“In fact na eliminate na ang leprosy in 1998 as per the World Health Organization but further studies that were conducted Nakita na even though na-eliminate na ang leprosy in 1998, there are still new cases that were seen in just 10 years from 2008 to 2018 they saw 1,500-2,000 new cases of leprosy worldwide,” says Evelyn Uy Gepito, nurse coordinator of the National Leprosy Control Program in DOH Region 11 said.
Gepito said in Davao Region in 2022 they recorded 49 leprosy cases with Davao del Sur province logging 14 leprosy cases in 2022.
“Luckily, Nakita ni siya and natambalan ( luckily they were discovered and given treatment),” Gepito said.
She said the NLCP has three targets for 2030 which they hope will fully eradicate the disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. These targets are: Zero Transmission, Zero leprosy-caused disability, and Zero discrimination and stigma.
She said leprosy or Hansen’s disease is curable through Multi-Drug Therapy which can be availed in health centers, the leprosy treatment is free as it is provided by the WHO.
Common symptoms of leprosy include the appearance of white spots in the skin similar to “an-an” (tinea versicolor). And unlike an-an these white spots have no sensation.
“Even if you slice that skin with a knife you won’t feel pain,” Gepito said.
Another symptom are large protruding veins which could also signal leprosy.
“And the third one is the presence of bacilli upon examination using slit-skin smear,” Gepito said.
A person with leprosy can infect another individual thru exposure to droplets with the bacteria.
“We cannot get infected by shaking the hands of people with leprosy, as the mode of transmission is thru droplet with bacteria that causes leprosy,” Gepito said.
She said that people can go to their doctor or to health centers where they are assessed and given medicines if they are diagnosed to have the disease. Gepito said the leprosy medicines are free and are not sold commercially. (PIA/RG Alama)