The Aftermath of Empire: Decolonization, Dependency, and Medical Voluntourism
Topics: Health and Medical
, Development
, Africa
Keywords: Maternal Mortality, Sierra Leone, Medical Volunteer Programs
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 21
Authors:
Srinidhi Murali,
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Abstract
This project examines the relationship between decolonization, present-day healthcare systems, and short-term medical volunteer programs. This project takes into consideration how the colonial legacy has continued in healthcare by cultivating a cycle of dependency and temporary solutions and how practices such as medical volunteer programs have emerged from this dynamic. The need for these medical volunteer programs is often due to the lack of long-term investment in local health systems, leading to the continued presence of external organizations, commonly from developed countries. I have chosen to examine Sierra Leone as my case study. By focusing on the high maternal mortality rates in the country that have led to outside organizations' involvement—examining organizations such as UK-based NGOs like Life for African Mothers (LFAM) and their role in addressing maternal and infant health in the country. And whether the local health infrastructure is supported through this intervention. The scope of the case study explores the period of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, particularly the increased international involvements effects on maternal healthcare, the participation of organizations such as LFAM, and the impact on maternal mortality rates.
The Aftermath of Empire: Decolonization, Dependency, and Medical Voluntourism
Category
Virtual Poster Abstract
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