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DR. TECLA: EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF LEPROSY REDUCES PREVALENCE OF THE DISEASE




Iringa Region tuberculosis and leprosy coordinator Dr Tecla Orio (pictured above) has challenged the community to go for diagnosis when one sees the symptoms of leprosy such facial patches.

She said in order to strengthen immunity people should go for early health check up, get professional advice and nutrition.

Dr. Orio made the statement yesterday during the press briefing ahead of the world leprosy day (Hansen's Disease) celebrated worldwide every last Sunday of the month of January of each year.

She mentioned one of the main symptoms of leprosy include: muscle weakness, numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs and skin lesions, adding that leprosy remains a disease of public health importance in Tanzania.

In Iringa Region as other locations around celebrated that day to educate the public about the disease of leprosy, how it is transmitted and ways to prevent the disease, treatment and side effects of the disease.

The Celebration of the world leprosy day of 2017 is governed by the motto says, “to avoid disabilities caused by leprosy among children.”

This slogan is dedicated to children due to the fact that their children poor immunity, so it is easy for them to get infection.

Leprosy is among the very old disease causes permanent disability worldwide and has also been a major cause of stigma in society.

She said Iringa region less serious cases of the disease and is declining already reached the current eradication rates of ten to 20 new patients a year.

Iringa has two district councils which have many leprosy patients including Iringa district and Kilolo district.

The medical services and the reduction of disability is provided free of charge.

Leprosy is declining but still 10 regions have many patients like Lindi, Mtwara, Coast, Morogoro, Tanga, Geita, Kigoma, Rukwa, Ruvuma and Tabora.

“We have reached eradication rates of 2006, a country of one patient out of 10,000 people. In 1983 there were reportedly about 35,000 patients in 2011 compared with 1970 patients were reported, this shows a decrease in the disease after treatment obtained by the day,” she said. 

Leprosy is a major problem causing permanent disability to approximately 250 each year. In 2015, 300 disabled were found in Tanzania. 


The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTLP) in July 1977. 

The programme is charged with the responsibility of facilitating early diagnosis, treatment and cure of as many tuberculosis and leprosy patients as possible so as to reduce the incidence and prevalence of these diseases until they are no longer a major public health problem in the country and to reduce physical disability and psycho-social suffering caused by the two diseases. 

Tanzania was the first country in the world to successfully combine the control of TB and Leprosy into a single programme. 






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