Problems and challenges in rehabilitation of people with leprosy

Abstract EN

The advent of multi-drug therapy has changed the nature of the "leprosy problem" from one of curing leprosy to that of dealing with the physical, social, and economic consequences of having had leprosy.

Leprosy programmes however, are yet to recognise this change.

Less than 1% of the people with leprosy are beggars and a substantial proportion does not have stigmatising deformities.

Further, 20% to 75% of those with visible impairments are elderly persons over 45 years of age.

Those with primary impairments due to leprosy have a life-long risk of developing secondary impairments like ulceration or contracture.

Training in disability prevention is therefore, an integral part of any rehabilitation programme for people with leprosy.

It is suggested that data on demographic, physical and socio-economic characteristics of people with leprosy, and their rehabilitation needs, must be collected, to develop a planned programme with a variety of interventions to meet their requirements in rehabilitation.