SciDev.Net

Improved forecasting and mitigation strategies are essential to limiting the damage caused by tropical cyclones, says Peter J. Webster.

Cancer care in Africa faces the same challenges as general healthcare, but also needs local data and targeted solutions, says Twalib Ngoma.

To stem the spread of obesity, we must study the web of commercial interests and strategies driving it, says Jonathan Wells.

We need better global monitoring for chronic diseases before we can really tackle the risks factors and prevent illness, says Colin Mathers.

Developing nations must stop aping the North's mental health services and use strategies tailored to their own needs, says Vikram Patel.

Developing-world scientists should make every effort to pursue careers at home – and their governments should help them, says Mohamed Hassan.

African malaria research networks have helped scientists combat the disease, but they need more stable support and longer-term funding, says Thomas Egwang.

Renewed political commitment means China and India could set the pace for bilateral South–South collaboration, say Purnima Rupal and Dinesh Abrol.

Thousands of traditional crop species could help break dependence on a few global food crops, and offer valuable environmental services, says Monty Jones.

Let's encourage the mood of political cooperation on the big issues during the International Year of Planet Earth, says Nasser Ennih.

The UN is inhibiting innovation through over-regulation of new biotechnologies, argues Henry I. Miller.

More research is needed to see whether the success of the WHO's tuberculosis programme is at risk, say G. E. Davies and S. B. Squire.

Revised HIV/AIDS figures are a sign of better data, not that the epidemic is slowing. There is still much to be done, says Kevin De Cock.

D. J. Murphy calls for Islamic cultures to rekindle their rich tradition of innovative science and technology from earlier centuries.

Strong international policies are needed to stop the biofuel revolution threatening food security for the poor, says Siwa Msangi.

Laurie Garrett and David P. Fidler argue that a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine for Asia-Pacific countries will counter virus-sharing problems.

Ethics committees overseeing clinical trials in poor countries need reforming to protect participants, argue J. Karbwang and F. Crawley.

Muslim countries should harness the talents of their huge diaspora and support collaboration between their expatriate and local scientists, says Munir Nayfeh.

The Muslim world need not lag behind in science and technology. Abdalla Alnajjar looks at an initiative that is charting a new approach.

Muslim countries need good quality institutions to motivate researchers, argues Athar Osama.