Academic boycott - through the looking glass

Article Abstract:

The medical schools and the medical profession in South Africa have been uniformly admired for their excellence. However, their reputation has been damaged since Steven Biko died in prison from beatings inflicted by the police. The South African Medical and Dental Council (SAMDC) stated at the time that no medical evidence showed Biko had died from injuries caused by these beatings and that no actions should be taken. This recommendation was later repudiated by the Supreme Court, but the reputation of the medical community was damaged. The medical community has made some positive responses as these events became more publicized. Doctors have become more aware of social issues facing the country and have improved health care available to prisoners and detainees. The social problems facing South Africa have resulted in academic boycotts by other countries. Although concern over racial justice is admirable, using methods such as boycotts to express those concerns are often as morally questionable as the problems they attempt to address. In 1988, the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) imposed an academic boycott on the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). This was done even though the CMSA had a policy of not discriminating by race. The medical associations from many other countries where human rights are violated on a regular basis quietly accepted the RACP proposal. Thus, the Australian proposal sought to punish a group that was making efforts to correct the problem, not one trying to enforce it. The RACP also did not specifically state the reasons for the boycott. Making a blanket judgment that all groups in South Africa is inherently racist and an academic boycott in this case is as morally repugnant as apartheid. Academic boycotts do nothing to further the free exchange of thoughts and ideas needed to bring true freedom to all. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Australia, International aspects, Medical policy, Health policy, Academic freedom, Boycotts, editorial

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Academic sanction: targeting South African science

Article Abstract:

Academic sanction is defined as intentional restriction of the scholarly exchange of information for political reasons. It is discrimination against scientists in order to protest the policies of their governments. Professional activities, such as participation in meetings to share research findings, are restricted. The author discusses examples of academic sanction, particularly those against South African scientists, and he reviews reasons for and against using academic sanction. He concludes that academic sanction threatens the advancement of science by blocking free exchange of information. To the individual scientist, it may be experienced as psychological violence. Finally, using science to advance political goals has had little or no proven success. He recommends that scientific organizations in all countries evaluate their sanction and boycott practices carefully and frequently.

Standards, Medical centers, International relations, Sanctions (International law), Scientists

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Estimating the number of insecticide-treated nets required by African households to reach continent-wide malaria coverage targets

Article Abstract:

A survey study was carried out to estimate the total number of nets and insecticide treated nets (ITNs) available at the house-hold level in sub-Saharan Africa at risk of malaria and the number needed to achieve the 80% coverage target for children younger than 5 years and pregnant women. To achieve the targeted ITN usage rates, numbers of ITNs available to African households must be dramatically increased which would require coordination among donor agencies, public health officials, net manufacturers, and existing distributions systems to ensure timely delivery and retreatment to achieve the agreed targets.

Facilities & equipment, Africa, Usage, Equipment and supplies, Surveys, Control, Malaria, Mosquitoes, Mosquito control, Clinical report, Nets, Netting

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