KUALA LUMPUR – The stigma against leprosy persists, contributing to the spread of the disease, said Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
The health director-general, in a statement issued in conjunction with World Leprosy Day 2021, said discrimination against patients and their close contacts leads to refusal to seek treatment or undergo screening.
“Let us work together to eradicate or reduce the stigma and discrimination, believed to be one of the causes of the spread of leprosy among family members and the community in endemic localities in Malaysia.”
World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year. This year’s theme is “Together, Stop Leprosy”.
Dr Noor Hisham said health workers and community leaders must increase awareness on the disease.
He said the Health Ministry is committed to strengthening control and prevention activities under the National Leprosy Control Programme.
Malaysia reached the “leprosy elimination level” in 1994 with a prevalent rate of 0.9 cases per 10,000 population, in line with the World Health Organisation’s target of less than one case per 10,000 population. – Bernama, January 31, 2021
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