Disease Prevention in a Communist State and the Second Epidemiological Transition: The Case of Post-war Poland

Abstract

This article examines the issue of disease prevention in Poland under communist rule. The analysis is primarily focused on the second epidemiological transition – the process of displacing infectious diseases as the main cause of morbidity and mortality by chronic and degenerative conditions. The epidemiological transition coincided with the establishment of the new authorities and the stabilization of the socio-political order that the communists had introduced. This text will explore the interdependence of the political system and prophylaxis. Two interrelated problems are identified: the first is the role of the state in curbing infectious diseases; and the second is the ability of state institutions to identify and respond to new threats. The latter issue is considered in relation to the sharp rise in the incidence of cancer. This article demonstrates that the relationship between state and individual inherent in the authoritarian communist state was reflected in the ways in which prevention policies operated.