§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated number of sufferers from yaws, malaria and leprosy in Northern Nigeria; and how many, respectively, receive treatment.
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is not possible to give exact estimates. In some areas the incidence of yaws is as high as 10 per cent. of the population; but over 250,000 patients have been given treatment in the last four years.
Nearly all the population have probably at one time or another suffered from malaria. A pilot control scheme, worked out in co-operation with the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund and aiming at the complete eradication of the disease, now covers about 500,000 people.
66WThere are about 500,000 people suffering from leprosy. About a quarter of these are now receiving treatment in a campaign which is also assisted by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund, and the number is being rapidly expanded.