Leprosy is a chronic disease that typically affects the skin and peripheral nerves but also has a range of other manifestations. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy has a long incubation period of about 5-7 years. This disease is the leading cause of permanent physical disability. If diagnosed and treated before nerve damage occurs, disability may be prevented. In India, they are celebrating their almost victory over polio, while leprosy continues to haunt the people. Back in the 2005 the disease was nearly eliminated with less than 1 person per 10,000 having the disease, it is now "the world's highest burden of disease". Dr. Gopal, International President of the International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, states that in the country, there are 700 leprosy colonies "where over 200,000 people live marginalized lives."
The people of India affected by this disease are faced with social stigma and discrimination. For any of them who wish to go to school or apply for a job and live in one of the 700 leprosy colonies, are denied the job position as well as school admittance. This also applies to anyone without the disease and just happens to live in the same area. As for treatment goes, India with the help of the World Bank and the World Health Organization began providing free multi-drug therapy to affected people starting in 1993 up until 2004 when India took over the program in 2005 when the disease was "eliminated". What is really sad, as Mr. Narasappa of the National Federation of Leprosy Cured People in India says, is "'People in the rural areas do not even know MDT is available free and importantly they keep away from health facilities for fear of stigma'".
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/leprosy-continues-to-haunt-india-social-stigma-remains/article4358263.ece
2:30 pm
1/31/13
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