In a small community of about 5,000 people, a wastewater conduit got leaked and there was spillage all over the the place.A so-called expert was invited by the local community administrators to look into the problem and proffer solution. According to him, he had an idea. But what did he do? He collected sample wastewater on site and set himself to work. In his office, he decided to observe the sewage well enough using two of his senses, the eye for color and state of matter, and the nose for the smell. He then set to work, as the wastewater needs to be treated chemically. And so he did to the sample. Eventually, several cups of potable clean water were produced. This is a scientist at work!
The work of a scientist is highly involved. But at the cornerstone of this intensive activity lie the role to be played in fighting microbes. But what are microbes? Microbes refer to any lower live forms which may be dormant or living, and may either be beneficial or harmful to man. In a nutshell, the list include algae, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses.
The overall management of microbes should be the role of the scientist. It could be reasoned that if beneficial microbes could be managed to useful ends, then, there is no point why scientists should not be able to reduce the threats of the harmful ones to bearable limits. But what are those management steps to be taken by the scientist in an attempt to fight the dangerous microbes?
First of all,the scientist needs to pick up the role of a researcher. This is perhaps one of the greatest virtues of a scientist. By investigating problem areas, useful solutions will be discovered to take care or mitigate the said problem. For example, the world is still at the mercy of able scientists to discover useful drugs via research, that would effectively cure the much dreaded scourge of all times, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus. For now, there are anti-retro viral drugs for use, even though they are quite expensive and cannot guarantee total cure. Therefore, with the level of the scourge all over the world, more research is still a necessity before the desired success story could be achieved.
The effort of a scientist is not yet completely satisfactory until the so-called useful results obtained via research are consolidated into a workable innovation. Or better still, what is the essence of a scientist isolating the most important factor in food seasoning if he can not propose a flowchart that would allow man to produce the chemical compound by artificial means? Man do not only need to know the species of protozoa that lives inside female anopheles mosquito in relation to malaria, he also needs an invention-a drug perhaps-to prevent this species of protozoa from multiplying inside his body system to an unbearable level.
The scientist that is worth his salt should be able to counsel people around him or those in need. His/Her message should portray an expert in the field. To this end, field information, fliers and books depicting anatomy, form and function, reproductive habits, as well as economic importance of algae, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses are required. If people can read such paperworks, ask questions and get positive feedbacks, then the effort of the scientist would go a long way to make reasonable impacts.
Again, instead of being tired while playing the role of fighting microbes, the scientist should look ahead to doing more by playing the role of a comforter or counselor. Or what do you want a man whose wife died of AIDS to do? Or the single parent whose daughter’s leg was amputated because tetanus infection got hold of the sore on her left leg? Making people afflicted with the problems associated with harmful microbes happy is an exercise that can help reduce their tension and grief, while at the same time making the world a much more better place for people to live in.
In furtherance of the philosophy “be your brother’s keeper,” the scientist needs to play a leading role in fundraising. In many parts of the world, many people need the help of all and sundry to get out of their predicament. Leprosy, cancer, tuberculosis, polimyelitis, and so on are some of the diseases man has to battle with on a daily basis. And with poverty ever near, there is a limit to what the sick, under this condition can do. Properly positioned as the fundraising manager, the scientist is therefore in a good stead to disseminate information and make individuals, groups, NGOs, governments, corporate organizations, etc., appreciate the reason why they should contribute to help people in distress.
Moreover, whether man likes it or not, there are very few treatments for microbe-related problems that are really free. Time has changed! If a scientist can rise up to become a benefactor in some cases, then, such an action would have gone a long way in solving the microbe problem.
Furthermore, the scientist should play the role of an informant in fighting microbes. When people have access to the right information and at right time, they will be better equipped to fight harmful microbes around them. Information, it should be remembered, makes the man.
Finally, the role of the scientist in fighting microbes can not be over-emphasized. In facing the task of reducing or completely eradicating problematic algae, protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses, a scientist will need to work as a researcher, an inventor, a counselor, fundraising manager, good Samaritan, benefactor, as well as an informant. In fact, to cut the story short, the role model should be gentle, humble, rich and ready to take on any challenge for greater heights!
