4.11 The success of development aid

When were the first cases of Ebola recorded and what was the rate of spread?

It was first recorded in West Africa in March 2014, and within 21 months 28,616 cases had been reported

When was the World Health Organisation able to declare West Africa free of Ebola?

January 2016, which was due to a coordinated local, national and international response

What made the countries where Ebola was first detected so vulnerable?

They were among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, with weak infrastructure and health services

Why did Ebola threaten a global health crisis?

The outbreak covered a wide area, and symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear, meaning people could travel and spread the disease. Overseas volunteer health workers who contracted the virus could possibly bring it home undiagnosed

What action was involved in the response to the Ebola epidemic?

It was quickly declared an emergency, and teams were sent to detect and manage cases. Individual countries provided support, and the UNSC called a rare emergency session to assess the implications of the epidemic. There was also longer term development aid

Why is Haiti so vulnerable?

There are threats from multiple hazards, as well as reliance on overseas aid

How much overseas aid has Haiti received since 2011?

US$13 billion

Give an example of a potential for dependency culture in Haiti.

NGOs pay higher salaries, so skilled local people work for them instead of Haitian organisations

What % share of the national income does the wealthiest 10% in Haiti have compared to the wealthiest 10% in the UK?

Haiti = 48.21%

UK = 25.87%

What are two impacts of inequality?

• Health indicators are poor, because the poorest are least able to afford healthcare

• Growth in living standards is hindered, as a healthy population is more economically productive

Why may giving aid increase inequality?

Donor countries can act in their own interests, meaning aid may not be concentrated in areas where it is needed. Aid agencies can also favour projects that give publicity

What is the evidence that the type of aid can affect income inequality?

A study found that overall, economic and humanitarian aid decreases income inequality, multi-sector aid increases income inequality, and social aid doesn’t affect income inequality

Give an example of aid being given as a means of accessing resources.

China has provided funding for the development of resources in many African countries, which has involved infrastructure funding. Even though this should be mutually beneficial, China’s demand for raw materials drives its aid and investment policy

Give an example of aid being given for political support in IGOs and NGOs.

Germany has sought permanent membership on the UNSC from Kenya, Angola and Nigeria, and in return it has offered Nigeria support to develop HEP plants and liquefied natural gas resources

Give an example of aid being given to develop military alliances.

The USA pledged over $10 billion in foreign aid to Jordan over seven years, partly due to its role as a key security partner in the region