VIAGRA Vs HIV!

Public Spending Public Research and Development spending in USA (2000) –HIV $2 Billion (20,000,000) –Viagra $200 million (10% of that spent on HIV) –IS THIS FAIR?

You are going to take on the role that is on the sheet in front of you. Your task is to write an argument as to why you would want or decide to invest in one of the types of drugs discussed. You all need to be prepared to discuss you points of view with the other groups. You can use the net and each others brains to develop a viewpoint and an argument for a debate.

Botswana Government Aids is a big issue in your country- 38% of the population are affected. You do not have the required funding to develop these for yourself. You need help and support from other governments pharmaceutical companies. You need to clearly express you points in a way that clarifies the severity in your country.

UK Government Think about the discussion that you would have about the way you would want to spend your money. Why would Viagra be important for the British Government- and less so AIDS drugs? What viewpoint are you going to take on this?

Pharmaceutical Company You spend money researching and developing new drugs for you to SELL and make MONEY. New drugs are expensive to produces as –Scientists need to be trained and paid. –Labs need to be equipped and managed. –Not all drugs are deemed as safe and sold for profit. –Drugs have to be tested and monitored in use. In the end of the day you are a business and need to be profitable for your shareholders- what judgements are you going to make?

WHO World Health Organisation WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility, involving equitable access to essential care and collective defence against transnational threats. How are you going to feel about this work and ideas?

Exam linked question Why is it difficult for nations in Sub Saharan Africa to manage HIV effectively? What are the barriers to development?0