Health, welfare and development in rural Africa : Catholic medical mission and the configuration of development in Ulanga/Tanzania, 1920-1970

This thesis describes historical configurations of a rural health system, concepts and practices of development. Based on archival studies and interviews in Tanzania and Switzerland it contributes to the local history of south central Tanzania, to transnational mission and church history, and to global histories of medicine and development in the context of colonialism, late colonial politics and decolonization. It describes the role of mission health institutions (the case of the Catholic Swiss Capuchin Mission); of local actors and the 'modernization' of medical cultures; of state interventions; of gendered practices and the role of birthing practices; of the establishment, management of hospital structures, notably in Mahenge and the St. Francis Hospital in Ifakara; and about negotiations and expectations around health institutions.