WORK AMONG THE LEPERS

Chronicle (Levin), 8 November 1947, Page 4

WORK AMONG THE LEPERS

HOW SUFFERER3 ARS TREATED ^ AT MAKOGAI An appeal for funds for the assistance of lepers in the South Pacific islands has been made by the Lepers' Trust Board. The Lepers' furid originated :in Christchurch. Later the board was forme'd, its members including a cross section of the community. Though entirely undenominational, the board's rules provide for representation of every churcli body having members working in the leper fields where the board's activities are current. . Leprosy exists in many parts of the world and most cases are beyond the Pacific Islands. The board realised that if its resources were spread .to all parts of the world, only superficial good could be dorie by New Zealand, and decided to limit its help to the South Pacific Islands, leaving the many millions of people in other countries to help the lepers in the more distant fields. Thus the board's help is given to New Caledonia, British South Solomons, Samoa, Tonga, Suva, New Hebrides (where a leprosy survey is being undertaken), Makogai, Cook Islands and Wallis Islands. Makogai is a British leprosarium, the nursing being carried out by a Catholic Order of nuns at the express request of the British Government. It is controlled by the British Government through the local medical officer, no church body having any degree of administrative control. The objects of the board are to provide all forms of material and medical comforts, necessities and amenities within its means, and which would not otherwise be provided, promising to sufferers that occupation and happiness essential towards a chance of recovery. Every year consignments of donated goods are sent to the lepers, but there is need for still more. The board applies its financial help by means of monetary grants. Medical supplies and services are supplemented, special dietary may be augmented, even equipment not lofficially obtainable but neverthelless desirable may be provided. jSome instances are X-ray plant iand building, picture hall, ambujlance and a store. In many and jvarious ways the board provi'des ihelp, all as the agent of its con- ! tributors.

Monetary grants are also made to each mission body operating in the leper fields in which the board's activities are current, no exceptions whatever being made. As grants comprise donations from all over New Zealand, and many would not be in agreement with the religious views of all mission bodies, the board imposes the strict condition that no portion of any grant may be used for religious' purposes. All must be expended on the purchase of medical supplies, services and amenities or, alternatively, either not accepted or returned.

In addition to ameliorating the position of actual lepers, the board recently decided to widen its aims to include endeavours to prevent the spread of this and other diseases prevalent in its areas. It took the view that while aid to actual lepers was most desirable, even more desirable was an endeavour to prevent further persons becoming victims. It is clear that such endeavours will call for increased revenue, and must be governed by the total of donations. The incubation period for leprosy may last beyond 20 years. First signs may appear only years after hidden destructive effects have begun". Treatment is mainly by an oil called chaulmooga, which has a very disagreeable taste. Intramuscular injections are also given once weekly. Medical experts state that experience has proved-' that, besides treatment, the chief factors towards chance of recovery are fresh air, nutrition, regulated exercise and amusement. New Zealand's help aids in enabling recreational regulated exercises and happiness, as well as in other ways. Donations may be sent to Mr. A. J. Ridler, Box 1318, Wellington, who is secretary of the board.