By: Selma Taapopi

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has reported a steady increase in the number of reported leprosy cases in the country over a four-year period between 2017 and 2020. According to the Ministry, there were 11 cases reported in 2017, 15 in 2018, 22 in 2019, and 27 in 2020 with a decrease of 20 cases in 2021. 

Speaking during the 7th commemoration of the World Leprosy Day at Katima Mulilo today, health minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula in a speech read on his behalf by Zambezi Governor Lawrence Sampofu, stated that the ministry recorded 22 leprosy cases last year. Of these cases, 11 were from the Kavango region, seven from the Zambezi region, three from Oshana, and one from the Omusati region.

Shangula added that many people with leprosy-caused disabilities suffer terrible discrimination, as they are often considered ‘cursed’ and prohibited from collecting water from the communal taps. Shangula states that the health ministry is educating the communities that the disease is mildly infectious and curable and not a curse for life.

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