| Despite advances in fighting infection, more than 10 million deaths worldwide result from communicable illnesses each year. How are global development organizations fighting back against the problem of disease? In this May 18, 2006, session of the Global Issues Seminar Series, students from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States joined together by videoconference to learn the answers to that question. Asli Gurkan, a consultant with the World Bank’s External Affairs department, chaired the session.
Jayshree Balachander, a Senior Human Resources Specialist for the Bank, presented an overview of communicable and infectious diseases. She noted diseases that remain serious threats, such as AIDS, avian flu, and SARS, and discussed why they are a global problem, not simply limited to the developing world. Balachander discussed the links between human and animal migration, globalized economies, and the spread and impact of disease. Students questioned her about how economies of scale affect disease, the role of poverty, and disease education efforts.
In the second half of her presentation, Balachander addressed efforts to fight disease internationally. These included Roll Back Malaria and other Global Health Initiatives. She also outlined the key elements of a disease response plan, and the role of the World Bank regarding financial and technical assistance for preventative health care systems and disease control programs. Questions after this presentation covered the role of government in global pandemics, subsidies for antiretroviral medications, and obstacles to international cooperation.
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