Disease and Medicine in African History: A Bibliographical Essay

Abstract

The medical history of Africa is a vital but neglected field. Disease has been a significant factor throughout African history, and attempts to control endemic and epidemic afflictions have been an important aspect of change in the twentieth century. Unfortunately, historians have rarely paid more than cursory attention to issues involving human health. There is some mention of disease in many pre-colonial studies, especially those of the “trade and politics” variety, but comment is usually directed toward the effects of tropical diseases on Europeans rather than the impact of local and induced diseases on African populations. Similarly, works on the colonial period often mention medical services in passing, but rarely make a serious attempt to assess their reception by local peoples and the results of their activities.It is to be hoped that as the historiography of Africa moves away from its early preoccupation with trade, politics, and the “origins of nationalism,” and as new archival and other sources become available, scholars will take a greater interest in the role of disease and medicine in the history of the continent. In this essay I will discuss some recent writings in this field by historians and by persons in other disciplines whose works are useful to historians, and will suggest possibilities for future research. Coverage will be selective rather than exhaustive, and will be confined to sub-Saharan Africa.