Malaria or Kalimbe: how to choose?
Should the Kalimbe (a traditional Amerindian loincloth) be banned, based on its association with an increased risk of malaria? Studies on malaria conducted on Amerindian children in the Oyapock region, French Guiana suggest that there is an argument for replacing the Kalimbe with a modern alternative. However, the wider issue of how the positive (risk reduction and related benefits) and negative effects (exacerbation of acculturation processes and associated consequences) should be assessed needs to be considered before suggesting a change in ancestral behaviour for medical purposes. A multidisciplinary approach is needed, together with caution and humility from epidemiologists.
Carme
Bernard
B
Centre d'Investigation Clinique Epidémiologie Clinique Antilles Guyane CIC-EC 802, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana. carme.bernard@wanadoo.fr
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles; D002648:Child; D003020:Clothing / Q000523:psychology; D003469:Culture; D005616:French Guiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors