What public health challenge was overcome during the construction of the Panama Canal?

The challenge that was overcome during the construction of the Panama Canal was primarily yellow fever and malaria. These diseases were prevalent in the region and posed significant hurdles to both the construction efforts and the health of the workers. Prior to the American intervention, thousands of workers lost their lives due to these diseases, which were transmitted by mosquitoes.

The United States implemented extensive public health measures to combat these illnesses, notably through the efforts led by Dr. William Gorgas. His strategies included fumigating buildings, draining standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, and promoting sanitation measures. As a result, the incidence of yellow fever and malaria drastically decreased, which allowed for the successful completion of the canal. The control of these diseases is often highlighted as one of the remarkable public health achievements of the early 20th century, directly facilitating not just the construction of the canal but also improving overall health conditions in the surrounding areas.