Annual report of the Medical Department / Tanganyika Territory.

  • Tanganyika. Medical Department
Date:
[1952]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report of the Medical Department / Tanganyika Territory. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    125. It is to be regretted that many of the smaller employers are apparently oblivious of the fact that the erection of temporary or semi-permanent struc¬ tures is the most expensive method of housing their labour; this remark refers particularly to the small farming communities and to other concerns with smaller capital resources. A Labour Officer reported that on one of the largest employing concerns in his area there is some evidence to show that drunken¬ ness, disputes and gambling predominate in temporary camps, while the better housing estates have an air of respectability leading to improved general behaviour and turn-out. (D) The Feeding of Labour 126. The year under review was not particularly difficult from the point of view of rations. Naturally, there were local shortages but in many cases these were the result of faulty distribution and not of crop failures. In view of many Africans’ dislike for red palm oil a new edible oil, which contains adequate quantities of added vitamin “A”, is being used instead. This product has proved extremely popular when introduced into the diet. 127. The provision of protein for employed labour in many parts of the Territory still presents considerable difficulty, but attempts are being made to rectify this by the importation of chilled meat products. Further, the veteri¬ nary authorities in the Southern Province are experimenting with building up herds of stock. Several employers in the Mbeya District are showing an interest in modem methods of fish farming. X.—INTERNATIONAL AND PORT HEALTH 128. A notable feature of the year’s activities in port health work was the adoption of the new International Sanitary Regulations, which require that unprotected persons leaving the Territory for yellow fever receptive areas must be vaccinated before their departure. The co-operation of air travel and shipping agents was readily forthcoming in ensuring compliance with this regulation. 129. During the year a new system for dealing with incoming shipping under the port health regulations was inaugurated in Dar es Salaam. The Pilot acts as the agent of the Port Health Officer and if the ship’s Declaration of Health is satisfactory, grants pratique to the ship. Where the Pilot is not satisfied with the statements made on the Declaration he orders the quarantine flag to remain flying and the ship is then boarded by a member of the Port Health Office staff. This system has been found beneficial in that it enables agents, stevedores, etc., to commence work immediately the ship has moored. 130. No outbreaks of internationally important diseases have been reported from ports m this Territory and no reports of the application of restrictive measures against persons leaving Tanganyika for foreign countries have been received. 131. Close and informal liaison continues to be maintained with the medical authorities of Ruanda-Urundi, usually between the respective regional medical representatives, on all epidemiological matters of mutual concern. During 1952 sleeping sickness and smallpox were sub jects of discussion and satisfactory agreements were reached in each case.
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