The Soviet Union, the WHO and Global Health, 1957-1991

Description

Although consistently an important player in global health efforts – both via the WHO and through bilateral ties – the Soviet Union has thus far largely remained on the sidelines when it comes to Global Health History. This project seeks to build a fuller picture of Soviet involvement in international efforts to tackle a range of major health challenges. In doing so, it promises important new understandings across a range of topics, including the way in which health and healthcare constituted a facet of the wider Cold War struggle, the suitability of the Soviet approach to healthcare for tackling the problems of the Global South, and lessons to be drawn for today from a system which prioritised preventative intervention.

Members of the research team will focus on Soviet involvement in global efforts to tackle smallpox, malaria, poliomyelitis and HIV/AIDS, from shaping policy and scientific advancement through to providing medical expertise and filling a variety of roles at the ground level. In addition to conducting research centred on the four diseases outlined above, the project will also seek to further understanding of four broader areas of Soviet activity in regard to global health challenges. These themes include: vaccines and vaccination; medical surveillance and provisioning; health education and propaganda; sharing of expertise and development of health infrastructure.

Research on this project has been made possible by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award.

Image credit

A stamp from 1963. The text reads ‘We have the healthiest children in the world’. Post of the Soviet Union (Lesegri Team), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons