Expensive
medicines remain inaccessible for many. Lengthy patents prevent
development or importation of cheaper generic drugs. The quest for
profit trumps the needs of the developing world, violating the basic
tenet of justice to provide healthcare to all.
Great
scientific and medical advances were made over the course of the 20th
century, manifesting in the development of myriad medicines,
sophisticated surgical techniques, and significant improvements in
healthcare provision. Average life expectancy in the USA increased by
almost three decades during this period, concomitant with a steep
fall in infant mortality. In England and Wales, average lifespans
rose from 49 (males) and 53 (females) in 1910 to 75 (males) and 80
(females) by the end of the century.
The
development of antibiotics, novel vaccinations, and an ever-widening
array of medicines are some of the reasons behind the virtual
eradication of infectious diseases such as measles, rubella, and TB
in the developed world.
Not
everyone has equally benefitted from this scientific progress,
however. The aforementioned diseases are still frighteningly
prevalent across the developing world. The average life expectancy in
some African nations is as low as the sixth decade of life, as
millions succumb to diseases and die without access to vaccinations,
medicines, or decent healthcare.
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