The responsibilities of intervention in isolated societies

Development pressures are pushing industrial society into the remaining refuge areas of the world. As it spreads it destroys much of the biological and cultural variety that has evolved over millions of years. Not only is mammalian life diminishing, but also the genetic pool of plants and cultivars, as well as the culture-specific knowledge of their use. Even culture itself, the highest attribute of mankind, is being rapidly erased, often before any attempts are made to record it. The medical problems of remaining tribal groups are severe. Western medicine has developed to deal with western problems and is often poorly equipped to deal with the many-sided health hazards of tribal man. The effects of contact upon disease status are discussed with particular reference to North and South American Indian history. Infectious disease is only one of many causes of ill-health, and the problems of nutritional change and social disruption are also considered. The approach to health care in tribal communities is discussed and axioms for the initiation of health care programmes are proposed.