This morning over my mug of tea I read this in the BMJ,
The Human Development Report estimates that the additional cost needed to achieve the millennium development goals on water and sanitation [i.e. to halve the number of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2015] is US$10billion a year - half what the developed world spends annually on mineral water.
Eshelby K. Dying for a Drink. BMJ 24 Mar 2007; 334: 610-612.
It’s a short article worth reading, critiquing the development approach which has prioritized healthcare over clean water and sanitation and continues to fumble these goals despite proclaimed intent. [Just as a point of clarification, healthcare deserves to be priority but is inseparably linked to clean water and sanitation.] The article ultimately begs the question that is ever ready on my lips . . . where is our commitment? . . . can we justify these inequalities? . . . do we really want to try?
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I am setting up this blog to chronicle my adventures of babycatching in Africa. This site is for all of you who have loved, encouraged, and supported me over the past 29 years. This is my evolving story of stepping out into the unknown and meeting life as it first makes its way into the world.
3 comments:
Joanne:
I searched the web for the article but find that is protected behind a password and copyright. They want some money for me to read it.
The water issue is close to my heart. I have been researching the issue for The Malawi Project and talking with the Marion Medical Mission about their great work in helping the Malawians to have clean drinking water. They do a wonderful job. It is an area I hope we can pick up at some point among so many others issues being faced. To me, many of the others issues Malawian's face will be remedied by clean drinking water.
When I come over in July I will be meeting with Napoleon Dzombe regarding this. I hope.
I have a "Digging a Well" shallow well manual that is used over and over in Malawi. I have not yet been able to get others interested enough for implementation. A well can be provided for a village for about <$300 per well.
<$300 for a well for a village. What an opportunity. I just have yet to be effective in getting others on board. I will keep trying. They have their hands full with medical issues and supplies, food, and agriculture issues that top the list for now. All worthy.
Dear babycatcher.
Great question about the water. Water born diseases cause a large proportion of death and disease in South Asia as well, where I work.
Just wanted you to know that I've nominated you for a thinking blogger award. I didn't know how to send the meme, but you can see my blog for the meme.
Hi Joanne,I am very happy to see you always engaged with your job,but also with your reflections and questions. Maybe you forgot me,I'm the italian boy that you met in Lilongwe (Bottom Hospital) in September2005,there was also Deb...Now I've an other year to be a doctor,this month I'm studing obstetrics and often I think of you!
I hope to meet you again,I'd like to come back in Malawi!
Bye,thanks for your posts!
(sorry for my ugly english!)
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