EUROPE, c. 1400
“Hold in check the constellations / whose strife grants the people / the ulcers of a terrible death. / O glorious star of the sea / save us from the plague.”
Artist: Franciscan friars • Disease: Bubonic plague
MICHIGAN, c. 1820
“Don’t go to Michigan, that land of ills. / The word means ague, fever, and chills.”
Artist: American pioneers • Disease: Malaria
NEW YORK CITY, c. 1919
“Everyone sits at home wasting time, / afraid of the Spanish flu. / Take my advice and wash away the trouble: / drink some wine and eat a bulb of garlic.”
Artist: Yiddish songwriter Harry Boens • Disease: Influenza
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, 2009
“Parents, please go to the vaccination center, / get your babies vaccinated against polio, / please save them from that curse.”
Artist: Staff Benda Bilili • Disease: Polio
LIBERIA, 2014
“It’s dangerous! / Ebola is very wicked. / It can kill you quick quick. / Be careful how you shaking hands. / Be careful who you touch.”
Artists: Shadow and D-12 • Disease: Ebola
BRAZIL, 2016
“It’s not just the mosquito’s fault, / so take care of the one you love. / Use a condom, / don’t take Zika to bed.”
Artist: Dream Team do Passinho • Disease: Zika
VIETNAM, 2020
“Let’s wash our hands! / Rub, rub, rub, rub them! / Don’t put your hands on eyes, nose, mouth, / and limit going to crowded places. / Fight back against corona!”
Artist: Min and Erik • Disease: Covid-19