Tachi Yamada visits UM

The world is a small place and it now amazes me to think of all the possibilities that exist in this world. About 4 ago when working in GSK- Bangalore, I knew that Tachi Yamada was the 3rd in position right below the CEO, as the chief of the medical research. Never in my wildest dreams did I think of seeing him person let alone hear him speak about global issues in child health.
Last evening he was here at UM, now heading the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, he used India as an example to explain how innovation might be the key but in delivery lies the solution to the problems. Some alarming facts that cringed my heart - 8.8million babies died in 2009 a decrease from 11m in 2005 and 20m in 1996. India with 1/6th of the worlds population accounts for 30% of all new born deaths in the world - mainly due to under nourishment, neonatal sepsis (caused due to use of unclean knife to cut the umbilical cord) and birth asphyxia. The last cause attributed to deliveries happening in dark closed, windowless spaces even in the presence of daylight.
The lack of Indian bureaucracy to change and in accepting new policies was one of the reasons attributed to the government. In contrast Bangladesh with a similar history like India and much lower GDP has an infant mortality rate of 30% (India at 52%). This has been attributed to extensive work of the NGO's.

He mentioned that there is hope - proved by the success of various methods that have been implemented. Asked universities to be at the forefront of innovation. The Arvind Eye institute has reduced the cost of installing a lens from $200 to $1. Thanks to the efforts of the founder and the scientists at Stanford research center. The whole procedure of preventing cataract can now be performed by a high school graduate.
Also gave an example of how giving out sewing machines to women in Bangladesh has created sustainability and reduced the infant mortality. In India money seems to be the incentive to put polices in place - $30 was offered to every volunteer who brought a pregnant lady for delevery into the facility and $15 was offered to the mother in UP. In this test program the mortality rates have reduced by 60% from its inception.

When asked how to bring about a change in developing countries - he mentioned that as an outsider nobody can cause a change. There has to be an acceptance by the local people. We need to take the evidence, interpret it and then present it the concerned people to implement policies. At this point as a biostatistician I realised my possible role in this process!
He mentioned that the 'how' is more important - 3 key things are important in delivery. First step lies in caring for the issue. The second lies in being an expert in your field - just because it is a poor country it does not deserve to get something of a lesser quality and finally get connected by working in the field - real life experience charges you up.

I was totally motivated by the end of the talk. Realised that there is so much that needs to be done. I guess right now I need to work on being an expert in my field, I seem to fulfil the other 2 requirements!

AP or a CAPE?

Apparently Ash Wednesday witnesses the most number of Catholics visiting the church; Palm and Easter Sunday are the other contenders. An AP catholic is a person who comes to church only on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, while the CAPE is includes Christmas and Easter Sunday to the list. The reason attributed for AP having the highest cardinal number is because 'something' is given out on those days - either in the form of ashes or palms!

This made me realise how much we take the other infact the main 'thing' that is being given out everytime we attend mass. I guess it is true that we forget the importance and sacredness of something that is so freely available. Its a little scary to think that familiarity indeed breeds contempt. This could be the reason why we take our family for granted and raise friends on pedestals - or why family becomes dearer when we move away from home.

I often find myself praying that I might not forget the wonder of the Eucharist - its power to transform and infinite grace to save me - everytime I receive it. I also pray that I treat every relationship with fervour and take nobody for granted.

As I recieved the ashes today, I prayed that I might have a more meaningful, fulfilling relationship with God. I prayed for discipline and sense of dependence on Him at all times. I prayed for endurance in keeping up with my practices during this season - especially the once to Fast and to abstain from surfing Facebook, Orkut and Youtube. I need to experience for myself the fact that all things are possible through Him.

So I realise that I am neither an AP or a CAPE but one of the regulars who is still fascinated with every encounter in the Eucharist and who counts on its grace to face the daily battles in my life.