Zero-Leprosy in Pandemic: Experts, Advocates Discuss New Strategies

Yohei Sasakawa – WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Chairman of Nippon Foundation speaking at the 3rd of the “Don’t Forget Leprosy” webinar series organized by Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative. Credit: Stella PaulBy Stella PaulHyderabad, Dec 3 2021 (IPS) As 2021 nears its end, public health systems worldwide remain severely strained by COVID 19, which is showing no sign of ending. But even as countries battle to control the deadly pandemic, they must also maintain the progress made against other diseases, including leprosy, global leprosy experts and advocates have urged. On Thursday, at a webinar organized by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, a strategic alliance that links the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, Sasakawa Health Foundation, and The Nippon Foundation for achieving a leprosy-free world, over 150 members of several leprosy-affected people’s organizations expressed their concerns about leprosy resurgence. In Comoros, in East Africa, hundreds of new cases had been detected in the smaller islands, and many of the affected are children. “We have carried out case-finding mini-campaigns in targeted areas of Anjouan and Mohéli (islands in Comoros) with the help of community health workers and have detected new cases including in children aged 15 and above,” said Dr. Aboubacar Mzembaba, National Programme Manager, Leprosy & Tuberculosis in the Ministry of Health, Comoros. Data shared ...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: COVID-19 Editors' Choice Featured Global Headlines Health Human Rights Humanitarian Emergencies Inequity TerraViva United Nations #Sasakawa IPS UN Bureau leprosy Source Type: news