Work

The Journey of Medical Volunteers: MEDICO and Global Health Initiatives in the 1960s and 1970s

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article highlights the transformative impact of MEDICO’s volunteer programs on international health initiatives during the 1960s and 1970s, describing a shift from social medicine or traditional curative approaches to preventive medicine. By prioritizing the training of local health-care providers and integrating preventive measures such as sanitation and nutrition, MEDICO facilitated a significant paradigm shift in global health. This approach was intended not only to improve health-care outcomes in developing countries but also to foster cultural exchange and understanding as volunteers engaged with diverse cultural landscapes. The incorporation of cultural anthropology into medical practice provided a deeper understanding of local beliefs, enhancing health-care delivery. MEDICO’s efforts were crucial in promoting a holistic view of health that transcended borders, underscoring the vital role of cultural anthropology and preventive medicine in shaping modern global health initiatives.

Source: Korean Journal of Medical History

DOI: 10.13081/kjmh.2025.34.547

Author: Dongkue LEE

Language: English

Topic: History of Medicine and Tropical Health

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $76

Funders: National Research Foundation, Kyung Hee University, National Research Foundation of Korea