“Leprosy elimination is successfully being achieved; however, elimination is not the end of leprosy,” said Dr Ruth.
“There are many challenges in terms of physical and social rehabilitation, which will go on even in the post-elimination phase.”
She said achievement of gradual elimination of leprosy would be possible with concentrated efforts by a team of committed workers.
She appealed to the people to do away with the stigma attached to the disease and the tendency to ostracise the afflicted.
Dr Zia said that according to the statistics available with the MALC, positive development was being witnessed, as prevalence rates were below the WHO recommended threshold – between 0.27 per 10,000 population in Karachi and 0.04 in Azad Kashmir – and were continuing to decrease.
With 1.68 per 100,000 population, incidence rates are up only in Karachi.
The rates of total patients are now so low that for Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir
and Balochistan, the percentage can no longer be calculated.
Of all the provinces, only Punjab, though a low prevalence area, is showing an increasing number of leprosy cases; otherwise trends are persistent.
Karachi is the focal point, as it is also treating patients from Balochistan and rural Sindh as well as Afghan refugees and those from other parts of the country.
He appealed to doctors, especially skin specialists, to cooperate with the MALC and provide necessary guidance to patients.
Dr Zia said around 6,461 leprosy patients had received free treatment for leprosy and general diseases along with comprehensive care to prevent deformity and aid rehabilitation.
As many as 10,086 precious lives were saved from tuberculosis: they received free treatment at the MALC, 57 percent of whom were women and children; 2,948 blind people have had their eyesight restored by surgeries, 204,630 people received free consultation and 61,727 children were protected from night blindness. Around 60 deformed and homeless patients received day care and medical services at the Ittehad Manzil (the MALC’s Home for Crippled Patients).
As many as 1,703 leprosy ulcer patients received indoor nursing care and surgical treatment free of charge at the wards of the MALC Hospital, while 141,912 skin patients received free consultation, lab services and treatment at the centre.
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