Leprosy
Mailing List – October 5th, 2010
Ref.: Research
groups discussing on future priority researches
From:
Francesca
C. Gajete,
Manila
, The
Philippines
Dear
Prof Ryan,
Thank you for tackling this issue (leprosy mailing list – Sept.
25th, 2010) as these are the same challenges I am experiencing in the
Philippines
as the national programme manager. I
do agree with you particularly with your issue with the Neglected
Tropical Diseases (NTD) wherein in my country, with WHO NTD/Stop
Tuberculosis and Leprosy
Programme, leprosy is just an attachment or appendage of a title.
For
example, in the recently held meeting of the Disease Reference Group (DRG)
for Research on Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer, leprosy
group was invited to a one day activity in a 3-day meeting wherein TB
had the full agenda. We
are just lucky that Dr Diana Lockwood was there, otherwise, no other
leprosy expert was around to discuss with us. I
do appreciate though the support I am getting from Dr Steve Lyons as
far as multi-drug therapy drug supply is concerned but even if there
is a Global NTD meetings, leprosy programme is not equally
represented, from our end it is the Filaria programme which is given
priority and called upon on these meetings.
As for government, I am assisted by the coordinators from the local
government units in advocating to the Local chief executives ownership
of the programme especially stressing the fact that sustaining the
elimination level, decreasing the disease burden and addressing the
stigma and human rights dimension is more challenging and more costly.
However, you are right
we need reference materials and more frequent dialogues with
policymakers to strengthen this advocacy.
Lastly, local NTD people consider leprosy as a disease of the poorest
of the poor. You and I
know that the Mycobacterium leprae cannot and does not
recognize economic status, but we are also aware why leprosy is
considered so.
Best
regards,
Francesca C. Gajete, MD; MHA
National
Leprosy Control Program Manager
Department
of Health,
Manila
,
Philippines
