By Dillon Goring
THE Public Health Ministry through its Leprosy Department, on Thursday, launched a campaign at the Stabroek Market Square to spread awareness of the disease.
The campaign, held under the theme “Stigma and human Rights of persons affected with Leprosy”, was in observance of World Leprosy Day. World Leprosy Day was observed on January 26, 2020.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Head of the Leprosy Department, Dr. Heather Morris Wilson, said the ministry’s aim is to make Guyanese more aware of the disease, as well as address some misconceptions of the disease.

Dr. Wilson wants persons to examine carefully, themselves for spots on the skin that does not pain, scratch, or go away with normal skincare products that can be bought over the counter. Persons with issues can visit the Skin Clinic at the Palms compound located on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Dr. Wilson told Guyana Chronicle that, “every year in Guyana, there are less than 100 new cases of leprosy, 27 cases were reported in 2019 while 50 cases were reported in 2018. This means that leprosy is still transmissible, we have children with leprosy, elderly people with leprosy, rich people, poor people, everybody is susceptible to leprosy and there is treatment available to combat the disease,” he said.

Sensitisation of the disease would lead to early detection, thus, avoiding persons with the disease ending up suffering from deformity.

Since leprosy affects the nervous system, skin and other organs of the body depending on the severity of the illness, one can experience less stigmatisation.

The ministry is hoping to extend its awareness campaign to all regions of the country but began in Region Four since this region has the most cases.
Dr. Wilson noted that early detection and treatment can also reduce the risk of stigmatisation of patients.

The ministry is making efforts to ensure medical personnel are trained to treat patients with respect and care when they visit health facilities for treatment.

World Leprosy Day raises awareness of a disease that many people believe to be extinct. Today it is not just the disease that is forgotten, but the people too. Everyday, nearly 600 more people are diagnosed with and start treatment for leprosy. In 2014, 213,899 people were diagnosed and it is estimated that millions more go undiagnosed