Modern doctors, the community and old-fashioned tuberculosis

The high prevalence of tuberculosis in Transkei affects every homestead. Professional zeal in the treatment of patients is not enough. The First-World doctor used to be handicapped by deficient training in epidemiology, the organization of health care, and health education. He must also be trained in cultural science, to understand the nature of any community. Urban culture is contrasted with rural culture, the social characteristics of which can compensate for the weakness of alien and limited health services. An improved community approach has contributed to the observed decline in the risk of tuberculosis infection in Transkei.