| The study of African medical social history began in the 1970 s,which is not only an inherent requirement for the development of African historiography,but also influenced by the emerging transnational and global history perspectives in academia.Globalization and trade flows have accelerated economic prosperity,cultural integration and social transformation.However,it has also allowed the disease to spread with unprecedented speed and scope,increasing the risk of contracting the disease and forcing profound changes in Africa’s disease burden.River blindness is one of the major "neglected tropical diseases" with severe socioeconomic,public health and well-being impacts in Africa.In the 1950 s,a series of public health disasters caused by wars between countries and conflicts within African countries triggered a new external-based humanitarian reflection,and the international community began to re-examine the responsibility for improving public health in Africa.Among them,the "Onchocerciasis Control Program" led by the World Health Organization in 1974 was the first health and epidemic prevention plan to deal with river blindness in West Africa,which promoted the transformation of African public health from regional to international to global.The research topic of this paper is the implementation and effectiveness of the World Health Organization and West African river blindness governance from 1974 to 2002.Focusing on this theme,this paper mainly researches and discusses three key issues: first,to investigate the historical origin,transmission route and early governance problems of the etiology of river blindness;second,to sort out the first implementation of the Onchocerciasis Control Program in West Africa,the adjustment process and the results achieved;the third is to analyze the challenges faced in promoting the Onchocerciasis Control Program in Africa and the important role WHO plays in public health governance in Africa,as well as the enlightenment for future disease prevention and control.In the research of this paper,three historical research methods are mainly adopted: literature research,comparative research and inductive analysis.This paper collects,organizes and utilizes the World Health Organization’s reports,memorandums and meeting minutes on the prevention and treatment of river blindness in West Africa and other historical archives,as well as official documents of the World Bank and other non-governmental organizations,to historical,epidemiological and public health from the perspective of interdisciplinary research such as science.On the one hand,it sorts out the epidemic and prevention process of river blindness in West Africa,analyzes the necessity and practical significance of the World Health Organization’s medical assistance to West Africa,and the extension of the epidemic and prevention of river blindness in West Africa.Sexual and social responses.On the other hand,it focuses on the interaction between Africa and disease,the World Health Organization and African public health governance,and the interaction between Africa and the global epidemic prevention and control system.By introducing historical perspectives and dimensions,taking history as a mirror,and relying on rational thinking and critical spirit,disease can become a driving force for social change and development to a certain extent.Through the above research and discussion,this paper believes that due to Africa’s special geographical location,natural environment and weak public health governance capacity,countries and regions lack basic,equal and effective health and health protection,and the World Health Organization urgently needs to play a leading and coordinating role.Based on the core essentials of treatment mode,health concept and international public health system,it provides scientific guidance and inspiration for the eradication of river blindness in the future. |
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