Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-04-08

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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Zimbabwe experienced severe exogenous shocks (cyclone Idai, protracted drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic) during 2019-20, which along with policy missteps in 2019, led to a deep recession and high inflation. Real GDP contracted cumulatively by 11.7 percent during 2019-20 and inflation reached 837 percent (y/y) by July 2020. Reflecting good rainfall and relaxation of containment measures, real GDP rose by 6.3 percent in 2021. A tighter policy stance since mid-2020 (relative to 2019) has contributed to reducing inflation to 60.7 percent (y/y) at end-2021. However, high double-digit inflation and wide parallel foreign exchange (FX) market premia persist. The economic downturn and high inflation increased the financial system vulnerabilities. Extreme poverty has risen and about a third of the population is at risk of food insecurity. The international community seeks improvements in domestic political conditions and economic policies to initiate reengagement with Zimbabwe. The authorities have started token payments to external creditors in a bid to revive international reengagement.


Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-07-29

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309142393

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Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.


South Africa: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for South Africa

South Africa: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for South Africa

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-02-11

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13:

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South Africa’s subpar economic performance over the last decade has weakened its macroeconomic fundamentals and social indicators. In response to formidable COVID-19-related challenges, government expenditure surged, and, amid declining revenue, the budget deficit widened significantly. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Prudential Authority (PA) preserved adequate liquidity conditions and financial-sector stability. The cyclical recovery from the deep contraction has been faster than expected but its strength is unlikely to be sustained. Benign global market conditions have supported asset performance, although term premia are elevated due to fiscal risks. Bank soundness indicators remain solid, but a deepening bank-sovereign nexus raises some concerns.


Guinea: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Guinea

Guinea: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Guinea

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-07-06

Total Pages: 111

ISBN-13: 151358779X

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While the non-mining sector was severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, overall growth in Guinea remains strong, reaching 7 percent in 2020, driven by booming mining production. Inflation exceeded 12 percent as a result of COVID-related supply disruptions and the ongoing monetary and fiscal response. The already weak social indicators have deteriorated further.


Uganda: 2021 Article IV Consultation and First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Requests for Modifications of Performance Criteria-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Uganda

Uganda: 2021 Article IV Consultation and First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Requests for Modifications of Performance Criteria-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Uganda

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-03-15

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13:

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The authorities have reacted to the COVID-19 crisis in an appropriate manner, including through increased spending on health and a rollout of the vaccination program. Nevertheless, the deterioration of socio-economic indicators during the pandemic could create scars that would significantly lower growth if left unaddressed.


Budgeting for the Military Sector in Africa

Budgeting for the Military Sector in Africa

Author: Wuyi Omitoogun

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 9780199262663

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In this comprehensive study, 15 African experts describe and analyse the military budgetary processes and degree of parliamentary oversight and control in nine countries of Africa, spanning across all the continent's sub-regions. Each case study addresses a wide range of questions, such as the roles of the ministries of finance, budget offices, audit departments and external actors in the military budgetary processes, the extent of compliance with standard public expenditure management procedures, and how well official military expenditure figures reflect the true economic resources devoted to military activities in these countries.


Telemedicine in Dermatology

Telemedicine in Dermatology

Author: H. Peter Soyer

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-01-03

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 3642208002

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Written by leading teledermatologists and telemedicine experts, this hands-on guide addresses the practical needs of the many emerging teledermatology services worldwide. It covers the medical and technical prerequisites for such services as well as the photographic imaging essentials. It also illustrates the performance of teledermatology by means of clinical examples, discusses teledermatology in underdeveloped countries, and presents specialized methods of teledermatology. The impact of telemedicine on the doctor-patient relationship is explored, and the advantages that accrue from improving access to expert knowledge are explained. In addition, quality assurance, legal assumptions, economic aspects, and the future horizons of such health care services are all considered. A comprehensive appendix provides information on training opportunities, sample protocols, consent forms, information sheets, references, and relevant web links.