TUBERCULOSIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22356, 1 September 1934, Page 8

TUBERCULOSIS

DECLINE IN DEATH RATE A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN (Fko.m Oor Pabliamextxry Uu-okter.) WELLINGTON. August 31. Thu death rate from tuberculosis in New Zealand, as shown in the annual report of the Health Department, 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 the lowering of the incidence of tuberculosis in this country have undoubtedly been its healthy climate and favourable living conditions. The tendency towards the 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 arc known to have been exposed to the risk of infection in their own homes.

The sale of Christmas seal 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 exerting a definite beneficial influence in the prevention of tuberculosis.