KATIMA MULILO – Namibia has made significant strides in controlling leprosy, but the infectious disease remains a global public health concern, health minister Kalumbi Shangula has said.
He made the remarks at the belated commemoration of World Leprosy Day at the Kongola settlement in the Zambezi region last Thursday.

Shangula said the ministry continues to promote education to combat the stigma surrounding leprosy and support early detection and treatment across Namibia.
He noted that the ministry, through its Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Master Plan for 2023-2027, aims to drastically interrupt leprosy transmission by 2027.

“Regions such as Oshana, Kavango West, Kavango East, Khomas and Zambezi have reported various cases – some new and some relapses, amounting to 28 cases in total for the current financial year,” he said.
He reiterated that there are approximately 200 000 new cases reported globally each year as revealed by the World Health Organisation.

 Most cases occur in countries such as India, Brazil and Indonesia.
In the African region, leprosy incidences have shown a gradual decline over the years.

 However, some countries, including those in West and Central Africa, continue to report relatively high case numbers. 

Challenges are compounded by factors such as delayed diagnoses, socio-economic barriers and the stigma associated with the disease.

This often leads to under-reporting, Shangula added.
Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, characterised by a range of symptoms that can significantly affect individuals if left untreated. 

Common symptoms include patches of discoloured skin, loss of feeling or sensation in the affected areas, muscle weakness, and facial deformities in severe cases.
“It is crucial for anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek healthcare promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent long-term disabilities,” Shangula advised.

Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu, who was represented by Kongola constituency councillor Bennety Busihu, commended the ministry’s programmes aimed at educating the community on how to handle leprosy and many other diseases.

World Leprosy Day is aimed at fostering dialogue, dispelling myths and promoting understanding about leprosy.
-Nampa