Maria Saloniki can hardly remember how many times she went to the local traditional healer, how many doctors she consulted between two hospitalizations, how many words she used to describe her pain. But one thing she clearly remembers is that each time she returned home without receiving adequate treatment and care.
Mariam John is 13 years old and already knows what she wants to be when she grows up - "a health minister can help others and wants everyone to be healthy," she says. "I have good grades, I know I can make it," she adds proudly. In February 2005, soon after her knee started to swell to the point that it became difficult to walk, Mariam was diagnosed with bone cancer.
Chronic diseases, like cancer, affect mainly high income countries
Reality:
80% of the estimated 35 million chronic disease deaths in 2005 occurred in low and middle income countries; an estimated 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low and middle income countries in 2005
Story of Sridhar Reddy
Sridhar Reddy was on the telephone to his wife when the photographer entered his hospital room. "I'm sorry, it's rush hour, I'll be with you in a minute," he excused himself. Sridhar’s wife runs their restaurant while he’s undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Chennai Cancer Institute.
