The 7th commemoration of World Leprosy Day was celebrated in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region under the theme "Beat Leprosy."
Dr.Kalumbi Shangula, in his keynote address read by the governor of the Zambezi Region, Alufea Sampofu, said that the theme encapsulates the dual objectives of eradicating the stigma associated with leprosy and promoting the dignity of people affected by the disease.
"It's not just the disease that is forgotten, but the people too. Every day, nearly 600 more people are diagnosed with and start treatment for leprosy. In 2022 alone, worldwide, south-east Asia reported 124,377 new cases of leprosy, contributing to the worldwide statistics of 174,059 new cases of leprosy that year. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a curable chronic infectious disease, and it is estimated that millions more go undiagnosed. This is no different in Namibia."
He added that the Ministry of Health has been vigilant in recognising signs and symptoms of the disease.
"In providing treatment to new cases and in meeting the needs of those who developed disabilities due to the disease, I can also share with you that there has been early detection of leprosy going on in regions like Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi, |Khomas, and the regions."
The day also included a visit to Nyambe Mushwaule, one of the affected residents residing in Mubiza, who has been suffering from leprosy since 2014.
It took years for medical professionals to diagnose him with the disease, he says.
"I could not walk; I had to be helped with movement even with just moving outside to sit under the tree; I had to be held for me to get there; even when I got to the hospital, I was put on a wheelchair until they administered tests by cutting a piece of my skin to take to the lab because they could not detect the disease through blood tests, but rather the skin, so when I began treatment, I was finally able to start walking again. I'm able to do light chores and work now, but without staying too long under the sun because when I do, it feels like I'm melting."
Dr. Douglas Musweu, Senior Medical Officer at the Katima Mulilo State Hospital, highlighted the significance of hosting the event in the Zambezi region.
"We find ourselves in a situation where cases fluctuate; leprosy in Namibia right now is endemic, so it is classified as an endemic disease, so it is in our midst, mostly in the northern part of the country, which means Zambezi and Rundu are the ones probably clocking in higher numbers. It probably even helps us that this event today came to this side of ours just to create awareness."
He also reiterated that the number of cases recorded does not reflect the reality on the ground and that there is a need to restructure programmes aimed at awareness and treatment, as more still needs to be done in terms of funding.