But more fundamentally, many countries lack the physical infrastructure , effective public health systems , economic and financial policies , and educational and social programs needed to provide adequate public health services. Lack of passable roads and transportation networks mean patients cannot reach health facilities to seek treatment. Lack of clean water and sewage treatment, and overcrowding housing, mean that populations are exposed to a broad range of diseases and illnesses that are prevented in developing countries. Concentration of health facilities in urban areas means rural populations have nowhere to seek care. Social stigmas attached to some health problems, resulting from ignorance and lack of information, mean that many will not turn to the public health system, thus jeopardizing their own health and that of others.
Governments often fail to make health care a spending priority.
And those resources devoted to health care are sometimes lost due to corruption, pilferage, waste and poor spending choices. To adequately address health care problems, we must recognize and respond to these broader challenges. The pharmaceutical companies want to help. We have collaborated in solving health problems in the past, and we remain committed to playing that role. Pharmaceutical companies donate badly needed medicines, sponsor and support public health initiatives and help raise awareness of the magnitude and complexity of public health issues in developing societies.