The devastating cost of solving problems that are too easy
In short: We often prioritize complex mysteries over solvable crises. In global health, some of the most life-altering interventions—like cataract surgeries or mosquito nets—are technically feasible and economically viable, yet they remain underfunded. This is the tragedy of easy problems: a systemic failure to act on what we already know how to fix.
The tragedy of easy problems refers to global health and development challenges where proven solutions exist but lack sufficient action. These issues are characterized by being 'tractable,' meaning they possess well-defined solutions that are technically effective, economically feasible, and scalable. Examples include providing vaccines, distributing mosquito nets, establishing clean water programs, and administering therapy for diarrheal diseases.
Prajwal Ciryam illustrates this through the case of cataract surgeries in Erode, a city of approximately 400,000 in Tamil Nadu, India. Local physicians there successfully reverse blindness for thousands of people in an economically sustainable way. Despite this proven model, millions of others globally remain unable to access treatment, continuing to live in 'unnecessary strife' because their needs are often sidelined by the global health community.
The core issue is one of collective neglect and distracted attention. Because these problems are relatively simple to solve compared to more complex medical mysteries, they often receive the smallest corner of public interest. While implementation is never truly straightforward, the lack of progress on these 'easy' fixes represents a profound moral and systemic failure. The goal is to shift focus back toward these high-impact, solvable interventions to transform lives more effectively.
This lecture was delivered at Gresham College, an institution that has provided free public lectures since 1597. Ciryam’s work highlights the gap between our technical capacity to alleviate suffering and our collective will to deploy those solutions at scale.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Tragedy of Easy Problems - Prajwal Ciryam
- Also: The Tragedy of Easy Problems
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