From The Edge To The Whole: The Study Of Malaria Prevalence And Control Changes In Dehong, West Yunnan Since The Qing Dynasty

The Dai ethnic minority area in west of Yunnan has been suffered the severe malaria infection for its unique climate,geographical conditions,ethnic customs and other reasons.The malaria infection cases there happens every year with increasing transmission,death tolls.Numerous tragedies are resulted from malaria infection.The frequency of flood and wars destruct the fragile social structure and worsen the anti-malaria defense,presenting a phenomenon known as "abandoned wild land and sparse population."In ancient society,this ethnic area is on the margin of being lack of medical supply,which prompted the popularity of medicine man and witchcraft.Later,traditional Chinese medicine began to flourish at the end of the Burma Campaign in ruling period of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.The operation of independent clinics has upgraded the medical service there.In the late Qing period,the increases of western missionaries and introduction of western medicine have improved the local medical condition to some degree.In 1930s,the west Yunnan region was attached great importance by Guoming government for its military status in the war as epidemic of malaria,medical health has been improved further more.However,malaria attacks were still serious as the negative influences from politics,economy,and ethnic customs.After the founding of PRC,anti-malaria movement has been closely connected with other social revolutions with the expansion of social rights and the establishment of people's language powers.The malarial transmission has been effectively controlled through public efforts.After the opening and revolution,malaria infection cases were identified mostly by foreign comers with the opening of borders in China.However,most patients have accepted immediate assistance and treatment since the improvement of medical service.Back then,the once severe malaria infections have been eliminated.Dehong area of Western Yunnan shares borders with many foreign countries and is home to many ethnic minorities.The anti-malaria movement presents its unique feature as it is multiinfluenced by politics from China and abroad and the ideology of ethnic minorities.The tie between this region and the outside world has been fastened as for globalization,politics,and war.The nationalized and modernized medical health has become popular,which could be found in anti-malaria defense policies and treatments.Besides,it reflects the hard efforts made by Dai ethnic minority in west Yunnan in its social modernization transformation process.