Stupid Deaths- Preventable Morbidity and Mortality Abounds

Here is an opinion paper by Paul Farmer published in the Washington Post on preventable deaths in the developing world.  Millions of people, many of them young and poor, will die around the world this year from diseases for which safe, effective and affordable treatments exist. Farmer refers to these as “stupid deaths."


"Stupid deaths" are preventable only if lawmakers and leaders show the grit and commitment commensurate to the challenge at hand. A 'scraps from the table' approach is insufficient. Resources must be preferentially allocated to help the poor and disenfranchised to overcome preventable and treatable diseases of poverty.


For a more in depth perspective, I refer you to Pathologies of Power and Infections and Inequalities, both by Paul Farmer.