If there was a cure for all tropical diseases, development in Africa would be the same as it was in Europe?

Question

agree or not? why?

Answer 1

I disagree.  There are medications for Aids, Malaria, and TB now, and they are not in Africa.  Why?  Because the allmighty dollar is in control.  Pharmaceutical companies will not just give their product away.  If they would, then conditions would improve there now, without the cure for the rest of the diseases.  The truth is, the world does not care about Africa, unless its about diamonds, or oil, or other precious resources.

Answer 2

The differences are more than just medical.  The problems are socio-economic and are perpetuated by those who profit from it.  It's an ugly truth, but truth it is.

Answer 3

I agree.  If there were no diseases...the population would skyrocket in Africa.  People have to die...its a fact.

Answer 4

This is a great question. Tropical diseases have slowed the progress of major construction projects like the Panama Canal and Trans-American Highway. It has caused a lack of infrastructure that helps to build a cohesive society.

Contrary to some complainers, Africa has the resources to build itself. It is the constant in-fighting between tribes, regions, and factions within  the regions, religious and otherwise.

For an example, look at the US before and after the Interstate system.

For another, look at Europe and England before and after the development of the canal systems.

The ability to move goods and people easily, allows commerce beyond the local, increases the exposure to goods and ideas from outside the region and forces the individual man to see himself as part of something larger. In this way, the people of the US think of themselves as Americans first and not Yankees and Southerners anymore.

You can ALWAYS complain that one group puts down another but if the fighting and violence persists inside any group. Any other group would be put-off by it. Africa has always been violent, when a real infrastructure is in place, perhaps that violence will end. When the tropical diseases are better controlled (without worrying about saving the vectors) then the infrastructure can be more easily built.

Billions of dollars go into Africa, it is Africa who decides how to spend it.