State has 26 leprosy cases: Dr Salam Bocha
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 13 2024:
Despite report of elimination of leprosy in Manipur since 2001, fresh case leprosy in 26 individuals, including a child has been detected, disclosed State Leprosy Officer Dr Salam Bocha while calling upon the people not to hide the disease as it is 100 percent curable.
The government of India is targeting to eliminate leprosy and achieve Leprosy Mukt Bharat by 2027, three years ahead of the sustainable development goals (SDG).
In order to contribute towards achieving this goal, the state government is also taking up various activities to make the public aware, he said.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle, Dr Bocha explained that objective of the government of India is to root out leprosy transmission, infectivity, disability, stigma and discrimination.
The disease had been eliminated in 2005.Elimination of the disease means to reduce prevalence of leprosy below one for every 10,000 people.
Though the disease was eliminated in 2001, Manipur has not been able to completely eradicate the disease.
Stating that the incubation period of leprosy is long, Dr Bocha pointed out that symptoms of leprosy show up only after 2 to 5 years or even 10 years after a person is infected.
In Manipur, there are 26 people undergoing treatment for leprosy among which include one child and four females.
Though the number is less, we cannot ignore and take it for granted.
The aim of the government is to totally eradicate leprosy.
The cases were detected in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Bishnupur, Tamenglong and Senapati districts.
Stating that detection of leprosy in the child indicates that the disease spread from another person, he said that another case with grade 2 disability has been detected implying that the disease evaded detection for a long time.
The government considers the two very serious as these are cases related with ignorance, and stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.
Therefore, we need to be well aware of it and overcome the fear associated with the disease.
Further informing that leprosy can be cured within 6 months to 1 year if treated timely, Dr Bocha said that the state government provides free treatment for leprosy.
The moment one initiates treatment, transmission will reduce significantly.
Early treatment will also save one from developing deformity in their bodies.
The primary infection of the disease is through skin and veins.
One can diagnose the disease through clinical examinations.
The disease is transmitted from one person to another through droplets from the nose and mouth, he said and added that earlier patients were kept in isolation, but now they are provided treatment at home.
As such, the first medicine is administered to the patient under the supervision of a supervisory staff.
The state leprosy officer stressed that those suspicious of contracting the disease or infected get tested.
Moreover, the people should also not discriminate and stigmatize people infected with leprosy lest people with leprosy remain hidden.
The public should understand that leprosy is 100 percent curable, he reiterated.
'Sprash Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2024' is also being observed in all the districts by the district nodal officer and state leprosy unit team under the guidance of the state leprosy officer.