World-wide Resurgence In Venereal Diseases (Press, 16 November 1967)

On 16 November 1967, the Health Department released a final article discussing the historical context of venereal disease (VD) in New Zealand. The article reflected on past practices related to women suspected of transmitting VD, particularly spotlighting the Contagious Diseases Act of 1864, which allowed for their arrest and mandatory treatment. Originally intended to safeguard servicemen in garrison towns, this legislation was met with strong criticism for its discriminatory nature. Similar compulsory treatment laws were implemented in various countries and, although modified over time, they continue to be in effect in some regions. As the understanding of these diseases improved early in the 20th century, particularly after the First World War, new laws were introduced in both Britain and New Zealand to promote awareness and treatment options. In 1917, free treatment clinics began operating in major New Zealand centres, but a report in 1923 referred to the need for cultivating a healthier public opinion, highlighting an ongoing "mistaken policy of reticence" regarding discussions about VD. The report stressed the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality. Unlike other countries that enforced compulsory notification of cases, New Zealand encouraged patients to inform their partners about potential exposure, which fostered a more open approach to treatment. The incidence of VD rose during the 1930s and once again after the Second World War, yet effective antibiotics like penicillin drastically reduced the treatment duration and, by 1955, the situation appeared significantly improved. However, the outlook changed with social transformations, including the Street Offences Act of 1959 in England, which aimed to manage prostitution. In the aftermath of such reforms, there were not only rises in clandestine prostitution but also increased cases of venereal diseases, notably in Asia, which remained a major source of infection. By 1957, there was a notable resurgence in the occurrence of both syphilis and gonorrhoea worldwide, prompting the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) to call for the development of effective vaccines. In New Zealand, while syphilis rates slightly increased, gonorrhoea cases surged, particularly among the young. The most affected demographics included unskilled workers, seasonal labourers, seamen, individuals in prisons, and homosexuals. Dr R. S. Morton, in his book "Venereal Diseases," remarked that as societal wealth increases, economic incentives to enter prostitution diminish. He noted that the "good-time girl" is replacing traditional prostitution as a contributor to VD spread. The Health Department concluded that public awareness and education are essential for addressing the problem effectively. Despite the historical taboo surrounding the topic in New Zealand, authorities now believe that society is ready for more candid discussions about venereal diseases and the importance of health education in controlling their spread.

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