More than 475 people are diagnosed with leprosy and start treatment each day; 25 of which are children.
Leprosy is not a disease of the past. It still exists but it is curable.
Leprosy is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and can affect the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. According to the WHO, it is a 'neglected tropical disease' (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases reported every year.
Due to health inequalities and prejudice surrounding the disease, many people affected delay seeking treatment. If left untreated, leprosy can cause disabilities. Due to nerve damage, people affected can unknowingly receive cuts and injuries on their hands and feet which may develop into painful ulcers causing discomfort when walking, adults may no longer be able to work and children unable to attend school.
Sadly, because of fear and misinformation, many people affected are shunned by their families and communities, and subsequently withdraw from their social activities as their emotional health declines.
How is leprosy spread
Leprosy is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth, spread by untreated individuals, but it cannot be spread through casual contact like shaking hands, hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to someone.
Prolonged exposure with an untreated indiviudal is needed for infection to take place.
How is leprosy diagnosed
Leprosy is diagnosed clinically by detecting at least one of the following symptoms:
Loss of sensation in a pale (hypopigmented) or reddish skin patch
Thickened or enlarged peripheral nerve, with loss of sensation and/or weakness of the muscles supplied by that nerve
Microscopic detection of bacilli in a slit-skin smear.
Treatment of leprosy
Treatment is provided through the Novartis free donation campaign; using a combination of three drugs referred to as multidrug therapy (MDT).
Once a person affected begins treatment, they are no longer contagious.
How Lepra is working to address leprosy
We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy to:
Improve early detection
Our healthcare workers carry out active case finding (door-to-door engagement) to identify people with early symptoms and refer for treatment as soon as possible; helping to prevent serious complications and disabilities.
Self-support groups educate communities on symptoms and dispel myths surrounding the disease encouraging more people affected to seek treatment.
Our community champions on the ground help to encourage neighbours with symptoms not to hide away and give reassurance that leprosy is curable, and treatment is free.
Ensure access to treatment and care
After diagnosis, we ensure people affected have access to multidrug therapy and are supported throughout their recovery.
By educating on self-care techniques, people affected learn how to properly clean and care for ulcers, improving their condition and preventing further injury.
We make and supply free specialist protective footwear for people who have disabilities and are living with the effects of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.
In many areas where we work, there are no health facilities providing services to manage neglected diseases like leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, and the disabilities they can cause. Our referral centres fill gaps in government health services and provide the specialist treatment that is often unavailable elsewhere.
Our evidence-based research enables us to improve quality of care, and techniques for treating and managing disabilities.
Promote inclusion and wellbeing
By educating communities on symptoms and dispelling myths surrounding leprosy, prejudice is lessened and people affected are more likely to be accepted by family and neighbours.
From counselling (peer-to-peer and professional) people affected are given support to improve their emotional wellbeing following their diagnosis.
