DILI, 31 january 2024 (TATOLI) – Non-Governmental Organization, Leprosy Mission Timor-Leste (LMTL) calls for ending leprosy stigma in Timor-Leste.
LMTL Director, Afliana Lisnahan dos Reis made the call as the people affected by leprosy continue to suffer discrimination and lack of access to medical care in the country.
Reis highlighted the importance of considering the triple zero campaign in the country to end stigma and discrimination against people living with leprosy.
The Three Zeros of Leprosy (zero transmission, zero disability, and zero stigmas and discrimination) are interrelated, so early identification of leprosy is an emergent need to diagnose and prevent life-prolonged impairments and stop ongoing transmission.
LMTL is committed to continue sensitizing communities to contribute to ending stigma and discrimination against people living with leprosy.
LMTL is committed to continue prioritizing early diagnosis and contact tracing to eliminate leprosy in Timor-Leste by 2035.
Reis also raised the importance of working in partnership with all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the organization of persons with disabilities in Timor-Leste to eliminate leprosy in the country.
In 2021, MoH recorded 150 cases of leprosy in eight municipalities and the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). The number is even higher in the communities, as many family members living with leprosy have not sought treatment in hospitals.
Since 2000, the Ministry of Health has registered more than 5.000 cases of leprosy in Timor-Leste.
On the occasion of the celebration of World Leprosy Day 2024, with the theme: ‘Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity’, world leaders raise the importance of addressing the social and psychological aspects of leprosy, alongside the medical efforts to eliminate the disease.
World Leprosy Day 2024 which was celebrated on january 28 served as a reminder to ‘Leave No One Behind’. It advocates for ‘Zero Discrimination’ and the goal to ‘Beat Leprosy’. This day is not only focused on raising awareness about the disease but also emphasizes the importance of embracing the dignity of those affected by it.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomeno Martins
