“It's time to act”

That's the message Médecins Sans Frontières is taking on the road to 8 cities in Ontario and Quebec this summer. MSF's interactive touring exhibit gives Canadians a chance to join an MSF team in one of 4 countries (Sierra Leone, Bolivia, South Africa or Uzbekistan) and learn about neglected diseases (respectively, malaria, Chagas, HIV and tuberculosis).

“The average Canadian doesn't know anything about [these diseases] that are major health problems around the world,” says Dr. Peter Saranchuk, a St. Catharines, Ont. physician who has done 2 MSF missions in Africa.

Figure. MSF team member Dr. Peter Saranchuk in the touring exhibit's simulated clinic office Photo by: B. Sibbald

In South Africa, 6.5 million people need antiretrovirals (ARVs); 25% have access. But 18% of people now have resistance to first-line ARVs; second-line meds cost about $5000 a year, compared to $190 for first-line. Given former prime minister Jean Chrétien's Pledge to Africa program, “It will be interesting to see what happens in Canada,” says Saranchuk, who is touring with the exhibit.

The exhibit aims to “bring attention to the plight of millions of people worldwide who do not have access to affordable medicines,” says MSF-Canada President Dr. Joanne Liu.

If it's successful, a cross-Canada tour may take place next year.