Into Africa A Transnational History of Catholic Medical Missions and Social Change

"A particularly striking exploration of the interplay between religion, health, gender, and politics. Wall's work enriches and challenges existing perspectives on the development of health care in sub-Saharan Africa, and provides an essential historical link between the colonial period and the present day." - Sonya Grypma, PhD, RN (dean and professor of nursing, Trinity Western University) "The critical work of Catholic women's religious organizations in sub-Saharan Africa comes alive in this important new book. Anyone concerned with gender, health, and transnational cooperation will be fascinated by this nuanced and thoughtful analysis that rethinks the relationship among mission work, colonialism and the post-colonial global world." - Susan M. Reverby (professor of women's and gender studies, Wellesley College) "Barbra Mann Wall's new history of postwar Catholic medical missions in Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania is a much-needed entry into the story of women religious in the 20th century." (American Catholic Studies Newsletter) "By exploring Catholic sisters from both international and indigenous religious communities who delivered health services in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania after World War II until 1985, Barbra Mann Wall sheds light on important episodes and issues, illuminating women's experiences otherwise unknown." (The Catholic Historical Review) "Wall writes with great clarity. Her insight into the relationship between health care and history is insightful and worth quoting ... The book is an excellent read for North Americans who can see medical practices in relation to other systems, for medical students and personnel interested in working in Africa, Asia, or parts of Latin America, for people interested in expanding their knowledge of the work of women, and for missionaries, whether engaging in short or longer period of service, as a way into the culture of the country to which they are sent." (American Catholic Studies) "Into Africa is a commendable read." (Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences) "Wall has done an admirable job of showing how Catholic sisters bravely navigated political, social and cultural complexities to promote healing beyond the narrow focus on curative care." (Social History of Medicine) "Into Africa does something quite important by opening three of Africa's late colonies and fledgling postcolonies to analytic counterpoint. This trio featuring decolonization, health, and nuns in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania yields fascinating results as an unusual work in historical comparison." (Bulletin of the History of Medicine)