The Bank has produced mixed results on reproductive health; it is imperative that as the post 2015 agenda is set, it maintains the funding and political profile of this hugely impactful public health issue.
Health
Social services
Commentary
Bad aid
A health public-private partnership is starving Lesotho's public health services of resources, affecting rural communities, where death rates are rising.
Rights
News
World Bank to “pick its battles” on LGBT rights
The World Bank's April spring meetings saw its first involvement with LGBT rights creating controversy in the media and civil society.
Social services
Background
Ensuring the Bank’s investment in and prioritisation of reproductive health up to 2015 and beyond
Sponsors: International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), White Ribbon Alliance, WBG (Health, Nutrition and Population Division)…
Private Sector
Commentary
Can development really be delivered by investing in private banks?
In a new blog the Bretton Woods Project highlights the Bank's increasing investment in financial intermediaries at the expense of education and health
Social services
News
World Bank’s Burma spending spree
The World Bank has announced big spending programmes in health, electricity and telecoms in Burma, however, critics point to its failure to protect human rights or consult properly with civil society.
Social services
News
World Bank health initiative “trampling on the dignity and needs of people”
World Bank report on health prevention criticised for ignoring evidence and theory.
Finance
Analysis
The IFIs in 2013: year in review
The Bretton Woods Project review of the most important developments at the World Bank and IMF in 2013.
Social services
Background
Is the World Bank serious about engaging CSOs and communities
Minutes from a civil society event on civil society consultations in the health sector at the WB/IMF annual meetings.
Social services
News
A healthy step forward? World Bank outlines vision for healthcare
Bank president Jim Yong Kim has publicly prioritised universal health coverage and education however, critics worry about increased support for private companies to deliver these services.
Featured briefings
1 October 2024
Year one of World Bank Paris Agreement alignment in the energy sector: ‘green conditionality’ dwarfs green investments
New BWP research finds the Word Bank's approach to Paris alignment is being used to a significant extent to impose ‘green conditionalities' on borrowing countries, especially in the Global South.
3 July 2024
The Bretton Woods Observer: Summer 2024
3 July 2024
Is the World Bank rolling back commitments to citizen engagement, again?
Understanding the Bank’s chequered history with public, community and civil society participation is key for understanding what is at stake and what to do next.