NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
November 12 • Cultural Insight
World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day, observed on the 12th of November, was established to raise awareness about the world's leading infectious killer of children under the age of five. The day advocates for global health equity, improved medical interventions, and preventative healthcare.
Speaking Discussion
- Should big pharma companies be forced to give away their patents to poor countries?
- Why are we more empathetic toward a disease we see on the news than one that kills quietly every day?
- Is universal healthcare a sign of a civilised society or a socialist trap?
- If you could 'Donate 1% of your salary' to save one life, would you do it every month?
- Is death the ultimate equality, or is even dying a privilege of the rich?
Activity 1: The UN Health Strategist
The Task: You have '$1 Billion'. You must choose: 1) Save 1 million children from Pneumonia, or 2) Build 1 high-Tech hospital that will cure a rare cancer for the rich. You have 3 minutes to defend your choice to the ethics committee.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Profit is the only thing that drives medical innovation.' 2. 'A child's life in Africa is worth exactly the same as a child's life in London.' 3. 'We should prioritise 'Prevention' over 'Cure' at all times.'