Bending the Arc

Bending the Arc is a 2017 documentary film that aims to explore the journey of three remarkable individuals who contributed their lives to serving the poor and addressing the most daunting health challenges in their respective countries. The film revolves around the biography of Dr. Paul Farmer, Ophelia Dahl, and Dr. Jim Yong Kim, who have devoted their lives to fighting the most significant issues pertaining to public health worldwide.

The documentary begins with the journey of Dr. Paul Farmer and his team's fight against the lethal disease of tuberculosis and AIDS in the rural villages of Haiti in the early 1980s. Farmer, a Harvard medical student, traveled to the poorest parts of Haiti to observe the unique aspects that contributed to the spread of tuberculosis, including poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of medical care. Along with his colleagues, he created the program of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) aimed at providing medicines and care through a model of community-based healthcare.

The filmmakers then introduce Ophelia Dahl, daughter of the children's author Roald Dahl, who met Paul Farmer when she was eighteen years old, while doing volunteer work in Haiti. Together, they founded the organization Partners in Health (PIH), a non-profit medical organization that seeks to provide quality health care to the poorest communities worldwide. The documentary depicts the role of PIH in health care in different parts of the world from Haiti to Peru, from Russia to Rwanda.

Further, the film traces the journey of Dr. Kim, who was inspired by the work of the Partners in Health organization while pursuing his medical degree at Harvard. The documentary shows Dr. Kim's contribution to the global public health agenda by breaking the stereotypes and highlighting future dynamics. He was appointed the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) making him the first Asian-American to hold the position. Kim's vision for health care was impactful, and he focused on the significance of primary health care services and strengthening health care systems that aim to deliver quality care to the most vulnerable populations.

The documentary captures the lives of these three individuals, who are dedicated to making a difference in public health by providing access to healthcare to the poorest areas in the world. The film highlights the challenges that these individuals faced throughout their journey and how they overcame the challenges through sheer determination, perseverance, and teamwork. The documentary also portrays the impact of the work carried out by these healthcare pioneers to improve healthcare services and address the broader social and political issues that impact health care systems in developing countries.

Through its narrative, the movie highlights the significance of creating more equitable and just healthcare systems worldwide. The film emphasizes the need to prioritize the health and well-being of the most vulnerable communities and populations globally. The documentary serves as an inspiration for future generations of healthcare workers worldwide, advocating for a more significant role in health care policy and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, Bending the Arc is an impressive documentary that embodies the importance of public health and medical care worldwide. Inspecting the lives of the founders of Partners in Health, Dr. Paul Farmer, and Ophelia Dahl, alongside the journey of Dr. Jim Yong Kim leading the World Health Organization, it inspires the audiences to work and dedicate themselves towards providing better access to affordable health care. The film rightly emphasizes the need to create more equitable and just health care systems worldwide and serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that great leadership and community work can bring.