The Island Opinion Wednesday 25th August, 2010 9 Why wash your vitamins away? More about UFO reports –Re-living my days as a boy his refers to S. H. based on and so brilliantly Moulana’s (SHM) let- portrayed to seem entirely ost boys have mothers, or grandmoth- chapter, Welcome to Kid World with a quote Tter (14/8) about UFOs. plausible! Anyway if now ers, as the case may be. A close friend, from the Des Moines Register 28 August 1958:- Evaluation of UFO reports is seems probable that the Ma grandmother told us the other day, Great News for Boys. difficult, Obeservations are earth is not the only inhabit- on a long overdue visit, that she has a A prominent doctor has usually sketchy. Deliberate ed planet in the universe. menagerie of three grandsons to baby-sit, and defended a boy’s right to hoaxes have also been perpe- SHM also says, “Over when they pass her-by she gets a wheeze. And be dirty. Dr Harvey Flack, trated, some involving trick half of the world population when they are asked to bathe, they quite right- Director of the family photography. Most of the still think the Apollo land- ly prefer to play at the computer and the boys, magazine, Family Doctor, reported UFOs have been ings were a hoax”, and he quite rightly and quite sanely, never do today said in the September identified as naturally occur- does not spell out the reason what can easily be put off for tomorrow. Being issue: “Boys seem to know ring phenomena wrongly nor does he identity who a boy, I am also told that I should bathe and my instinctively a profound interpreted. they are. In the face of good wife adds that I could have become a suc- dermatological truth – At one point it was sug- irrefutable sciencetific evi- cessful anaesthetist for all I had to do was to that an important element gested that the US Air Force dence it’s inconceivable how shove the patient’s head into my armpit and of skin health is the skin’s establish, at various points such a theory could be he’s out for the count. Years ago my favourite own protective layer of in the country, teams for extended. cartoonist Aubrey Collette had, on the day grease. This should not be rapid investigation of UFO Of course, there are daft before the legendary Royal-Thomian cricket disturbed too frequently reports. But these fast- skeptics such as the fraterni- match, a cartoon in the newspaper. There was by washing”. Detroit, response teams were never ty that maintain the world is this little boy waving his Royal flag and Michigan. (AP)- set up. This led to the con- flat. They also claim the screaming ‘down with the Thoras’ while ‘bask- Now we boys are all spiracy theory that the gov- moon landings were elabo- ing in the sunshine of illustrious tradition’. vindicated, but let’s go ernment concealed from the rately staged and filmed in a Whereon his mother yelled to him “While bathe. public the true nature of the remote part of the Arizona bathing in the sunshine of illustrious tradi- UFOs. It was on this back- desert. tion, don’t forget to wash behind your ears”. A. A. N. Suranimala ground that Sidney My favourite author Bill Bryson prefaces a Sheldon’s exciting novel Asoka Weerakoon “Doomsday Conspiracy” was Kandy

f the year 1996 was, so far as our Chappel, his younger brother) to bowl Elders: Answering... Sport is concerned, Sri Lanka’s that last one underarm! He later out- Fighting tuberculosis (TB) From page 8 ... Iyear of glory, 2010 must go down did that piece of skulduggery when as (as one of our Cricket scribes have a Commentator in an ODI series They have allowed their repu- tation to be used and exploited by said), as Sri Lanka’s year of shame. between India and Sri Lanka, he cas- with community support unscrupulous predators, who wish The SLC has already quite rightly tigated the SL batsmen who quite to avenge the defeat of terrorism. proffered its apologies to the Indian legitimately accepted the Umpire’s They have bowed to the pressure Board the SL captain and the player offer of bad light and came off when exerted by these predators, with concerned, Suraj Randiv, too have our team was in a bad way, as can transform lives little or no personal knowledge on proffered theirs. The meanness of unsporty. He went to the extent of their part of the events that tran- he necessity of involving ordinary citi- program/policy change. that infamous ‘No Ball’ has now been asking viewers not to attend the spired in this little island. Bishop zens in the ongoing battle against TB Dr Hind Satti, Clinical Director, Partners Desmond Tutu and Nelson adequately dealt with. So no more of match next day or some words to that Twas discussed at the recently concluded In Health, Lesotho, talked about the success Mandela, who would have been at that aspect here. Yet it is an oppor- effect. Can one come up with a more Open Forum 4: Critical Path to TB Regimen: story of the Community based treatment least 15 to 20 years younger and tune occasion to dwell on some other hypocritical example of Hypocrisy! New Hope of Life for TB Patients in Addis model operative in all the 10 districts of therefore in full command of their aspects that arise out of, or may be Justin Langer the Aussie opening bat Ababa, Ethiopia. Lesotho since 2007. Lesotho has a population faculties at the time, never cared appropriately referred to in connec- is alleged to have knocked down a TB kills nearly 2 million people every of 1.8 million, where 12,275 new cases of TB to organise themselves into a con- tion with such an unsavoury incident. stump when moving from one fielding year, 98% of whom are in the developing were notified in 2009. It has a very high science–group to condemn the The first is as to whether the real point to another behind the stumps world. prevalence rate of HIV,with 80% of all TB horrible atrocities committed by culprit or bigger culprit of this and then appealed to the Umpire for a TB is the leading cause of death among patients being HIV positive. terrorists in the form of mas- people living with HIV; and nearly one third Adherence to the treatment regimen is sacring sleeping villagers, killing episode has been served with a penal- ‘bowled’ (or ‘hit wicket’). The alleged of all reported cases are TB/HIV co-infected. crucial to success of TB cure. But there are Muslims fervently engaged in ty commensurate with that given to dishonesties of Australian Umpires TB accounts for almost 20% of all deaths and many barriers to this adherence, chiefly in prayer and recruiting child sol- the ‘No Ball’ player involved and/or Emerson and Randall are well known. 