Neglected Tropical Diseases
A work colleague of mine has an additional role of photographer with the University and provides a visual record for a variety of international visits and cultural exchanges. I was excited to hear that a couple of his photographs had been selected for inclusion at an exhibition at The Royal Society of Edinburgh. The RSE as it is known, with reference to their website, uses the combined knowledge of their eighteen hundred members to provide independent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of thinkers. It’s about research and the advancement of learning, using the broad range of disciplines across their membership to tackle issues that can appear daunting and difficult to address. Through their efforts, they promote Scotland’s international reputation for research and innovation with various events, partnerships and publications. The RSE’s contribution to the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Scotland cannot be underestimated.
The RSE is located in George Street, Edinburgh and I was excited to visit as it was a venue I had yet to see. I have mentioned previously I’m a big fan of grandfather clocks and was delighted to come across yet another wonderful example as I entered the premises. I made sure I took a photograph to add to my collection.
The exhibition I attended was entitled ‘Neglected Tropical Diseases, Amplifying Affected Voices.’ It was raising awareness that many people are suffering long term health and subsequently work challenges as a result of contracting disease. This exhibition was held to mark World NTD Day on behalf of the University of Edinburgh, the RSE, TIBA (Tackling Infections for the Benefit of Africa), and Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). It featured portraits from humanitarian photographer, Marcus Perkins, and short films from filmmaker, Dr. Barry Gibb. These films involved real-life stories from people from Zimbabwe along with other photographs of participants, recounting their experiences of tropical disease. Neglected tropical diseases affect approximately 1.6 billion people. This exhibition provides a platform from which those affected can be heard, with the hope of action to provide better health services and opportunities for them in future.
It was a humbling experience. It’s so easy to be caught up with first world problems, believing the challenges and issues we have are just the worst. An exhibition like this is a reality check and makes you appreciate what you have, realising that most of what we face in a modern society is nothing compared to other parts of the world. I came away from it saddened that this situation exists, but heartened by the resilience of people. The overcoming of adversity and looking forward with hope to the future was what came over from those interviewed and what really struck a chord with me.
The couple of photographs my colleague had on display were impressive and to see his work on show in a gallery was a real treat. I regularly visit galleries, and this was the first time I could nod to a picture and say I know who took that!
The Fiction Factory 