Nouakchott – Mauritania has witnessed a essential decline in leprosy cases since thanks to sustained efforts which possess led to enhancements in prevention, detection and medicine. Totally 17 novel cases were recorded in 2023 in comparison with 42 reported in 2010.
Amongst the most well-known facets within the country’s struggle against leprosy – an infectious bacterial illness that basically impacts the skin, nerves and mucous membranes and could presumably trigger excessive disabilities if not detected early and handled – are prevention, piquant case finding, medicine of complications and combating stigma.
For Mariam*, a resident of Arafat district within the capital of Nouakchott, going through stigma after being diagnosed with the illness, which she within the inspiration even though became as soon as a easy skin peril, has been in particular refined, she says. “I became as soon as stunned by the leprosy diagnosis, nonetheless I made a decision to defend level-headed and heart of attention on the medicine. The toughest phase became as soon as coping with the stigma: the looks and judgements of assorted folks were continuously too exhausting to have.”
In at-ache communities, in particular low earnings and with tiny access to effectively being care, an brisk screening gadget helps in early case detection, rising the potentialities of restoration without sequelae and curbing the unfold of the illness. “To be effective, the stout direction of the medicine could furthermore level-headed be adopted, between 6 and 365 days, reckoning on the severity of the case. A patient below medicine will not be any longer contagious,” says Dr Salma Yahya, dermatologist and medical officer in charge of diagnosing and treating patients with leprosy at the National Hospital Centre of Nouakchott.
In the efforts to raise public awareness and reduce stigma, health personnel and community workers insist on the importance of seeking early medical attention. “We ensure that anyone affected by this disease, wherever they are, have equal chance to be diagnosed and treated,” says Dr Elhadj Malick Kane, coordinator of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.
Mauritania eliminated leprosy as a public health problem. Thanks to sustained efforts by the Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners.
WHO continues to support Mauritania in addressing the threat of leprosy. More than 30 health workers have been trained in early diagnosis and effective treatment. The Organization provides medicines and supports contact tracing as well as diagnosis and preventive treatment within families and communities to interrupt transmission. Thanks to the holistic approach that comprises treatment, public awareness drives and monitoring of patients has seen treatment completion rate rise to over 90% in 2023.
“Thousands of patients have been cured thanks to the free treatment. We are continuing our efforts to support the country to achieve interruption of transmission and complete elimination of leprosy through early detection, effective treatment and enhanced community awareness,” says Dr Babacar Dieye, in charge of encompass neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) at WHO in Mauritania. Our support covers all neglected tropical diseases to strengthen the country’s health system and sustainably improve the quality of life of the populations.”
Mauritania is working towards interrupting transmission and achieving zero cases of leprosy. Combating stigma is a key component in achieving these goals. “Leprosy is often perceived as a disease that cause disability and many mistakenly believe that it has been eradicated. This [belief] fuels stigma,” says Dr Yahya. “With awareness campaigns, the population understands the disease better, and this helps to reduce stigma.”
Mauritania has also integrated leprosy screening and treatment into its comprehensive NTD control programme. For patients, post-treatment monitoring is helping to manage complications and reduce the chances of recurrence.
“I had monthly appointments to check my health and adjust the treatment if necessary,” says Mariam. My doctor always answered my questions and reassured me about the treatment and follow-up. The quality of care I received was excellent.”
* Not her real name.
