III. Basic Survival Needs: Ameliorating Suffering and Early Death

Global health is fashionable these days, with expressions of sincere concern and increased funding by political leaders, humanitarians, activists, and even celebrities. But is all this funding and interest likely to be successful in reducing extremely poor health? The answer is that most international aid is ineffective, even counterproductive. Undoubtedly, the current spate of support will wane, as the international community has only a limited attention span and resources. And when it does, it is conceivable that the least healthy people in the world will be in the same, or worse, position.

Admittedly, there are no clear solutions to complex problems in global health. But, we do know how to ameliorate much of the suffering and early death. The answer is disarmingly simply, if only it could rise on the agendas of the world’s most powerful countries. Mobilizing the public and private sectors to meet basic survival needs, comparable to a Marshall Plan, could dramatically transform prospects for good health among the world’s poorest populations.