26 January
Leprosy is not a disease of past generations but in many regions, especially areas of chronic poverty, leprosy continues to attack children, women and men.
People are still being shamed, abandoned, rejected and hated simply because their families and communities do not understand the disease. Many people still believe leprosy is a curse or punishment from the gods.
Most countries that were previously highly endemic for leprosy have achieved elimination at the national level and are intensifying their efforts at regional and district levels.
Related links
- Department of Health
- The Leprosy Mission Southern Africa
- International Leprosy Association
- World Health Organisation - Leprosy today
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