The end of the cold war has not opened an era of perfect peace and harmony. Conflicts continue in many parts of the world - but mainly in developing countries. Most of them today are internal conflicts, although the recent one between Ethiopia and Eritrea reminds us not to be complacent about the danger of renewed war between states, as well. But whatever their nature, the conflicts have a disastrous impact on the development prospects not only of the countries directly involved but of the entire surrounding region. This problem is particularly acute today in Africa, where many millions of lives and livelihoods have been destroyed in conflicts over the past few decades.
Nothing is more inimical to economic growth, or more certain to perpetuate poverty.
Nearly 22 million people have died of AIDS since the epidemic started in the late 1970s. The epidemic is growing at an explosive rate in Russia, but Africa remains the hardest hit. In sub-Saharan Africa, 2.4 million people died of AIDS this year, while an estimated 3.8 million people became infected with HIV, bringing the total number of people living with HIV or AIDS in the region to 25.3 million. For the vast majority of these people, the cost of treatment is far, far out of reach. In the most affected countries, AIDS is crippling national economies and undermining businesses.