In this digital era, where we have so many emerging products and technological advancements which are creating opportunities we never experienced before, it’s saddening to observe gaps in global health care.
One of them is disparity in the provision of diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cervical cancer across the globe. In certain parts of the world, and also locally in under-sourced communities, the prevalence of certain cancers is alarmingly high, yet timely diagnoses and access to vaccinations or treatments remain elusive for many.
Another one, is rare cancers. These are lagging behind in being diagnosed timely, and even so, often there is not a pipeline to develop targeted treatment for those.
The Harsh Reality
Despite the availability of vaccines and treatment that can prevent or cure cancers, including rare cancers, and other diseases, and the technological means to diagnose it early, countless individuals in high-prevalence regions are not receiving the care they need. This is not due to a lack of medical knowledge or resources but rather a lack of coordination and equitable distribution of those resources.
Lessons from the Past
During the COVID-19 pandemic and also longer ago during the polio eradication it was shown what global collaboration can accomplish. Distribution channels and coordination mechanisms were quickly established to deliver essential healthcare supplies worldwide. These efforts demonstrated that when the world comes together, remarkable progress can be made in controlling and even eliminating diseases.
The Way Forward
It is imperative that we apply the lessons learned from these global health emergencies to other pressing health issues. I believe that when we all collaborate, and with we I mean governments, international health organizations, health care providers and private sectors we can accomplish more. Gathering data, knowing the source of the data, knowing the reliability of data and knowing how to analyze it, will get us a long way. This includes setting up efficient standardized labs, distribution channels, increasing resources for health care in underserved regions, and fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and standardized datasets.
By working together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against diseases. It’s time to leverage our collective strengths, share knowledge and resources, and build a healthier world for everyone.
