By Michael Ahinsah
Leprosy Disease is one of the Neglected Tropical Disease that is characterized by heavy stigmatization and discrimination due to the visibility that comes with a physical deformity. Records reveal that more than 200,000 new cases are reported annually around the world. In Ghana, 260 new cases are reported each year.
In a conversation with GBC’s Uniiq Breakfast Drive, Stephen Adom Boateng, the Programs Manager for the National Leprosy Control Program, that leprosy receives a lot of Stigma even in the Medical field. Health workers are unwilling to work in Leprosy wards because of the misconceptions surrounding the disease.
According to the World Health Organisation, Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacteria known as “Mycobacterium Leprae” It’s main transmission is through droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose by coughing, sneezing or even singing. Though not spread through casual contact like shaking hands, hugging or even sharing meals, a prolonged interaction or contact with an infected person can lead to transmission.
The disease mainly manifests itself through the following cardinal signs. 1) a painless skin rash or discolouring of the skin on any part of the body which may often be mistaken for a birthmark, Eczema or normal skin reaction 2) thickened Peripheral Nerves and 3) Presence of Bacilli in a slit-skin smear.
The bacteria has an incubation period of up to 5 years or more. Late detection of Leprosy can lead to disabilities and impairments in certain parts of the body due to damage to the nerves. This means that an infected person may not be able to feel pain or distinguish between temperatures which poses health hazards to them.
Though the result of late detection or treatment seem severe, Leprosy is a curable disease. Early detection, however, can help to prevent the disease from advancing into a more severe stage. Patients stop transmitting the disease as soon as they begin treatment. Treatment of Leprosy comes in two classifications depending on the diagnosis: Paucibacillary (PB) case and Multibacillary (MB) case. Treatment can last between 6 months for Paucibacillary Cases and 12 months for Multibacillary cases.
Patients receiving treatment undergo a series of counselling to prepare them psychologically and emotionally during the treatment. Several myths surrounding leprosy makes it difficult for infected people to come forth for treatment. In some societies, the disease is labeled a curse and individuals isolate themselves or drive infected persons out to live in the outskirts of communities.
It is advised that once you begin to notice abnormal changes in your skin colour or lack of sensation in certain parts of the body, visit a health facility to have it diagnosed and treated immediately.
