[A challenge to Peronism's social justice: hydatidosis in the province of Buenos Aires, 1946-1952].
This analysis of the sanitary policies enforced in the province of Buenos Aires by Domingo Alfredo Mercante--Juan Domingo Perón's right-hand man--focuses on one of his most fascinating efforts: the eradication of hydatidosis. In exploring an issue largely forgotten by historiography, the article describes how the Mercante administration (1946-52) used statistical, socioeconomic, and symbolic legitimization to place hydatidosis on the State agenda. The administration's strategies are also pinpointed: the passing of regulatory laws against this endemic disease; the creation of specific state anti-hydatidosis institutions; the creation of space for information and for interdisciplinary, interministerial, and even supranational education aimed at achieving greater knowledge of the disease and at the exchange of experiences; and, lastly, the definition of initiatives focused on relief, treatment, and prevention in animals and people.
Valobra
Adriana
A
Departamento de Historia de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. indivalobra@hotmail.com
D001118:Argentina; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006291:Health Policy / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000266:history