Leprosy Training Module for Medical Officers

Why do we want to eliminate Leprosy ?
Leprosy is not a disease that kills people. Neither does it occur in as large
numbers as malaria, tuberculosis or many other diseases. Still, we look at Leprosy
elimination as a important priority for following reasons :
1. Leprosy is a communicable disease, i.e., if nothing is done, it will
continue to exist endlessly.
2. The disease causes huge suffering as a result of the disabilities it
produces, which are permanent and progressive.
3. The social stigma against Leprosy patients results in their discrimination and
social suffering.
4. The existence of Leprosy in any country or community produces a very
negative image of development.
5. One of the major reasons to eliminate Leprosy is the availability of
opportunities to do so at this period of time. Those opportunities are :
1. Technological - in the form of highly effective treatment through
MDT.
2. Epidemiological - in the sense that Leprosy is a disease on the
retreat in many areas.
3. Availability of sizeable resources.
4. International and national commitments co – ordinated
through WHO.
5. Strong political and administrative commitments.
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