Global Ethics

This session dealt with global ethics. When attempting to improve health in any way, such as, through clinical trials, governmental interventions, etc., there are a host of ethical issues that one must consider. Am I doing my job in the most fair way? Are minority groups being represented? Am I giving an unfair advantage to some groups over others?

One major health ethics issue, I believe, harkens back to what was discussed in session 11. When a government prioritizes diseases and bases those investments on these priorities, who is being left out? By doing this, we again get back to the very problem: the systematic isolation of the minority. Indeed, by prioritizing disease concerns, we will be leaving out that small percentage of people who have difficult, hard to treat, expensive diseases. Is this not an ethical issue that must be taken into account? How do we find a balanced solution?

I think ethics will also be a huge issue in terms of a potential avian influenza pandemic.

The WHO Ethics Report on preparing for an influenza pandemic poses several questions. If there is a shortage of drugs and vaccines, who will receive access to such vaccines, especially given potentially hectic conditions? What responsibility do countries have to each other? Do rich countries, such as the U.S. have a responsibility to help poorer countries in their fight against avian influenza? What is the role of healthcare workers and what are their obligations (given that they are at high risk for harm due to extensive interaction with sick patients).

I think it is highly important to develop a protocol and ask such questions on a regular basis. Having a sound and effective plan can eliminate a lot of dicey, ethical issues. It is extremely important that governments around the world prioritize such issues.

To apply a quote from Sicko (great presentation + video Charlyn and Funsho!), instead of spending so much money on killing people, such as through the Iraq War, why not spend that money helping people,say, by helping to prepare for a potential pandemic?

Here is the link to the article…its very interesting.


http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/WHO_CDS_EPR_GIP_2007_2c.pdf