ABSTRACT
This book explores the interaction between anthropology and humanitarianism, focussed on the organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
The emphasis of the collection is on practising anthropology within humanitarian situations, reflecting on how anthropology contributes to the development of operational response. Each chapter presents an experience of working within a particular MSF project and highlights the real issues that anthropologists of humanitarian practice confront.
The volume will be of interest to scholars of anthropology, development studies and global health, as well as to NGO staff and health professionals.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter 5|21 pages
The paradox of safe birth
The interaction between anthropology and medical humanitarianism – the dilemma of an MSF medical strategy versus health-seeking behaviour of Pashtun women in Khost province, Afghanistan
chapter 6|22 pages
Whose culture needs to be questioned?
Access to HIV/AIDS treatment in Homa Bay, Kenya
chapter 7|18 pages
Back to life – Ebola survivors in Liberia
From imaginary heroes to political agents
chapter 9|15 pages
Revealing causes beyond culture
An MSF surgical project through the lens of anthropology and health promotion
chapter 10|27 pages
“Yaya hankuri da mutani?” (How is your patience with the people?)
A medical anthropological inquiry into treatment challenges in the Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara Heavy Metal Treatment Project, Nigeria
chapter 11|22 pages
Dealing with the body social
An ethnography of dialogue in a health clinic, South Tehran, Iran
chapter 12|10 pages
Epilogue
The new missionaries – an anthropological reflection on humanitarian action in critical situations
