Dreams of immunity: What the history of medicine in China can tell us about global responses to COVID-19

Contrary to prevalent narratives in the history of medicine, China and Chinese historical actors played key roles in this field throughout the twentieth century. Several episodes illustrate this argument: the Qing dynasty's organization of the International Plague Conference in 1911; the role of China in the work of the interwar League of Nations Health Organization and postwar establishment of the World Health Organization; Cold War medical diplomacy and Chinese models of primary health care during the 1970s. These case studies together show that Chinese physicians and administrators helped shape concepts and practices of "global health" since before that term rose to prominence in the 1990s, and current events are best understood in the context of this history. They also provide historical context for the already-fraught politics of current initiatives to produce a COVID-19 vaccine. 

This is a talk by Mary Brazelton of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science and is part of the Cambridge Festival -- booking is essential. Please book on the Cambridge Festival website.