900 babies born monthly in Salisbury

The Herald, November 8, 1979 ESTIMATES of Salisbury’s population varied between 1 million and 1,5 million, the Medical Officer of Health for Salisbury, Dr Tony Davies, said in his quarterly report.

The official census says the capital has 600 000 people.

The report said the monthly attendance at the municipal clinics had risen since 1973 from an average of 53 000 to 97 000, while the average number of births had risen from 370 a month to 900.

The measles epidemic was now waning, although a significant number of children from the rural areas were still being admitted to the Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Dr Davies said that at the height of the epidemic 11 children were transferred to the Wilkins Hospital.

“These were children who had been fully immunised at City Health Department clinics and who were, we felt, entitled to the best possible care in view of the fact their mothers had done everything possible to prevent the disease.

“In the congested state of the Beatrice Road Hospital - 1 403 people were admitted with measles between July and September - this was difficult.”

Despite the ready access to treatment of scabies, a large number of cases were still being seen at all clinics.

“This must be due to the fact that one attack confers no immunity and that spread is encouraged by the overcrowding, which is now so common in the high-density housing areas,” Dr Davies said.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

◆ Harare’s population in 2022 is estimated at 1 558 000. Are we saying that with rural urban migration, the city’s population grew minimally in the past four decades?

◆ Measles, one of the most common infections in the world, accounts for more than 100 000 deaths every year, according to the Annals of Medicine and Surgery.

◆ Infected people are encouraged to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and can take medication to help reduce the fever and feel more comfortable.

◆ The country is battling to control a measles outbreak that started in Manicaland in April this year. Over 2000 people have been affected by measles, with 157 children succumbing to the disease.

◆ To control the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and other partners have embarked on a nationwide measles vaccination campaign, targeting children from 6 months to 59 months.