Leprosy still a reality in Cameroon

Cameroon continues to save between 350 and 400 cases of leprosy per year despite its relegation as banal sickness and safe for the family of the person who are infected. This statistic was revealed on the occasion of the celebration, Sunday, of the 62nd world day for the fight against this disease.

"Several personalities who had spoken on the subject have recognized a certain relaxation in vigilance, regretting also that certain individuals, because of the character" shameful "disease, often report notify authorities when it has reached sensitive organs of the body.

About 282 new cases of leprosy was notified in recent months across the country, at the time where Cameroon, already in the standard of the World Health Organization (who) as having less cases of leprosy for 10,000 inhabitants, wants to translate this reality at the level of all its health districts.

Representatives of sick or old leper, interviewed by APA, also reported numerous difficulties of reintegration through ostracism and stigma that had led the authorities to close the internment centres.

Thus, on 24 leprosaria, five had been transformed into integrated health centres, 14 converted in villages while older patients were integrated into the community.

According to official estimates, close to one-third of all health districts of Cameroon remain endemic for leprosy while many patients or former patients continue to suffer stigma, even within families.