MOH WARNS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH LEPROSY

 MOH WARNS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH LEPROSY

By Meclina Chirwa 

The Ministry of Health has urged communities to refrain from stigma and discrimination against people with leprosy.

In a statement signed by Secretary to health Dr Charles Mwansambo, the malpractice is contributing to the escalation of the disease in the country.

"The country has enough drugs for treating leprosy in various health facilities especially in the districts where cases are being reported," said Dr Mwansambo. 

Leprosy is a condition that affects mainly the skin and nerves but its mode of transmission is not clearly defined however it is thought to be most probably through droplet infection like in coughing and sneezing.

According to officials, the country has registered 150 new cases of leprosy taking the total to over 500 cases. 

Meanwhile lack of trained health personnel in dermatology is said to be affecting efforts of treating leprosy in the country.

Principle Dermatology Officer at Zomba Central Hospital Dr Frederick Mafunga Mtoto pointed out that "funding gap is also frustrating fight against leprosy" in the country.

Mtoto has since urged authorities to put much effort in the fight against leprosy for the country to realize its dream of eradicating the disease by 2030.

He added that it is unfortunate the country is witnessing a resurgence of leprosy. 

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