But
It is difficult for me, after a brief visit, to suggest directions for medical research in Hong Kong.. Nevertheless, I feel that an examination of "the social causes of disease in this Colony would amply repay study. It is apparent generally what diseases cause illness and incapacity, and what broadly is their origin.' a careful analysis of these diseases in relation to the particular source and origin of each would enable closer and more particular attention to be given to such originating factors. I am well aware of the general influence of standards of
The whole living on the population here but other factors come into the picture. question is a highly intricate one and it is opportune that an authoritative all- round examination should be made and the results published. Many Committees have been appointed from time to time in Hong Kong to report on different aspects of social and economic welfare but I know of no Body being appointed to go into the question as a whole in the manner suggested. This research should take into account the movements of the Chinese population and their trend, having especially in mind the future development of the Colony and its immigrational capacity.
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Research might also be carried out on the problem of rendering nightsoil innocuous from the disease propagation standpoint, with the object of providing a further supply of fertilizer for Chinese agriculturalists and abolishing the present dangerous practice of employing nightsoil not rendered innocuous. work on this has already been done and this should be continued.
Some
10.
CONTROL OF SPECIAL DISEASES
The diseases predominating at present are described in a previous section (3) and the following paragraphs deal only with methods of control.
Malaria. Before the occupation it was an exceptional occurrence to have notified an indigenous care of malaria, (malaria is notifiable), much less an out-break. The principal carriers were, and still are, A. minimus, jeyporiensis, maculatus and hyrcanus, and the usually recognized methods of control are applied. There have been nearly four years of absence of control except in the case of the areas occupied by internees and where there were concentrations of Japanese per- sonnel. In these areas some measure of control was contrived by Dr. Mackie, the malariologist, who was allowed to remain outside the internment camp for part of the period of the occupation. The concession meant much benefit to our internees and, in fact, there was no undue amount of malaria during this period amongst the group. But generally, and especially during the latter period of the occupation, anti-malarial control was non-existent. This has resulted in 'a high incidence of malaria in many places, mainly damaged areas. Immediately on re-occupation, and even before Hong Kong was officially taken back, Dr. Mackie started measures of control, so far as resources permitted. Now much activity is in evidence and
The usual malaria season has now control is shared with the military authorities. passed and Dr. Mackie is rapidly recovering control of potential breeding sites.
In He has got a labour force of some 300 in Hong Kong and about 200 in Kowloon. addition, he has on the Peninsula some 800 Japanese P.0. Ws. employed on anti-malarial work and he expects soon to have the position in hand. No D.D. T. aerial spraying has yet been carried out, but a suitable aircraft has been obtained and this should commence shortly. The work, however, will have to be largely experimental in character as this war-time method of control can hardly be considered appropriate in Hong Kong, except over special areas. In any case, the topography of Hong Kong Dr. Mackie thinks that Island would militate against good results by this method. fairly complete control will be established shortly and that the position will have reverted to normal by Spring next year. It is apparent, however, that before this result is achieved, very considerable outbreaks of malaria will still have to be faced. Dr. Mackie expects to be relieved shortly by Dr. Jackson and will then be able to proceed on the leave which he postponed in order to get on with anti-malarial control. He is indebted to the military authorities for equipment and oil supplies.
Future
Dr. Mackie's forecast may be accepted provided Dr. Jackson returns to the Colony as proposed, and provided the mosquito population does not change. control depends on the availability of trained personnel and adequate financial provision for this important work. With the advent of D. D. T. and the possibility of further measures of permanent control the annual cost of this service should gradually diminish.
Venereal Disease. Some aspects of control of venereal disease are mentioned earlier. As in other Colonial territories, prostitution is not recognized but will continue in the years ahead whatever title is employed. Thus, there is no 42878-1
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