The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) promised eradication of polio by the year 2000 and certification of eradication by 2005. The first deadline is already a matter of history. With the reporting of polio cases in 2004, the new deadline for polio eradication by 2004 is postponed further. This article seeks to argue that the scientific and technical bodies spear-heading the GPEI, including the WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, have formulated a conceptually flawed strategy and that it is not weak political will that is the central obstacle in this final push for global eradication. The validity of the claims of "near success" by the proponents of the GPEI is also examined in detail. By taking India as a case study, the authors examine the achievements of the GPEI in nine years of intense effort since 1995. They conclude that the GPEI is yet another exercise in mismanaging the health priorities and programs in developing countries in the era of globalization.

This article explains the characteristics of the urban poor and makes a strong case for its analysis and understanding at an individual, household and community level. The paper argues that policy makers need to make a conceptual distinction between social development and social protection during both the planning and implimentation of any antipoverty policy. To shift policy making towards this approach a considerable effort to shift in resource flows will be required. Analysis of the causes and symptoms of urban poverty needs to be improved, innovative partnership between different stakeholders (poor people as well as community leaders, governments, the pivate sector, NGOs and donors etc.) need to be developed and policy makers need to be clear about what they are trying to achieve — to raise all the poor to the improving condition and to keep them there or to continue with palliative measures which keep the poor in their vulnerable condition?

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