Leprosy

It is contagious through close contact and is mainly spread via droplets from the nose and mouth by coughing and sneezing. Leprosy is one of the oldest and most stigmatised of diseases.

The stigma attached to leprosy which can result in rejection and exclusion means there is widespread misunderstanding about the disease.

Leprosy is curable through Multidrug therapy (MDT):

• MDT is a combination of two or three drugs, clofazimine, rifampicin and dapsone which are taken over the course of anything up to two years.
• MDT combined with early diagnosis also prevents permanent disabilities by curing the disease before it causes deformities.

The global leprosy situation, from the World Health Organization.

Leprosy in India

India is still the country with the most leprosy and we run a large number of projects trying to reduce the spread of the disease. Our work here includes:

• Strengthening the integration of leprosy services into the Indian general health system
• Prevention of disability to leprosy cured who need disability care
• Providing reconstructive surgery
• Provising pre and post surgery physiotherapy and care
• Providing specialist footwear to patients whose feet have been affected by leprosy
• Providing in patient care and treatment for complex and painful leprosy reactions, neuritis and ulcers

But leprosy patients don’t just need treatment. We also run educational programmes on signs and symptoms of disease and how to access treatment, to promote early diagnosis, alongside actitivities challenging the stigma attached to those who catch the disease.

Bangladesh

LEPRA Health in Action provides health education on leprosy in Bogra district. This encourages more people to come forward to be tested and once diagnosed free treatment is provided to those who need it. Prevention and care of disabilities also form an important part of the work.

You can read more about Leprosy from the World Health Organization website.