Letters to the editor

Involve regional scientists

D+C/E+Z, 2011/11, p. 430 f., Philip Schuler: “Tracing pollution”

The issues you discuss are the same in Africa where I worked for 17 years. Poor water quality is the number one reason for illnesses in the continent, and many wells are contaminated with E.coli bacteria. You state that “it is crucial to make people understand the scientific facts in a culture-sensitive way to avoid open conflict.” Again, this is something I have experienced in Africa. In my view, it is promising to involve scientists from the region concerned. It is essential to convince the village elders and active young men who are close to them. These are the people who enjoy villagers’ trust, so they can initiate the kind of behavioural change that would improve the health situation.

Volker Seitz, former ambassador, Six-Fours-Les-Plage, France