Central leads in leprosy stats

By Martha Deruage
EARLY treatment and completion of medication for leprosy will cure and prevent disability for patients and transmission of the disease, an official says.
Rigo district health coordinator in Central Jimmy Davao sounded the advice at Kalo village, which has a high number of leprosy cases, during World Leprosy Day last Friday.
“Among the six province that have an endemic of leprosy, Central has the highest number of cases,” Davao said.
Davao said in 2017, Central province had 78 cases with 26 at Kalo village alone. There were 15 news detected.
“We also have a poor completion rate of medication – about 65 per cent. The WHO recommends 85 per cent and above,” Davao said.
Davao said since leprosy was not a priority programme in the health department, Central province had to use funds from other programmes.
The Kalo aid post was closed last year due to lack of funds and lack of staff.
Davao advised people seeking treatment to go the Hula aid post.
Leprosy Day focused on the theme “Healthy future – preventing girls and boys from developing disabilities associated with leprosy”.
Leprosy Mission president Natalie Smith urged people to look out for each other. “We are all responsible for the good health of our community. We can all help look out for each other for signs of the disease.
“If you see lighter coloured patches on your skin, your neighbour’s skin and on your family members, take them to a skin clinic so that they could be treated quickly.”