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o46

VENEREAL DISEASES.
Conditions with regard to Venereal diseases in this country
continue to show a steady improvement.
The total number of new cases in England and Wales presenting
themselves for treatment at the Treatment Centres provided
amounted in 1920 to 105,185, while by 1923 they had fallen to
73,613.
The only unsatisfactory factor in the situation is the grave
discrepancy between the number of women and of men coming up for
medical treatment, more particularly for Gonorrhoea. This circumstance
indicates a considerable amount of untreated disease among
women ; for in those countries where a comprehensive "follow-up"
system is in operation there is not nearly so wide a discrepancy
between the numbers of men and women under treatment. It is
probable that many women suffering from Gonorrhoea are unaware
.of their condition, and are not receiving treatment on that account.
MATERNITY AND CHILD-WELFARE WORK.
Dr. Jackson Smith makes the following observations:
"The babies have made good progress, and the interest shown
by the mothers is extremely satisfactory.
"The voluntary services of so many progressive and intelligent
ladies are invaluable, and praise is due to them for the regularity
of their attendance. Indefatigable zeal and enthusiasm are shown
by the Superintendent and other Health Visitors.
"Emphasis must be laid on the fact that the primary object
of an Infant Welfare Centre is prevention rather than cure. Many