The importance of “throwing money at” the problem of global health

Abstract

More funding from wealthy countries is required to improve health care and the infectious disease situation in developing countries. Although progress has been made, funds for fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria remain inadequate. These treatable and preventable diseases together kill over 6 million people every year. Funds are needed to improve access to existing medicines as well as to increase research and development of drugs. The idea that “throwing money at the problem is not going to solve it” rightly holds that increased funding is not sufficient for solving the health care problems of developing countries. In order to work, funds must be spent wisely. This does not mean that increased funding is unnecessary.