Abstract

GARZON-ZAPATA, María-Catalina. Ankylostomiasis by the Thousands. Local Physicians and Strategies to Combat Hookworm in Colombia 1905-1920. Historelo.rev.hist.reg.local [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.34, pp.57-89.  Epub Mar 13, 2024. ISSN 2145-132X.  https://doi.org/10.15446/historelo.v15n34.102935.

In the early 20th century, hookworm disease emerged as a significant concern within the medical community, particularly in coffee-producing regions, given the high number of affected farmers. Physicians took the initiative to investigate the disease and implemented various measures to combat it, including advocating for government legislation to address the issue. This article focuses on the efforts made by local physicians in combating hookworm in Colombia, showcasing the concept of "peripheral precedence" by recognizing their advancements and contributions before the arrival of the Rockefeller Foundation and its campaign in 1920. From the same perspective, the research problem allows us to examine the interactions among various actors, including peasants, doctors, and landowners, who actively participated in the practices and efforts to prevent and combat the disease. Methodologically, the study involved an analysis of multiple primary sources, with a particular emphasis on research papers and medical theses on hookworm dated between 1905 and 1920. This approach allowed us to explore the work, practices, and prior experiences of Colombian physicians in addressing hookworm.

Keywords : hookworm; local physicians; peripheral precedence; coffee economy and disease; history of tropical diseases; public health.

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