"When programs are properly designed to reflect patients' needs rather than the wishes of donors, AIDS funding can strengthen primary care." (Paul Farmer, 2007).
Shouldn't ALL healthcare programs reflect patients' needs?!? Geez. Paul Farmer, thank you for saying this so concisely and eloquently.
It is so obvious that curing the sick will lead to better public health.
I am a student of global health at the undergraduate level, and I don't understand why health systems exist that keep people from getting preventable illnesses. It is true just about everywhere in the world, whether people get sick from problems related to cost and access, or they refuse standard treatments they deem unnecessary. Until those who are privileged decide that health for all is an important issue, we as a global society will not eradicate or ameliorate illnesses and illness rates.
You can vaccinate all you want, but if a mother in a rich nation refuses to let her child get the polio vaccine because she thinks it will lead to autism, polio will never be eradicated. You can send as many ARVs to poor nations as you can, but until they have clean water, improved nutrition, decent sanitation, and jobs, there will be hugely upsetting health disparities.
Treat the patients. Give them what they need to be healthy, but recognize that health status is inextricably intertwined with every other aspect of daily life and cannot be treated by itself.
Today is awesome because I got to spew thoughts into words and share them.
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