Malia epidemic in the Single Party Period in Turkey and struggle studies (1923-1945)

This abstract provides an academic analysis of the historical context and national health policies concerning malaria control in Anatolia. Malaria, an ancient disease, is estimated that emerged as human settlements became more established. Anatolia, with its geographical and climatic characteristics, has long been susceptible to malaria due to its reliance on agriculture. Despite attempts to fight against the disease during the late Ottoman Empire, significant success was not achieved. While early beliefs attributed malaria to swamps and foul odors, scientific advancements in the 19th century identified the Anopheles mosquito as the primary vector of the disease. Throughout history, wars have played a significant role in the spread of infectious diseases, including malaria. Anatolia's geographic location could not exempt itself from this historical phenomenon. Unfavorable living conditions, malnutrition, and medical deficiencies, exacerbated the situation during times of war and contributed to the epidemic nature of malaria. Following the Turkish War of Independence, the newly formed Turkish state faced numerous health challenges, with malaria being a prominent issue. The Republic's leadership, including figures such as Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who had experienced the epidemic personally, recognized the importance of addressing malaria in nation-building efforts. Thus, the first national health policies dedicated to fighting with malaria were initiated across the country. In 1924, a crucial malaria meeting was held, bringing together specialist doctors who emphasized the urgent need to initiate a malaria control campaign. Subsequently, three Malaria Fighting Organizations were established in Ankara, Aydın, and Adana in 1925. The number of organizations increased to seven in 1928 and 16 in 1938. Alongside these entities, provincial health institutions also participated in malaria control efforts within their respective regions. Initially, malaria control in Turkey focused on detection and treatment of infected individuals, with free treatment provided to diagnosed patients. As the organizational structure expanded, the Ministry of Health of that time recognized the importance of addressing the underlying factors contributing to malaria transmission. Consequently, efforts shifted towards eliminating these factors in addition to diagnosis and treatment. Through comprehensive studies, malaria became a controllable disease nationwide prior to World War II. However, the war necessitated the diversion of medical resources such as mobilizing doctors and alterations in precipitation patterns throughout the country, resulting in a resurgence of malaria cases. Consequently, a nationwide malaria control campaign covering 53 provinces was initiated towards the war's conclusion, under the provisions of the Law on the Extraordinary Malaria Fight. Keywords: Malaria, Turkey, Mosquito, Swamp, Epidemic and Infectious Disease, Quinine.