Abstract
Nsukka Division in Eastern Nigeria was chosen as the starting point for a yaws eradication campaign undertaken by the Government assisted by WHO and UNICEF. Yaws was found to be hyper-endemic, and a policy of total mass treatment was therefore adopted. The objectives of the campaign, the field organization and methods of operation, and the clinical findings and treatment schedules used are described.
A total of 383 769 persons were examined and treated with penicillin; of these 12 221 were infectious cases, 42 553 were late cases, and 328 995 were latent cases and contacts. It is believed that over 95% of the population was seen. Resurveys at intervals of six months showed a dramatic fall in the reservoir of infectious cases.
The campaign was also used to stimulate better rural health services, and a network of local health centres was built by the people themselves.
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Selected References
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