The above linked article tells about the suffering going on
in Senegal. Around the world, terminal
diseases cause immense pain for thousands upon thousands of people before they
die. They are already sentenced to death
for the most part with the disease they have, but the cruelty of the disease
makes them suffer all the way to the end.
Medicine that relieves pain like morphine makes this time much more
pleasant and bearable for many people.
Unfortunately, many third world countries cannot always provide these
medicines for their citizens. It becomes
a completely different issue and a human rights violation when the government
of a country is what is prohibiting this medicine and thus causing thousands of
its own citizens unnecessary pain. This
is the problem happening in Senegal. The
government there is very restrictive and only allows for the import of one
kilogram of morphine per year. According
to the article, that is only enough for 200 patients per year. The country doesn’t have an amazing low disease
rate and that’s why they need so little morphine. No. They have thousand of
people (about 70,000 per year) that need medicine to control the painful
symptoms of the diseases they have. The
government has the ability to help these people but does not. This violation of human rights reminds me
just how lucky I am. That instant pain
relief is always there when I need it. I
never have to worry while thousands of people cannot live ordinary lives in
Senegal because their government refuses to import more morphine to help them.
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