1st writing for competition, 2009 International Essay Contest for young people

"the role of science in building a better world"

Medicine is the art of healing. It includes health care practices, which improves itself constantly through human intervention, to maintain and restore health by preventing and treatment of illnesses.

In the past, people made use of plants, animal parts and minerals to heal themselves from illnesses. Surgery was started unknowingly during the Later-Han period, by the talent physician Hua Tuo. So we can see that people in the past already knew the need and importance to cure and heal.

However, as more viruses developed through the years, medicine technology too improved. Perspectives changed during the Black Death in Europe during the 14th and 15th century, as people realized the need to promote the use of chemistry to create cures for major illnesses such as tuberculosis. During this period, most cures relieved the symptoms of illnesses rather then curing it, and they did not consider the possible side effects.

Today, medicine technology is still undergoing constant improvement, with efforts put in by several medical institutions. Many countries also placed importance in providing efficient healthcare services to the people. Singapore is one of the examples, by implementing policies such as Medisave to lower the cost of healthcare services, thus making healthcare affordable for Singaporeans and so, good health will be sustained. This is important, as healthy Singaporeans will mean a stronger and more united Singapore. Other countries such as Malaysia should learn from the Singapore model as it proved to be successful.

In today’s world, most illnesses and diseases are curable, such as fever, and some of them are controlled, such as high blood pressure. But, there are still some incurable diseases such as AIDS. These incurable diseases have a huge impact on the world today and it will affect the lives of many to a considerable extent. Africa is one continent which is plagued with diseases. With these diseases, they will not be able to lead their lives normally like others in the world, and something must be done, in order to improve their lives. In general, research must be continued on these incurable diseases, so that cures and vaccines can be developed to tackle these diseases.

In my opinion, in the future, people should have more cooperation with each other, and this is made easier with globalization. With better cooperation, knowledge and ideas relating to medicine can be exchanged and so vaccines and cures can be developed faster, saving people from suffering faster. With effective cures and vaccines, we will be able to overcome illnesses and lead a better life.

& 9:14 PM