"The digital divide is the gap in making use of opportunities available from the digital revolution due to insufficient access, capacity, and content. "

"People are social creatures and society is a network of social relationships. Humanity is a complex system that throughout history has evolved as a networked, knowledged society.  We must use the tools of Information Management for sustainable development in all its dimensions to ensure social cohesion, economic growth and sustainablity and environmental compatability.  We thus must remain very attentive to the digital divide.  The vast majority of the people we would like to reach do not have easy or affordable access to the Web.  Dissemination strategies must therefore focus at least in the near future on Proxy Users; i.e. Strategically placed Internet Systems  ( e.g. Hygeia Foundation/Hygeia Health System Kiosks), intermediaries such as associations of local authorities, practicing professionals, capacity building institutions and advocacy groups."

Knowlege cannot be imparted or transferred through access to information alone.  It must be accompanied by human expertise that is capable of applying lessons learned from experience and turning them to effective action.

"One half of humanity has yet to make a phone call;  ninty per cent have yet to send an email"

Founded as a program to comfort families who have endured the tragic loss of a child, what Hygeia® is now about is to use the knowledge and experience, influence, status, responsibility and intellectual property that is the M.D. Degree to help women in need and their families find and obtain basic Maternal and Child Healthcare, support, comfort, and hope. When applied in synergy with the power of the Internet so as to establish and maintain global, in-kind caring communities (of which thousands now belong at Hygeia), there develops a sense of "belonging" to those in need with which can come respect, dignity and self esteem further improving, I surmise, well being and health.

Although this is a philosophical and idealized approach to a very real and complicated public health and social problem, the Hygeia Foundation and I are committed to it as it embodies all that is humanism in medical practice. In today's complex world of Healthcare Services, humanism is not often seen a priority. I am hoping my efforts will be realized and this will be the legacy of Hygeia

Notes from the Stockholm Challenge Conference
October 9, 2002