AUSTRALIA CONTRIBUTION TO TROPICAL HEALTH - PAST AND PRESENT

Australian research workers have made important contributions to tropi cal medicine and tropical public health. Recognised high points of int ernational significance (for example, Joseph Bancroft and filariasis, 1876; Thomas Bancroft and dengue fever, 1906, Burnet and Australian X disease, 1934; Derrick and Q fever, 1937, and Fairley and malaria, 194 7) must be seen in the context of much detailed work of national relev ance by institutions and individuals. The directions of Australian res earch can be related to several major themes: the large extent of Aust ralia that is tropical or subtropical, interactions with neighbouring countries, especially Papua New Guinea; and concern for the health of Australian Aborigines.