'Veni, VD, vici'?: reassessing the Ila syphilis epidemic

Callahan, Bryan Thomas

article

'Veni, VD, vici'?: reassessing the Ila syphilis epidemic

Journal of southern African studies • 23 (3) • Published In 1997 • Pages: 421-440

By: Callahan, Bryan Thomas.

Abstract
This document is a re-examination of the historical origins of syphilis epidemics among the Ila-speaking people of Zambia. It argues that colonial era reports vastly overestimated the incidence of this sexually transmitted disease because they were based on misinterpretations of the role of sex in Ila exchange relations. The colonial fabrication of the problem was further reinforced by two other factors. One was the high prevalence of yaws, misdiagnosed as syphilis. The other was the role of local Ila elites who drew on the colonial discourse of eliminating syphilis through centrally-designed health and awareness campaigns to improve their own political standing.

Morbidity

Mortality

Birth statistics

Cultural identity and pride

External relations

Sexuality

Extramarital sex relations

Sex training

Social relationships and groups

Community heads

Ethics

Property in movables