Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Twenty five years have passed since it became possible to treat leprosy: it suffices to take medicine for a year and in most cases the bacillus disappears completely. Nevertheless today leprosy is still not just one of many diseases.
Anchilo, a small town 20 km from Nampula, in Nampula district, in Nampula province, is the epicentre of leprosy in Mozambique with one of the highest rates of new cases in the world. Ten years ago the government of Mozambique vowed to work seriously to control and eventually eliminate leprosy. This has been achieved in some parts of the country mainly in the south. However in the northern provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Nassa, Zambesia and Manica, new cases are still being registered.
Idea Mozambique is an association for integration, dignity, self supporting, its members are people with leprosy. The association was started in Anchilo six months ago at a Medical Centre run by the Comboni sisters. Idea Mozambique and AIFO have launched a programme for the prevention and treatment of leprosy which aims also to eliminate discrimination against people who suffer from this illness and guarantee them equal dignity and rights. (AP) (12/6/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:21; Parole:234)
