Considering its resources, the Arab world has achieved less than expected in health and development. In fact, the consequences of war, sanctions, and occupation in Iraq, Sudan, and Palestine have resulted in regression rather than progression. What is being proposed to address this? Last year, there were two international events that directly concern health and development in the Arab world. The first was a high profile conference on public health for health policy makers in Beirut organised by the World Bank and the World Health Organization, during which a document on the public health situation and prospects was released.1 The second was the publication of the Arab Human Development Report 2002, cosponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.2 Although both events painted a challenging picture for development in the Arab region, they identified different sets of impediments to progress, priorities for development, and solutions. A critical look at these events may help identify important steps towards improving health in Arab countries and propelling development.

Iraqi children queuing for food: wars and sanctions have gravely affected public health and development in one of the richest Arab countries

JASSIM MOHAMMED/AP PHOTO