Many people in poor countries die from diseases that are curable because they cannot afford the medication required. Do you believe that drug companies should make their products available at reduced prices in these countries?

The high cost of modern pharmaceuticals means people in poorer regions are unable to benefit from them. I would argue that drug companies have a moral obligation to make their products available to these societies and that there are other agencies that can help. Over the

last

few decades, there has been a dramatic improvement in medicine that has radically changed the treatment of many life-threatening diseases.

While

drug manufacturers profit from treating these diseases, the fact that the population in poor countries are unable to pay for these treatments has created an unacceptable degree of inequality in global access to health care. I would argue that drug producers have a responsibility to be more ethical and to address

this

inequality by offering cheaper generic versions of their medicines in countries that cannot afford to pay the full price.

This

has recently been implemented with the treatment of HIV and AIDS in some African countries, saving the lives of millions of people.

However

, I

also

believe that there are others who have a role to play in giving poor communities access to drugs.

For example

, rich families could be encouraged to donate to charities to help developing nations. An example of

this

was seen recently when Bill Gates spent vast sums of money to set up immunisation projects in Africa.

In addition

to wealthy individuals, governments could

also

donate aid and medical supplies. In conclusion, I would argue that it is immoral for people to be dying

as a result

of inequality. The value of human life should be universal and it should be the responsibility of the richer companies, individuals and governments to ensure that access encompasses everyone.