Grandiose Parlor

One Response to “Public Health is Public Wealth”

1. Imnakoya:
   My comment is moreso directed at devlopment inertia in SSA in the genral context, as it relates to all types of infrastructure.

   My friend, please forgive me for saying this, but I think that in SSA, we can’t rely on the governments to provide some of these infrastructural devlopments. Unfortunately, until some of the governments in SSA become more proactive, the burden to do this may continue to fall on the people most affected by these issues. But, yesterday, while watching a rather fascinating documentary entitled, “Africa Open for Business” there were several entrepreneurs who referenced this same opinion. They said that within their respective industry’s that they had formed an alliance as it pertained to providing infrastructure.

   In many low income districts in the States, the groups that often step in when local government is moving too slowly are the community development corporations. They are normally chaired and committeed by the local residents of their respective areas.

   To be honest with you, I am not sure that this can be applied to public health in SSA. However, it seems like it may not be very probable that one may be able force some of SSA’s governments into doing something, which they are not already doing. This is sometimes puzzling to me. Have you ever read George Ayittey? Well, as far as his in your face style, I am not sure if I agree with that. Where I do agree with him is that in lieu of strong government supportive structures, community centered and organized groups may be able to partially fill some gaps. If someone asks me how much of the gap these organizations could fill, my answer today would be that of uncertainity. It’s just that as you have said certain governments have not been able to keep up with their citizens needs. Especially like you have said in the public health areas, if the affected communities did not organize to raise funds, awareness, development, and etc. they might end up waiting indefinitly for the governments response.

   Again though, that’s just my take on the issue, as it stands today. Hopefully, this doesn’t offend someone, but if it does, my apologies just trying to offer my help a little bit on this very complex and huge issue.

   Also, my readings on the many viewpoints in this area tell me that what I have mentined above possibly oversimplifies these huge and complex issues. Maybe we can continue to study this issue and continue comparing notes.

   Take care.

   By Benin Mwangi
   January 19, 2007 at 11:27 am

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