Life expectancy in many developed countries is 80 years and rising, but in some sub-Saharan African countries, it is 40 years and falling, mainly as a result of AIDS. These and many other inequities in global health are major ethical challenges in the world today.

Peter A. Singer and Abdullah S. Daar argue that, with decisive and timely action, genome-related biotechnology can be harnessed to improve global health equity.

They give examples of genome-related biotechnology being applied successfully to health problems in developing countries and propose a five-point strategy, including research, capacity strengthening, consensus building, public engagement, and an investment fund.

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Reference: Science 294, 87 (2001)