26% of all preventable deaths in the age the form of socioeconomic obstacles. The diers. Did they gather together as given a penalty commensurate with Five. Talking of behaviour, one of group of 15 to 49 years –the most economical- Lesotho model has addressed these barriers a conscience-burdened group to his being, in my view, the bigger the ugliest sights on the cricket field ly productive age group. successfully by means of community mobili- condemn the assassination of offender? On current reports, Dilshan today, in my view, is that of the man- Africa has a very disproportionate burden sation. Currently around 550 patients are Neelam Tiruchelvam and instigated the act, and Randiv carried ner of appeals for LBWs, and catches of TB. It is home to 12% of the world’s popu- enrolled in the community based treatment Lakshman Kadirgamar? I will not stoop to sully the reputation of it out. Who is more blameworthy? The behind, specially by the bowlers. In lation but 30% of the world’s burden of TB. programme. The treatment supporters come Nine of the 22 high burden countries are in from the community and form a rapport with Bishop Tutu on the grounds that Instigator or the implementor, or both the old days, it was a simple but Christianity has been congenitally in equal measure? If the latter, have vibrant call of ‘howzat’. Today it is a Africa. the affected family. They accompany the Sincere community involvement at all patient to all clinical visits, and also provide linked to colonial hegemony or the penalties respectively imposed vulgar whine, a prolonged wolf-like stages is thus crucial in the fight against this psychosocial support to the patient and because Lucretius the Latin poet scream at the deadly disease— right from the development his/her family. They are trained by the local said, “Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum (Lucretius 99-55 Umpire, practi- of new treatments to making them available healthcare centre to observe all drug doses, BC) - Religion has the capacity to cally forcing to those in need of them. report any side effects, administer injections, inveigle evil”. I will only say that him to give the The impact of TB is not confined to the and screen for HIV/TB infections in house- true Christian praxis demands batsman out. patient alone; illness of an adult can affect hold contacts. that only those without a granule This bellowing the quality of children’s lives as Dr Satti feels that of guilt lodged in the deep recess- is accompa- well. TB contributes to the “Diagnosis and management of es of their collective unconscious nied by hand socioeconomic deprivation of all types of TB, including MDR- should cast the first stone on Sri gestures of a families and communities, TB in high HIV prevalence set- Lanka. In like manner I will not resulting in increased poverty tings is challenging but possible pleading cast aspersions on the character and persistent hopelessness. with the help of community - imploring of Nelson Mandela just because a Weak health systems and inade- for rapid enrolment and close photograph published by the type, as if the quate resources are compound- monitoring of side effects.” Telegraph Group, shows him par- reflected that parity? bowler’s future depended on the ing the problem and necessitat- Community activist, Nelson tying in his house with Charles Two. Randiv is relatively a new Umpire’s verdict. ing community based pro- Otwama, from Kenya, also Taylor, the former Liberian dicta- comer to the International Cricket Six. The other ugly aspect today is grammes to tackle the issue. believes that the community tor now facing charges in a war arena, as well to the Sri Lanka Team the lack of respect for one’s oppo- According to Dr Jeremiah can help in a big way by educat- crimes trial (Island World Review, and its Dressing Room. I believe there nents. A batsman who is out is Chakaya, Chair of the Stop TB ing about the disease, treat- 17th August, pp. 2&10). The satis- is a certain degree of awe and respect mocked or jeered off the field by Partnership’s DOTS Expansion ment, cough etiquette, reduc- faction that both venerable char- that new comers show their Seniors, unseemly gestures. A wicket is taken, Working Group, community tion of stigma and isolation, acters have gained from this participation is at the core of resource mobilization and advo- pompous pulpit-homily amounts both in the D Room and on the field. and some bowlers celebrate the tri- the success of the TB DOTS cacy to support the adoption of at least to unwitting carrion com- Perhaps Seniors make use of this umph with unseemly acrobatics. programme. Health personnel new MDR regimens by national fort. They have also in the process sometimes. And so, did Radiv, perhaps Other players join in. Rarely is a cen- unwittingly exposed their ‘altar need the help of community A child and other TB authorities. mistakenly take Dilhan’s suggestion tury applauded by the opposing team care givers in ensuring that the Another advocacy manager egos’ (a phrase I have borrowed patients wait to be seen as a sort o ‘unofficial order’ to be or its Captain. And rarely is a good patient does not default