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GonzoTGreat
756
Jul 16, 2015
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This is not a post about which "straw filter" system is better or less expensive. I was purusing Massdrop - probably something I ought to do less frequently - and saw this Drop. Many folks have already joined and I have absolutely no expertise in this area.
Then why am I even writing this post?
Former President Carter was on The Daily Show not too long ago. During the interview, he showed Jon Stewart this strange looking pip/straw-type device. The end with the filter goes in stagnant water and the other end goes in the person's mouth. Okay, that's simple enough. Other than to say that people are wearing these around their necks in certain parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, he doesn't talk about the technical details of the filter or the straw or anything like that.
Why is he proclaiming the miracle of this device?
Guinea worm. Apparently, through massive efforts in community health education, dstribution of these "filtering" straws and diligent care of those who are afflicted, the incidence of new cases and the number of cases has dropped significantly. Sure, that's not surprising. Good public health practices lower disease. Then the kicker ...
This parasite used to affect millions of people each year. Apparently, in 2014 there were fewer than 200 cases reported. In Ghana, a coutry previously seriously affected by the disease, the parasite has been eradicated. Gone.
If you'd like more info about what I'm talking about here's the link:
http://www.cartercenter.org/health/guinea_worm/index.html
So I don't know anything about this device and how it compares to others available in the developed world. I don't know how it compares to those being distributed in Africa. But I do know that in certain disease ravaged parts of the world, a simple straw like this is making a huge difference in public health.
Absolutely amazing.
Having contributed little to the discussion about this Drop, I hope this post was an interesting read at least.
Cheers.
Jul 16, 2015
buybuybuy
36
Jul 20, 2015
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GonzoTGreatYour comment is the only one of any true value in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for taking the time to write that up and share with the community.
Jul 20, 2015
Gera
52
Jul 20, 2015
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GonzoTGreatSo instead of having proper water treatment/waste treatment infrastructure and having jobs for the people that build them/run them they rely on these handouts? I mean, getting rid of disease is great and all but it's a bandaid. Teach a man to fish and all that.
Jul 20, 2015
GonzoTGreat
756
Jul 20, 2015
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buybuybuyThank you for your kind words, @buybuybuy. I'm passionate about effective public health efforts to improve health anywhere in the world. From strong efforts by NGOs to distribute mosquito netting in areas affected by malaria to increased education and availability of effective, safe vaccines for potential fatal yet preventable illnesses, I believe it is important for us (as a civilized and compassionate society) to do what we can to create positive change. When I saw a picture of this drop I thought, "Huh. That looks like something I've seen before; I should do a quick search. That's when I recalled the efforts of the Carter Center.
@Gera, I can't comment on the water infrastructure and all that would be required in the countries where these easily prevented diseases are so prevalent. I have no idea what additional efforts, if any, are being done in the affected countries. There are many variables that need to be considered when expanding one's scope that broadly. Each of us, and the organizations to which we belong, must decide what our priorities are and the most effective ways to move there. I truly hope there are entities that are addressing all of the issues necessary for quality of life improvements, both long-term and short-term, in these developing nations.
@Dr.McCoy, I think your comments are very important for participants in this drop to consider. It is critical to know the best applications for the products we are purchasing and use them accordingly. An item that is ideally suited for one task (getting everything out of nasty water at a base-camp) may not be suited for another task, such as finding water that (hopefully) won't kill you in an emergency (stranded with few supplies). Hopefully, as our technology improves, more effective devices will come to market that will be able to bridge the chasm you describe. Without knowing much of the technical details of this product, I completely agree with you that people should be very clear about its abilities and limitations. Thank you for giving the participants in this drop this valuable information.
I realize there are only hours left in this drop, but I wanted to take a moment to respond to these more recent posts.
Cheers.
Periodically edited for typos, grammar and clarity.
Jul 20, 2015
Mujin
106
Jul 20, 2015
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GonzoTGreatthanks for the thoughtful post, I had been trying to place who was championing it but had forgotten about that episode of the Daily Show until you mentioned it. Funny as I'm about to head to a taping of said show right now.
Jul 20, 2015
GonzoTGreat
756
Jul 20, 2015
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MujinYou're welcome, @Mujin. My blue beak is now green with envy ;-) (re: you heading to a taping of TDS).
Cheers.
Jul 20, 2015
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