Work

The “Contaminating Agent” UNRRA, Displaced Persons, and Venereal Disease in Germany, 1945–1947

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: World War II created a large group of persecuted, homeless or stateless people who came to be united under the term "displaced persons" (DPs). The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) was charged with the care of these individuals in various camps in Germany, although the military governments of the respective zones of occupation had ultimate authority over them. Among the various public health efforts directed toward DPs was a campaign against venereal disease during which compulsory examinations were particularly stressed by the military governments. The controversy resulting from this campaign opens a new window on the complex context of an international organization working under the roof of a national authority to achieve common-or differing-public health goals.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.153098

Author: Lisa Haushofer

Institutions: Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine, Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal, University College London

Language: English

Topic: History of Medicine and Tropical Health

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Wellcome Trust