Stephen Lewis’ “Pandemic: My Country is on its Knees” is gut wrenching. In this piece, Lewis tells us about the transformation of Africa, a continent that he is madly in love with. This land that was so full of promise and hope when Lewis first happened upon it is currently being demolished by AIDS. Africa is being ripped apart by this pandemic and the rest of the world is not doing near enough to help.
I believe that Lewis’ goal in writing this is to open people’s eyes to what is really happening throughout a large part of Africa. He is trying to impart passion and fire into his readers. Lewis does this in a variety of ways.
Firstly, Lewis’ descriptions convey so much horror. Some of what he writes sounds downright sinister, for example when he is describing the adult medical wards in a hospital in Malawi. He refers to it as a scene from “Dante’s Inferno” which is an allegorical journey through hell. This is an extremely effective course of action; it is shocking and thought provoking.
Lewis then brings to his reader’s attention the fact that some countries are actually contributing to this massive catastrophe. He explains that there is an overwhelming shortage of medical professionals in many parts of Africa. Many African doctors are being “poached” by nations that have more money and better working conditions, leaving the HIV infected people in Africa with poor care, if any.
Though Africa is facing a medical crisis of epic proportions, Lewis reminds us that all is not lost. He writes about several programs, including PMTCT and MSF, that are making a difference. Africa is in desperate need of the whole world’s help and Lewis is very successful in persuading me of that point. I imagine that each person who reads this lecture of Lewis’ will realize the magnitude of Africa’s dilemma and will want to do something about it.
What can our country do to help countries in dire need like Africa?
We can do fundraisers to earn money to help get any supplies that Africa needs or could use. I know we don't have alot of doctors to spare, but perhaps if any doctors have retired and are wanting to help then maybe they could go to Africa.
ReplyDeleteEveryone just needs to give a little. I believe that people should give their money to a charity without expecting anything in return. Maybe instead of giving me a t-shirt or hosting a dinner to thank the people who donated, why not give all that money that would be spent on the shirts or the dinner and buy the necessary medication and food needed?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Irene! I would far rather every cent of my money went towards something that would help. That is reward enough.
ReplyDeleteI think the best thing we can do for these countries is to further educate their population. We need not only to teach them sexual education, but just help to upgrade their overall education systems. This is turn will give the people of Africa the starting tools they need to stand up on their own. If we help to educate, we will help to solve the doctor and nursing crisis. We also need to encourage our young people at home who are studying in the medical field to go overseas when they are finished and take part in paid internships. Then while they are there, they will help to lessen the strain on the existing medical professionals there.
ReplyDeleteWhat can’t our Canada do for Africa seems more like the challenge. We can raise funds to provide educational programs, especially for teens or are the most impressionable. An education program that creates a greater awareness of AIDS, but set up in such a way that it fits their cultural approach and learning sytem so that they are more accepting of the information – i.e. don’t preach. Charities can skim less off the top and give more of the money raised to the cause. More support groups working directly in the villages offering assistance to the families. Hunger was mentioned over and over – help establishing crops that have limited soil and water needs; strategies for gardening. Supply of basic drugs and medical attention to improve the general health of the population; for those suffering from AIDS, additional medical support could be provided. And finally, pregnant mothers could be supported with medical attention and education so that their healthy pregnancy will lead to a healthy baby.
ReplyDeleteI believe as individuals there is much we can do. It would be extremely hard to provide the level of commitment, and devotion that Stephen Lewis has, but sensibly a far less magnitude of relief would be needed if everyone contributed. As a country, Canada should be providing more relief. We are a country that is known for helping others during times of adversity. Food and medical aid is in short supply in Africa, both in which we have an abundance of. Contributing these resources would go a long way to assisting Africa.
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