Algunos aspectos epidemiológicos y administrativos del control de las enfermedades venéreas / Some epidemiological and administrative aspects of venereal diseases control

ABSTRACT

The article deals with the veneral disease problem from the public health administration viewpoint, and points to the need for narrowing the gap between our present scientific knowledge and its mass application. The extent of the problem and the epidemiological characteristics of venereal diseases are assessed, particulary in Latin America, where these diseases should be given due priority and their control should become a routine activity of health services at all levels rather than be handled through special vertical-type campaigns. A mechanism within the organization of public health is needed to ensure unity of technical direction, uniform working standards, and suitable personnel training. All personnel, both physicians and auxiliary workers, should give special attention to the performance of certain simple but essential tasks such as referral of suspect cases, application of simple epidemiological procedures, and health education