Development of Health Education in the Context of Preventive Medicine in Western Nigeria, 1900-1945

Abstract

This study examines the institution and development of health education as a major component of the preventive healthcare policies of the colonial authorities in Western Nigeria from 1900 to 1945. It presents a historical perspective that reveals the foundation laid for related issues such as the teaching of hygiene in schools, health propaganda, antenatal lessons, public lectures, poster presentations and pamphleteering before the emergence of the World Health Organisation.  Thus the study falls within the domain of the social history of medicine, a relatively neglected area in historical studies in Nigeria. Since it has not been a popular theme among historians, there is a dearth of literature on the subject. This accounts for the extensive reliance on primary materials obtained from the national archives, Ibadan and some oral interviews for information. Some secondary materials were also consulted. The data obtained were subjected to historical analysis.  The study concludes that health education fostered a new orientation in healthcare modalities and facilitated the development of scientific medicine in colonial Western Nigeria. It underscores the need to explore other neglected themes in the medical history of the area.