Gordian Umbilical Knot
Zimbabwe, of course, is a well-known human disaster in the twenty-first century, but there are times when one can reasonably be forgiven laughing at the absurdity of the desperation. For instance, this note from Transparnecy International:
Let us be clear, by TI's account, the practice has apparently stopped, but is there any way to approach this sort of human disaster in a patchwork manner? Can one slap on enough bandages? Or is this an acute expression of a broader undertaking—that is, are such atrocious absurdities symptomatic of a larger malady and thus can only be partially suppressed until the larger disease is treated?
It seems more a reminder that poverty and tyranny are no proper coordinates for human dignity.
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Notes:
Transparency International. "Captive Mothers". 2013. Transparency.org. July 12, 2013. http://transparency.org/news/story/captive_mothers
Zimbabwe, of course, is a well-known human disaster in the twenty-first century, but there are times when one can reasonably be forgiven laughing at the absurdity of the desperation. For instance, this note from Transparnecy International:
Eight mothers in Zimbabwe die in labour every day, according to UN figures. The country's health system has born the brunt of years of economic turmoil. Expectant mothers often struggle to afford the mandatory hospital delivery fee of approximately US $50, which is around a third of an average Zimbabwean's yearly income. Many have no choice but to give birth at home, without professional help.
As part of their community outreach programme, TI Zimbabwe learned about how corruption was making the situation even worse. They were told that nurses in a local hospital were charging women US $5 every time that they screamed while giving birth, as a penalty for raising false alarm. Women who refused or were unable to pay their delivery fees were allegedly detained at the hospital, and charged interest on their debt until they settled it. Some say they called on family members to help them escape. Others who were eventually released reported being hassled by debt collectors who demanded both the hospital fees and additional 'collection charges'.
As part of their community outreach programme, TI Zimbabwe learned about how corruption was making the situation even worse. They were told that nurses in a local hospital were charging women US $5 every time that they screamed while giving birth, as a penalty for raising false alarm. Women who refused or were unable to pay their delivery fees were allegedly detained at the hospital, and charged interest on their debt until they settled it. Some say they called on family members to help them escape. Others who were eventually released reported being hassled by debt collectors who demanded both the hospital fees and additional 'collection charges'.
Let us be clear, by TI's account, the practice has apparently stopped, but is there any way to approach this sort of human disaster in a patchwork manner? Can one slap on enough bandages? Or is this an acute expression of a broader undertaking—that is, are such atrocious absurdities symptomatic of a larger malady and thus can only be partially suppressed until the larger disease is treated?
It seems more a reminder that poverty and tyranny are no proper coordinates for human dignity.
____________________
Notes:
Transparency International. "Captive Mothers". 2013. Transparency.org. July 12, 2013. http://transparency.org/news/story/captive_mothers