Knowledge about diseases

In spite of the introduction of Western concepts about germs and modern medicine, people in villages still have some traditional beliefs about causes of diseases. However, it is the uneducated women rather than men who still have traditional beliefs.

However, it is surprising how accurate villagers are when asked to describe the chief symptoms of particular disease and its progress. They also show a good knowledge of the treatment required in a particular disease. To this they may add some local beliefs about food which is ‘hot’ or ‘cold’. Asked about causes of malaria they show a good understanding about the role of mosquitoes. Talking about smallpox they will show concern for cleanliness. They also show an understanding, however imperfect, of germs and of the need for a bland diet in sickness.

The villagers rightly believe that certain foods may cause sickness, but they are not always right in finding the cause-effect links. It is necessary to make both medicine and some knowledge about diseases available to the poor and the uneducated in order to promote more rational thinking about diseases and better control of infection. However, unless something is done to improve the diet of the starving majority, we cannot reduce the feeble and exhausted crowds waiting to see a physician.