The Hindu : Front Page : ‘Yaws’ eradication in hilly areas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 26, 2007
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‘Yaws’ eradication in hilly areas

Shastry V. Mallady

MADURAI: The Government launched an eradication programme on Monday for yaws, a contagious disease that was first transmitted to the country in 15th century when the Portuguese came in. Since the disease is normally reported from hilly, tribal and forest areas, the eradication drive will cover 12 districts.

As part of the Centre’s aim to eradicate the disease by 2008, the health authorities will conduct an intensive search of ‘yaws’ cases from September 24 to 28.

Additional Director of Public Health S. Elango told The Hindu that the drive had to be taken up in order to get a ‘yaws-free’ certification for the State from World Health Organisation (WHO).

Affects skin, bones

“Yaws affects skin and bones and causes disfigurement and disability. Its incidence was reported earlier from Dindigul, Theni, Palani, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Karur, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem and Namakkal. Though the last reported case in the State was in 1981, the Health Department wants to ensure its eradication,” Dr. Elango said.

Cash incentive

Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has asked health officials in rural areas to carry out a thorough search for yaws cases.

An incentive scheme was also announced by the Centre for both the affected persons and those who alerted the health department about yaws cases.

According to Dr. Elango, Rs.5,000 will be given to a person with confirmed ‘yaws’ case. The informer will get Rs.500.

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