See: "Stop propogating disaster myths" by Dr Charles de Ville de Goyet of
the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) contained in PAHO newsletter
July 1999 and on
www.paho.org/english/ped/pedhome.htm
James Lewis.
At 08:21 14/06/00 +0100, you wrote:
>I found C. Kelly's response regarding the burial of bodies in the Congo
>rather worying.
>
>> In natural disasters, the rule of thumb is that bodies do not pose a
>> significant threat of disease outbreaks.
>
>Much might depend upon what is meant by 'significant threat'; however, in
>an environment such as the Congo the decomposition of bodies would be
>faster than a place with a colder climate and therefore the failure to
>adequately dispose of the bodies actually would present a significant
>threat within a short period. It may not be an immediate danger, but to
>lay claim, as it would seem that C. Kelly is suggesting, that they do not
>have to be dealt with is I believe a fallacious statement.
>
>The moral, ethical, social, psychological and
>> practical reasons for disposing of bodies are all very important and of
>> merit each in and of themselves.
>
>Surely the 'practical reasons' that C. Kelly speaks of here include the
>prevention of disease? Or are there others that are more important?
>
>> But a respected organization like the ICRC perpetuating the myth of
>bodies leading to
>> epidemics raises questions of whether they understand the challenges of
>the disaster
>> they are dealing with, or the accuracy of their public statements.
>
>I do not know C. Kelly's background, but I was left wondering whether the
>contributor understood aboput epidemiology? My own personal belief is that
>ICRC took an appropriate stance on this issue. There may be other
>practical issues that also need addressing, but the speedy disposal of the
>dead people is one that will impact upon both the physical and the
>psychological well-being of the people that remain in the area
>(Incidentally please forgive me for referring to 'C. Kelly', as I do not
>know the gender I cannot refer to 'Mr' or 'Ms')
>
>> As in war, is truth one of the first victims of a disaster?
>
>It very much depends upon what we mean perhaps by 'truth'. As a student I
>was taught that as dead bodies decomposed they presented a health risk if
>not adequately interred, or cremated. This was some thirty odd years ago.
>Perhaps medical science has moved on (without me knowing) and this is now
>regarded as incorrect?
>
>
>
>
>
>Best wishes
>Paul
>
>Paul Carney
>Senior Lecturer
>School of Health & Social Science
>Coventry University
>Priory St
>Coventry England CV1 5FB
>
>
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