Leprosy in Turkey

Abstract

An account is given of the historical development of leprosy work and control measures in Turkey. Detailed information is recorded on the distribution of the disease according to year of registration; age; sex; classification. After thorough examination of the patient registers and other sources of information, it can now be confidently stated that reliable data exist for a total of 385 1 leprosy patients in Turkey. Studies of distribution of cases in the provinces and regions reveal some curious discrepancies between areas of high and low prevalence, not explained by socio-economic or other factors. The systematic examination of registers and other records, as described in this article, may be of value in other countries, especially when the incidence rate is decreasing, in defining the overall problem and maintaining the interest of health authorities and personnel.