The World Bank

According to its website, the International Development Association (IDA) is the part of the World Bank that helps the world’s poorest countries. Established in 1960, IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing interest-free loans and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve people’s living conditions.

It states that they are one of the world’s largest external funders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Of the eight focus areas for Africa, one is health and another is women’s empowerment.

For a few days now there have been reports that references to family planning have been removed from their health strategy and from the Madagascar country assistance strategy. Without contraception, how are they going to achieve those aims?

Apparently Juan José Daboub, the Managing Director, has close ties with the Catholic church.

There are fuller reports in the Financial Times, the Guardian, and Guardian comment.