Today is World Leprosy Day, an occasion which has been observed worldwide for the past 57 years. Commemora-tion of the day is intended to increase public awareness of leprosy also known as Hansen’s disease, and to remember those who have suffered its horrendous effects.
A release from the Public Health Clinic, the Palms compound, said that every two minutes someone is diagnosed with leprosy, and that the World Health Organi-zation estimates there are about 250,000 new cases of the disease every year, most of them being concentrated in India and Brazil.
While the disease is curable, the release went on to say, almost four million people live with its permanent effects.
A combination of three separate medications will kill the bacteria which cause leprosy.
The release went on to refer to the stigma attached to the disease, although noting that in Guyana we are more fortunate, since acceptance is easier and compliance with treatment facilitated. Leprosy is being kept under control in this country, it said.
The leprosy control programme has planned a week of activities in connection with World Leprosy Day.
Today, churches are asked to pray for leprosy patients, their families and all the staff members working with leprosy, while the Minister of Health and the PAHO Representative will be addressing the public via the broadcast media.
Tomorrow, there will be a lecture and spot checks at two schools; on Tuesday, there will be skin clinics at hospitals and area surveys in Linden; on Wednesday, there will be clinic sessions at the Palms compound, Brickdam; on Thursday, a patients’ retreat will be held at the Splashmins Resort and care packages will be distributed to patients; and on Friday, January 4, there will be another lecture and spot checks at two more schools.
