Pathogens without payback: when sharing isn’t caring

Pathogens without payback: when sharing isn’t caring


Low- and middle-income countries where new pathogens often emerge, are expected to proactively share biological materials and genomic data with the world. However, countries that develop life-critical vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics using that material are under no obligation to reciprocate with fair and timely access to these clinical products. Image used for representational purposes only

Low- and middle-income countries where new pathogens often emerge, are expected to proactively share biological materials and genomic data with the world. However, countries that develop life-critical vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics using that material are under no obligation to reciprocate with fair and timely access to these clinical products. Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

When contagions don’t discriminate, why should cures? That question encapsulates a bitter irony of global public health. Countries that contribute the most pathogens to medical research are often the last to benefit from the outcomes.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, where new pathogens often emerge, are expected to proactively share biological materials and genomic data with the world through the World Health Organization (WHO). However, countries that develop life-critical vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics (VTDs) using that material are under no obligation to reciprocate with fair and timely access to these clinical products. Risks are shared; rewards are not.



Source link


Discover more from stock updates now

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

SleepLean – Improve Sleep & Support Healthy Weight