Maori T.B. Investigated

Te Ao Hou, December 1956, Page 61

Maori T.B. Investigated In 1935 Dr H. B. Turbott, new Assistant Director-General of Health, made a study of tuberculosis amongst the Maoris of the East Coast, Nurse Wehipeihana assisting him in his research. This study revealed that we were up against a very big problem. As a help to over-come infection in the homes he recommended the use of T.B. huts in order to keep sick cases out of the homes and so prevent the spread of infection amongst the rest of the family. It is certain that, where properly used, these T.B. huts do save a lot of infection, and they are still available and used for this purpose. The principle of using the huts is sound when treatment is refused or is not likely to lead to a real cure of the disease. Though chest clinics had been operating in the South Island for quite a number of years prior to 1935, it was not until that year that chest clinics for the country districts of the North Island were begun. There had, of course, been chest clinics in the main centres, but there was nothing for the smaller places. However, in 1935, Dr Hugh Short and myself began these country chest clinics. We tried to do what is now done by at least 8 doctors and the clinics were admittedly inadequate, but at least it was a start. The size of the problem of T.B. amongst the Maoris was soon apparent, as Dr Turbott had discovered. To cope with Maori tuberculosis was to be a very big task. In 1944 the chest clinic service began to be more adequate. Dr Short went to Hamilton to do chest clinics for the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Thames districts and I took over the East Coast, Wairoa, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa districts. Soon after this Dr Priest went to Wanganui to do the West Coast (North Island) and Main Trunk areas. Later Dr Webb went to North Auckland, Dr Tyler took over the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts and I handed over the northern half of my district to Dr Simpson. The value of the Chest Clinics has, as a result, been greatly increased. Much greater individual cure of cases has been made possible. In addition, B.C.G. Vaccination, a most valuable form of protection, especially for infants and children exposed to infection, has become much more readily available and has already shown its very great value. It would be a good thing if all Maori children had B.C.G. Ask the District Nurse about it.