Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Plagues and the Paradox of Progress

Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
Why the news about the global decline of infectious diseases is not all good.

Plagues and parasites have played a central role in world affairs, shaping the evolution of the modern state, the growth of cities, and the disparate fortunes of national economies. This book tells that story, but it is not about the resurgence of pestilence. It is the story of its decline. For the first time in recorded history, virus, bacteria, and other infectious diseases are not the leading cause of death or disability in any region of the world. People are living longer, and fewer mothers are giving birth to many children in the hopes that some might survive. And yet, the news is not all good. Recent reductions in infectious disease have not been accompanied by the same improvements in income, job opportunities, and governance that occurred with these changes in wealthier countries decades ago. There have also been unintended consequences. In this book, Thomas Bollyky explores the paradox in our fight against infectious disease: the world is getting healthier in ways that should make us worry.

Bollyky interweaves a grand historical narrative about the rise and fall of plagues in human societies with contemporary case studies of the consequences. Bollyky visits Dhaka—one of the most densely populated places on the planet—to show how low-cost health tools helped enable the phenomenon of poor world megacities. He visits China and Kenya to illustrate how dramatic declines in plagues have affected national economies. Bollyky traces the role of infectious disease in the migrations from Ireland before the potato famine and to Europe from Africa and elsewhere today.

Historic health achievements are remaking a world that is both worrisome and full of opportunities. Whether the peril or promise of that progress prevails, Bollyky explains, depends on what we do next.

A Council on Foreign Relations Book

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      Starred review from September 1, 2018

      Classics such as William McNeill's Plagues and Peoples and Hans Zinsser's Rats, Lice, and History discuss the role of epidemics and infectious disease in world history. Here, Bollyky (director, Global Health Program, Council on Foreign Relations) steps back and takes a more detailed look at the big picture. The author notes that, even in third-world countries, the mortality rate for infectious diseases has dropped dramatically and the quality of life has not improved--in fact, it may even be worse. Vaccines and antibiotics have lowered the death rate among children, but weak governments have been unable to create strong economies and jobs, adequate educational programs, and sound infrastructures to support the increase in population. Furthermore, nonprofits and foreign aid programs often don't consider local needs and cultures when providing assistance. Bollyky says the situation is worrisome but presents opportunities for improving the world as well. VERDICT A thought-provoking book that should be required reading for anyone working in public health or public policy arenas.--Barbara Bibel, formerly Oakland P.L.

      Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading
Check out what's being checked out right now This project is made possible by CW MARS member libraries, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.