The current interim government has taken an initiative for reform in several sectors. Health is one of the sectors. Leprosy is a health-related issue. Leprosy has also economic, social and other implications. Reform may be incomplete without addressing the leprosy issue. Hence, addressing the leprosy issue is an urgent matter.
Across the world, health is suffering. And the challenges we as a global community need to address are immense. Climate change, conflict, political instability, and economic crises are having devastating effects on people's health. These global crises are proving to be catastrophic for people affected by leprosy.
According to WHO, leprosy is a neglected tropical disease, which still occurs in more than 120 countries of the world.
In Bangladesh, leprosy is a national health problem. Though mainly a health problem, leprosy also causes economic, social and humanitarian problems in the country. If disabled due to leprosy, the affected people cannot do livelihood activities, becoming a burden for the family and society. As there is a stigma over leprosy, leprosy patients even their family members are victims of discrimination, which results in trouble for their employment, marriage, education, and other social activities.
Though leprosy is responsible for creating massive human sufferings, the issue remained neglected in the country. The issue has been denied its due national attention it deserves.
According to National Leprosy Programme (NLP), though annually about 3000 to 3500 new leprosy cases are detected in Bangladesh in recent years, the real number is double the figure.
According to WHO, Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination. However, leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Multidrug therapy, the cure for leprosy, can prevent the permanent disability that occurs when the disease is left untreated. Physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery are needed to restore mobility. Care for ulcers and infected wounds are vital to prevent pain and amputation. The impacts of leprosy can be lifelong, and so the need for healthcare is too.
People affected by leprosy are now standing up for their right to health. They're advocating for an end to stigma and discrimination that prevents them from accessing treatment. They're calling for disability-inclusion, so everyone can participate fully in society.
Regarding the damages caused by leprosy, we cannot afford inaction. Imagine a world where many people could get the cure for leprosy before it caused permanent disability. Where people could get follow up treatment and mental health support in their communities where poverty, discrimination, and structural barriers no longer stopped people from living a full, healthy life.
With global action and investment, this vision is possible. That's why, addressing the needs of people affected by leprosy must be a cornerstone of global efforts to build a healthier, and more just world.
Leprosy victims are some of the poorest and most marginalised in our society. They are rarely heard, seen, or included. Yet their right to health is no less important than yours or mine.
According to WHO, Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes
Bangladesh has developed a 'National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2030' for achieving the target of zero leprosy vision by 2030. Now it is the government's duty to take necessary steps for implementing the Plan.
We need to take up anti-leprosy activities such as raising awareness on leprosy, brining patients under timely treatment, ensuring the availability of quality treatment, including for complex cases, across the country, imparting training for doctors and health workers, rehabilitating the affected people, and further integrating leprosy treatment into general health services.
Leprosy is curable with timely treatment. Its test and treatment are available for free in the country. We need to work tirelessly to make sure that people affected by leprosy can realise their right to health.
According to The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B), mental health is a part of health. Stigma, created due to leprosy, causes mental health problem for the leprosy victims. Health is a fundamental human right. To fulfil this, people affected by leprosy need access to proper healthcare, including counselling for mental health. Without it, they are deprived not only of their health, but their livelihoods and joys too, and the chance to live a flourishing life.
Bangladesh can derive a huge national benefit if the leprosy issue is addressed properly with allocation of adequate funds for the sector in the national budget.
After considering the matters, mentioned above, it can be said that the reform commission on health should include the issue of leprosy in its activities. It is an opportunity to unify efforts to improve health outcomes by addressing the leprosy issue. By giving priority to the issue, we can contribute to a movement towards a healthier and more equitable country free from leprosy.
Let us work together to fight against leprosy for the sake of our national interest.
The writer is a freelance journalist
