Mauritania progressing towards zero leprosy cases

Nouakchott – Mauritania has witnessed a huge decline in leprosy cases since thanks to sustained efforts which grasp ended in improvements in prevention, detection and treatment. Simplest 17 original cases had been recorded in 2023 compared with 42 reported in 2010.

Amongst the necessary facets in the country’s fight against leprosy – an infectious bacterial disease that basically affects the pores and skin, nerves and mucous membranes and can reason severe disabilities if no longer detected early and handled – are prevention, bright case finding, treatment of concerns and combating stigma.

For Mariam*, a resident of Arafat district in the capital of Nouakchott, going through stigma after being identified with the disease, which she in the open even though changed into as soon as a straightforward pores and skin thunder, has been especially tough, she says. “I changed into as soon as shocked by the leprosy evaluation, however I determined to preserve unruffled and take care of the treatment. The toughest part changed into as soon as going throughout the stigma: the appears to be and judgements of assorted other folks had been veritably too demanding to undergo.”

In at-possibility communities, especially low earnings and with restricted receive admission to to neatly being care, an brisk screening draw helps in early case detection, increasing the potentialities of restoration without sequelae and curbing the unfold of the disease. “To be efficient, the plump course of the treatment ought to be adopted, between 6 and one year, reckoning on the severity of the case. A patient under treatment is rarely 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.