On the road to recovery

Internationalism in action: Margaret Grieco, a Napier University expert on transport and society in Africa, has been hired as a consultant by the Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Research Institute. She hopes to help boost the economy and health screening in Kenya by introducing Japan's unique system of roadside service stations, michi-no-eki . These not only provide travellers with a safe, comfortable place to rest, but also give local communities the chance to sell goods.

She said: "In Africa, there is a strong relationship between transport networks and the geographical patterning of Aids. In Kenya, michi-no-eki could be used to provide health screening and information. They could also be used for condom distribution."