Discussion this week was another mind-blowing experience for me. I guess I am still stuck in the rural areas of the world where there is no electricity to support many of the technological advances discussed. I'm struggling with the idea of investing in expensive equipment, when we as a world cannot take care of the basic necessities of the world.
Cell phones have a great role even in modern societies. However, those that invest in cell phone towers generally do not think about rigging them up in rural areas. I have a cousin who's training as a nurse and after their school training, they have to spend a few years on site. Most people get posted to rural areas; and she was no exception. It's no use trying to get in touch with her on either of her cell phones, but neither one works in that area. Which means that in order to use that technology to help people, the infrastructure must be developed. But how many governments will be willing to expend that kind of funds; and if they could do that, why wouldn't they have provided better facilities and basic necessities for their citizens.
Telemedicine will at some point become a highly useful technology. I can only imagine it being a luxury, however, even in a country like the United States. It involves some kind of coverage from insurance, or people with money. I can definitely not see it working in the world without the right resources. Telemedicine has a place in our world, but when it can in incorporated is a different story.
I am one of those people that believes in paying off all debt before investing in anything beyond my bare necessities. This of course is very protective here where credit is important, but in order to appreciate technology innovation and global health, i have to step outside that thinking. The world must develop regardless of those lagging.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Friday, March 2, 2007
Technology
In discussing technology and its role in global health, I'm torn between feeling the need to solve the problems in the most simple and tradiational way or introducing innovations that can potentially solve problems better and faster. In the 21st century as we know it, technology has become an everyday part of our lives. Children know how to work computers better than their parents (at least my brother does). Introducing or encouraging technology to meet the needs of those that need it the most. I'm still skeptical about it, but I guess I should think about it a bit further.
Maybe one of the reasons that there are still infectious diseases and people living without water, electricity, proper and adequate sanitation is because it is a heavy burden and very difficult for the world to take care of. By simplifying the way to reach out, maybe more people can be helped. So that if the people of Angola were provided with food that contains necessary vitamins, like Vitamin C, then less people have the chance of suffering from scurvy and therefore resources can be allocated to other needs. But since poverty has not been eradicated, then how would innovation and technology enhance distribution of resources. I guess distribution methods can be made simpler by technology. Hmm, I guess I have a lot more to learn about this.
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