Science, superstitions, and the struggle for accessible healthcare

The global failure to prioritize scientific advancements for public welfare has deepened inequalities, while superstitions continue to thrive.

The impact of COVID-19 and emerging threats

Four years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world, exposing the fragility of healthcare systems. The rapid spread of the virus underscored the consequences of human interference with nature, exacerbated by pollution and climate change. While wealthier nations had timely access to vaccines, poorer countries suffered devastating losses due to delayed distributions. Even after the pandemic, new viruses continue to pose a significant threat to global health.

The role of science and its misuse

Albert Einstein once said, “Science should be used for human development, not for human destruction.” However, history has shown how scientific advancements can be misused. The atomic bombings during World War II demonstrated the devastating consequences of weaponized science. Today, the misuse of technology persists—medical tools meant to aid healthcare are sometimes exploited for unethical practices, such as gender-based fetal selection. These misapplications must be attributed to human error, not science itself.

Environmental destruction and rising diseases

Global warming and environmental degradation are contributing to the rise of new diseases. The United Nations has urged nations to take collective action to combat pollution, yet resolutions made at international conferences often fail to materialize into concrete policies. As air pollution worsens, climate-related illnesses and viral outbreaks become more frequent, disproportionately affecting underprivileged communities.

The struggle between science and superstition

Despite scientific advancements, superstitions continue to influence public perception. Pseudo-scientists and online misinformation blur the lines between religion and science, misleading the public. During the COVID-19 waves, some groups sought to exploit religious sentiments, while rationalists and science activists worked tirelessly to spread factual information through media campaigns.

However, the ruling classes often manipulate religious beliefs for political gain, limiting the promotion of scientific thinking. Funding for scientific research is steadily declining, even in developed nations like the United States. In India, annual awards for scientific research are being reduced, reflecting a concerning trend of deprioritizing innovation.

Lessons from other nations

Countries such as Cuba and New Zealand have demonstrated how prioritizing education and public healthcare can lead to better pandemic responses. By ensuring widespread access to medical care and scientific literacy, they successfully mitigated the impact of COVID-19, setting an example for other nations.

Promoting science with sensitivity

Science communicators must engage with the public in a more relatable manner. Unlike religious leaders who connect with people emotionally, scientific discussions are often presented in complex language, making it difficult for the common man to grasp key concepts.

Rather than mocking superstitions, science advocates should patiently highlight the scientific basis behind traditional customs. For instance, turmeric is widely used in religious practices, yet it also has proven medicinal properties. Acknowledging such cultural aspects while dispelling myths can help bridge the gap between science and society.*

The fight for accessible education and healthcare

Rising costs of education and medicine continue to widen social inequalities. Quality healthcare and education remain out of reach for the poor, making it imperative to pressure governments to provide these services free of cost. Only when science is made accessible to all can its benefits truly reach the common man.

The views expressed in this column are those of M Ram Pradeep, JVV Member, Thiruvur.