Plagues and the Paradox of Progress

In Plagues and the Paradox of Progress, Thomas J. Bollyky explores the paradox that while global health has improved, economic development has not followed suit. He argues that the decline in infectious diseases has not led to the expected economic growth in poor countries. This is a key point to understand when looking at global health and economic development.

Bollyky digs into the role of international aid in improving global health. He finds that while aid has helped reduce the impact of infectious diseases, it has not been as effective in promoting sustainable economic growth. This is a critical insight for anyone interested in international development and aid effectiveness.

The author emphasizes the importance of strong institutions in promoting both health and economic development. He suggests that without robust institutions, progress in health does not necessarily lead to economic growth. This is a crucial takeaway for policymakers and development practitioners.

Despite progress in health, Bollyky points out that inequality persists. He explores how even as infectious diseases decline, non-communicable diseases are on the rise, particularly in poor countries. This highlights the ongoing challenges in global health and the need for continued attention and action.

In the book, Bollyky looks into the future of global health. He argues that to achieve sustainable progress, we need to focus not just on disease eradication but also on building strong institutions and addressing inequality. This is a valuable perspective for anyone interested in the future of global health and development.