Leprosy is curable

Leprosy is curable.

But for those who do not take care of themselves, the long term end result involves lifelong deformities and disabilities.

PNG successfully eliminated leprosy as a public health problem/issue by year 2000, achieving the elimination target of less than 1 leprosy case per 10,000 population. 

This however, doesn’t mean a total eradication.

Only six provinces did not reach the elimination target and still remain as high endemic to date.

These provinces are NCD, Gulf, Central, Western, Sandaun and East New Britain.

These six provinces reported over 78 percent of the total reported cases of leprosy in PNG.

National Department of Health says leprosy among children remains a high concern for the leprosy program.

The annual world leprosy date falls on the last Sunday of January.

For PNG, this day will be observed in Kalo village, Rigo District in Central Province tomorrow (Feb 2).

National Leprosy Elimination Program (NLEP) will be doing spot checks and awareness on leprosy in Kalo village and neighbouring communities.

NLEP, under NDoH, is pushing for the theme ‘Healthy Futures’ and the message to preventing girls and boys from developing disabilities associated with leprosy.

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Author: 
Gloria Bauai