Leprosy
mailing list – March 3rd, 2006
Ccn: all.
Ref.:
Epidemiology of leprosy disabilities.
From: A
Bryceson, London, UK.
Dear Salvatore,
I was very interested in Antonio
Salafia's comments on the numbers disabled from leprosy, and the
closure of surgical units (LML Feb. 28th, 2006).
As leprosy services improve, diagnosis
comes earlier and disability declines; this is already happening in
many places. Later, in
some areas though perhaps not all, leprosy itself starts to decline. The question then arises, how
will rehabilitation services, including surgery, be justified and
maintained for those affected by leprosy? The answer, I believe, is to
extend these services into the wider community in need of such
services.
Leprosy is not the main cause of disabilities
correctable by surgery in India or anywhere else. Road traffic accidents top the
list and diabetes may not be far behind. By extending into these areas,
services for leprosy might be maintained.
With best wishes,
Anthony Bryceson
