Format: Policy briefs should include the following components:
· A brief, catchy title.
· Background on the problem/topic, including the importance of the issue and why it must be addressed urgently.
· Information about the evidence or alternatives of the policy.
· Realistic (and limited) recommendations that can be easily understood.
o Be sure to include who oversees implementing the recommendations and what is required to implement them.
· A clear path for readers to decide on the policy.
1. Solve the policy problem before you start to write.
2. Organize your brief in a persuasive, logical manner. Your goal should be to lead your audience to the same conclusion you have reached. Building a detailed outline of your brief after you have solved the problem but before you start writing may help you organize your arguments.
You need to cover:
1) What is the state of debt in the country?
National debt of ~$27bil in 2028, was $15bil in 2015; $2bil of loans and bond issues taken out in secret by the Mozambican companies from Swiss and Russian banks without the approval of parliament and supported by ‘hidden’ government agreements
2) Why does the debt matter and impact the country and its population’s health
-limits spending on healthcare
->limited number of doctors per citizen (3/100,000)
-> Low access to healthcare
-
Unjust debts pushed 1.9 million people into poverty
3) What are the policies that are in place because of this debt and by whom- Sadie
-
In the wake of the news The IMF and the International Development Association both halted funds going to their government due to the breach of the program in place.
-
Things Mozambique’s government has established in response:
-
Establishing a public investment management (PIM) system and regulatory framework
-
Introducing fiscal risk statements, including credit risks from SOEs
-
Tightening checks and balances on guarantees and resuming transparent debt reports
-
Had debt to swiss banks written off
4) What are some solutions to address the issue?
-
Long term investment by the IMF, with lower interest rates to allow for full economic recovery and growth/internal structural adjustment -> pay off international debt