Dr. Hans Rosling, a professor of public health and co-founder of the Gapminder Foundation, spoke on factors contributing to the long term progress of nations.

Dr. Rosling worked as a District Medical Officer in Nacala, Nampula province, between 1979 and 1981, as one of only two medical doctors in a district of 360,000 inhabitants. After an introduction by Dr. Alexandre Manguele, Minister of Health, Dr. Rosling presented statistical data linking fertility rates, health and economic progress.

He argued that Mozambique is in fact making more rapid progress towards the achievement of the MDGs than is currently recorded and demonstrated how statistical anomalies could skew results and trends. Dr. Rosling addressed many statistical 'traps' that could affect the data we get and how we interpret them and stressed the importance of contextualizing research and information.

The speaker also advocated the use of alternative communication methods to go beyond the publication-driven academic research that in many cases may have limited impact on real life conditions or on economic development. The presentation, which was attended by some 150 people, was a joint effort between the Swedish Embassy in Maputo and the UN system in Mozambique. It was recorded in its entirety, and a video of the presentation will be made available in an edited version.

This internal newsflash was prepared by Arild Dridval adrivdal@unicef.org who is available to provide more information if needed.