The Mosquito and Segregation in Sierra Leone

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The Mosquito and Segregation in Sierra Leone
Author:	Spitzer, Leo
Year:	1968
Periodical:	Canadian Journal of African Studies
Volume:	2
Issue:	1
Pages:	49-61
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sierra Leone
Subjects:	malaria Health and Nutrition Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) History and Exploration colonialism
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/483997
Abstract:	In 1899 Dr. Ronald Ross was sent to Freetown along with other scientists seeking ways to decrease the incidence of malaria. Two solutions became apparent: eliminating puddles, mires, and similar containers of stagnant water, and 'health segregation'. Ross attributed much of the high European death rate in Sierra Leone to the fact that they lived in houses which were not segregated from those in which Africans lived. He concluded that the segregation of the Europeans would be the most immediately effective measure for preserving their health. Ross' suggestions came at a time when Europeans were building a colour-bar against educated Africans. A segregated settlement for Europeans was founded: Hill Station the most visible manifestation of Britain's rejection of the Creoles, became the monument of the deterioration of the British experiment in philantropy and racial equality which had led to the original founding of Sierra Leone. Notes.