The Work of the Leprosy Mission

The Work of the Leprosy Missionfounded 1874Ministering in the name of Jesus to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of leprosy sufferers around the world and those with similar disabilities.

1Regions of Care

LeprosyAn infectious disease caused by a bacteriumMycobacterium lepraeAffects skin and eyes and muscles such as hands and feet Attacks nerves in the cool part of the bodyIf not attended to immediately, it causes deformitiesWhat is leprosy?A disease.

The DiseaseInitial SymptomsDevelopment of clearly defined pale skin patches indicating isolation of bacteriumIn extreme cases there is little definition between patches and healthy skinThe DiseaseProgression of DiseaseNumbness in hand and feetPatient is susceptible to cuts, infections and feels no painStiffened musclesLoss of the blinking reflex in the eye can lead to blindnessIn some cases, amputation of hand and feet is necessaryThe Disease (continued)Thought to be infectiousCommunicated through airborne dropletsSneezing or coughingAbout 1,100 new cases detected each dayOver 95% of the population are naturally immuneThis is Basarul.

He has leprosy.Facts about LeprosyOne child is diagnosed with leprosy every 2 minutesSince 1982, over 15 million people have been cured of leprosy with multi-drug therapyThere were over 224,000 cases of leprosy at the beginning of 2007How Does Leprosy Affect People?Leprosy affects people both socially and emotionallyThere are many myths and fears about this diseasePeople who contract leprosy are ostracizedYoung children, adults, anyone who contracts leprosy are often forced out of their homes and communitiesPeople sometimes cannot work

Leprosy in the PastThe history of leprosyHistory of LeprosyLeprosy has existed since biblical timesOnce existed in Europe from 12000 BCE, it has since disappeared in EuropeCanada once had 3 leprosy coloniesLeprosy still exists in many countries in Asia, Latin America, and AfricaLeprosy and CanadaLeprosy no longer a threat in CanadaCame to Canada in 19th century through immigration and infected sailorsLasted until the mid 20th centuryThose with leprosy were sent to DArcy Island in British Columbia or Sheldrake Island in New BrunswickThose with leprosy in Canada endured the same isolation as elsewhere in the worldModern History of Leprosy1893: Doctor Armaur Hansen of Norway discovers M. Leprae bacilli1950s: Doctors begin using Dapsone to treat leprosy1982: Leprosy develops resistance to Dapsone; the World Health Organization recommends multi-drug treatmentModern History of Leprosy (contd)Since 1982, Multi-Drug Therapy has made a huge impact1985 leprosy was considered a health problem in 122 countriesWork has been progressing steadily toward a vaccineAmerican Leprosy Missions and The Leprosy Mission Canada are continuing to help fund research.The Ideal16What are people doing about it?There is a cure, and were bringing it to those who need it.The CureCuring people of leprosy is a complex processMust respond to social as well as physical conditionThe cure is made of three different antibiotics: Dapsone,Rifampicin, Clofazimineknown together as multi-drug therapy

18The Cure

MDT can cure leprosy in as little as 6 months, and for more advanced cases, up to 2 yearGetting people to finish the cure is sometimes problematic considering the length of time they need to take the medicationThe Cure (continued)Leprosy does not cause pain but the process of curing leprosy can be very painful to patientsPatients can have negative reaction to drugsMDT can cause inflammation of nerves painful swellingPatient may develop nodules on their body caused by painful swelling of nerve endingsThe Cure (continued)

Patients can experience pain after amputation or reconstructive surgeryCuring people with leprosy results in a return to family and to the community and a return to work and a purposeful lifeBinta in Reaction to Leprosy Treatment

Binta at Amanawa Hospital

Catch Them Young ProgramVocational Training

Low Cost HousingMicro Loan ProgramLeprosy in the World Today250,000 new cases per year16 countries with 1000+ new cases~15 million completed MDT3+ million with continuing disability194,000 disability adjusted livesWHO Enhanced Strategy 2011 20151 of 17 Neglected Tropical Diseases26Background of Neglected Tropical DiseasesSignificant morbidity (1 billion affected)Strong association with povertyFlourish in poor environmentsTend to co-existPrevalent in tropical areasLargely hidden rural, remote, slumsSilent no political voiceMillennium Development GoalsLeprosy work can be linked to 5 MDGs:MDG 6 Reducing the burden of diseaseMDG 1 Reduction of povertyMDG 2 Education of childrenMDG 5 Maternal healthMDG 8 Partnerships

WHO Enhanced Global StrategyEarly case detection and treatmentPrevention of disabilityCommunity based rehabilitationPriority: equity, social exclusion, human rights, discriminationMonitor the threat of drug resistanceLeprosy and Our Call as CatholicsJesus reached out to think and touched those affected by leprosy to restore them to health and wholenessOur Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the dignity of all persons regardless of physical appearanceCatholic social teaching also calls us to respond to the poor and marginalized everywhereLeprosy and Our Call as CatholicsJesus taught us the importance of prayer and sacrifice for othersWe can pray for those affected by leprosyWe can fundraise to support multi-drug therapyWe can raise awareness of the need to respect the dignity of all personsWe can work to alleviate the link between leprosy and poverty in developing countriesTo learn more about leprosy, visitwww.answeringthecall.ca