Malaria in Mandatory Palestine

Malaria in Mandatory Palestine refers to the history, impact, and efforts to control and eliminate malaria in the region known today as Israel and Palestine during the British Mandate period (1920-1948). Malaria was a significant public health challenge in Mandatory Palestine, affecting economic development, settlement patterns, and the overall health of the population.

History

Malaria has been endemic to the area of Mandatory Palestine for centuries, with outbreaks and epidemics recorded in historical texts. The disease was particularly rampant in areas with marshes and stagnant water, which provided breeding grounds for the Anopheles mosquitoes, the vectors of malaria. The coastal plains, the Jordan Valley, and the Hula Valley were notably affected.

During the Ottoman Empire's rule, little was done to combat the disease, and it continued to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. With the establishment of the British Mandate following World War I, there was a shift towards more systematic efforts to control and eventually eliminate malaria.

Control Efforts

The British Mandate authorities, along with Jewish and Arab communities, initiated several measures to combat malaria. These efforts were part of broader public health initiatives that also targeted other infectious diseases.

Drainage Projects

One of the primary strategies was the drainage of swamps and marshes to destroy the breeding habitats of the malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The most notable project was the drainage of the Hula Valley in the 1950s, which significantly reduced the mosquito population in that area.

Quinine and DDT

The use of quinine, an anti-malarial drug, became widespread during the Mandate period. Quinine was administered to both treat those infected with malaria and as a prophylactic measure for those at high risk of infection. Following World War II, DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), a powerful insecticide, was introduced and extensively used to spray homes and breeding sites, further reducing the incidence of malaria.

Public Health Campaigns

Public health campaigns were launched to educate the population on malaria prevention methods, such as the use of bed nets and the importance of eliminating standing water around homes. These campaigns were crucial in engaging the community in the fight against malaria.

Impact

The impact of malaria in Mandatory Palestine was profound. The disease hindered agricultural development and settlement in affected areas, as the risk of infection made certain regions less attractive for new communities. Malaria also placed a significant burden on the healthcare system, with large portions of the population suffering from the disease at any given time.

Elimination

By the late 1940s, the concerted efforts of the Mandate authorities, alongside Jewish and Arab communities, had significantly reduced the prevalence of malaria. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the continued public health efforts led to the eventual elimination of malaria as a major public health threat in the region.

Legacy

The fight against malaria in Mandatory Palestine is considered a significant public health achievement. It demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated control measures, including environmental management, the use of insecticides, and public health education. The lessons learned from this period have informed malaria control and elimination efforts in other parts of the world.

Resources

Latest articles - Malaria in Mandatory Palestine

• Most recent articles
• Ongoing trials

Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Malaria in Mandatory Palestine for any updates.

‎