[Results in prevention - a Swiss inventory]

A marked change of morbidity has taken place since the turn of the century. The chronic degenerative diseases contribute much more to general morbidity and death than the communicable diseases which were the main cause of death some 70 years ago. Prophylactic and therapeutic measures against communicable diseases were most successful, whereas no progress in the fight against chronic-degenerative diseases was observed. Endeavours to reduce morbidity and premature death have to be directed towards the behaviour and unhealthy habits of the population. As regards diseases with unknown causes early detection and early treatment have to be promoted in order to prevent a further increase of mortality.