Dr. Chandana Gajanayake, Colombo District Director of Health Services, reported that 10% of the Leprosy patients in Sri Lanka are children.
He stated that approximately 2,000 cases of the disease are reported in the nation each year. In honour of World Leprosy Day, a public awareness programme has been organized in the Colombo District.
The doctor also pointed out that the ailment often remains undetected for some time, appearing as a white spot, which can lead to people ignoring it.
The theme for World Leprosy Day this year, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) is “Act Now. End Leprosy.”
This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified three key messages for the theme of World Health Day:
- Elimination is possible: We have the power and tools to stop transmission and defeat this disease.
- Act now: We need the resources and commitment to end leprosy. Prioritize leprosy elimination.
- Reach the unreached: Leprosy is preventable and treatable. Suffering from leprosy is needless.
Leprosy can be cured by taking a combination of antibiotics known as Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
According to the WHO, this treatment is available for free globally, and if left untreated, could result in serious health complications.
