Partners in Health "The ills we can remedy" for Tuesday, 30 December 2014

As an infectious disease specialist, I believe that if Ebola patients are promptly diagnosed and aggressively treated, the great majority—as many as 90 percent—should survive. But in all of Liberia, there were fewer than 50 physicians even before Ebola struck. And the West African nations where the virus continues to spread simply don't have the staff, stuff, space, and systems needed to provide this critical care. Together we can remedy these ills. We can save lives. We can train and deploy nurses, doctors, and community health workers—and procure the vital tools they need to reduce Ebola's death toll. We can build and rebuild health systems to treat people suffering from Ebola, and provide everything from routine vaccinations to space and staff for safe deliveries—without which women risk disability and even death during childbirth. We are providing crucial health care to some of the world's most vulnerable people in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Haiti, and Rwanda. And we need to do more. I hope you'll continue to partner with us as we bring health care to poor, hard-to-reach communities around the world. We are so grateful for your partnership and pragmatic solidarity as we strive to improve the lives of the world's poorest and most vulnerable. Thank you, as ever, for joining us in this work. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year, Paul Dr. Paul Farmer Chief Strategist and Co-Founder Partners In Health

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