Every year, millions of impoverished people around the world die of preventable diseases simply because they cannot afford to buy the medicines they need to survive. One-third of the world’s population lacks access to essential medicines.

This year, 11 million people, mostly living in developing countries, will die from infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, measles, and diarrhea. Almost half of them will be children who have not reached their fifth birthday. The overwhelming majority of the victims will be poor. The widening health divide between rich and poor countries provides a stark reminder of the inequalities that have accompanied globalization.

We live in a world where we experience breathtaking medical advances, but it is for a select few. The benefits heavily concentrate on a minority of the world’s population living in rich countries. And yet the medicines needed to prevent dieases like malaria are available, but just out of reach for many who need it most.

Access to medicines that prevent disease is a pivotal issue right now, and large strides need to be made, and attention given to this area, which has the potential to save millions of lives.

• 04/12/2007 10:32
  • 03/21/2007 11:19
  • 03/21/2007 10:59