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Progress or Profits? The World Trade Organization’s Approach to Pharmaceutical Patents
No full textHow does a powerful institution like the World Trade Organization (WTO) influence global health? Since the 1990s, WTO-led trade agreements have included provisions related to public health and intellectual property—specifically, pharmaceutical patents. How does the WTO's approach to patent law impact the development and accessibility of pharmaceuticals worldwide? In the style of Global Health Watch, this project identified and contrasted the dominant narrative put forward by the WTO and the counter-narrative presented by outside sources. Pharmaceutical patents are justified by the WTO for two reasons: to respect an inventor's right to own and profit from their work; and to stimulate investment into new medicines. The WTO insists that patents do not negatively affect pharmaceutical research or access to medicines because of public health flexibilities included in trade agreements. Evidence from investigative journalists and alternative media sources discredit these claims. Historical and contemporary examples of trade agreements and patented pharmaceuticals show how the current patent system is flawed. Long patent terms have created monopolies and public health flexibilities have been underused. Since the 1990s, free-trade agreements have increased patent protection and made it more difficult for governments to ensure access to medicines, even when patents have expired. While the WTO has positioned itself as a global health stakeholder, this study suggests that its current approach to patents places corporate profit over public health
Exploring Community-Based Participatory Research Approaches with Low-Income Communities
Get PDFUniversities often collaborate with neighbouring communities, particularly those in low-income or high crime rate areas, to offer donations, provide support, and sponsor events. However, universities are not always aware of how their donations are spent or if they have helped to achieve community project goals. The York University Faculty Association (Toronto, Canada) has a Community Projects committee (YUFA-CP) that provides up to $1500 to local organizations for community outreach, advocacy development, or initiatives to improve access to higher education. Any community organization in the local Jane-Finch community can apply to receive this funding. This study seeks to identify the community projects funded by YUFA-CP in 2010–2017, identify who received funding, how funds were expended, and whether funding met committee goals, especially with respect to community engagement and improved access to higher education. Selected community agencies were surveyed about funding received and events sponsored. Survey results suggest that events to improve access to higher education for under-represented groups was funded least. The study concludes with recommendations to better align funding with YUFA-CP mandates
Does a History of Depression Affect Employability?
Get PDFAccommodations for people with disabilities exist today in most institutions. Nevertheless, negative stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness may still lead to employment discrimination. This 2018 empirical study asks if people with depression are less likely to be offered jobs by future employers. 162 undergraduate students (50% female; 50% male) from Glendon College (Toronto, Canada) were asked to pretend they were an employer and, as such, to read a fictitious scenario and estimate the likelihood that they would offer a job as a sales rep to a seemingly qualified male applicant. All study participants evaluated the same job applicant, but half (40 males & 41 females ) were told the candidate had a major depressive disorder, while the other half (40 of males & 41 females) were not. The likelihood of offering the job to the candidate was ranked from low to high. Results show that the job applicant where depression was mentioned was less likely to be offered the position than the candidate where depression was not mentioned. It appears that, even in an academic setting where accommodations are common, young educated adults (i.e., future employers) hold stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals who experience depression and are less inclined to hire them. The study concludes that increased education through awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma toward mental illness
Social Media: Agent for Change for Women in the Middle East
Get PDFThe Middle East and North Africa may rank among the most challenging places in the world to be a woman. This study explores the relationship between communication instruments (social media) and women’s movements in the Middle East by focussing specifically on the right for women to drive in Saudi Arabia. A positive correlation between social media and Saudi women’s movements would suggest that social media has led to successful awareness and mobilization campaigns, even if no legislation overturning the ban against women driving is passed. In fact, the driving ban was finally overturned 27 years after the initial public protest. The relationship between social media and women’s activism is also positive because, through use of the communication instruments, women were able to mass mobilize, launch micro-movements, and gain international attention in ways that were previously unfathomable. Interestingly, the study also shows that a positive correlation can lead to negative phenomena, such as increased surveillance or the harassment female digital activists faced as a result of using social media to spark change
Grey Power and Valence Issues in Canadian Federal Elections
Get PDFThis project situates Canadian seniors within the multitude of factors that electors face each time they are asked to cast their vote. The research question asks how have the valence issues related to seniors, long-term/home care, and income security in retirement impacted Canadian federal elections since 2006? Research shows that pensions and retirement savings have long been a concern for all three political parties, whereas long-term care and health becomes relevant as the baby boom generation ages. This throws into doubt the perceived grey power of the aging population of Canada: electoral success has not yet been conclusively linked to the valence issues of long-term care and retirement savings
Challenges for Children with Epilepsy and the Need for Specialized Transition Programs
Get PDFThis literature review analyzes current research about children with epilepsy and the necessity for specialized transition care programs. It focuses on transition care programs in Canada, which assist individuals with chronic illnesses to switch from a pediatric healthcare model to an adult healthcare model. It explores challenges faced by children with epilepsy that make maintenance of the condition variable for every individual, and how these challenges contribute to the necessity for transition care programs. Despite multiple initiatives across Canada that advocate for the need for transition care programs due to the cognitive, psychological, and developmental challenges children with epilepsy experience, results demonstrate that transition programs are often temporary, and more programs need to be implemented to be available to families of children with epilepsy. Due to the complex nature of epilepsy, the age of transition with its increased risk of psychological and cognitive challenges, and often additional comorbidities, specialized transition programs are required to ensure optimal treatment is maintained. It is crucial that healthcare professionals be equipped with the skills for planning around special healthcare needs, follow evidence-based transition plans, and ensure access to services for individuals going through transition. Results also show transitioning youth are unprepared and parents are not informed about transition programs. Multiple resources found facets of a good transition program include a multidisciplinary team, collaboration between healthcare and families, a family-centred approach, educating families and patients on condition, and a unique plan for each individual. Future research should further explore and define the qualities of a successful transition care program