Leprosy – A Continuing Problem in the 21st Century
Although leprosy has been eradicated in Europe, it is still a major health problem in developing countries. In 2004 over 400,000 new cases were diagnosed, around 70% of these in India. Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) is caused by a germ similar to that which causes tuberculosis. It attacks the nerves of the hands, feet and face and, if left untreated, can take away the ability to move fingers, toes and eyelids. It can also destroy the ability to feel pain so that those affected are prone to injuries and burns which can result in serious infections and ultimately the loss of fingers, toes and sight. The longer the disease is left undetected, the more likely it is that the deformities, so often associated with leprosy, will occur. Coupled with the social stigma born out of fear and misunderstanding, those affected are often rejected by family and community. This means that many are afraid to come forward to seek treatment in the early stages of the disease.
The Work of LEPRA
With their trained teams of paramedics and health workers, LEPRA (The Leprosy Relief Association) seeks out and treats those affected, enabling them to care and provide for themselves. A course of pills, Multi-Drug Therapy, cures most patients in six months and the more infectious patients within one year. If treatment is started early, deform - ities and disabilities can be prevented and social stigmatisation avoided. For those already disabled by leprosy, LEPRA’s staff teach how to prevent the worsening of these disabilities and reconstructive surgery is becoming more widely available. Hands that have become clawed can be straightened and a simple operation can save a person’s sight.
It costs £21 to help cure one person of leprosy.
Further information can be found online: www.lepra.org.uk or from LEPRA, 28 Middleborough, Colchester, Essex CO1 1TG 08451 212121
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VICTORIA HISLOP
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