The Smallpox Plague in Tumuku-Kom, North West Region of Cameroon, 1941-1942

Abstract

During the British colonial rule in Cameroon, the British colonial authority implemented various policies and programs aimed at modernizing this part of their mandate’s infrastructure, economy and healthcare system. Tropical diseases in general and smallpox in particular were significant public health concerns in Africa during the early 20^th century, with outbreaks experienced in several parts of the continent. The smallpox disease was a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate, particularly among populations with limited access to modern healthcare services and vaccinations. The Kom kingdom, a tribe found in the North west Region of Cameroon was not exempted from this epidermic. The people of Kom were subject to British colonial rule and was influenced by Western culture, education and healthcare practices. The struggle to treat and eradicate this this deadly ailment became a collective effort by both the local and colonial administration within the study time frame. It is based on this backdrop that this study examines the outbreak of the smallpox plague in Kom from 1941 to 1942. This research explores the historical context of the outbreak, the impact on the local population and the responses of the local and the colonial authorities. Through archival research and oral testimonies, this study sheds light on the experience of the Kom people during this period and highlights the significance of the outbreak in the context of Cameroon historiography. This research equally provides valuable insights into the experiences of African communities during a period of significant social, economic and political change.