If you look at three diseases, the three major killers, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, the only disease for which we have really good drugs is HIV. And it's very simple: because there's a market in the United States and Europe.
Interpretation
The statement highlights the disparity in pharmaceutical development based on market demand, particularly between diseases prevalent in wealthier nations and those in poorer regions.
Jim Yong Kim's quote underscores the inequality in healthcare advancements, particularly in relation to major diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He points out that effective treatment options are predominantly available for HIV because there is a lucrative market in developed countries, while tuberculosis and malaria, which still claim many lives, lack the same level of investment and attention due to the absence of similar financial incentives in poorer regions. This reflects broader issues of health equity and resource allocation in global health.
In practice
During a health conference, this quote can emphasize the need for equitable drug development.
If we do not act to curb climate change immediately, we will leave our children and grandchildren an unrecognizable planetIt is the poor, those least responsible for climate change and least able to afford adaptation, who would suffer the most.
We will never end poverty if we don't tackle climate change.
If I care about poverty, I have to care a lot about investments in the private sector. The private sector creates the vast majority of jobs in the world, and social protection only goes so far.
My father came by himself across the North Korean border when he was seventeen. And hasn't seen his brothers or sisters or parents since then. And he died some time ago, but never saw any of his relatives. My mother was a refugee in war-torn Korea.
Economic development and poverty alleviation are so complicated that I don't think there's a single background or a single discipline that is sufficient to tackle these great human problems.
One of the most important things about leadership is that you have to have the kind of humility that will allow you to be coached.
We're all responsible for creating a polio-free world while we still can.
After my diagnosis at age 22 with leukemia, the second piece of news I learned was that I would likely be infertile as a result of chemotherapy. It was a one-two punch that was my first indication that issues of cancer and sexual health are inextricably tied.
In order to really give mental health the focus and attention it deserves, we need to bring together and integrate all the services that provide women with the care they need. This includes the mental and physical health services, as well as social care.
Everything you do in a patient's room, after he is 'put up' for the night, increases tenfold the risk of his having a bad night. But, if you rouse him up after he has fallen asleep, you do not risk - you secure him a bad night.
People who are always taking care of their health are like misers, who are hoarding a treasure which they have never spirit enough to enjoy.
I listen with love to my body's messages.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.