore, aid in a way widens the gap
between developing countries." (Source: ibid). Moreover, "Some think
that aid is detrimental to economic development since it inhibits
entrepreneurial skills and motivation and fosters dependence."
(Source: ibid.).

I hope that helped. I searched the web for "international aid" as well
as for the question "what is international aid". If you need any
clarification on this answer, please let me know. I'd be pleased to
clarify my answer before you rate it.

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Request for Answer Clarification by azu-ga on 21 May 2003 12:06 PDT

Can you expand a little on what you mean by  " The implication for the
health of the receiving country depend on the interest of the donor
country(ries)". And can you state some of the likely health
implications of aid on developing countries.
Thank you.

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Clarification of Answer by politicalguru-ga on 22 May 2003 01:14 PDT

Dear Azu, 

In the sentence "[T]he implication for the health of the receiving
country depend on the interest of the donor country(ries)" I meant,
that the developing country is not idependent in setting the course of
its development in these cases - it depends on the donors and their
interests. For example, if a donor is interested in assisting their
country's economy by inserting GM (genetically modified) crops to the
receiving country as part of the aid, this might devestate the
agriculture (or even the public health) of the receiving country,
without causing much benefit in the long run.

Another well known controversy, is that of the protection of
pharamceutical copyrights, even in the price of damage to the public
health of a developing country, which constantly depends on foreign
aid, instead of having the opportunity to develop cheaper drugs.