Partnerships for health: decimating tuberculosis in the Cook Islands, 1920-1975.
How did the Cook Islands manage to achieve a significant reduction in tuberculosis from a high rate in the early 20th century to low rates by 1975? With the mid-century invention of effective drug therapy there was a widespread belief around the Western world that TB could be eradicated. The Cook Islands was one place which almost reached this goal. Based on primary and secondary historical and anthropological research, we argue that the geo-political emplacement of the Cook Islands and development of multi-scale partnerships were crucial to success. Our research indicates the value of understanding and engaging with local community networks and culturally appropriate partnerships in dealing with health issues.
Department of Anthropology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: debifp@waikato.ac.nz.
Debbie
D
Futter-Puati
Department of History, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: l.bryder@auckland.ac.nz.
Linda
L
Bryder
Department of Anthropology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: j.park@auckland.ac.nz.
Julie
J
Park
Department of Anthropology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: j.littleton@auckland.ac.nz.
Judith
J
Littleton
Department of Anthropology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: p.herda@auckland.ac.nz.
Phyllis
P
Herda
D060740:Disease Eradication / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007391:International Cooperation; D011114:Polynesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000266:history / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*
Health promotion; History; Pacific–Cook Islands; Partnership; Tuberculosis