The Importance of a Global Perspective

             So often we find ourselves complaining about the status of own health care system. We become severely angry when we wait for hours in order to see a doctor, angry when an individual who just came in, is escorted through the double doors to be admitted. This is not to say that our health care system is perfect—no system is without its flaws—but in comparison that of others, it is exponentially better. In western African in the country of Cameroon, Prudence lost her life because 1) the midwife did not know that sitting and bouncing on her enlarged belly would rupture the uterus, 2) her family did not have enough money to convince the local physician to treat her, and 3) her value as a woman was not enough to be saved. And so for three days she laid while her deceased fetus rotted inside of her. And when the Kristof and WuDunn team by chance saw the young woman and offered donations of their matching blood type (for the surgery) and money (for the equipment and services), the physician left out the back door out of spite for the family (since he was certain they had money to pay up earlier). The attending nurses berated the family for their lack of action and inability to pay. When she finally underwent the operation the the following day, Prudence fell into a comatose state, her insides severely infected from the stretch of time while she lay untreated. Three days following, Prudence passed away.

           The sad part of this is that it’s not uncommon. In many developing countries, gender inequities exist that allow women to be mistreated by their own husbands. Practices of female genital mutilation (alternatively known as female genital cutting or female circumcision), is a procedure done with intention of keeping women "pure" and more marriage-material. Often times it is done without anesthesia or sterile tools by the hands of mothers in the community when a female is young or right before she goes into labor. There are varying degrees of the mutilation in which the clitoris and sometimes labia, are cut and removed. The procedure is done while the female is forcefully pinned down by family members and requires the female to be tied from legs to hip for about 6 weeks, ensuring that the edges of the cut heal together. Following that stretch of time, a small hole is often formed with a twig or small rock to allow release of urine and menstrual blood from the now fused wall of flesh. The subsequently formed layer of fused genital tissue is then cut open when a woman has intercourse with her husband and at the time of giving birth. Tremendous pain is associated with the entire practice and places the woman at severe risk for infection, psychological detriment, and mortality--especially when she is mutilated prior to giving birth. The resulting loss of blood is incredibly dangerous. 

           Maternal health, or the lack thereof, is attributed to a number of factors--including biology, education, and the social status of women. A step in breaking the cycle of tradition, is to offer equal access to education. Enlightened women have a better chance of staying in school and are able to better defend their health and that of their future generation's. Enlightened men have a better understanding of health and the consequences of their actions. While there are a handful of NGOs and federally-funded programs actively working to change the status quo, there are an equally high number of individuals who, after learning about what transpires in the world, want to be an agent of change.

          WorldTeach is a non-profit organization that is some-what hybrid of the Peace Corps and Teach for America. It provides individuals with an opportunity to volunteer  their time as teachers in developing countries. Its distinct difference is its time commitment. Volunteers may choose to apply for positions during the summer, a semester’s span, or a year. As Kristof points out, WorldTeach provides an opportunity for young adults/college students to make a difference within the constraints of their own academic endeavors. This is not to say that the Peace Corps and Teach for America does not have equally appealing benefits; however, while the Peace Corps requires a 27 month commitment that most students cannot make until after they graduate. WorldTeach is equivalent to a study abroad program offered in many universities and has the potential to provide perspective to those who are willing to open their hearts and minds. Such programs, with great value, should be promoted and supported just like popular study abroad trips or alternative break trips. It’s one thing to read about what’s happening across the globe, but it’s another thing to see and experience it up close, and be able to do something about it—even if it’s a seemingly small contribution.

          World Teach does require its volunteers to offer a certain contribution based on the country and period of their commitment, but the costs associated are about equal to that of a university-based study abroad program. It would be great to see offered funding support from educational institutions for students who wish to support such a cause. It’s programs like this that bridge that knowledge gap between us and the rest of the world.

          For those who are weary for the culture shock, alternatives include literature. Read. Everything and anything that breaks down the walls separating self from external life. We are a species divided only by the divisions we put up. Strive for a life without borders and a constantly changing perspective. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences.