Leprosy Mailing List – September 4th,
2007
Ref.:
“I can do it myself!” (Self-care booklet)
From:
Chukwu
J., Enugu, Nigeria
"I can do it myself! Tips for people affected by
leprosy who want to prevent disabilities."
W.H.O. Regional Office for
South-East Asia, New Delhi
Dear Dr. Noto,
Thanks for your continued contribution to
leprosy control and public health practice through this excellent
medium.
I have read Hugh Cross’s response (LML August 22nd,
2007) to the concerns expressed by David Awcock on the potential
adverse connotation of the term “special” in referring to the
individual affected by leprosy in the booklet “I CAN DO IT MYSELF”
and felt impelled to contribute to the discussion.
First, I’d like to say that David’s concerns regarding a
possible backlash are understandable, especially in the context of a
disease whose history has been largely characterized by
“apartness”. However,
I am completely at one with Hugh Cross on his position that
recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness of each individual is
fundamental to self-care. Accordingly,
I urge that the term be retained as written. Permit me to observe that this
discussion is particularly important in this era of “self-care
groups” where (ex)patients are encouraged to meet and help each
other often for the purpose of healing their ulcers. In principle, there is nothing
wrong with this approach. Indeed,
when properly run, such a group has the potential to pool diverse
insights and experiences, with immense benefits for the individual
members. It must be
stressed however, that the primary vision of SELF CARE is to get all
persons affected by leprosy to assume responsibility for their
INDIVIDUAL care especially in preventing disabilities. Whether the patient pursues
this goal as an individual, as member of a group or both, is
immaterial. Let us not
forget that it remains the prerogative of the patient, taking account
of all the elements of his/her uniqueness, to decide whether to go
solo or become member of a group.
As responsible health workers, our role is to provide support
and encouragement while respecting the decisions of the patient.
Second and finally, I would greatly appreciate LML readers’
experiences or thoughts on how best to operationalise the use of the
booklet “I CAN DO IT MYSELF”.
Is the health worker to go through the booklet with each
patient one-on-one? If
so, should this take place in one session or more? How important are
demonstrations of the various techniques (to the patient) outlined in
the booklet? Is there any
role for treatment/care supporters?
Best Regards,
Joseph Chukwu
Enugu, Nigeria
