Kai,a-azai: Co:MMrssiON 



TO ixvf,st[(;ate the 1*i;evat,e\ck Axn Cause of 



THE Disease i\ the Eastern Sudan 



( 1 ) a E N E i; A r, R E r i > n t 



1!Y 



Cat'Tain D. S. B. Thomson, M.I^, B.Ch., B.A.O., D.P.H, R.A.M.C. 



Attaclied Egyptian Army 



The ronimissioii, wliicli was appointed by the Sudan Government, left Khartoum 

 on November 3, 1909, on board the steamer Ciile.r, with which was the Wellcome Tropical 

 Eesearch Floating Laboratory. Both of these were kindly placed at our disposal by the 

 Director of the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratories, Khartoum. 



It was decided that one of us, the pathologist, should remain in Singa with the 

 Ijaboratory, the other travelling through the country to determine the area of prevalence 

 of the disease, and if possible its cause. 



On arrival at Singa, it was decided to make a series of tours of inspection, eacli Tours of 

 taking about two months. inspection 



The first, from Singa to Roseires. going south by the west bank and returning north 

 by the east bank. 



The second, from Singa to Gedaref, thence to Gallabat, visiting the surrounding 

 villages and returning to Gedaref and Singa by different roads where possible. 



The third tour, south to Karkoj, thence east to Khor Agaliin and thence south along 

 the west bank of River Binder as far as the Khor Galegu, returning north by the east 

 bank visiting all the villages as far north as Bardana, and returning to Singa. 



The fourth toui', north to Sennar by the west bank, returning to Singa by the east 

 bank. 



The fifth tour, south-west from Singa to Dar Agil, thence north along Khor Um Esh to 

 Teigo and thence north-east still along the Khor to Hillet Howeires and back to Singa. 



These five tours took eight months of actual travelling, the last one extending into 

 the month of July, after which, owing to the rains having started and the presence of 

 "fly," camels could no longer be employed. 



In all 219 villages were visited and 2,100 miles covered by camel and river. 



The time spent in each village varied according to its size. In the larger villages 

 three days were necessary, whereas in the smaller, one day was sufficient to see all the 

 inhabitants and sick. As far as possible a stop of at least one day was made in each 

 place. 



Naturally, general medical work was predominant and no difficulty was found in 

 getting the natives to come for treatment. No accurate record was kept of the number 

 of cases treated, but at the lowest computation at least 3000 men, women and children 

 were treated or given advice. 



On arriving in a village the procedure was as follows : — Procedure in 



The Sheikh was told to warn the people of the English doctor's presence, his willingness ^'"ages 

 to see all sick, and visit in their houses those unable to come to him, and that all medicine, etc.. 



