Evaluation of cooperation activities : epidemiology and control of vector-borne diseases project -- Egypt/Israel

The number, range, and quality of the cooperative activities have exceeded the original expectations of the Israeli and Egyptian participants, in spite of the decline during this period of relations between their two nations. Success is due to the following factors, which largely mirror the appraisal criteria for such projects originally set forth by A.I.D. (1) The project deals with real scientific and health problems of mutual concern. These diseases spread across borders and call for continuing cooperation between neighbors. The direct mutual advantages of such cooperation are significant and apparent. (2) It is based primarily on cooperation between Israel and Egypt - not technical assistance from Israel to Egypt. (3) The project is institutionalized in both countries - in prestigious universities, one step removed from the government. Also in each country, the project involves researchers from other universities, ministries, and research organizations. (4) It is perceived in both countries to be producing high quality scientific research of practical importance. The cooperation accomplishments of the project are significant. The highlights are two highly publicized conferences (in Egypt and Israel); a combined Israeli/Egyptian team's successful response to a small medical emergency in Egypt; workshops and lectures given at Ain Shams University by Israeli scientists; five jointly authored papers published in leading international journals; and a genuine creation and strengthening of a long- term network of personal and institutional scientific ties between Israel and Egypt. (Author abstract)