Społeczne aspekty edukacji higienicznej w Litwie Sowieckiej w latach 1944–1989: choroby weneryczne

Abstract

Social aspects of hygienic education in Soviet Lithuania in the years 1944–1989: venereal diseases In Soviet Lithuania many fields of daily life fell under heavy political influence. Medicine and health care was no exception. The health care system that existed at that time was presented in public discourse as the best possible and beyond any criticism. However, the society suffered from diseases, e.g. venereal diseases, just like at any other historical period or political system. Therefore, preventive actions in fighting the diseases had to be organized. The medical doctors and hygienists had to inform society about the possible health risks. And at the same time, they also had to keep with the “red line” by not criticising the faulty social system, which was partly responsible for the social origins of the diseases. Or, in a case there was a need to criticise someone/something, they needed to find someone/ something to criticise, e.g. gay people, hippies.