Noncommunicable diseases are an urgent global crisis that has been largely overlooked, with deadly consequences. By calling attention to it—and prescribing solutions—Bollyky's book can help to save many lives.
Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, World Health Organization Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases, and three-term mayor of New York City
A remarkable piece of work, superbly researched, beautifully written, and sobering. It should be required reading not only for policymakers and philanthropists, but anyone seeking to understand the great progress that has been made in global health and the significant challenges that remain.
Sania Nishtar, Founder and President of Heartfile and former Federal Minister for Pakistan
This stimulating new book is a must-read for those who care about our collective future. A well-recognized leader in global health, Tom Bollyky is a powerful advocate at a critical time, but does not shy away from some unsettling truths. Interweaving history, science, economic/development policy and international affairs, he reveals the promise and peril of how health advances are reshaping our world, and he soundly argues that a safer, healthier world demands that we address this paradox of unintended consequences. We should take heed!
Margaret A. Hamburg, Foreign Secretary, National Academy of Medicine and Former Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
Plagues and the Paradox of Progress is a readable history of the rise and fall—and worrisome threat—of infectious diseases, as well as the new health threat to developing countries: chronic illnesses. Bollyky provides deep insight into how health challenges will impact the development of lower income countries. This is an excellent addition to the scholarship on global health.
Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Prescription for the Future
A thought-provoking book that should be required reading for anyone working in public health or public policy arenas.
Library Journal
A thoughtful reminder of the social, economic and political complexities inherent in sustainable public health.
Nature
A remarkable new book.
Financial Times
[This book] brings to the task a remarkable command of history, science, technology, medicine, public health, and political science. Bollyky combines his scholarship with an unusually fluid, writing style that invites readers to read more. In mapping his many 'worries', Bollyky carefully treads a middle path between pessimism and optimism.
The Lancet
"If you want to step back and think more broadly about Coronavirus, the Universe and Everything, you could do worse than start with 'Plagues and the Paradox of Progress' by Thomas J. Bollyky."
LSE REVIEW OF BOOKS
Plagues and the Paradox of Progress provides a smart warning about our future without discounting the successes of our past.
Health Affairs
The book is beautifully written, packed with great one liners and historical anecdotes.
OXFAM
