World Bank Projects

Your editorial (March 18), “A Fine Choice,” commending President Reagan for nominating former Rep. Barber B. Conable Jr (R-N.Y.) to be the new president of the World Bank, is encouraging and timely. In addition to this nomination, our government also has an opportunity to provide input concerning the bank’s lending policies.

During the past five years, lending by the World Bank for projects that are directed to the world’s poorest people has declined from about 18% to less than 11% of total lending. As a result, less money has been available for basic health and development projects that have proven to be among the most effective in enabling the absolute poor to overcome hunger, malnutrition and disease.

For example, immunization programs to protect against six vaccine-preventable diseases could save the lives of 3 1/2 million children a year and prevent a similar number from being maimed or disabled. Agricultural development projects that make simple technology and small loans available to the landless and rural poor should also have been given greater priority by the World Bank.

Letters addressed to the World Bank’s president in support of a shift in lending priorities are being circulated in the U.S. Senate and House for signatures. As citizens, we should encourage our elected representatives to take a stand on this important issue.

The difficulties we have witnessed in the Philippines, Haiti and Central America have their roots in the poverty and disease that afflict so many in the developing world. An enlightened lending policy by the World Bank could do much to bring hope to a troubled world.

RICHARD A. WEST

South Pasadena