XN000022-1972-11-20 — Page 6

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Monday, November 20, 1972

ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN BEGINS

The Chest Service of the Medical and Health Department begins a

10-day publicity campaign against tuberculosis today with particular

emphasis on early detection and preventive measures.

The theme of the drive, being conducted in the newspapers, on

radio, TV, posters and cinema slides, is that "if you have had a cough

for two weeks, go to the nearest tuberculosis clinic for a check-up."

The target audience comprise elderly men, unemployed, and socially

alone, and young women between 20 and 30.

The message being put to them is that the disease is almost 100

per cent curable today, provided the treatment is regular and conscientious,

and it pays, when in doubt over a lingering cough, to visit a clinic to

see what exactly is wrong.

The publicity also makes the point that some people might be

hesitant about going to a clinic. For them, leaflets and advertisements

during the campaign are containing a tear-off slip which they may use for

seeking information in confidence.

The general message says in nearly every case at present, tuberculosis

treatment is now on an out-patient basis.

This means that a tuberculosis sufferer can carry on a perfectly

normal life, working and relaxing regularly.

Basically, all treatment is with drugs, and the most modern and

effective service is available free at government tuberculosis clinics.

In addition,

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