The leprosy in Papua New Guinea
- Author:
Khang Hau Tran
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
leprosy
- MeSH:
leprosy;
Leprosy, Lepromatous
- From:Journal of Practical Medicine
2002;435(11):13-16
- CountryViet Nam
- Language:Vietnamese
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Abstract:
The author involved in the National Leprosy Elimination Program (NLEP) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a WHO consultant has studied the epidemiological status of the disease from 1980 -2000. The result are shown as follow: - Before implementing multi-drug therapy (MDT), the prevalence rate (PR) of the disease was very high (28.1 per 10,000 population). - After 5 years of MDT introduction, the registered cases reduced dramatically and PR declined to 50%. - Distribution of leprosy was even in the different areas. This related possibly to environment, hygiene, living condition and health net work. - After 10 years of implementing the NLEP, PNG has reached already the goal of leprosy elimination with PR less than 1 per 10,000. - MTD has proved to be very effective in treatment of leprosy. It has important role in changing epidemiological status of leprosy in PNG
