In Latin America, the Term Leprosy Still Carries a Burden from Biblical Times

In the panel on Hanseniasis versus Leprosy, the need to change the name of a disease surrounded by stigma with no scientific basis was debated, during the Latin American and Caribbean Assembly of Organisations of People Affected by Hansen's Disease, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: Fabiana Frayssinet/IPSBy Fabiana FrayssinetRÍO DE JANEIRO, Mar 13 2019 (IPS) Known scientifically as Hansen’s disease, leprosy carries a symbolic burden from the past that people affected by the disease and experts from around Latin America are fighting, including the terminology used. The debate took place during a panel called Hanseniasis versus Leprosy, at the First Latin American and Caribbean Assembly of Organisations of People Affected by Hansen’s Disease, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Mar. 12-14. “People still use the term leprosy as an instrument of prejudice and discrimination, but that causes those affected to be afraid and to refrain from seeking medical attention and early treatment,” Francisco Faustino, a Brazilian who received treatment and was cured, told IPS."We're not going to change Hollywood movie concepts about lepers, nor the biblical stories. What we need to change are attitudes. It's as if we have to create a new concept, work on a new product. No bank would be called a 'bankrupt corporation' because everyone would be afraid to put money in that bank." -- Artur Custodio The activist is a member of the Movement for the Reintegration of Perso...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Development & Aid Editors' Choice Featured Global Governance Headlines Health Human Rights IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse Latin America & the Caribbean Regional Categories TerraViva United Nations leprosy Source Type: news