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Ethical infrastructure for good governance in the public pharmaceutical sector

ANELLO, Eloy
November 2006

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This paper focuses on the values approach for promoting ethical practices in the governance and management of pharmaceuticals within ministries of health. It recognises the need to coordinate and integrate such endeavours with existing legislative efforts to establish a legal framework and ethical infrastructure that adequately address the problem of corruption within the context of each country. The paper is a working draft for field testing and revision

Social movements and chronic poverty across the urban-rural divide : concepts and experiences

MITLIN, Diana
BEBBINGTON, Anthony
September 2006

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"This paper develops a series of arguments regarding the contribution of social movements to the reduction of chronic poverty in both urban and rural social contexts...The summary is divided into three sections addressing: the relevance of social movements to the chronically poor; social movements and the representation of the chronically poor; and the interaction between the state and movements of the poor, with a special focus on the influence of social movements on policy and politics...[the] discussion suggests that the power of social movements lies less in their ability to influence the specifics of policies and programmes, and rather more in their capacity to change the terms in which societies debate poverty and social change, and to influence the types of development and policy alternatives that are considered legitimate in a given social and political context"

FAO working in support of persons with disabilities

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Ed
August 2006

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The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the key linkages between poverty, disability, nutrition and agricultural production. The paper also reports on some of the FAO's work on disability and disability rights and highlights 5 FAO projects / pilot models - ranging from mushroom production to blacksmithing - that target rural people living with disabilities. It would be useful for anyone with an interest in mainstreaming disability in development policy and practice

Social movements and the politicization of chronic poverty policy

BEBBINGTON, Anthony
August 2006

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"This paper reviews the roles of social movements in addressing chronic poverty. It focuses on three domains in which such movements might influence chronic poverty. First, it discusses their roles in challenging the institutions, social structures and political economy dynamics that underlie chronic poverty. In this domain, movements can play potential roles in changing the conditions under which accumulation occurs and attacking relationships of adverse incorporation. They can also change the relationships that underlie processes of social exclusion. Second, movements have played important roles in the cultural politics surrounding chronic poverty. They have helped change dominant meanings associated with poverty, and influenced the ways in which the poor are thought of in society. Third, in some instances movements - and in particular social movement organisations - have direct impacts on the assets that poor people own and control... Social movements' main contribution is, perhaps, that they politicize debates on chronic poverty"

Policy engagement for poverty reduction : how civil society can be more effective

COURT, Julius
June 2006

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This briefing paper draws on a report by Julius Court and others entitled 'Policy engagement: how can civil society be more effective', also published by ODI. It examines the role of civil society organisations in poverty reduction strategies and looks at ways to enhance their influence on the policy making process. Inadequate knowledge about the policy making process, lack of resources, insufficient capacity and policy makers' mistrust of CSOs are the main obstacles to their full engagement in policy making. Effective approaches should entail: campaigning and implementation of pilot projects aimed at improving adverse political contexts; rigorous mapping and assessment of political contexts; identify critical policy stages; provide relevant and objective evidence; use effective communication methods and strategies; apply network approaches; engage in systematic capacity building

Improving health, connecting people : the role of ICTs in the health sector of developing countries|A framework paper

CHETLEY, Andrew
Ed
May 2006

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This paper gives a snapshot of the types of information and communication technology (ICT) interventions being used in the health sector, and the policy debates involving ICTs and health. It draws on the experiences of both the North and South, but focuses on applicability in the South to identify the most effective and relevant uses of ICTs. It describes the major constraints and challenges faced in using ICTs effectively in the health sector of developing countries, draws out good practices for using ICTs in the health sector, identifies major players and stakeholders, and highlights priority needs and issues of relevance to policy makers. The paper also looks at emerging trends in technologies that are likely to shape ICT use in the health sector, and identifies gaps in knowledge. It is aimed at policy makers, international donors, local practitioners, and others who are involved in the development or management of programs in the health sector in developing countries

Communicating health research : how should evidence affect policy and practice?

VINCENT, Robin
April 2006

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This accessible briefing paper outlines a number of key issues and challenges for strengthening research communication and promoting evidence-based policy. It reviews a range of recent NGO initiatives and debates in this area and signposts a number of useful resources and case studies. Considers the need to bridge the gaps between researchers, policy-makers and practitioners, the role of influential policy networks, the role of political context, components of effective research communicatIon, and some promising initiatives at the 'research-practice boundary'

Gendering the draft comprehensive and integral international convention on the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities : legal background paper

ARNADE, Sigrid
HAEFNER, Sabine
January 2006

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This legal background paper asserts that the United Nations Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities should include a separate article on the equality of women with disabilities. This paper outlines the stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses that especially harm disabled women. Other issues of focus include: sexual and psychological abuse, including forced sterilisation; habilitation and rehabilitation; participation in public life; and employment. This resource would be useful for anyone with an interest in gender equality, women's rights and international law

Welfare reform policy paper

DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION
January 2006

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This paper explains the terms and legislative process associated with welfare policy reform for disabled people. It also puts forward a set of principles that are designed to facilitate the inclusion and participation of disabled people in the work force. It would be useful for anyone with an interest in disability, welfare reform and labour rights

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