Other countries in Latin America have imitated him

At a time where newspapers do that speak of crisis and violence, it is important to recognize the creativity of many Governments in the fight against poverty, disease and hunger. It is not so much to be pleased to respond to the main threat: pessimism. As if the problems were so serious that it could not solve them. On the contrary, should congratulate success to restore confidence to the coordinated efforts to respond to current challenges.

The Mexico of Felipe Calderón must thus be commended for its program Oportunidades ("opportunities"), which provides for "conditional transfers of species" to impoverished families. These transfers allow the families to invest in health, nutrition and education of their children. Other countries in Latin America have imitated him. Des stars in the region Alejandro Sanz took the initiative to sponsor

The Norway then, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, has maintained its tradition of leadership in social and environmental protection. The Government has set up a global alliance to reduce the mortality of infants and mothers in deliveries difficult. At the same time Oslo has launched with the Brazil program to encourage the poor communities of Amazon to stop deforestation.

The Spain, under the chairmanship of the President of the Council, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, gave an important stimulus to the achievement of the development goals of the Millennium for the poorest countries. The Spain has created a new Fund of the Millennium at the United Nations to promote cooperation in the organization. This country must also host an International Conference in January to launch a new appeal to the fight against hunger in the world. This is, to Madrid, to propose practical and innovative ways particularly intended for poor farmers so that they can obtain tools, seeds and fertilizers to increase their productivity, their income and food security of their country.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has also developed an ambitious action plan to combat climate change and propose new ways to achieve the Millennium development goals. The Australia unblocked funds to increase food production, parallel to the proposals of the Spain. The Australia also supports a programme of action for the poor economies of the Pacific Islands whose environment is threatened.

With all these efforts, the poorest countries, in turn, taken measures. Malawi, a poor, landlocked country under the leadership of President Bingu wa Mutharika, has doubled its annual food production since 2005 with assistance to the poorest farmers. The success was such that other countries have imitated this program.

The Government of Mali, with President Amadou Toumani Toure, launched an appeal with the international community. Bamako wants to increase investment in agriculture, health, education and infrastructure in 166 the poorest communities of the country. Rich countries responded favourably to this request.

Other examples can be mentioned almost to infinity, as the assistance of EUR 1 billion of the European Union cleared for poor farmers. Gates, Unicef, Rotary International Foundation and other Governments have launched programmes for the eradication of polio. The international community has launched other programs to fight diseases such as leprosy or malaria.

All these achievements have the same motivation: they are intended to combat serious challenges well defined, as the weakness of food production and specific diseases. In addition, they use specific solutions such as the acquisition of agricultural equipment and seeds to poor farmers or immunization programs.

The success of these projects on a small scale shows the way forward. The challenge now is to extend this kind of solutions to a national or even global scale. Leadership is necessary both in countries in difficulty that in rich countries that can launch and finance assistance programs. Finally, modest amounts of money, directed towards the resolution of specific issues, can make a huge difference.

The bad news may obscure the good. But the good news show that we will lose the battle against poverty and misery only if we lower the arm and does not take account of what can now mobilize intelligence and good will. Perhaps, next year, the United States will join all these efforts with a new force under the leadership of a young President was right to say to the Americans and the world: "yes we can" Yes, we can.