E-DRUG: Millions for Viagra, Pennies for the Poor (cont)
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Surprisingly, I find that I do not disagree fundamentally with James Russo.
I am well aware of all of the drug donations given by the major drug
companies. I believe that these can be positive forces for public health
and essential drug professionals need to find ways to optimize these
services.
But my point remains that we need to understand the motivations of these
companies. It is naive to think that they are only interested in short term
profits. The companies have long term perspectives and if they can gain
credibility and kudos for their donations particularly if the actual costs
are low, this is a good investment for them. But drugs rarely solve the
underlying problems that cause the diseases. Providing drugs to treat worms
or trachoma without addressing the underlying environmental causes of the
disease is a band aid approach. As soon as the drugs are withdrawn the
disease returns. Some drug donations are part of an overall disease
reduction program and this is where, I believe emphasis should be placed.
Richard Laing
Associate Professor of International Health
Boston University School of Public Health
715 Albany St, T4W, Boston MA 02118 USA
Tel 617 414-1444 Fax 617 638-4476
E-mail richardl@bu.edu
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