PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
CO. 885
24 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
98
As indicated in one of the attached forms, the patients under treat- ment are all advised that the Commission undertakes no general medical treatment and that they should consult their own medical attendant.
11. Laboratory :-
With the special laboratory work that will have to be undertaken at
head office, other work of investigation can be taken in hand. In return for the co-operation of the medical men in procuring and sending samples, I offer the services of the laboratory for the examination of any morbid material, blood samples, etc., they may send, and shall report to them thereon. The advantage of early verification of malaria, typhoid, diphtheria is obvious, and assistance in diagnosis might thus be given in other obscure complaints.
The work of the laboratory will be open to development as its value
is demonstrated and its equipment is gradually increased.
APPENDIX.
LOCATIONS AND ITINERARY.
Gouyave
Birchgrove
St. Dominic's
January, February.
1914. December.
Mount Moritz
1
8 15
Holy Innocents'
5
1915. January.
12
19
2 9
16
La Fillette
6 13
20
3 10
17
Sauteurs
7 14
21
4 11
18
Munich
8 15
22
1915.
1915.
February, March.
St. David'a
26 2
9
Samaritan
16 23
2
Beaulieu
27
3
10
St. Mark's
17
24
3
Belmont
28
4
11
Grand Roy...
18 25
4
St. Luke's
29 5
12 Happy Hill
19 26
5
1915.
March.
April.
River Sallee Grenville
9 16 23
Woburn
13 20
27
10
17
24
St. Paul's
14 21
28
Pomme Rose
11 18
25
Constantine
15 22
29
Crochu
12
19
26
Concord
16
23
30
Grand Ance
1915.
1915.
May.
4 11 18
Carriacou
Mount St. Ervans Belair
5 12 19
and
6
13 20 Islands
Hermitage
7
14 21
REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 1914.
1915. May 25
June 25
Preparation for the visiting of locations throughout the island, commencing on 1st December, was carried on during the month, and the completion of advertise- ments, posters, leaflets, printing, correspondence, and arrangements generally, occupied considerable time.
Casual visits have been paid to various schools in country parts, and the homes of the people have been frequently visited during my journeyings; opportunity. being taken at school and amongst the people of preaching hygiene.
Examination of patients at the head office has proceeded in routine during the month, as well as the examination of and report on material sent daily from the Colony Hospital. The actual figures for work done will be detailed in the quarterly report which will be returned at the end of December.
A second microscopist was appointed subject to approval, and has been at work since 2nd November. The work of the microscopists has had my supervision and the second microscopist has been trained.
The Assistant Medical Officer commenced duty on 20th November, and since that date has had the main supervision of the work and training of the microscopists. On 21st November I left for Carriacou and Petit Martinique; visited the six schools in the island; made a general survey of conditions in both islands; inter- viewed the clergy, Medical Officer, and others; lectured in the schools; had the
99
honour of the intimate company and advice in all my work of the Acting Commis- sioner of Carriacou and of the Colonial Treasurer; made specific examination of all the patients at date in the Carriacou Hospital and other personal investiga- tions; and returned on 26th November.
The result of this visit will be summarized in the quarterly report when further investigations carried on with the assistance of the Medical Officer in Carriacou will have been completed. Meanwhile I attach individual reports on the six schools.
REPORT FOR THE Month of DECEMBER, 1914.
Pursuant to the scheme of campaign adopted in November, the itinerary therein laid down was carried out during the month of December.
Local interest in the work was aroused personally and by advertisement; the meetings were attended at each location on every occasion by from one to three hundred persons of both sexes and all ages; lectures were listened to with enthu- siasm; demonstration of specimens, microscope slides, etc., were taken advantage of; examination and treatment were undertaken to the extent indicated on the statistical schedule attached.*
On every occasion the meeting was honoured by the presence of gentlemen and ladies officially and generally interested in the work-school managers, the clergy, the Colonial Surgeon, the Colonial Treasurer, and others.
During the course of the month Dr. Howard, recently appointed at Washing- ton to be Director of the Commission in the West Indies area, arrived in the island and paid a visit to each location during the progress of the work.
Dr. Howard brought from the Commission a definite suggestion for carrying
on the work of ankylostomiasis treatment on an intensive method, i.e.,
1.
2.
The examination of every person in selected communities and the curing of every one found infected.
The installation at every home of a privy which will prevent soil pollution.
It is evident that the records from such a selective method will indicate exactly
the amount of success obtained and the probabilities of successful maintenance of the cure effected.
To meet Dr. Howard's suggestions I have arranged to continue work on the intensive method in two highly infected areas already being treated; and this work, with details to suit local conditions, is now being undertaken.
The itinerary of locations for work on the recurrent method will be retained, with altered dates, to suit the purposes of stimulating interest in the work by local lectures and of ascertaining the amount of infection in the districts.
In view of this change in the method of campaign I draw attention emphatic- ally to the need for instant and continued support of the local Government in the matter of sanitary administration in respect of latrine accommodation on premises. So long as the recurrent method of attacking the problem was that adopted it seemed to me wise to suggest the postponement of legislation, and allow time and example to induce the people gradually to bring about the change from zero to a degree of practical safety in the sanitary defence against ankylostomiasis. But, with the whole of the energy and finance of the Commission concentrated on a limited area and population, more than the mere suasion of no matter how seductive and zealous a staff is needed to ensure the return in sanitary improvement necessary to justify the expense and to prevent reinfection.
My suggestions, therefore, for postponement of legislation until perhaps two tours of the island had been made I beg to withdraw; and ask that it be made possible for the sanitary authorities to follow the treatment work of the Commig sion by enforcing suitable latrine accommodation on all premises.
It is early to discuss other than in brief the result of work and investigation.
So far there is indication that:-
1. There is a high rate of hookworm infection in Grenada.
2.
All classes (practically), both sexes, all ages are affected.
3. Present methods of examination indicate an infection of ankylosto miasis to the amount of 74 per cent. on the white peasant settlers in one district and 64 per cent, on the black population in another. With improved methods of examination there is no doubt the infection will be shown to be even higher than this.
*Not transmitted to Colonial Office.
H 2