Leprosy, also known as Hansen Disease, though is the oldest disease recorded in the history of mankind and over the past decades significant strides have been witnessed in anti-leprosy efforts, eliminating the problem fully and making it the history of the past remains an unaccomplished assignment.
As a result, the disease continues affecting a large number of people worldwide regardless of age, race and gender.
In fact, as to the reports from the WHO on leprosy, the global burden of leprosy has been reduced by 95 percent since the 1980s and the number of patients declining sharply. Unfortunately, since recent years, the case is becoming more prevalent which calls for more efforts to make the world free of leprosy.
As part of this effort, every year, on the last Sunday of the month of January, the World Leprosy Day is marked with various activities with the aim to increase the public awareness about leprosy and reduce stigma against those who suffer from the disease.
Last Sunday, 28 January, the day was observed internationally under the theme “Beat Leprosy”.
Ethiopia is also working to eliminate leprosy and create a generation that is free from disability that comes to happen due to leprosy. In view of this, the country also observed the day with various activities held in Harar City, Harari State.
According to the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPA), works carried out to increase the participation of leprosy victims in the social and economic activities of the country and benefit them have shown encouraging outcomes, Ministry of Health reported.
Speaking on the occasion, the Association’s President Kefyalew Bekele said that even though the stigma that was observed against leprosy victims is not fully curbed, compared to the previous years, significant changes are witnessed. Following the activities carried out leprosy victims were able to detach themselves from the yoke of dependence and to lead their own lives.
As to him the increased participation of stakeholders and government’s due attention in raising the awareness of the public is one reason for the change. However, a lot of tasks remain ahead to fully address the challenge, increase the participation and benefits of leprosy victims as well as the discrimination and stigmatization they face.
Mentioning that the Association is working jointly with the government, stakeholders and other pertinent bodies to realize its mission and improve the condition of victims, the President said that this cooperation and effort will be further strengthened in the future.
“The forum will not only observe the day but also create a good opportunity to discuss with the concerned parties and the society about leprosy; and to raise the awareness of the victims so that they can develop self-confidence, integrate with the society, more importantly to familiarize victims with the international and national laws and conventions related to leprosy.”
Disability Affairs Executive Director at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Asalefew Amedin also said that when the International Day of Leprosy is marked, the society should give a comprehensive response to the victims of leprosy. Activities that enhance the participation and benefits of leprosy victims should be strengthened.
Harari State Vice President Rosa Umer on her part said “The day is a time when the rights and benefits of leprosy victims are strengthened and a platform where we deliberate together on ways to eradicate leprosy. What is more, it is a time that the communities reinforce their cooperation and support for leprosy patients.”
Pointing out that leprosy is a disease that can be prevented by early diagnosis and continuous treatments; she said that any kind of stigma and discrimination against leprosy victims and their families in the community should be annihilated.
Disease Prevention and Control Chief Executive Director with the Ministry of Health Hiwot Solomon (MD) on her part said that, the Ministry of Health, joining hands with the Association of leprosy victims and other stakeholders, is working persistently to create a favorable environment for victims of the disease. It is working to fill the loopholes in increasing access to treatment and medicine, and to reduce the number of new leprosy victims by providing new treatment options and offering training for experts, she added.
According to her, the medical provision system has been strengthened to alleviate the social and economic problems caused by the disease in the State. In turn, remarkable achievements have been recorded.
In connection with the International Leprosy Day, prior to the actual day, a joint road walk was held in Harar City,.
At the program, including the President the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPA) and other members of the Association; Harari State Labor and Social Affairs Bureau officials and employees, leprosy victims and other parties participated. Messages that would help to raise the awareness of the communities about leprosy were conveyed.
A panel discussion was also organized and attended by senior government officials drawn from federal and states, representatives of humanitarian organizations, patients of leprosy, elders, religious leaders, as well as other invited guests.
Research articles focusing on the efforts that have been carried out to eliminate leprosy from Ethiopia, as well as the level of publics’ understanding about leprosy were presented and discussed thoroughly in the forum.
This year’s International Leprosy Day was marked in Ethiopia with the theme “Don’t Forget Leprosy”
Leprosy, according to documents, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. if the disease is left untreated, it may cause progressive and permanent disabilities.
The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Luckily, leprosy is curable disease with multidrug therapy (MDT). Leprosy is reported from all the six WHO Regions; the majority of annual new case detections are from South-East Asia, it was learned.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2024
