Yaws eradication campaign in Nsukka Division, Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Nsukka Division in Eastern Nigeria was chosen as the starting point for a yaws eradication campaign undertaken by the Government assisted by WHO and UNICEF. Yaws was found to be hyper-endemic, and a policy of total mass treatment was therefore adopted. The objectives of the campaign, the field organization and methods of operation, and the clinical findings and treatment schedules used are described.A total of 383 769 persons were examined and treated with penicillin; of these 12 221 were infectious cases, 42 553 were late cases, and 328 995 were latent cases and contacts. It is believed that over 95% of the population was seen. Resurveys at intervals of six months showed a dramatic fall in the reservoir of infectious cases.The campaign was also used to stimulate better rural health services, and a network of local health centres was built by the people themselves.