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Change of date for conference
| Location: | Ghana |
| Conference Date: | 2009-06-11 (Archive) |
| Date Submitted: |
2008-09-02 |
| Announcement ID: |
163746 |
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The Politics of Epidemics in Africa
Location: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
Date: June 11-12, 2009
CHANGE OF DATE: In order to broaden participation in the conference, we have changed the date.
New Abstract Deadline: 15 March 2009
Send abstract to Laura McGough at mcgoughlj@msn.com
Organizers
Historical Society of Ghana
Department of History, University of Ghana
Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons
School of Public Health, University of Ghana
Contacts: Prof. Irene Odotei, Historical Society of Ghana; Dr. Kofi Baku, Acting Head, Dept. of History; Dr. Laura McGough at mcgoughlj@msn.com
As international trade and global contacts increased during the early twentieth century, the incidence of new epidemics increased as well. Between 1900 and 1930, Ghana (then the Gold Coast) experienced several major infectious disease epidemics, including bubonic plague, smallpox, influenza, and cerebrospinal meningitis. This conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on how historical experiences can inform contemporary responses to epidemic disease in general and to increase dialogue between academics, policymakers, and the general public regarding epidemic preparedness and policy and its role in overall health systems. Understanding why certain epidemics receive more attention and resources than other epidemics or than certain chronic diseases 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, or neglected chronic or infectious diseases that are “hidden epidemics,” 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/role of missionaries or religious organizations
• Neglected diseases/”hidden epidemics” in Africa
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?
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Laura McGough
University of Ghana
Dept of History
PO Box 12
Legon, Ghana
Email: mcgoughlj@msn.com
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