Perception and practice of health among the Akan people
Perception et pratique de santé chez les populations Akan
Published on Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Abstract
This transdisciplinary conference aims to analyse traditional and modern health perceptions, practices and knowledge among the Akan. Each contribution, whether the fruit of in-depth analysis, personal experience of health, or an academic perspective, will contribute to the 'glocalization' of understanding of the health system and practices in the Akan world.
Announcement
Argument
The experience gained over several decades in the vast field of human interaction with society, language and culture has finally confirmed the fact that man is at the centre of a social construct that is structured as a system in which the various components interact. Efforts to understand human societies in general, and those of the Akan in particular, cannot be limited solely to the raw material derived from their history. This quest for data on the genesis of human societies should help us to better anticipate and forecast medium and long-term development. In this way, culture should help to establish a link with current development requirements and the determinants of a better framework in terms of social and economic needs. From this point of view, health plays a key role in human development and in the process of evaluating the living environment. It is an important dimension in the construction of civilisation. The debates surrounding its functioning and understanding leave no one indifferent. All disciplinary fields are concerned by what health can mean in terms of promoting civilisation.
It was therefore with good reason that the alarming findings concerning the state of health of populations in developing countries prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to adopt the primary health care strategy. This initiative, implemented by the Alma-Ata Declaration of 12 September 1978, aims to reduce disparities between advantaged and disadvantaged populations. The WHO and other organisations working in similar fields have harmonised their efforts to facilitate access to healthcare for all. This strategy includes several essential measures. These include improving access to primary healthcare (this involves putting in place a minimum package of district healthcare activities to ensure that basic care is available and accessible to all), optimising the efficiency of healthcare structures (to do this, financial incentives are granted to healthcare staff, more rigorous controls (put in place thanks to the active participation of users and clients) and community participation in the financing of care (health centres are managed in collaboration with the community, allowing users a say and better consideration of their needs).
Despite these organisational advances, access to healthcare for all remains a major dilemma in healthcare systems. Rural Akan populations are particularly affected by this problem, underlining the importance of continuing efforts in public health interventions. It should also be noted that health and illness are subjective concepts that vary according to many factors, including the culture to which people belong. Perceived health status is a subjective measure of the health of a population. Throughout history, the concepts of health and disease have been defined in many different ways, and they continue to be the subject of debate. Indeed, in the Akan world, people adhere to a variety of beliefs about health and disease, which are referred to as representations or conceptions of health and disease. Representations or conceptions of health refer to the way in which Akan peoples perceive and define health. Disease representations, on the other hand, are defined as an organised set of beliefs held by individuals about diseases in general or a particular disease in particular. Health policies and action must therefore be geared towards addressing the social determinants of health of the populations in question, in order to tackle the causes of ill health before they create problems.
Every decade since the 1940s, health policy-makers, professionals and providers have launched new global and national initiatives to tackle health problems and meet people's needs. What is the situation in Akan society? Recent debates have focused on how to better strengthen health systems, achieve universal health coverage and make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In Akan, as elsewhere, social inequalities in health manifest themselves in disparities between individuals, socio-economic groups or territories in various aspects of people's health. In reality, these inequalities are the result of social processes that can be influenced.
By reducing differences in exposure to or distribution of certain health determinants, we can help to reduce these inequalities. In an equitable society, every individual should have the chance to enjoy good health and survive, regardless of their social status. The definitions proposed in the literature reflect the impact of the relationship between health and membership of a social category. They transcend the realm of health alone to encompass the overall functioning of society, including power relations, gender differences, income distribution, local living and working conditions, and access to health services.
The first principle set out in the WHO Constitution emphasises that the Organisation must act not only on reducing the burden of disease, but also on its root causes. To do this, it is essential to intervene systematically on the social, environmental, organisational and economic determinants of health in the Akan world. Over the last 100 years, enormous progress has been made in health care around the world, but it is still very unevenly distributed. Health inequalities persist both between and within countries, particularly in Akan. Social and territorial inequalities in health highlight a clear link between the situation of populations, who are more or less discriminated against due to geographical difficulties of access, and the economic and cultural history of their region, as well as that of their social group.
It was with this in mind that the decision was taken to hold a transdisciplinary conference on the perceptions and practices of health among the Akan people over the long term. It is intended to provide a forum for in-depth reflection, leading to lively discussion and collective exploration of traditional and modern health perceptions, practices and knowledge among the Akan people. Each contribution, whether the fruit of in-depth analysis, personal experience of health, or an academic perspective, will contribute to the ‘glocalization’ of understanding of the health system and practices in the Akan world. Comparative analyses of Akan medicinal practices with those of other peoples are strongly encouraged.
