KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health and Leprosy mission join hands in the management of Leprosy
A few days before the world commemorates Leprosy Day, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health and the Leprosy Mission (Southern Africa) will unite in raising awareness on Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) and acknowledge the partnership that has been in existence over the years in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients diagnosed with Leprosy.
The Leprosy Control Programme in KwaZulu-Natal is a partnership between the KZN Department of Health and Leprosy Control Mission. The Leprosy Control Programme for low endemic transmission, which is the status of the disease and the programme in KwaZulu-Natal, consists of three phases, namely; diagnosis and treatment, surveillance and post treatment surveillance programme and Care After Care (CAC), for disability and psycho-social support.
The province has a low number of cases diagnosed with Leprosy; however, this disease has a long treatment programme and there are disability and psycho-social issues associated with the disease. In 2013, KwaZulu-Natal had 12 new cases diagnosed. Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital is the Centre of Excellence and main referral centre for the diagnosis, treatment and management of Leprosy in the province.
All media is invited to the event detailed as follows:
Date: Thursday, 23 January 2014
Time: 9h30
Venue: Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, Umlazi
Contact:
Sebe Zwane
Cell: 071 475 0662
Email: sebe.zwane@kznhealth.gov.za
