Staging Posts (17)
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>
>I work with an organisation in rural northern Nigeria, and I can con-
>firm that no one else in our team in Nigeria, or in the neighbouring
>Government and Missionary health centres have heard of, never mind
>have access to the Internet....
Hi J. Dada:
This marks a turning point for these discussions, I think. I would be
interested in making your life a little easier, and in return you would
be providing a valuable input into how future projects should be formu-
lated for getting good quality healthcare information to developing
countries.
I wonder if you have access to a computer [other than the commercial
services], and the ability to implement a journal of sorts that would
have questions that could be forwarded periodically to - - -. We'll de-
cide on that point in a minute. If so, I think we could begin to pro-
vide research assistance for you in an informal manner, but at least
begin to maintain a dialogue that might be something better than you
have in place now. You may have noticed that questions are put to this
list, for example, across a wide spectrum of issues and concerns.
If not, then what would have to be done to make one available? If a
computer were sent to you for the surrounding area, would you be able
to turn it on? Can you think about what would be possible?
Also, I think you would be able to add substantially to what is being
done with the Staging Posts project, if you were to begin to share some
of your local information that "works" for the community you are serv-
ing. Examples of leaflet material, or instructional material that ex-
ists right now, would be of great interest to some of us, I am sure.
I have begun a project using a "language" called XML. This technology
permits a way to develop information resources without having to use
proprietary software products [in fact, all one needs in a community
setting, is a computer and a text editor]. In fact, I have started
something that can be continued and "grown" by communities and institu-
tions at all levels across the globe. Information can be exchanged in a
format that is simple, very low cost, and results in the highest qual-
ity of health information for all ages, and from every level of experi-
ence. Filtering can be easily managed through some of the organisations
below, which would contribute greatly to meeting the needs out there.
This project is not something that can be used, today, just a vision.
If you get a chance, take a look at:
http://worldccr.org/xmloriginal.htm
In the meantime, I think we should consider how best to improve your
situation, and in doing so, will provide the best demonstration for
guiding the WHO, SatelLife, or other institutions that are in the plan-
ning stages for disseminating good healthcare information to developing
countries.
Hope to hear from you.
Thanks,
Tom
--
Thomas A. Poe, M.D., Director
The World Center For Clinical Research
2500 Dickerson Rd
H-124 Reno, NV 89503-4801, USA
mailto:admin@worldccr.org
http://www.worldccr.org
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