Namibia marks World Leprosy Day with call to end discrimination
WINDHOEK, Feb 1 — Namibian Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula on Monday highlighted the continued challenges faced by individuals affected by leprosy, including discrimination and stigma. “This year is the seventh year Namibia commemorates World Leprosy Day and continues raising awareness that leprosy in our country is not a thing in the past as we still have several cases being reported in the country every quarter,” Shangula said in a statement, as the country observed World Leprosy Day. The day is usually observed on the last Sunday of January every year and serves as a reminder of the persistence of leprosy and the need to address associated stigma. According to Shangula, last year alone Namibia reported 22 leprosy cases till September 2023. Seven cases were from the Zambezi Region, with 11 cases of leprosy from the Kavango region, three cases from the Oshana region, and one case from the Omusati region. Shangula also said Namibia has produced a National Guideline for the Management of Leprosy and a budget has been allocated for training of health workers in this regard. “This National Guideline is also well aligned with the latest WHO Guidelines for the Management of Leprosy. During the current financial year, regions have been training their health workers in the prevention and management of leprosy, which we are confident will enhance early detection and management of leprosy,” he added. This year’s World Leprosy Day is being commemorated under the theme “Beat Leprosy.” This theme encapsulates the dual objectives of the day: to eradicate the stigma associated with leprosy and promote the dignity of people affected by the disease.
Xinhua
