WORLD Leprosy Day is held annually on the last Sunday of January. This day aims to raise awareness about leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. World Leprosy Day is a call to action and seeks to promote efforts to combat the stigma and discrimination that persons affected by leprosy often face. This year World Leprosy Day falls on January 28, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity”.
Leprosy is a chronic disease which affects the skin, nerves and eyes and is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium Leprae). Leprosy is curable using a combination of drugs which are available free of charge within the public health system. Leprosy is not an illness of the past, it still affects millions of persons around the world and scores of St. Lucians today! In 2023 the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs registered 11 new cases and at the start of 2024 has already diagnosed new cases.
This infection may be transmitted mainly through droplets from the nose and mouth during prolonged close contact with untreated leprosy cases. It has a long incubation period, on average, at least 5 years. That means someone could be infected with leprosy but NOT show any signs (lesions on the body) or symptoms (loss of feeling and decreased sweating in the lesions) for up to five years.
When we speak of stigma, we refer to any negative thoughts or beliefs associated with the illness, and discrimination is any action taken based on those beliefs. One example may be that we would not want to sit next to a person that we think has Leprosy on a bus because we are afraid that we may catch it from them. Leprosy appears to affect men and other persons who live with or have prolonged contact with untreated persons with Leprosy. This year we intend to introduce treatment for persons who have had close contact with someone with leprosy. This medication will help in reducing the chances of getting Leprosy. One single dose of Rifampicin can lower the possibility of you getting Leprosy if you have been in close contact with an infected person.
The MOH urges all to take a close look at yourself and family members. If you see a light coloured spot with decreased sensation or feeling, or getting non- healing recurrent burns and ulcers to the hands and feet, please visit your nearest health care facility. The first step in preventing complications is getting a correct diagnosis and starting treatment early. If left untreated, leprosy can cause deformities such as clawing of the hands, the loss of fingers and toes due to loss of sensation to the hands and feet. It may even cause blindness. However, early detection and access to proper treatment can prevent disability.
Let us all join hands to end the stigma associated with Leprosy and promote the dignity of people affected by the disease. Together we can make a difference!