Two minors aged three and five are among the 30 people who are on medication for leprosy in Kasese district western Uganda, as it ravages the area.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age. It mainly affects the skin, eyes, nose and peripheral nerves.
Symptoms include light-coloured or red skin patches with reduced sensation, numbness and weakness in hands and feet. It can be cured with 6-12 months of multi-drug therapy. Early treatment prevents disability.
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The Kasese District TB and Leprosy Supervisor, Sajoni Kisomerya confirms that they registered 28 cases in 2023, adding that two more others have been registered this year. Out of 44 lower local governments in the district, Kisinga, Kyarumba and Kahokya sub-counties have already confirmed leprosy outbreak.
HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM? At Kagando hospital in Kisinga town council where Leprosy victims go for medication, Jackson Bwambale Kaze who heads the leprosy ward explains that the minors were brought to the facility when their conditions had worsened.
At the victims’ home in Kamughobe village in Kisinga sub-county, our reporter confirmed that the disease had already damaged their hands and other body parts especially the feet. The minors have already recovered because they were enrolled on medication, but the damage will permanently remain on their bodies.
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CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS: Kaze explains that the current cases of leprosy are clear indicators that if funds were available, more outreaches would be conducted and other cases identified before deterioration. He also confirms that some health workers have little knowledge about leprosy, calling upon the Ministry of Health to emphasize lessons on the infection in all health schools across the country. Story by RISE NEWS UGANDA NETWORK Health Team.
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