Five Success Stories in Global Health from 2009

by Mike Smith · 2009-12-26 10:10:00 UTC
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We've had a lot of reasons to be optimistic about Global Health in 2009. There are still millions dying needlessly around the world, but it's important to remark on programs that are working, and build on schemes that give us reason to be optimistic. Here are some of the success stories:

1. AIDS: Some say one of George W Bush's few successes was in fighting AIDS. We're now seeing infection rates decreasing. 400,000 fewer people have been infected, with an eight-year trend revealing a decrease in infections of 17 per cent. And half of those needing anti-retro-viral drugs are receiving them. Meanwhile AIDS vaccines are also showing a little progress in preventing infection.

2. Swine Flu: This was likely a case where we got lucky, rather than where the global health system worked. But from stockpiling Tamiflu, disseminating advise, and vaccinating millions, it has been a good trial run that proves how systems are working to help us combat pandemics in the future. This time round, H1N1 swine flu will likely prove to be the the mildest pandemic ever.

3. Children: Ten thousands fewer children are dying every day, with child mortality reaching a record low. Progress on reducing malaria and measles related deaths is helping whilst a rise in breast-feeding is further helping reduce child mortality.

4. Poverty: Brazil leads the way in showing the world how poverty can be reduced whilst similitaneously not increasing inequality — usually as the poor rise out of poverty, the middle classes and elites get extraordinarily richer, widening the gap. Not so in Brazil where their family grant scheme has lifted 20 million out of poverty. The grant demands that recipients send children to school and that they make regular visits to health centers which further increases the chance of a poverty-free future for Brazil.

5. Patents: Ecuador have been breaking over 2,000 drug patents to allow local production of cheap drugs. Fourteen of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies are fine with this. Why? "No legal right is superior to the requirements of public health," the companies explained. Under WTO rules, following the declaration of a national emergency in relation to a public health issue, patents can be broken. So big-pharma have no choice but to let the poor receive the treatments they desperately need.

Bonus: Storytelling: Global health foundations and NGOs are increasingly appreciating the importance of good story-telling. By explaining the impact on the ground, organizations like the Gates Foundation are helping to convince policy makers and politicians to increase their commitment to global health projects. Many existing policies are working; they need continual praise, especially when they warrant further and wider investment.

Photo credit: UN Photo/Fardin Waez

Mike Smith
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