World Leprosy Day 2022

PRESS RELEASE –

Every year approximately 200 to 300 new Leprosy cases registered all over Pakistan

KARACHI, 29th January 2022: Every year, approximately 200 to 300 new Leprosy cases are registered all over Pakistan. Last year 225 new Leprosy cases were registered, out of them 13 were children while 28 cases were found deformed. Sindh has the greatest number of Leprosy patients from Pakistan. In 2020, there were 81 were new registered cases. So far in Pakistan, there have been 58,500 registered cases (2020) and by the grace of God, 91% have been completely cured and the individuals are leading a normal life. According to WHO guidelines, MALC is planning to start a pilot project in Karachi and one district of Balcohistan to implement single dose medicine (Rifampicin). This medicine is successfully being use in different countries. These views were expressed by Leprosy experts including Mervyn Lobo, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ali Murtaza, Director Training and Savio Pereira, Director Human Resources & Administration at a press briefing organized by MALC today to mark World Leprosy Day 2022 at its head office, Karachi. Board of Director, Administrative Staff and Leprosy patient were also present on the occasion.

Mervyn Lobo further said that WHO is recommending implementation of Single Dose Rifampicin to all contacts of newly diagnosed patients of leprosy. It is claimed that this single dose treatment will gie 55% to 60% protest against the development of leprosy in contacts.

He further revealed that the new Leprosy cases are less than 1% i.e. (0.10 in 2020) in every 100,000/-, patients under treatment are less than one in every 10,000, disability ratio is less than one in 100,000 and among children the ratio is less than 1 in million children population. This year, World Leprosy Day 2022 theme is United for Dignity. This day is commemorated to refresh the world to pledge alliance with people affected by Leprosy. No disease in the modern world has faced stigma of equal nature as Leprosy. MALC has been working to eliminate Leprosy from Pakistan for the last sixty nine years.

He informed that Dr. Ruth Pfau- Founder member of MALC has devoted 57 years of her life for the cause and passed away at the age of 87. In order to preserve her fond memories MALC had converted her humble abode into a museum showcasing her belongings, awards, publications and some rare priceless pictures. This museum was inaugurated last year at the occasion of World Leprosy Day and was opened for public.

Dr. Ali Murtaza in his remarks said that Leprosy Control does not mean that it has been eradicated despite all of the achievements, there are still many cases who can infect others. They need to be detected early so that they can be treated to stop further spread of the disease. Every year number of new cases is being reduced and almost +/- 300 new cases are registered annually and it seems leprosy will still be prevalent condierating the slow and variable incubation period, the services have to be kept up for 3 to 4 decasedes. It is important to mention here that though even there has been a decline in new cases after Leprosy Control but it has been at a very slow pace.