Organizers Historical Association of Ghana Department of History, University of Ghana

The two-day conference will take place in Accra on November 17 and 18, 2008 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the end of the bubonic plague epidemic in Ghana (then the Gold Coast). This conference will use the occasion to discuss epidemic disease in general and increase dialogue between academics, policymakers, and the general public regarding epidemic preparedness and policy. Understanding why certain epidemics receive more attention and resources than other epidemics requires an investigation of the politics of disease control. Experts from various fields, including public health and health policy, medical anthropology, history of medicine, and others, are encouraged to submit papers. Papers may concentrate on one or more epidemics, historical or contemporary, in Africa on the following or related themes:

• The impact of epidemics on urban space, population distribution, or migration • Public perceptions of epidemics • Traditional perceptions of epidemics and how they have changed over time • Representations of epidemics in art, mass media, song, or other cultural expression • The role of health delivery systems and/or traditional healers • Relationships between communities, local leaders, national and international officials • Conflict resolution during epidemics • Religious responses

This conference encourages participants to consider the politics of epidemics, historical and contemporary, in Africa from a variety of angles. What impact do public health measures, such as quarantine and vaccination, have on public perceptions of the government? How do disease control efforts affect local political struggles for power, resources, and legitimacy? Is resistance to public health measures tied to broader political discontent? How do different epidemics affect the “balance of power” between traditional healers and medical doctors? What are traditional understandings of epidemics and how have they changed over time? Which diseases attract the most attention and resources and why? How can public health officials more effectively make use of the political process to plan for and prevent epidemics?

Please send a 300-word abstract to Laura J. McGough by September 1, 2008 to mcgoughlj@msn.com along with contact information.

Presenters whose papers are accepted will be notified by September 15, 2008.