DEATH RATE FROM TUBERCULOSIS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21258, 1 September 1934, Page 12

DEATH RATE FROM TUBERCULOSIS

A RECOKD LOW LEVEL I.from Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 31. The death rate from tuberculosis in New Zealand as shown in the annual report of the Department of Health, tabled in the House of Representatives to-day, reached the lowest level in 1933 that has so far been recorded. The rate dropped from 4.22 per 10,000 mean population in 1932 to 4.16 per 10,000 in 1933.

The report states that important factors in lowering the incidence of tuberculosis in this country have undoubtedly been its healthy climate and favourable living conditions. The tendency toward a decline has been definitely accelerated by the direct campaign waged against the disease, including increased facilities for early and expert diagnosis and more readily available sanatorium and hospital treatment. Popular education in personal and general hygiene has also played an important part. Special consideration has again been given to - children who are known to have been exposed to the risk of infection in their own homes. The sale of Christmas health postage stamps through the co-operation of the Post and Telegraph Department and the assistance of various voluntary organisations materially helped in the financing of children's health camps. These camps were pxerting a definite beneficial influence in the prevention of tuberculosis.