This is a new year and we are entering a new decade, the second decade of our century. As the chronicles are compiled what would you say were the major highlights of the past ten years for you? I'm sure there are plenty. I have several but I'm going to mention just two or three most outstanding ones for me.
The mobile internet is one of those. It has managed to push back my horizons while, at the same time, shrinking the world to fit into my pocket. It has stepped in where human mental capabilities seemed to end, and expand those capabilities. The problem is no longer where to find what, but how much of it do you want, as far as information is concerned. It is clear to me now that I have to be a good manager of information to make headway in today's world. Surely the internet has touched even those who have no idea what it is. The most amazing thing about it is that it does not depend on any one entity for its existence and growth. It is just like the sun, the moon, the stars; they are there regardless of what we do. It is up to us to make use of their availability, like harnessing their energy. The internet on my mobile devices has certainly touched, gripped very the core of my life, from being a store of information to its interactive functions...really, where are we going to next with the net? Only time will tell.
The other highlight for me are the letters A and R and V. The antiretroviral drugs. They have changed our health facilities from being the literal "fields of death" to being the utmost beacons of hope. Being a healthworker in the 1990's was very distressing as AIDS ravaged communities. Death was trivialised because it occured just too frequently. When the ARVs came, even the gravest of AIDS cases had real hope of a productive life. Unconscious patients returned from the "mouth of the grave" to full life with ARVs. They made it worthwhile to 'push' patients to get tested and get another shot at life.
Perhaps the jewel of the ARV phenomenon is the prevention of transmission of HIV to an unborn baby. This represents saving the future for me. Some of the giants of tomorrow will be there thanks to ARVs today. HIV positive mothers have a chance to experiece the joys of motherhood with the full benefit of being able to raise their children to maturity where they can blossom themselves. I think ARVs have been the intervention of the decade for medicine in Africa. Equally striking is the reluctance to embrace these medicines by the South African leadership during the Mbeki-Manto era...what sadness.
This essay will not be complete without mentioning the brand Obama. Well beyond race issues, Barack Obama is an embodiment of hope for humanity as a whole as well as for individuals. Any aspirant for anything great needs to only look at Obama and all impediments become surmountable. He has been a great revelation for this generation, a big brother to look up to. One only cringes when thinking that he is actually a politician....
These are the first major highlghts for me. I hope they will help me face this decade with renewed vision. I hope that someone will have an encounter with me that will change their life for the better. I realise the power of giving oneself to the rest of humanity; it is far much enriching than focussing on oneself.
What have been some of the major highlights for you?