A recent CNN video clip explored the world of orphans and aid in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Dr. Sanjay Gupta visited a group of ostensibly optimistic orphans, singing and smiling whilst mired in deplorable conditions and hunger. It turned out that literally tons of food aid were going untouched just a few miles away in warehouses, and thanks to a phone call by Dr. Gupta, donated manna from Asia ultimately made its way to this orphanage.
It was a nice finish to the story, a rare glimmer of hope in the impoverished and earthquake-decimated nation. But in spite of the relatively happy ending for some 50 orphans, as well as the heroic example of selflessness set by the interviewed NGO worker, the story did not inspire me with much hope. Dr. Gupta portrayed the situation as it was: an exception to the rule, where donated food and goods were transmitted directly and efficiently to those truly in need. However, it took CNN's top medical correspondent, along with his personal network, to ensure the delivery of said aid.
To be sure, the timely and transparent delivery of international aid is a major concern for governments and organizations worldwide. But there were so many questions that Dr. Gupta and CNN never addressed: How is so much food going undelivered? Who is responsible for connecting people with aid? Why did it take a phone call from Dr. Gupta to spur the NGO into action? And perhaps most importantly, what can viewers of this video clip do to help?
I hate to say it, but this human interest story may have even discouraged some potential donors from making contributions. I could see a more skeptical mind coming to the conclusion that Americans send money, the money buys food, the food sits untouched in warehouses, and only a stroke of good luck will help it eventually find its way to the hungry. Why donate?
Of course it is important to share these stories, and of course I am glad that this orphanage received some much-needed supplies. However, it seems to me that a network with the reach of CNN and a person with the intelligence, expertise and network of Dr. Gupta could combine to find some answers as to why this problem persists. At the very least, it would have been nice to leave their viewers with a little more hope and a reason to help.
