Mauritania’s Path to Zero Leprosy Cases: Progress and Challenges
Mauritania has achieved a notable decline in leprosy cases, reporting only 17 new cases in 2023. Efforts include improved prevention, active case finding, and combating stigma. Health workers provide treatment support, and community awareness drives contribute to a treatment completion rate of over 90%. WHO continues to assist in these endeavors, reinforcing the importance of early detection and effective treatment to achieve zero cases of leprosy.
Mauritania has made remarkable progress in reducing leprosy cases, reporting only 17 new cases in 2023 compared to 42 in 2010. The decline is attributed to enhanced prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. Key initiatives include early diagnosis, treatment for complications, and efforts to diminish stigma associated with the disease.
Residents like Mariam from Arafat district experience the challenges of stigma after being diagnosed, initially mistaking leprosy for a simple skin issue. Despite the diagnosis, she focused on her treatment, expressing, “the hardest part was coping with the stigma: the looks and judgments of other people were often too hard to bear.”
Active screening in at-risk, low-income communities is crucial for early case detection. Dr. Salma Yahya emphasizes that treatment requires a full course of 6 to 12 months, and assures that patients are non-contagious once treatment begins. This proactive approach increases chances of recovery and minimizes the spread of the disease.
Health officials stress public awareness and encourage prompt medical intervention. Dr. Elhadj Malick Kane states, “We ensure that anyone affected by this disease, wherever they are, have equal chance to be diagnosed and treated.” These efforts play an essential role in the country’s public health strategy against leprosy.
Mauritania has effectively eliminated leprosy as a public health challenge, thanks to support from the Ministry of Health and WHO. WHO’s ongoing support includes training over 30 health workers and providing essential medicines. The treatment completion rate has risen to over 90% due to these combined efforts.
Dr. Babacar Dieye emphasizes the importance of ongoing support for leprosy elimination, highlighting that thousands have been cured through free treatments. He advocates for early detection, effective treatment, and raising community awareness to halt transmission completely.
With a focus on stigma reduction, health campaigns aim to correct misconceptions about leprosy. Dr. Yahya points out, “Leprosy is often perceived as a disease that causes disability and many mistakenly believe that it has been eradicated.” Awareness initiatives help demystify the disease and reduce stigma.
Leprosy screening is now integrated into Mauritania’s comprehensive NTD control program. Follow-up care for patients like Mariam is crucial for monitoring health and managing complications. She recalls, “I had monthly appointments to check my health… the quality of care I received was excellent.”
Mauritania’s commitment to combating leprosy has significantly reduced case numbers, with only 17 new diagnoses reported in 2023. Key strategies include active case detection, treatment, and efforts to tackle stigma associated with the disease. Support from the WHO and local health initiatives ensures ongoing training and resources, leading to improved treatment outcomes and higher completion rates. Through public awareness campaigns, Mauritania aims for zero leprosy cases by enhancing understanding and reducing misconceptions about the disease.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
