THE WHITE PLAGUE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 3, 26 April 1939, Page 8

THE WHITE PLAGUE

0 NEW ZEALAND'S LOW MORTALITY New Zealand ranked second in the world for the lowest mortality rate from tuberculosis during the past five-year period. South Africa was first with a rate of 4.0; New Zeaalnd followed with 4.2; Australia was third with 4.4; while the rate in England and Wales during that period was no less than 7.7. It is known now that the prevention of tuberculosis depends upon good nutrition, sanitation, personal hygiene and housing conditions. There seems every reason therefore why a further reduction in the Dominion's mortality rate should be possible, particularly as good standards of living are! aided by climatic conditions. There; is, however, a further reason for intensifying the campaign against tuberculosis. The figures quoted above show satisfactory progress in regard to Europeans. With the Maori race the position is not so satisfactory. The death i among Maoris from this disease is still very perturbing. In 1933 the figures were 26.87 per 10,000 population for pulmonary tuberculosis, and 7.25 for other forms of the disease. Five years later the figures were 27.72 and 7.99 respectively. That is to say, the death rate had increased slightly during a period in which reduction had been achieved among Europeans. The Maori statistics are appalling, and it is evident that there is ample scope for fresh efforts to reduce the mortality rate.