UNICEF - WHO Leprosy Control in Burma

Burma's leprosy control programme was launched in 1952, when the number of cases under treatment was 4,600. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been assisting this programme since 1956, with approximately $60,000 per year in drugs, transport, equipment and training. The full-scale UNICEF-WHO (World Health Organization)-assisted leprosy control programme began in 1958 when the first project areas were opened. Currently, there are 38 project areas. The number of patients under treatment increased from 12,000 in 1958 to 160,000 (the latter figure representing approximately 60-70% of estimated total patients in Burma). By the end of 1968, as Burma completes its present 5-year plan, the last 8 project areas needed to complete national coverage will be opened.
Dr. B. Zuiderhoek, WHO leprologist, helps Burmese co-workers to examine patients in a village near Mandalay. [Exact date unknown]