The following are some of the areas envisaged, without being exhaustive:
Axis 1: Culture, society, tradition and health among the Akan people
This area should focus on the following aspects:
- The cultural, religious, anthropological and social dimensions of health in Akan traditions
- Akan pharmacopoeia and pharmacology
- Ethnocultural posology/traditional medicine
- Perception of illness in the Akan sociological universe
- Lexical field of ailments and therapies in Akan country
Axis 2: Function of the modern and conventional health system in relation to Akan country
Contributions under axis 2 should consider the following elements:
- Availability of healthcare services, inventory and location
- Access to public services/accessibility
- The issue of the private sector and how it is perceived
- Frequency of use of healthcare institutions
- Use of care cards
Axis 3: Management and governance tools for health systems in the Akan region
The papers in Axis 3 are structured around the following points:
- Institutional levers and territorial adaptation
- Regulatory and legislative provisions and applicability
- Control and monitoring of therapeutic practices
How to submit proposals for papers
Proposals for papers (title and 300-word abstract), together with a brief presentation of the author (surname, forenames, institution, speciality) and a short bibliography, should be sent to the following address: ila.ufhb@gmail.com.
Timetable
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15 July 2024: Deadline for receipt of abstracts
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15 August 2024: Response from the scientific committee
- 30 September 2024: Submission of the full paper
- 31 October 2024: Final conference programme
- 19 - 21 November 2024: Conference held
Participation fees
The individual participation fee for presenters is 50,000 CFA francs (approximately 77 Euros). Students (speakers) pay 15,000 CFA francs (around 23 Euros). This fee covers the programme booklet, mid-day meals and coffee breaks.
Organising Committee
KAKOU Foba Antoine, COULIBALY Sidki Youssouf, ANGOUA Adjé Séverin, NOGBOU M’domou Eric, BOSSON Eby Joseph, KONE Vassamouka, MAI Gilles Harole, GUEDE Marius, AKONDA Charles Armel, Alain ADEKPATE, KALLET Vahoua, ASANVO Dihye, TAPE Jean Martial, KOUADIO Adou Pierre, ASSOUANGA Kouakou Laurent, GNAMIEN Christiane, DODO Jean Claude, AKA Konin, N’GORAN Kouakou Jacques, ALLOU Yannick, ANDREDOU Pierre, AHATE Tamala Louise, EBIELE Ayemou Joseph, Mme AKHE Sandrine, FALLE Velerou Adelin, YAO Affouet Prisca Elodie, KOUASSI Yéboua Vincent, N’GORAN Fortuna, YAO Koffi Alfred, AGNISSONI Sidoine, DAPA Florent Fabrice, MOMO LOU Yeri Constance.
Scientific Committee
- Prof. NASSA Dabié Désiré Axel, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. COULIBALY Adama, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. HAUHOUOT Asseypo Antoine, ASCAD, Côte d’Ivoire
- Prof. KOUADIO N’Guessan Jérémie, ASCAD, Côte d’Ivoire
- Prof. BIKOÏ Charles Binam, CERDOTOLA, Cameroun
- Prof. ALLOU Kouamé René, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. ABOA Abia Alain Laurent, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. ABOLOU Camille, Université Alassane OUATTARA
- Prof. AHOUA Firmin, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. AKPESSE Apka Alexandre Moïse, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. AMEKA Félix, Université de Leiden, Pays Bas
- Prof. BOGNY Yapo Joseph, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. DEDI Seri, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. EZANI Niamkey, Directeur honoraire du CHU de Treichville
- Prof. KADJO Kouamé Alphonse, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KIENON-KABORE Timpoko Hélène, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KOFFIE Bikpo Céline, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KONAN Kouadio Eugène, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KOUA Kouakou Hervé, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KOUAME Koia Martial, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. KRA Enoc, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. LEZOU Koffi Aimée Danielle, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof LOBA Akou Don Franck Valey, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. PARE Moussa, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. TCHAGBALE Zakary, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Prof. QUINT Nicolas, Laboratoire LLACAN, France
- Prof. VEEN Lolke Van Der, Université Lumière Lyon 2
- Dr. (MC) GONNIN Gilbert, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- Dr. (MC) LIGAN Dossou Charles, Université d’Abomey-Calavi
- Dr. (MC) N’GUE Um Emmanuel, Université de Bertoua, Cameroun
- Dr. (MR) MAKOSSO Mosely Emmanuel, CERDOTOLA, Cameroun
Useful contacts : (+225) 0747620978 / 0757055815 / 0709706163
Organisers
- ILA (Institute of Applied Linguistics), Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- IHAAA (Institute of African History, Art and Archaeology), Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- IGT (Institute of Tropical Geography), Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Partner scientific organisations
- ASCAD (Academy of Sciences, Arts, Cultures of Africa and African Diasporas), Côte d'Ivoire.
