A Simple Fix for a Growing Problem: Why Can't We Get Levodopa to Those Who Need It?

Parkinson's disease is becoming more common. In the last 25 years, the number of people with this condition has doubled. Experts predict it will double again soon. Yet, the main treatment for Parkinson's, a drug called levodopa, is hard to find in many places. This drug is cheap, effective, and can greatly improve the lives of those with Parkinson's. So, why is it not reaching everyone who needs it? The issue is not a lack of knowledge or resources. We have the science and the means to produce and distribute levodopa. The problem lies in the lack of political will and proper systems. Unlike HIV, which has a global response plan, Parkinson's does not. There is no international funding or coordinated effort to ensure everyone has access to levodopa. In many countries, levodopa is either not available or is of poor quality. Patients often travel long distances to find it, only to be told it's out of stock. Counterfeit or substandard drugs are also a problem, leaving families with ineffective treatments. Even when the drug is available, the cost can be too high, forcing patients to choose between their medication and basic needs like food. This is not just a supply chain issue. It's a political and moral failure. We have the tools to fix this problem. We need to make levodopa universally available and affordable. Countries should add it to their essential medicines lists and ensure a consistent supply. We also need to strengthen distribution systems, ensure the quality and safety of the drug, and educate health workers and communities about Parkinson's and its treatment. The global response to HIV shows what's possible when science, policy, and activism align. We built systems to deliver complex HIV drugs to millions of people worldwide. If we can do that, surely we can do it for a simple, safe, and effective drug like levodopa. The cost of making levodopa widely available is small compared to the benefits. It can help people stay mobile, care for their families, and live with dignity. In economic terms, it reduces disability costs, caregiver burden, and lost productivity. In human terms, it restores lives. We are currently letting millions of people slip into disability unnecessarily. We must demand solutions and push for levodopa access as a basic human right. We need to start now, before the growing number of cases overwhelms health systems. The world once rallied to turn the tide of HIV. We can and must do the same for Parkinson's disease.