Deworming schoolchildren: A smart investment for policymakers
and philanthropists Submitted by grace on Mon, 05/14/2012 -
12:00 May 14, 2012 | Copenhagen Consensus Center The Copenhagen
Consensus Center ranks deworming fourth among the sixteen most
cost-effective investments to overcome the world’s biggest
challenges in 2012. This list is compiled by an expert panel of
Nobel Laureate economists charged with determining the smartest
ways to advance global welfare, particularly in developing
countries. The panel recommends that US$300 million be allocated
annually for deworming, providing an endorsement that
policymakers and philanthropists can look to when prioritizing
allocation of limited resources. Nobel laureate economist Robert
Mundell is quoted by the Center, saying: “Deworming is an
overlooked intervention deserving of greater attention and
resources. This simple, cheap investment can mean a child is
healthier and spends more time in school.” Deworming is
mentioned in three of the ten challenge papers d