Africa: A Practical Guide for Global Health Workers
A Practical Guide for Global Health Workers
Publication Year: 2011
In the introductory chapter, the editors discuss the concepts of globalism and humanitarianism, and provide a framework for thinking about global health. They introduce readers to significant aspects of African history and agencies that play major roles in global health work in Africa. The "Tips for Travelers to Africa" chapter provides a wealth of information on preparing for travel to Africa and working successfully and effectively in African cultures.
Individual chapters on Botswana, Ghana, The Maghreb, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda focus on key health or environmental issues, projects, and solutions unique to each country. Written jointly by U.S. and African medical personnel participating in major health initiatives, the chapters offer vibrant accounts of work on leading causes of disease and death or environmental problems.
Published by: Dartmouth College Press
Cover
Title
Dedication
Contents
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pp. vii-
Preface
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pp. ix-xii
There are a multitude of opportunities to work in Africa on health or humanitarian aid projects sponsored by non-profit organizations, religious organizations, schools, and universities. These experiences can be broadening and life changing, and can help prepare you for a career of service with a global perspective. ...
Acknowledgments
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pp. xiii-xiv
The many students we have counseled before their travels to Africa, throughout their endeavors, and after their return provided the motivation for this book. They, above all, have inspired us with their curiosity, ability to translate ideas into action, and determination to make the world a better place. ...
1: Introduction - Humanitarianism, Global Health, and Understanding the African Context
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pp. 1-21
Humanitarianism is a manifestation of human life and interaction. Simply put, humanitarianism is concern for human welfare. It can be demonstrated through philanthropy and through action. Concern for others is grounded in the view that all human beings deserve respect and dignity, regardless of their condition ...
2: Tips for Travelers to Africa
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pp. 22-41
In preparing for your African travels, you will want to maximize your ability to work successfully in the culture of your destination country and minimize potential sources of stress during your travels. This chapter offers some suggestions for accomplishing both goals. Undoubtedly, you will find yourself in an environment ...
3: Republic of Botswana
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pp. 42-62
Botswana is a stable, prosperous, democratic country in southern Africa that shares borders with Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. An area of 224,607 square miles (581,730 square kilometers), Botswana is the world’s forty-seventh largest country, slightly smaller than Texas.1 The Kalahari Desert comprises ...
4: Ghana
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pp. 63-90
Ghana has enjoyed relative stability since this West African country first became independent in 1957. This geopolitical stability, coupled with a rich history and a reputation as a friendly nation, make Ghana a favorite destination for volunteer groups and global health workers. Many international agencies and nongovernmental ...
5: The Maghreb - Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia
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pp. 91-121
Diversity, authenticity, modernity, and specificities are four words that visitors to the Maghreb will hear frequently, whether in promotional tourist materials, political discourse, or development initiatives. This is a region with wide diversity across communities, long-held traditions that impact current-day values and beliefs, ...
6: Rwanda
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pp. 122-155
You cannot begin to appreciate Rwanda without first understanding the tremendous progress that has been made since the 1994 genocide—100 days in which nearly a million Tutsi and moderate Hutu men, women, and children were massacred by an organized effort of the Hutu ruling party. Rwanda is currently on track to achieve ...
7: South Africa
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pp. 156-192
South Africa is a country of diversity and contrasts. Not only is its population racially diverse, but it encompasses a wealth of varying cultures, from French villages in the Western Cape,1 to the Minstrel Carnival in Cape Town, and to Zulu homesteads in KwaZulu-Natal. Economic diversity ranges from upper-class wealth ...
8: Tanzania
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pp. 193-227
In 1959, in the Olduvai Gorge in western Tanganyika, as the country was known during its period of British occupation, the famed archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered an intact human fossil skull and other bones dating back 1.85 million years which they described as Homo habilis or Handy Man. ...
9: Uganda
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pp. 228-255
About 5000 BCE, Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from western Africa to the east-central region now called Uganda. By the fourteenth century AD, three kingdoms dominated the region—Buganda (meaning “state of the Gandas,” and the origin of the country’s name), Bunyoro, and Ankole. The British colonized Uganda ...
10: Concluding Thoughts
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pp. 256-262
We have learned a number of techniques from our own students who travel to Africa. Integrating these techniques into your plans can lead to a more meaningful travel and work experience, aid a smoother transition when you return from Africa, and build on the work you do while there. These techniques include: ...
Glossary
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pp. 263-272
Contributors
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pp. 273-280
Index
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pp. 281-287
E-ISBN-13: 9781611680188
E-ISBN-10: 1611680182
Page Count: 304
Publication Year: 2011
