Connecting Consultants and Positions

CORE, the Child Survival Collaboration and Resources Group assists networking of organizations working in Child Survival and consultants. You can search their online “Consultant Database” by country of experience, area of technical expertise and language. Any consultant can add their information and CV directly to the database. Go to “Technical Resources” at www.coregroup.org.

CORE’s “Job Connection,” allows organizations to advertise open positions and job seekers to post positions wanted. For more information, visit their website or call Penny Altman at 301-572-0823.

 

   CISCO joins with U.N. to create NetAid.org

Cisco Systems, the leading provider of computer networking hardware, and several other corporate sponsors are each putting up 5-10 million dollars to launch www.NetAid.org in collaboration with the UNDP. NetAid will use the unique networking capabilities of the Internet to help the millions of people who don't live on the cutting edge, but who live on the edge of survival. 

The goal of NetAid.org is to facilitate community building and direct communications; serve as a one-stop resource for those interested in making a commitment to change; build on-line tools to promote exchanges of ideas; help people get access to and learn to utilize new technologies; and issue periodic calls to focus attention on what works or items of urgency. 

 
Internet Resources on Health in Africa

For a website with a couple hundred links to websites on health in Africa, go to www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/health.html.

 

Jubilee 2000 - A Successful Campaign 
by Churches for Debt Reduction

The Jubilee 2000 movement, a global effort by churches around the world to raise awareness about the crushing debt burden of 40 poor countries, has made a visible impact on the economic policies of rich countries and international institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Many countries are forced to pay more to service their debts than they spend for health and education of their populations. For example, Nicaragua pays $11 on debt servicing for every $1 spent on health care. 

Inspired by the Biblical concept of jubilee, i.e. wiping the slate clean and starting over, churches have been vocal in advocating for debt forgiveness. Partly in response to this effort, the IMF and the World Bank initiated action last month to forgive $27 billion in debt. In a recent meeting between 20 high level church leaders, World Bank’s President James Wolfensohn said that he is now a supporter of Jubilee 2000. President Clinton also announced plans to forgive billions of dollars of poor country debt to the U.S. Government. 

Debt reduction will be extended only to governments agreeing to pursue sound economic management policies and to spend the resources freed up on health, education and poverty reduction. Mechanisms will be established to ensure that the program benefits the poor. Continued pressure is needed to expand the program and to implement it effectively. Contact CCIH for information and materials to help you educate your church or organization and to advocate for fairness for poor countries. Helpful Internet sites are www.bread.org, www.Jubilee2000uk.org, and www.j2000usa.org.

In recognition of the central role played by churches and Christian organizations in promoting debt forgiveness, the Global Health Council asked CCIH to organize a scientific panel to present the Jubilee 2000 story at their June 2000 conference.