Independence day vs. TB

Independence Day verses International Tuberculosis (TB) awareness: On Monday March 21st 2011 it was the 21st Birthday of Namibia – their Golden Birthday! Independence Day! Many of the shops were closed and no school, a national holiday. Unlike Independence day in America though there were no great celebration, except maybe a few braiis (cookout) and I believe the main event for the day may have been rained out. On Thursday, March 24th 2011 it was International TB awareness day events. Did any of you know that?! It was a big deal here in Namibia. There was packed out event to bring awareness to TB. First there was a parade from the hospital to the sports stadium. At the stadium there was a drama, singing, and speakers from the World Health Organization, USAID speaker, and the Minister of Health for Namibia. I laughed as I compared and contrasted U.S.A. culture from Namibian culture. Hardly anyone in the U.S.A. even knows what TB is but everyone knows how celebrate Independence Day! When asking a friend about why they celebrate TB awareness day more then Independence Day, he replied, “TB is something that affects a large population now. Family members and friends are dying from not seeking proper treatment. We care about the things that are really affecting our country today.” Made me ponder. Do we care more about our past and traditions over the health of the future? (sorry i am posting this so late... will try to post again soon on more current events)