10-14
6. Abuse of knowledge and power.
Throughout history, medicine has been a
sacred and magic art. Its practitioners—
whether folk healers or modern
doctors—have often used their special
skills to gain power and privilege.
Instead of sharing their knowledge, they
have kept it secret, leading others to
think they are miracle workers. In doing
this, the healers have made people as
dependent as possible on their services.
Some community health workers are
tempted to do this also. One way for
an adviser to help prevent this problem
is to set a good example. If he himself
relates to others as an equal, shares
freely what he knows, and admits his
mistakes, the health workers will be
likely to treat people in a similar way.
It helps to discuss this problem openly
during training.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
If ordinary aspirin is labeled ‘acetylsalicylic
acid’, people think they are getting something
new and different. By keeping the truth a
secret, the health worker gains power and
glory—until people discover they have been
tricked!
CONTINUING OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN
Health workers should always be looking for ways to increase their knowledge
and skills. Their health programs can do much to provide opportunities for continued
learning:
• Visits from advisers. The main purpose of an adviser’s visit should be
educational. Some advisers make a point of giving health workers new
information each time they see them. Also, advisers can help health workers
look for answers to problems in community organization, health education,
prevention, or diagnosis and treatment.
• Meetings with neighboring
health workers. In a program in
Guatemala, senior health workers
lead monthly meetings for health
workers from neighboring villages.
The program organizers supply the
group leaders subjects to discuss
at the meetings. They also send
sheets answering health workers’
requests for information about
specific projects or problems.