THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) together with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday commemorated this year’s world Leprosy day in Honiara.
The event was celebrated based on the theme ‘Triple Zero Campaign: Zero Transmission, Zero Disabilities and Zero Discrimination.’
Speaking on behalf of the permanent secretary, National Director of Nursing Michael Larui said the campaign theme of this year is relevant and that all should work together to achieve it.
Larui said zero transmission means earlier detection of every new cases and putting them on relevant complete course of leprosy drug regimens.
“People with unusual skin spots or skin patches and discoloration, other visible signs must be properly assessed, tested and completely treated,” he said.
He added zero disability means total reduction of disability in people affected by leprosy, particularly in children and the zero discrimination means greater inclusion and justice for people affected by leprosy and its disability.
“MHMS urges affected families and communities to confidentially stand up for the rights of people affected by leprosy,” he said.
Meanwhile, WHO Technical Advisor Communicable Diseases Dr Anupama Hazarika said leprosy is an ancient disease and is mention in the Bible.
Dr Hazarika said the disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
She said the exact mechanism of transmission of leprosy is not known but it is believed it is transmitted by contact between cases of leprosy and healthy persons through the respiratory route.
“The disease affects nerve endings and destroys the body’s ability to feel pain and injury.
“It also known to occur in all ages ranging from early infancy to very old age,” she added.
She assured leprosy is curable and early treatment averts most disabilities.
“Leprosy was declared to be eliminated as a public health problem 19 years ago and since then there has been endemic pockets where leprosy is still being transmitted, some of them are also in the Solomon Islands,” she said.
Dr Hazarika said WHO has provided leadership and supports the national leprosy program in Solomon Islands in the fight against leprosy.
“We and together in supporting the national leprosy program as we endeavour to eliminate leprosy from the last remaining pockets of transmission in Solomon Islands,” she said.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
