October 18, 2024

Medical Science not Being Shared Equitably

Systemic inequities in access to the fruits of science and medical technology  continue to disadvantage the Global South. These inequities are rooted in colonial legacies and capitalist exploitation, argue Madhu Pai and Seye Abimbola in the August 2024 issue of Science.  Examples such as the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and access to life- saving treatments like lenacapavir illustrate how scientific advancements often fail to reach those in need in a timely and equitable manner. This unfairness shows up in who gets access to the fruits of science and raises the question of who science is designed to serve or save. They argue that we need reforms in funding, intellectual property, and research agendas to ensure that communities most affected by global challenges have a say in the scientific process and benefit from its outcomes.

Read more in this editorial by Madhukar Pai and Seye Abimbola