The 62nd world Leprosy Day was marked on 25 January, a disease that often affects people in rural areas.
Leprosy is caused by a mycobacterium leprae and is spread through sneezing and coughing. It is, however, not highly infectious and is not hereditary. Most people have a natural immunity to the disease.
According to Leprosy Mission Southern Africa, approximately 1 000 people in South Africa receive special care and rehabilitation input because of the consequences of leprosy.
Theo de Villiers from Leprosy Mission said that India is one of the most affected countries in the world.
“The good news is that millions have already been successfully treated and cured. Untreated leprosy may lead to loss of feeling in the hands, feet and face, making sufferers vulnerable to a variety of injuries because of the absence of pain.”
De Villiers added that in the country, leprosy suffers receive their medication as outpatients and this takes place at their nearest clinic. Leprosy Mission offers a programme of care after cure. “Care does not only mean dealing with medical issues but also includes the spiritual, psychological and social needs of clients and their next of kin.”
Practical steps are taken and training is provided to prevent disabilities in already anaesthetic limbs. Protective and assistive devices, as well as good common sense, are provided to minimise the risk of injuries and to ensure that people remain independent.
Sometimes operations are performed to improve the function of a hand, foot or eyelid, followed by an extended period of therapy.
