Following World War II, increased travel and tourism led to the spread of tropical diseases among Britons, including malaria, smallpox, and leprosy. To combat the spread of tropical diseases on British soil, Brian Maegraith, Dean of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) between 1945 and 1975, advocated for the geographic history in disease diagnosis, and aimed to raise awareness of tropical diseases before foreign travel. This article delves into post-war societal changes, the medicalisation of racism against immigrants, and LSTM's efforts to adapt to a changing global health landscape. The school's continued engagement with former colonies is highlighted, as well as its role in educating local physicians, travellers, and the public about tropical diseases. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine post-war relevance is examined through its response to decolonisation, the rise of air travel, and changing perceptions of health and immigration.
BT - Social History of Medicine DA - 02/2026 DO - 10.1093/shm/hkag013 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Following World War II, increased travel and tourism led to the spread of tropical diseases among Britons, including malaria, smallpox, and leprosy. To combat the spread of tropical diseases on British soil, Brian Maegraith, Dean of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) between 1945 and 1975, advocated for the geographic history in disease diagnosis, and aimed to raise awareness of tropical diseases before foreign travel. This article delves into post-war societal changes, the medicalisation of racism against immigrants, and LSTM's efforts to adapt to a changing global health landscape. The school's continued engagement with former colonies is highlighted, as well as its role in educating local physicians, travellers, and the public about tropical diseases. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine post-war relevance is examined through its response to decolonisation, the rise of air travel, and changing perceptions of health and immigration.
PB - Oxford University Press (OUP) PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 24 T2 - Social History of Medicine TI - Where Have You Been? : The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine’s Domestic Defence Against Imported Diseases, 1946–1975 UR - https://academic.oup.com/shm/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/shm/hkag013/67135688/hkag013.pdf SN - 0951-631X, 1477-4666 ER -