The Power of Incentives: Role of Corruption

Oluwaseun Akinyemi, MD, MPH, FWACP, FRSPH, PhD College of Medicine, University of Ibadan & University College Hospital, Nigeria

Preparing for and considering corruption at all levels is an essential part of good planning and management.

In the example of the fake village described in the lecture, both independent monitors and WHO staff knew about this problem. In fact, this practice was widespread in this district, and was brought to the attention of the local health administrator. But, nothing was done about it. The people who were creating fake villages were politically connected.

How do you react to such a situation? It doesn’t affect vaccination of children in other areas. Do you go after it aggressively on principle and risk ruining a relationship? Or will you let it go? What would go into making this decision?

Using the contents of the lecture and the provided reading on The Uncertain Relationship Between Transparency and Accountability, post your answer in the discussion.