London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

At this event, attendees will learn about a study of Marind culture, colonialism and an epidemic of donovanosis in New Guinea in the early 20th century.   

The discussion will centre on the management of infectious disease among indigenous peoples in the colonial era and the roles of colonial government, doctors and missionaries in Dutch New Guinea. It will also examine the unusual nature of this outbreak and possible explanations for its unique intensity.   

The story will be of interest to infectious disease clinicians, public health specialists, anthropologists and medical and colonial historians.   

The book launch will be followed by a drinks reception at the South Courtyard Café, accompanied by display of posters, pen and ink drawings, and other images from the book, exhibition of related books, and sales and book signing by the author.

Book 

Tik Merauke.  An epidemic like no other by John Richens 

Copies of the book will be on sale at the author's discount price of £13.50. Payment in cash or by bank transfer to the author's account will be welcome.   

Author 

John Richens is regarded internationally as a leading expert on the sexually transmitted infection donovanosis. He studied classics and medicine at King's College Cambridge and King's College London and then tropical medicine at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. His interest in donovanosis was sparked by patients he encountered while working in the highlands of Papua New Guinea from 1984 to 1990. After returning to the UK he became an academic specialist in HIV and sexually transmitted infections at University College London and overseas as a consultant to the World Health Organization and other aid agencies.