Tuesday, January 30, 2007

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Hansen's disease, commonly referred to as leprosy, one of the many diseases identified by Minister of Health as neglected, will be eliminated in Guyana by the year 2015.

Minister Ramsammy gave this assurance while delivering his World Leprosy Day message on January 28, when Guyana joined the rest of the world to observe the anniversary under the theme “Give Hope.”

World Leprosy Day is celebrating 54 years in existence and Guyana is hosting a week of activities.

Minister Ramsammy said that while attention will be drawn to the plight of those living with Hansen’s disease, every Guyanese should be properly informed of its particular mode of transmission.

The Minister said about 246 leprosy patients in Guyana have benefited from treatment programmes, while the number of new cases have averaged about 25 each year since the beginning of 2001.

Through a programme similar to the Directly Observe Therapy Shortcut (DOTS) programme introduced for tuberculosis in 2002 through the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ramsammy said cures will be provided for all diagnosed with Hansen’s.

Guyana has benefited from several international partners in the fight against leprosy, such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Caribbean Regional Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) and the Netherlands Leprosy Relief Associations.

Guyana’s leprosy programmes have been ongoing for more than 100 years and, according to Ramsammy, institutions such as the Mahaica Leprosarium, commonly referred to as the Mahaica Children’s Home, and outpatient clinics have been providing care and treatment.

Patients have benefited from free testing and treatment, special footwear, tools and educational materials for their rehabilitation.

Ramsammy commended the Guyana Leprosy Control Programme, spearheaded by Director Dr Holly Alexander, for its dedication over the years to sustain the services.

Hansen’s disease or leprosy is an airborne illness caused by a germ spreading from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or contact with an uninfected person with broken skin.

Symptoms of the disease are pale spotted skin or reddish colour, limited hair growth, loss of touch, heat or pain in the hands and feet. Deformities or disabilities may result if not treated early.

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