A study showed that most developing countries are still struggling to bridge the "digital divide" limiting access to computers and the Internet for low-income citizens.
The study for the World Economic Forum placed Finland at the top of its "networked readiness index" which measures a country's ability to make use of information technology for growth and well-being.
Brazil, Malawi Shows Way to Low-cost Cancer Therapy In Developing Countries
In developing countries, Brazil and Malawi have shown the way to low-cost childhood cancer treatment.
Advertisement
In second place in the index was Singapore, followed by Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway.
The United States ranked ninth, with a strong technology infrastructure offset by a "political and regulatory environment" which limits the benefits of technology, the study found.
![Dysentery: A Major Problem In Developing Countries]( "Dysentery: A Major Problem In Developing Countries")
A doctoral thesis in Sweden shows that dysentery alone accounted for a whopping 90 percent of all deaths in that Nordic country between 1750 and 1900.
The report said large developing nations, including China, Russia and Brazil were lagging in these efforts.
"Several developing countries -- notably in Africa, but also in Latin America and Southeast Asia -- continue to show low values of connectivity with low level of Internet usage and limited development of e-commerce," said Benat Bilbao-Osorio, an economist at the World Economic Forum.
"Their struggle to upgrade digital connectivity means they are losing out on all the social and economic rewards that go along with better ICT (information and communications technology) infrastructure."
China's ranking fell seven spots from last year to 58th, the report said, adding that "the sustained rapid economic growth of past years in some of these countries may be in jeopardy unless the right investments are made in ICT, skills and innovation."
Among the other BRICS countries, Russia rose two spots to 54th, Brazil increased five places to 65th, India edged up one spot to 68th and South Africa two spots to 70th.
"This report demonstrates that economies that fail to implement comprehensive national broadband strategies risk losing ground in global competitiveness and may fall behind in the delivery of societal benefits from ICTs," said Robert Pepper of Cisco Systems, a sponsor of the study.
Among the 144 countries studied, Burundi ranked last, behind Yemen, Algeria and Haiti.
Source: AFP
Dysentery: A Major Problem In Developing Countries
A doctoral thesis in Sweden shows that dysentery alone accounted for a whopping 90 percent of all deaths in that Nordic country between 1750 and 1900.
Advertisement
The report said large developing nations, including China, Russia and Brazil were lagging in these efforts.
"Several developing countries -- notably in Africa, but also in Latin America and Southeast Asia -- continue to show low values of connectivity with low level of Internet usage and limited development of e-commerce," said Benat Bilbao-Osorio, an economist at the World Economic Forum.
"Their struggle to upgrade digital connectivity means they are losing out on all the social and economic rewards that go along with better ICT (information and communications technology) infrastructure."
China's ranking fell seven spots from last year to 58th, the report said, adding that "the sustained rapid economic growth of past years in some of these countries may be in jeopardy unless the right investments are made in ICT, skills and innovation."
Among the other BRICS countries, Russia rose two spots to 54th, Brazil increased five places to 65th, India edged up one spot to 68th and South Africa two spots to 70th.
"This report demonstrates that economies that fail to implement comprehensive national broadband strategies risk losing ground in global competitiveness and may fall behind in the delivery of societal benefits from ICTs," said Robert Pepper of Cisco Systems, a sponsor of the study.
Among the 144 countries studied, Burundi ranked last, behind Yemen, Algeria and Haiti.
Source: AFP
Canada's Aid to Treat Mental Health Disorders in Developing Countries
Canada announced an aid of Can$19.4 million for 14 poorer countries to treat mental health disorders, the most neglected of neglected diseases.
Advertisement
 Developing Countries Should Instigate Policy Changes to Punish Tobacco ProductsLow and middle income countries should bring about policy changes urgently in order to curb the widespread use of tobacco, according to an international survey. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News
Ayurveda offers a time-tested treatment for aging skin using natural herbs and antiquated traditions that value sustainability and might do wonders for skin health.
Researchers identified two key physiological systems involved in hypertension, cognitive, and emotional impairments following high salt intake.
Decoding the secrets of wrinkles by knowing the causes, prevention, and expert advice.
With the arrival of summer and the lure of outdoor activities, it is essential to give equal importance to the well-being of your eyes and skin.
Combination of high humidity and scorching heat in summer poses a daunting task for makeup wearers; balancing it is thus crucial.