Influenza, Anthropology, and Global Uncertainties

Abstract

The response to the novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic has been overwhelmingly biological and epidemiological in scope. While plans are moving forward on a vaccine, few of the social effects of a truly massive global catastrophe—or the issues of communication, responding to predictable inappropriate reactions, preparation of populations for these effects, or using local population resources in the epidemic—have been well considered. Anthropology can play an important and underutilized role in planning and responding to influenza and other global emergencies. This editorial discusses these issues and makes some preliminary recommendations.

Key Words:

• A(H1N1) influenza
• epidemic
• grippe
• influenza
• medical anthropology
• swine flu

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to thank E. J. Sobo, Lenore Manderson, and Merrill Singer for their comments on previous versions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laëtitia Atlani-Duault

LAËTITIA ATLANI-DUAULT is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Nanterre Paris X University/CNRS Laboratory of Ethnology and Comparative Sociology (France). Her research focuses on the crossroads of an anthropology of humanitarian aid and medical anthropology. For the past 16 years, she has worked extensively on the politics of humanitarian assistance related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, organized violence, and rape.

Carl Kendall

CARL KENDALL is Professor of Medical Anthropology and International Health and Director of the Center for Global Health Equity, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and a member of the editorial board of Medical Anthropology. His research focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs and applications of anthropology to health programs in general.