By Mercy Darko
Significant progress has been made over the years in the quest to attain zero transmission of leprosy by 2035. This is because many now have access to treatment under the National Leprosy Control Programme.
With the commemoration of the 70th World Leprosy Day on Sunday January 29, 2023, stakeholders in Ghana, reiterated calls for the public not to stigmatize victims of leprosy, but embrace the lepers to enable them to live a life free from stigma.
Vice President Bawumia, who graced the occasion, said despite the progress made, it is important to get all hands on deck to eliminate the disease.
Leprosy is a disease of the skin and nerves caused by a germ, which can stay in the body undetected for between 10 and 20 years. The disease can affect anybody irrespective of one’s age, and causes deformities, and attracts huge social stigma, even after affected persons are cured. It is estimated that annually, about two hundred thousand people are diagnosed with leprosy globally. On the last Sunday of January every year, World Leprosy Day is observed to drum home the need to get rid of the disease, raise funds to assist the lepers, and also step-up awareness to end stigmatization. Vice President Bawumia, who is a Patron of the Lepers Aid Committee, said the government over the years has committed resources towards the prevention and treatment of leprosy.
Dr Bawumia, who donated 50 thousand cedis to the Lepers Aid Committee, said the disease is curable and admonished the public to end the stigma associated with the disease.
The Lepers Aid Committee, Ghana, has appealed for funds to build a kitchen, an Adoration Chapel, Event Center and Sports facility for the Weija Leprosarium Weija. Founder of the Lepers Aid Committee, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell said, sustained support is needed to make life comfortable for the cured lepers.
Programme Manager of the National Leprosy Control Programme, Dr Benedict Okoe Quao, said the theme for this year’s celebration calls for more concerted efforts to end leprosy.
The event is rallying the global community to Act Now, Act Together, Invest in Tropical Diseases.
