Vol. 26 No. 276 (2021)

Nostalgia and hope in the era of anti-cooperation
Polio was one of the most dangerous and contagious diseases of its time. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was considered a serious public health problem in most regions of the world. Two researchers, Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, separately, shared the creation of the vaccine. Both also agreed on the idea of not registering the invention patent, which practically eradicated this disease from the planet. In Salk's words: There is no patent. Can the sun be patented?
In the middle of a pandemic that has no comparison in recent history, more than 3 million people have already died and the count goes on. Meanwhile, the owners of the laboratories that dispose of the vaccines (and their patents) do calculations and rub their hands in anticipation of fabulous returns for themselves and their investors, insensitive to the global tragedy that we are suffering.
In contrast, Cesar Milstein, an argentinian scientist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1984 affirmed that science will only fulfill its promises when its benefits are shared equitably among the world's truly poor. That message is present in the work of health workers who in long hours of work have responded from the front line to this global health crisis. To all of them our gratitude and appreciation.
Tulio Guterman, Director - May 2021

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