The Political and Ethical Challenge of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

Authors

Christopher J. Degeling, University of WollongongFollow
Christopher Mayes, University of Sydney
Wendy Lipworth, University of Sydney
Ian Kerridge, University of Sydney
Ross Upshur, University of Toronto

RIS ID

126444

Publication Details

Degeling, C., Mayes, C., Lipworth, W., Kerridge, I. & Upshur, R. (2015). The Political and Ethical Challenge of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 12 (1), 107-113.

Abstract

This article critically examines current responses to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and argues that bioethics needs to be willing to engage in a more radical critique of the problem than is currently offered. In particular, we need to focus not simply on market-driven models of innovation and anti-microbial solutions to emergent and re-emergent infections such as TB. The global community also needs to address poverty and the structural factors that entrench inequalities-thus moving beyond the orthodox medical/public health frame of reference.