World's Deadliest Catastrophe

On May 14th, the UN sought to remind people that the Congo remains world's deadliest catastrophe. The problem is, who in the world even knows that 1,200 people are dying there every day, or that three months ago the United Nations launched an appeal for $682 million to provide the needed water, food, medical assistance, shelter and protection? Yes, we're all distracted. Yes, there are other crises to tend to in Africa and elsewhere around the world. But let's face it, there are countries in the world who can, and should, step up. The people of the Congo have suffered long enough.

Reducing birth defects benefits the entire population

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born in Ghana without the tibia in his right leg, leaving it deformed and useless. His father abandoned him. His mother was told to kill him. That is just what it means to be disabled in Ghana.

Fortunately, his mother was strong, and raised Yeboah to have high expectations for himself, even if nobody else did. In 2002, at the age of 25, he rode a donated bicycle 360 miles across Ghana – with one leg – and showed his entire country that the disabled could be very able indeed. His story became a movie that continues to inspire.

When I heard Emmanuel’s story, I too was inspired by his incredible triumph. I was enraged by the plight of the disabled in Ghana. But even more, I wondered what causes all those disabilities in the first place? Could they be prevented, and if so, what effects would that have on Ghanaian society?

The March of Dimes Global Report on Birth Defects might offer some answers, and will hopefully spark some positive change. According to a March of Dimes press release about the report:

“…it is a common misconception that attention to birth defects will draw funding from other priority public health efforts -- when, in fact, increased efforts to reduce birth defects in children contributes to the health of the entire population.

Experience from high-income countries shows that overall mortality and disability from birth defects could be reduced by up to 70 percent if the recommendations in this report were broadly implemented…

Among the interventions that would have immediate impact are:

1. folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects;
2. iodination of salt to prevent severe congenital hypothyroidism; and
3. rubella immunization to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.”

I think it’s a great place to start. If you agree, go to http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/howtohelp.asp.

Mountains Beyond Mountains

If you ever find yourself searching for inspiration about the feasibility of attempting to change the world, then you must read Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder. It is about the efforts of Dr. Farmer to bring health care to the poorest of the poor, mostly in Haiti, through his organization Partners in Health. While he focuses on the needs of his individual patients, Dr. Farmer has achieved and continues to work for true global change. Tracy Kidder shows that Dr. Farmer is an extraordinary human being, but is nonetheless extraordinarily human.

Simply elegant

I first learned about the Riders for Health organization on PBS' Rx for Survival television series. The concept is simple: give motorcycles to Africa's health workers and train them to ride and repair them themselves. With this transportation, they can effectively distribute aid and administer basic health care to remote villages. The impact is nothing short of revolutionary. You can see a brief movie about the program here.

The TIME.com Global Health Blog

Time magazine's Christine Gorman blogs about the latest international health news on the TIME.com Global Health Blog (and yes, it has an RSS feed).

Cool maps

Maps make it so much easier to really see the problems sometimes. Check out GlobalHealthFacts.org from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Be sure to click on a Data by Topic link and then get the map for each topic. Here's an example: Malaria Deaths. Very elegant.

ONE

What does one of the world's most famous rock stars know about poverty? Plenty. Bono not only makes great music, he is making big changes in the world as well. In 2002, Bono founded DATA, Debt AIDS Trade Africa. He now influences popular culture AND the world's most powerful leaders. In recognition of his achievements, TIME magazine named him one of 2005's Persons of the Year.

Social Capitalist Awards 2006

From the FastCompany web site: "Introducing the Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Award winners--25 entrepreneurs solving the world's toughest problems with creativity, ingenuity, and passion. Because they can't stand a vacuum. "

How to Change the World

The book that started all of this for me was How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas by David Bornstein. He profiles people who have made a change in their world, focusing on nine individuals who were selected for fellowships by an organization called Ashoka. Ashoka's mission is "to shape a citizen sector that is entrepreneurial, productive and globally integrated, and to develop the profession of social entrepreneurship around the world."

I found each of the individual's stories to be an inspiration. The things that they accomplished were indeed extraordinary, yet the people themselves did not seem to be that much different from anyone else that I know. What made them stand out was their conviction, determination, and perseverence. Maybe we don't necessarily need to be smarter, richer, or better connected to make a difference. Maybe we just need to try.

Change making launch

Over the past few years, I've been increasingly drawn to social entrepeneurship and the power to change the world that has been demonstrated by individuals. With the rise of technology, globalization, and wealth, the power to create positive change in the world is ever-increasing. Still, there are serious global challenges that humanity must face. This blog will highlight individuals and organizations who are solving problems, not just treating them, in new and interesting ways. It is my hope to inform and inspire others to rise to the challenge and create an upward spiral of change making throughout the world.