‘Just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved’: an ethnographic analysis of the health system in Black Panther’s Wakanda

The emergence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has introduced significant global challenges for healthcare systems, healthcare professionals and patients. This current climate creates an opportunity to learn from equitable health systems and move toward making fundamental changes to healthcare systems. Our...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ global health 2023-04, Vol.8 (4), p.e011733
Main Authors: Jackson, Jennifer, Ferreira, Carla, Scott, Melissa, Barah, Elke Jaibeeh, Upal, Zahra, Phelps, Krista, Mei, Carol, Woo, Haneul, Tung, Megan, Gadimova, Farida, Ewanyshyn, Alexandra, Perry, Samantha, Ens, Twyla, Ginn, Carla
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Anthropology, Cultural
Colonialism
COVID-19
Delivery of Health Care
Ethnography
Global health
Health care
Health services
Health systems
Health systems evaluation
Humans
Prevention strategies
Public Health
Qualitative study
Racism
SARS-CoV-2
Traditions
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:The emergence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has introduced significant global challenges for healthcare systems, healthcare professionals and patients. This current climate creates an opportunity to learn from equitable health systems and move toward making fundamental changes to healthcare systems. Our ethnographic analysis of Wakanda’s healthcare system in Black Panther, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offers opportunities for system-level transformation across healthcare settings. We propose four healthcare system themes within the context of Wakandan identity: (1) technology as an instrument (blending bodies and technology, blending technology with tradition); (2) reimagining medication; (3) warfare and rehabilitation; and (4) preventative approaches to health (prioritising collective health, deprofessionalisation of healthcare services). The preceding themes represent core elements of Wakandan health systems that allow the people of Wakanda to thrive. Wakandans retain a strong identity and cultural traditions while embracing modern technologies. We found that effective upstream approaches to health for all are embedded in anti-colonial philosophies. Wakandans embrace innovation, embedding biomedical engineering and continuous improvement into care settings. For global health systems under strain, Wakanda’s health system identifies equitable possibilities for system change, reminding us that culturally relevant prevention strategies can both decrease pressure on health services and allow all people to thrive.
ISSN:2059-7908
2059-7908
DOI:10.1136/bmjgh-2023-011733