In the part of the world where I live, Leprosy is another word for 'curse' and lots of people have no idea really what leprosy is.
Medical Students are sent to a Leprosy hospital, infact the only Leprosy hospital in the state as part of their medical training. The people there are almost unknown to the society and over the years,their welfare has been nothing to write home about.
Medical students inspired by the pitiable situation of the people at this hospital came up with the 'The Leprosy Project' as part of their support to people affected.
'The Leprosy Walk' held yesterday as part of the events to mark the 'World Leprosy Day' to create awareness and enlightenment and it was fun to realize the level of ignorance about the condition.
Here are a list of five common myths:
- 'Leprosy is extinct': People asked in their own words, 'is there still leprosy?'
- 'Leprosy is for the accursed': The mere thought of leprosy connotes a curse.
- 'Leprosy is transmitted by cockroach bites': This is the funniest and there are many variants.Some people believe it's caused by a species of so-called 'white flying cockcroaches'.
- 'There is no cure for Leprosy': This is the reason for a lot of stigmatization surrounding it.
- 'Association with someone affected with leprosy infects people even after treatment'. You can only imagine the pain of discrimination with this misinformation.
On our walk yesterday, it was a good time to say 'NO' to the stigma and to let people understand some facts.
- Leprosy also called "Hansen's Disease" is one of mankind's oldest disease and it is not extinct. Infact there are about 2,100 new cases each year. It is however slowly progressing taking years (3-5) to manifest symptomatically.
- It is caused by bacteria, M.leprae. and it's route of transmission though not entirely understood has been accepted to be inhalational.
- It destroys nerves thereby destroying organs dependent on the nerve supply. That's one reason why one of its early symptoms include numbness.Others include,white patches, nodules on ears and nose ,and dim sight.
- One of the many problems of Leprosy is that it doesn't necessarily kill but is very debilitating rendering the person disabled as it leads to amputation and disfiguring of faces.
- Leprosy is treated with antibiotics and can be cured following treatment.
- Association with persons affected may Increase the likelihood of disease but statistics show that many of us will not come down with it as a lot of factors such as poor nutrition and low immunity constitute to its manifestation, one reason why it mostly affects the poor.
- After treatment,the person is disease-free.
In times past, these people were called 'lepers' which has been associated with a lot of stigmatization and as such it is wrong to use this, instead they are simply referred to as "people affected with leprosy"(PAL).
World Leprosy Day observed today, last Sunday of January seeks to create awareness,encourage early detection and minimize disabilities associated with it.
The Leprosy Project will be commemorating today with the PAL, as we render support to them giving relief materials. One of their vital needs are rehabilitation after the course of treatment as a lot of adjustments and support are needed.
We at 'The Leprosy Project' cry out against the stigmatization and plead that we all give the support they so desire.
And that's my story!