Pioneers Against the Dreaded Scourge

Abstract

That night, as I lay in bed listening to my American guest’s gentle breathing and occasional heavy thump as he shifted position, I thought deeply. Why, I wondered, had I brought him to Okapa? Would he be one of those self-centered “glory grabbers,” hunting for medical oddities; one who, equipped with a budget of valuable information, writes a scientific paper or book with no concern for the people involved, thus acquiring a lofty reputation and academic awards? Was he a politically intoxicated scientist lacking a code of scientific ethics? One of those who set the rules of ethics, yet would not think of following them; speaking truths they do not believe, yet expecting others to obey the rules, believe the truths, and admire and respect their social and academic status?