Abstract

Papua New Guinea, which contains nearly three-quarters of the population of the 20 islands, or island groups, studied by the South Pacific Commission has a commensurate proportion of reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea. It is a country with an exceptional interest for the venereologist as it exhibits all the facets of venereal disease problems as experienced the world over. With the opening up of communications syphilis has gained a foothold in what were areas previously endemic with yaws; moreover, some yaws still remains (particularly in the offshore islands)--the two conditions tending to be mutually exclusive. In the area around the capital, Port Moresby, the prevalence of Donovanosis is unparalleled.