Leprosy
Mailing List, April 16, 2009
Ref.:
Leprosy control in Brazil
From:
Lehman
L., Belo Orizonte, MG, Brazil
Dear
Salvatore
I have been following the communications about
Brazil
on the leprosy mailing list and also the publicity in the Brazilian
newspapers. I have worked
in
Brazil
for over 25 years.
I
am very proud that
Brazil
has the courage to step out and redefine a different strategy which
focuses on disease control, assures the numbers of new cases are
accurately calculated so there is not MDT shortages and areas
with detection among children are targeted.
In addition they seek to include and improve the quality of
care so that the issues in preventing disability and rehabilitation
are not ignored but a part of the Strategy.
They realize to control, to care and to eliminate the problems
associated with the disease is important but it will require
commitment and a political desire for all to work together.
I know they have taken this position based on their
professional expertise, scientific work and knowledge of the realities
in
Brazil
.
Brazil
has clearly defined their direction for Hansenīs disease CONTROL,
TREATMENT and CARE so
that the PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DISEASE MIGHT TRULY BE
ELIMINATED. I hope others
can learn from the Brazilian experience and have the courage to also
make this kind of commitment.
Linda
Lehman,
Technical
Consultant for American Leprosy Missions.
Linda
F. Lehman, OTR MPH C.Ped
American Leprosy Missions, Technical Consultant
WEB: www.leprosy.org
Tel/Fax Brazil 55-31-3476-6842 or 55-31-9637-5576
