Sharing the Burden of Sickness: A History of Healing and Medicine in Accra

The book "Sharing the Burden of Sickness" explores the history of healing cultures in Accra, Ghana, including West African traditional healers, spiritual healers, Western clinical medicine, and an open marketplace of over-the-counter medicine. It highlights how urban development, colonization, decolonization, and independence have brought new populations to the city, sharing their ideas about sickness and health. The book aims to promote a pluralistic culture of healing in the future, particularly in response to new epidemics like HIV/AIDS and ebola.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

In his captivating book, "Sharing the Burden of Sickness," Jonathan Roberts delves into the rich tapestry of the healing cultures that have flourished in Accra, Ghana. When individuals find themselves grappling with illness in this vibrant city, they are presented with an array of therapeutic avenues to pursue. West African traditional healers, spiritual healers from the Islamic and Christian traditions, Western clinical medicine, and an open marketplace of over-the-counter medicine come together to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting healing and preventing sickness. Each of these healing cultures has a distinct historical lineage, and Roberts skillfully weaves together the narratives of their arrival and integration into the fabric of Accra. Through his meticulous research, he unveils the intricate interplay between patients and healers, shedding light on their collaborative efforts in the fight against disease.

By centering his attention on the medical history of a single place, Roberts offers a profound exploration of the ways in which urban development, colonization, decolonization, and independence have shaped the city's population. As new groups of people arrived in Accra, they brought with them their unique perspectives on sickness and health, enriching the tapestry of healing practices. Roberts not only introduces readers to a diverse range of ideas about health but also provides a roadmap for fostering a pluralistic culture of healing in the future, particularly in the face of emerging epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and Ebola.

Through his captivating storytelling, "Sharing the Burden of Sickness" invites us to contemplate the profound impact of medicine on human lives. It serves as a reminder that health is not merely the absence of disease but a holistic state that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By delving into the historical roots of healing cultures and exploring the interplay between patients and healers, Roberts offers valuable insights into the complexities of healthcare and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the pursuit of wellness. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of medical history and the potential for a more harmonious and inclusive world.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253057938