HONG KONG
-13-
CUNERAL
379
..T
PUBLIC ENLIGHTENKENT.
To enlighten the public as to the dangers of Venereal Disease is almost as important a factor in fighting the disease as the provision of facilities for treatment.
The problem has to be considered from two points of view:-
(1)
(2)
The community as a whole.
The different groups concerned in the campaign.
Immediately facilities for treatment are available it is suggested that a special advisory body be formed under the aegis of the Colonial Secretary, the Principal Civil Medical officer and the Director of Education on which would be represented:-
The Chamber of Commerce.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The Catholic and English Churches,
The Helena May Institute.
The Young Men's Christian Association,
etc.,
etc.
These bodies would provide audiences to whom responsible medical men and women could present the facte.
The seafaring and British community can be reached through the press and commercial channels.
The Chinese community present more difficulties. The subject of Venereal Disease is no different in their eyes from any other public health question.
We would suggest that a general public health educational campaign should be opened, suitable pamphlets and posters being issued dealing with Tuberculosis, infant mortality, Veneral Disease, etc. Exhibitions and cinema films can be bought or hired for the purpose.
In the event of a general public health campaign not being undertaken we recommend that in any case one on Venereal Disease should open at once. That the Chinese appreciate such efforts is shown by the result of the Tuberculosis campaign in Shanghai (See Appendix).
Pending the arrangement of films and exhibitions it might be possible to arrange a series of public health lectures. The medical staff at the University, supported by suitable Chinese practitioners could give addresses to the various Guilds through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce; through the schools by holding
conferences, or by addressing such other
parents
gatherings as local knowledge may indicate.
It is recommended that a course of lectures on public health be given at the schools; such a course to