The Social Basis of Health and Healing in Africa

Offers in 18 illuminating essays the first comprehensive account of health, disease, and healing practices on the African continent. The editors, both well-known scholars, also provide introductory overviews explaining why and how health and disease are related to historical, economic, and political phenomena. Combining historical and demographic perspectives, the distinguished contributors trace African "healing traditions" from the pre-colonial era to the present and from Morocco to South Africa, emphasizing the social and economic conditions linked to the spread of disease. Extensive bibliography.