I applaud Prabhat Jha and associates1 for outlining Canada's failure to address the needs of the global poor. Canada should be ashamed of its contribution of 0.28% of gross national income,2 which falls far short of Lester B. Pearson's vision of 0.7% of gross domestic product.
Like many others involved in work related to developing countries, I agree that preventable diseases of childhood need attention and that significant amounts of money must be contributed to reduce their burden. However, monetary aid is only one aspect of the solution. Just as important is the need to raise awareness, not only within the medical profession but also throughout the general public. Efforts such as those of CMAJ 1,3 represent but a first step.
We must also deal with the lack of a cadre of international health professionals. Despite the increased interest among students and young professionals in participating in international health, the failure to create viable career pathways has limited development of this field in Canada. A Canadian public health school might help in this regard.
Finally, although technical innovations are now available for diseases such as measles (vaccines), malaria (drug-impregnated bed netting), pneumonia (antibiotics) and gastroenteritis (oral rehydration solutions), research is still needed to improve the delivery of health services to the people who need it most.
Will Canada lead the world in helping the global poor?
Kevin J. Chan Centre for International Health and Development University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ont.