- CERDOTOLA (International Centre for Research and Documentation on African Traditions and Languages), Cameroon.
- LADYLAD (Language and Discourse Dynamics Laboratory), Félix Houphouët BOIGNY University.
- CAPDEV (Population Geography Laboratory), Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- UFR Medical Sciences, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- UFR Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université Félix Houphouët BOIGNY
- UFR Odonto-Stomatology, Félix Houphouët BOIGNY University
Selective bibliography
ADEDZI Kodzo Awoenam, (2019), Culture et santé infantile chez les Agotimés du Togo. Place de la médecine traditionnelle dans le système de santé publique, Thèse de doctorat en Anthropologie, Université LAVAL, 420 p.
ADJAMAGBO Agnès, GUILLAUME Agnès, VIMARD Patrice, (1999), « Santé maternelle et infantile en milieu akan (Côte d'Ivoire) », In : Adjamagbo A. (ed.), Guillaume Agnès (ed.), Koffi N. (ed.). Santé de la mère et de l'enfant : exemples africains. Paris, Abidjan, IRD, GIDIS-CI, pp. 109-129.
AMANI Ahou Florentine, (2019), « Terminologie locale et interprétation populaire des maux de grossesse chez les Baoulé en Côte d’Ivoire », European Scientific Journal, vol. 15, no 1, pp. 199-213.
BELANGER Lise, VALDERRAMA Alena et SATTLER Ileana, (2022), « Inégalités sociales de santé : comprendre pour agir avec soin » in : ABCdaire — Suivi collaboratif des 0 à 5 ans, p. 27. https://enseignement.chusj.org/ENSEIGNEMENT/files/ad/ad60e57e-d441-402e-a96d-a7ec0700883e.pdf, Consulté le 15 mars 2024.
BRASSEUR Pierre, (2022), « Représentations sociales de la santé : Sociologie de la santé », Paris, Disponible sur : https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04257303, Consulté le 13 janvier 2024.
GAIMARD Maryse, (2015), « La santé des populations », L'Europe en Formation, vol. 377, no 3, 2015, pp. 79-95.
HOUETO, David, et VALENTINI Hélène, (2014), « La promotion de la santé en Afrique : histoire et perspectives d'avenir », Santé Publique, vol. 1, no. HS, pp. 9-20.
JACQUEMOT Pierre, (2012), « Les systèmes de santé en Afrique et l'inégalité face aux soins », Afrique contemporaine, vol. 243, no 3, pp. 95-97.
JEOFFRION Christine, (2009), « Santé et Représentations sociales : une étude « multi-objets » auprès de Professionnels de Santé et Non-Professionnels de Santé », Les Cahiers Internationaux de Psychologie Sociale, vol. 82, no 2, pp. 73-115.
KOUAKOU Bah Jean-Pierre, (2013), Perception et prise en charge du paludisme et médecine traditionnelle en Côte d’Ivoire, Paris, Karthala, 122 p.
KOUAKOU Bah Jean-Pierre, « La santé infantile dans la puériculture africaine : le cas des Akan de Côte d’Ivoire », Disponible sur : http://www.ethnographiques.org/IMG/pdf/article_kouakou.pdf, Consulté le 20 avril 2024.
LARCHER Pierre, (2008), « Déterminants sociaux et inégalités de santé », Revue Projet, vol. 304, no 3, 2008, pp. 57-63.
LEVESQUE Anabel, (2015), « Identité, culture et représentations de la santé et des maladies », Cahiers franco-canadiens de l'Ouest, vol. 27, no 1, pp. 35–56, https://doi.org/10.7202/1031241ar
LORCY Armelle, Ouakki Manale et Ève Dubé, (2020) « Étude sur les connaissances, attitudes et perceptions de la population québécoise sur l’utilisation des antibiotiques : 2019 » in : Rapport d’étude Institut Nation de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 70 p.
OMS, (2012), Systèmes de santé en Afrique : perceptions et perspectives communautaires : rapport d'une étude multipays, Organisation mondiale de la Santé, Bureau régional de l'Afrique, République du Congo, 77 p. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/82141, Consulté le 10 mai 2024.
OMS, (2022), Atlas des statistiques sanitaires africaines 2022 : Analyse de la situation sanitaire de la Région africaine, OMS, Bureau régional de l’Afrique, République du Congo, 101 p.
Subjects
- Africa (Main category)
- Society > Sociology > Sociology of health
Places
- Adiaké, Côte d'Ivoire
Event attendance modalities
Full on-site event
Date(s)
- Monday, July 15, 2024
Attached files
Keywords
- pratique médicinale, perception, akan, santé
Information source
- Adjé Séverin ANGOUA
courriel : severinadje [at] yahoo [dot] fr
License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« Perception and practice of health among the Akan people », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, https://doi.org/10.58079/11svd