from and patient representative, from a cartoon script published at a tuberculosis (TB) obeyed? ball complimented by the batsman, or the regimen of completing the Francis Apina said that com- in The Island, the name of which clinic in South Africa. Three. Not meaning to discount a good catch. What a contrast to the full six-month course of treat- munity input is a critical com- I cannot now recall). If ‘altar’ in this phrase is treated as a mis- the foulness of Dilshan’s act of sug- ‘pre-monetary’ days when the players ment, typically involving four ponent of the research process. drugs. Else, patients might develop drug It is actually stigma, isolation and quarantine spelling of ‘alter’ let it pass as gestion, did he mean it seriously or respected their opponents, played the ‘English our Way’. more in a sort of jest, or as one alter- game hard but in a chivalrous spirit. resistant TB, and in turn create a significant- versus community based care. Inadequate ly large pool of infected people. patient information and education, social As I have already said, time native relevant discussion the team It is for the captain, coach and Patients’ Charter for TB Care is another barriers and stigma - all add to the challenges heals but age decays. Lovable Murali has called it a day.Sanath may have had as to how to prevent a manager to even now instill a sense of step in the direction of ensuring patient/ with the current treatment regimens which Jayasuriya, despite his magnifi- century against the team. That no moderation in victory. Kumar community participation in TB care. Dr is increasing MDR-TB. cent deeds with the bat, awaits fielder in Dilshan’s vicinity, when Sangakkara can or must try to bring Chakaya stresses on the need to empower Francis feels that “current TB drug regi- the same fate: involuntarily per- room cover point he shouted in sug- this about. Then ‘Dilshan- Randiv’ No people and communities for the purpose of men is inadequate and presents many chal- haps. Those in the service of gov- gestion to the bowler at the bowlin Balls would perhaps not be bowled advocacy, communication and social mobi- lenges of treatment; such as pill burden, ernment have to retire at the age end countermanded that shout, could again! lization. length of treatment, incompatibility with of sixty,while others who work in S. W. Perera indicate the second or last of these To slow down infection rates, several ARV,non-compliance, the emergence of MDR the private sector have to do so at possibilities. Colombo 5. Southern African countries have now and XDR-TB. Current treatment is still inade- the age of fifty five. Fate intones Four. Of course, launched community-based screening, treat- quate to address the challenges of TB/HIV with inexorable precision, the ment and care programmes, especially in and drug-resistant TB. New tools to quickly the ’Dilshan-Randiv’ apocalyptic message ‘grow old areas where access to health education and diagnose and more effectively treat and pre- obscenity is not only gracefully! You’ve had your share care is limited. vent TB are desperately needed.” of the bounty’. or the first on the Dr Jane R Ong’ang’o, a Research Scientist Hence we need community advocates to I firmly believe that elders cricket field. Its one at Kenya Medical Research Institute strongly talk about clinical trials to the voluntary must be respected and cared for: of many that pres- pleaded for community engagement in TB study groups; community mobilizers to help even adored as in the case of par- ent day players drug research to make them understand its clinical trials to succeed; community educa- ents, grandparents and devoted resort to as quite benefits. She felt it essential to facilitate a tors to urge people living in infected areas to teachers. Yet, elders on their part distinct from the dialogue between community members, go for TB/HIV screening; and community must always bear in mind that sport of the pre-1970s study volunteers and researchers, and sug- care givers to help the patients to strictly fol- advanced age cannot be automati- cally equated to wisdom. It is or the ’pre-monetary’ gested the formation of Community Advisory low the treatment regimen and not lose hope, Boards (CAB), whose members are drawn despite all odds. unfortunate but true that senility cricketers as they may be from religious/civil leaders, women, youth, Only then will the Critical Path To TB can pass off as moral excellence called. health workers, policy makers and media. Drug Regimens (CPTR) will make an impact or spiritual depth. In an age when Here are a few more of It is essential to: by accelerating the development and delivery the teachings of great religious the same genre, some per- (i) Educate communities about TB dis- of new and improved TB treatment regimens, leaders are being deconstructed haps more despicable. ease, treatment and the research process. and by sharing data among the CPTR part- to fit into theoretical issues on Greg Chappel, the (ii) Understand community perceptions ners promotes an efficient development which NGOs feast, there is a dire Australian skipper, and identify community concerns so that model that puts patient needs first. New need to focus one’s mind on spe- cific problems. Just as much as with New Zealand they are addressed in the research process. treatments should not become the privilege (iii) Liaise with community stakeholders of a select few, but should be made available we need to destroy the dengue needing 6 runs to win mosquito, we need to eliminate off the last ball or an to facilitate smooth implementation of clini- to all those in need. (CNS) cal programs. social parasites that prey on the ODL match, ordered (iv) Motivate communities to assist with Shobha Shukla - CNS polity.This we have to do in strict the bowler (Trevor Suraj Randiv compliance with the Rule of Law.