Maria David
MINISTER of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula said leprosy remains a significant public health concern, particularly in certain regions of the world.
Shangula made the remarks during the 5th commemoration of World Leprosy Day in Namibia, held on Thursday.
According to the WHO, approximately 200,000 new cases are reported globally each year, with the majority occurring in countries such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia.
In the African region, leprosy incidences have shown a gradual decline over the years, but some countries, including those in West and Central Africa, continue to report relatively high case numbers.
However, Shangula indicated that the challenges in Africa are compounded by factors such as delayed diagnoses, socio-economic barriers, and the stigma associated with the disease, which often leads to underreporting.
In Namibia, he said that although they have largely eliminated leprosy as a public health concern—defined as having fewer than one case per 10,000 people—sporadic cases persist.
“Our goal is to drastically interrupt leprosy transmission by 2027,” he said.
He added that regions such as Oshana, Kavango West, Kavango East, Khomas, and Zambezi have reported various cases—some new, some relapses—amounting to 28 cases in total for the current financial year.
Furthermore, Shangula said that the National TB and Leprosy Programme’s recent leprosy assessment in the Oshana, Omusati, and Kavango West regions brought 11 new cases to light, emphasizing the critical need for continued vigilance and action.
“Although, in previous times, individuals affected by leprosy were referred to a select number of health facilities in Namibia for treatment, we now effectively treat and cure this disease at district hospitals across Namibia with a combination of antibiotics referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT) medicines, in accordance with WHO guidelines,” he added.
Shangula indicated that leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly affect individuals if left untreated.
He said that common symptoms include patches of discolored skin, loss of feeling or sensation in the affected areas, muscle weakness, and facial deformities in severe cases.
Shangula stressed that it is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek healthcare promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preventing long-term disabilities.
