Primary Health Care initiatives in colonial Kenya

Most contemporary development practitioners have only passing familiarity with development strategies employed by their predecessors, especially for programs that occurred during colonial periods. An examination of the colonial medical system of Kenya reveals that many of the strategies now employed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:World development 1998-09, Vol.26 (9), p.1701-1717
Main Author: Chaiken, Miriam S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Colonial history
colonial medicine
Colonialism
Colonies & territories
community based health care
Community participation
Decentralization
Development strategies
Egalitarianism
Health Care
Health care access
Health care policy
Health policy
History
Kenya
Medicine
Primary care
Primary Health Care
Public health
Studies
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Summary:Most contemporary development practitioners have only passing familiarity with development strategies employed by their predecessors, especially for programs that occurred during colonial periods. An examination of the colonial medical system of Kenya reveals that many of the strategies now employed in Primary Health Care programs were preceded by comparable programs administered by the colonial medical authorities. The colonial system did not include universal or egalitarian access to health care, nor were the programs ever adequate to remedy many of the major threats to health, but the lessons derived from a careful review of this period validate the appropriateness of many Primary Health Care approaches now promoted. In particular, the emphasis on decentralized, preventive medical services, the use of comprehensive immunization programs, concerted efforts at improvements in sanitation, and promotion of health education were important components of the colonial medical services, that effected positive changes in the health of indigenous populations. Examination of specific colonial programs should inform contemporary Primary Health Care policies.
ISSN:0305-750X
1873-5991
DOI:10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00067-9