Staging Posts (18)
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I have been reading silently the on-going discussion around Helga's pa-
per of Wed, 28 Apr. 1999.
Several ideas have touched my feelings regarding the true and genuine
nature of problems around us in face of the IT advances. I would like
to comment on a few.
1.Thanks to Helga for bringing the issue up for discussion so exploring
possibilities for intervention.
2.To "bring practical information to front-line health professionals"
needs a good understanding of the real-time situation of the context in
which the target population lives and works. This has been explored
very well by Helga (No. 7), Tom, Irene, Leela...
* This also came up in a previous discussion on AFRO-NETS by Billing-
sley, when Dave Gwatkin was worried about "how few Africans have been
participating in the debate" and the responses that followed.
But I am worried more with the suggested solutions which may need more
efforts and commitments at local unit levels so as to have an appropri-
ate "venue" and audience for the initiative in terms of basic knowledge
to use the facility...say the proposed 500 units if received...
Theophilus has described the situation better in (No. 11) this remains
the ground level challenge. I always fell short of ideas on how best
the international community can assist in the general lack of basic
skills in the use of computers, the lack of motivation, the burden of
their general responsibilities...the POVERTY CONTEXT
In the words of Dr. Mike Adelhardt in 'The Health Cards (12)' we are
cautioned not to fall victims to the "discrepancy between theoretically
appreciated information and the day-to-day routine in a busy place..."
There is a need to start with what is already available locally. Minis-
tries of Health and institutions like Pharmacy Boards and research in-
stitutions and medical schools definitely have some area specific mate-
rials that may be adopted in the proposed strategy by Helga to forge a
"hand-shake" with existing systems. (Also mentioned by Regina No. 10).
I believe, as others do, that integrating what is already in use will
be more acceptable and more likely to be re-enforced by National minis-
tries. This will guarantee sustainability.
Helga, in face of the on-going health sector reforms in countries like
Tanzania, the initiative will save many good purposes at district level
facilities, although the limitations are many...
The project mentioned by Leela for East Africa keeps my hopes very
high. I pray that the initiatives come true to district level in Tanza-
nia.
Good Luck to all.
John Kimario
Demographer/System Operator
Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre
P.O.Box 53
Ifakara, Tanzania
Tel: Ifakara 164
mailto:Sysop@tan3.healthnet.org or
mailto:Ifakara.ihrdc@twiga.com
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