Waiting for the results of randomised trials of public health interventions can cost hundreds of lives, especially in poor countries with great need and potential to benefit. If the science is good, we should act before the trials are done. Good science, we suggest, is taking the research to the problem rather than conducting the research in the tallest ivory tower the investigator can find.

This article discussed China’s one child policy.

India stands on the brink of a major HIV epidemic. However, by examining where public health initiatives went wrong in Africa, the international community may be able to help India avoid the devastating effects seen in Africa

Whether loved or unwanted, the birth of the six billionth child will be of great importance to his or her family. In a world that adds one million more births than deaths every 110 hours, however, the aggregate of human numbers is also important. Unfortunately, in such an emotional area, interest groups have often promoted their own priorities at the expense of the bigger picture.

Published in British Medical Journal, 2 26 1994, 308(6928):599