CONTROL OF DISEASE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3139, 6 July 1942, Page 4

CONTROL OF DISEASE

Official concern which has been expressed over the increase of venereal disease in this country will be shared by all thinking citizens. Appreciable. improvement in the control of the scourge was brought about last year when increased powers were given, by Regulation, tb Health Department, officers. Seemingly, however, this has been outweighed by circumstances arising out of abnormal social conditions.. The problem, apart from its medical aspects, is whether more can be done to check or remedy the position by legislative means, or whether public education and enlightenment would better meet the position. The Minister of Health has remarked, that “more stringent regulations might have to be considered.” This, presumably, would mean making the disease notifiable—a step quently discussed, buf one whiclf many medical men regard with mistrust, inasmuch.-as it might discourage sufferers;frdm seeking prompt and comset&nt treatment, The campaign against the disease is primarily and largely one of early discovery. Anything which assists early discovery is helpful to the authorities; therefore education in (a) the imperative need to seek examination and treatment, and (b) the” efficacy of early treatment, would appear to be the .’better policy. Notification is but a means by Which treatment and precautionary measures may be controlled. It is a matter of medical r procedure, which can only be exercised after a case is diagnosed. The sufferer |has first to come forward—a voluntary act, which should be given every practicable educative encouragement.