Beyond the Cross and the Scalpel

Abstract

Abstract Missionaries and medical missions played a significant role in shaping pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial African societies, particularly with regard to education and healthcare. Despite this profound impact, scholarly attention to their contributions remains somewhat limited. This article explores the life, contributions and impact of Jean-Marie Coquard, who arrived in Egba, Abeokuta, in the late nineteenth century. Drawing on sources such as autobiographies, biographies, archival records, newspapers, and interviews, the paper sheds light on Coquard’s resilience and the personal sacrifices he made amid cultural resistance to Western medicine including maternal healthcare. By exploring his legacy, this study highlights the broader impact of missionaries and medical missions, offering insight into their often overlooked but transformative roles in African history