Dr. Pinitsoontorn replies
To the Editor:
The cooperation and understanding of the village leaders in organizing a rapid village survey (RVS) is, of course, essential. We do not know if we may conclude that if a RVS were to be organized in other locations or in other countries that it would not be useful to prepare a list of "suspects." In general, when applying the RVS in other areas, adaptations for different local circumstances need to be explored.
The involvement of the general health staff has many advantages. However, technical assistance by a specialized staff (for example: training general staff, confirmation of the diagnosis in those with possible signs of leprosy, survey method design, quality control) is a must. The assistance also depends upon the numbers and availability of a specialized staff in different areas.
- Somdej Pinitsoontorn, M.D.
Principal Investigator
The MURLEP Project
P. O. Box 8 Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand