Perspectives

Apparently in Northern Nigeria, polio cases are still actively occurring. One of the reasons is that the polio vaccine is suspected of causing harm. Vaccination coverage otherwise is not out of the norm. Why is this? Kebir believes local politicians have benefitted politically by frightening the local population with fears the US is purposely tainting the vaccines to harm Islamic people. I wondered how the US could successfully be suspected of this degree of nastiness. This was not a unique example. A physician from Botswanna told us of his efforts in HIV education when local people held the condoms up in the sunlight and the visible streams of lubricant flowing down were perceived as worms the Americans had placed within. Where does the fault lie for these suspicions? Interestingly, Kebir tends to place responsibility on local, Nigerian politicians. I, on the otherhand, place responsibility on my country for its international activities in recent history. With this perspective I would be cannon fodder in a presidential debate. The truth is somewhere within my and Kebir's perspectives and would be better understood with many other perspectives. It frightens me for our leadership to refrain from international dialogue. There is limited understanding and a markedly diminished understanding of the truth when multiple perspectives are not solicited.

I have made an initial visit to Mwanza, Tanzania to meet with hospital leadership and Touch Foundation folks. I plan on sharing my initial impressions in a posting to follow.