One of the oldest diseases, leprosy has become a major concern with the detection of new cases in many areas of this district. It was detected in Komarada, Balijipeta and other mandals, putting the administration on high alert.
Ostracised, can’t work
In fact, there is an exclusive colony for Leprosy patients in the district. Around 1,200 persons are leading a pathetic life in the Leprosy Colony, with the deformity preventing them to take up any work for livelihood.
In fact, as many as 283 cases were detected in the last one year in the district. Over 40% of them were affected by multibacillary leprosy (MB) and others have been victims of paucibacillary leprosy (PB).
“Compared to PB leprosy, MB leprosy is more dangerous and the affected need to take multi-drug therapy for at least 12 months under the supervision of senior doctors. On the other hand, PB leprosy patients need to take treatment for six months and can lead normal lives,” explained Additional District Medical and Health Officer (AIDS and Leprosy) J. Ravikumar.
The communicable disease takes at least five years to manifest its symptoms. This is the main reason for many people ignoring its severe impact on the whole body. “Persons who are doubtful about leprosy should immediately approach a nearby Primary Health Centre. Special treatment and care will be taken as doctors are advised to spend at least one day in a week for awareness creation about leprosy. The identified cases will be referred to us for further treatment including multi-drug therapy,” Dr. Ravikumar said. “The government is implementing social welfare measures including payment of pension and supply of essential commodities, apart from special footwear for the patients,” he added.
‘Normal life possible’
The Leprosy Mission located at Chelluru, on the outskirts of Vizianagaram is trying to instil confidence among the patients and their family members with a slew of activities. “Many leprosy patients face social boycott. It hurts them a lot. That is why we are trying to make them confident since normal life is possible after the treatment is over. We are conducting self-employment training programmes also to ensure proper livelihood for them,” said Talada Deepthi, coordinator, Leprosy Mission.
The Leprosy Mission Community Hospital - known as Philadelphia Hospital - located in Saluru, has been helping patients to lead normal lives by providing reconstructive surgery free of cost. “We are supplying artificial limbs to patients coming from different parts of the North Andhra region and Odisha. Currently, 50 in-patients are undergoing treatment in the hospital,” said Surjit Pal, Superintendent of the Hospital.
New strategies
The government claims leprosy was almost controlled but detection of new cases demand new strategies to prevent its spread. The Union government is taking many steps under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in association with the World Health Organisation and other international agencies. “Other communicable diseases spread very fast and are easy to identify. But as far as leprosy is concerned, its impact is visible only after five years. Unless there is support from affected persons, it is not easy to provide medical assistance for them. That is why, we are conducting awareness programmes in every nook and corner of Vizianagaram district, explaining the symptoms and remedial measures,” Dr. Ravikumar added.
