Health Cards (41)
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Dieter asked about the lengthy contributions to this conference. Is it the
length of each contribution, or the overall number on a particular topic,
or the general number of contributions that is causing the problem? Is it
because some people have no access to control what they download, and so
are stuck on-line for too long in situations where the line might go at any
moment? Or is it that people are bored? It would be nice if Dieter could
pinpoint the difficulties.
I for one have enjoyed the debate on the health cards as it has rambled
through its various dimensions, picking up the broader implications and the
way issues overlap on the way. Surely it is the function of a conference
like this to look at an issue in a number of ways, using the different per-
spectives and experiences of the people in the conference -- whether they
are "African" or not? I don't think I would like simplistic sharp 'points'
without the broader discourse which often reveals the experience that con-
textualises the answer.
The debate on the health cards has (as any issue would) acted as an entry
point into some thoughtful reflection on the parameters within which many
of us have to work, even if they are politically uncomfortable (I think in
particular of references to the domination of the donor imperative). This
is the only conference I know of at the moment where interventions have
been thoughtful rather than inflammatory or exhibitionist, and I too would
thank Dieter for his excellent moderation in this.
Also, if we cut short one issue, would not another crop up in its place?
Cheers
Tony
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Anthony Klouda
London (UK)
e-mail: anthonyk@aklouda.demon.co.uk
CompuServe: Anthony_Klouda@compuserve.com
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