The Privilege of the developed world

Included along with the notification that I was accepted to the International Reporting Fellowship, was a list of vaccinations I should receive. Hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever (with official certificate) Polio booster (because as an American child of the 50’s it is assumed I got the vaccine) Typhoid, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Rabies (Yikes!) and if needed Measles, Mumps and Rubella (it wasn’t. I already had that booster) In addition, I had my choice of Malaria medication, (Malarone. Last time I took Larium.I thought the world was collapsing in on me.) I get a prescription for an antibiotic in case of severe diarrhea along with recommendations to carry pepto as a prophylactic and Imodium if I get sick.
So off I go, fully insured member of the American middle class. I make an appointment at UW’s Hall Health Travel Clinic, where an expert travel nurse gives me the best information and advice. Then downstairs to get my shots from another highly trained professional who only has to assemble the list, open up a nearby refrigerator and pull them out. Then with state of the art syringes to ensure everyone who comes in contact with these sterile needles won’t be in danger, I get my shots, make my follow up appointments ( 2 more rabies shots) , get my prescriptions sent over to the local pharmacy and done. I am now as protected as possible.
And here in one vignette is the dichotomy of privilege and poverty in this world. This fellowship will take a look at the health system in this West African state since its battering by a brutal war and a history of long term poverty and exploitation. The capital, Monrovia, still is without municipal electricity, sewage or water. We are warned to carry along some extra food once we travel to countryside. Their health care system is reliant on outside aid groups. Malaria is endemic. Yellow Fever and Measles break out regularly. Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world, people are struggling to stay alive, let alone get by.

I am privileged to be able to travel there, and do some reporting- parachute journalism though it is. I will be confronted by the inherent unfairness of my position.

And I can get my shots.