Anti-Filariasis Drive

Gets Under Way in Fiji

rE campaign to eliminate filariasis from Fiji is making good progress in its initial stages. Fijian youths, trained by the Mosquito Control Organi sation will be sent to various parts of the Colony to work among their own peonle—one team has already completed a course and is to start work almost immediately on the Lau Province.

A team consists of five inspectors, each of whom has a specific area under his control and who has been trained to recognise the various breeds of mosquito, to understand the nature of filariasis and the technique of bandaging to reduce elephantiasis swellings. These Fijians will also co-operate in making blood sur veys to ascertain the incidence of filaria sis in their areas.

To help the campaign along, a circular letter has been sent to each Roko and Fijian leader, setting out the aims of the campaign and asking for the sympathy and help of the natives in the good cause.

An extract from the letter says; “These lads can show your people how the mos quitoes that cause filariasis can be eradi cated from your towns. We cannot hope to kill all the mosquitoes in Fiji, but it is possible to destroy and prevent fur ther breeding of those which cause filariasis and the inevitable elephantiasis “If this campaign is welcomed and assisted by your people there is every reason to believe that in a few years’ time filariasis will be stamped right out.”

To Mr. D. W. Amos, Senior Mosquito Inspector, must go the credit for the organisation of the anti-filarial drive. In this he has had the full co-operation of the Director of Medical Services and the Secretary of Native Affairs.

The technique of bandaging elenhantia sis swellings has been developed bv an American doctor. Major James I. Knott Major Knott was in Fiji last year and his pamphlet on filariasis has been nrinted in both English and Fijian and has been widely circulated in the Colony.