31 Jan 2021 / 11:05 H.
KUALA LUMPUR: The stigma and discrimination against leprosy are among problems still faced by lepers who eventually contribute to the spread of the disease in the community, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. (pix)
He said this negative view caused patients and their close contacts to not only refuse to go to the clinic, but they also refused to be screened and treated for leprosy.
“Let us work together to eradicate or reduce the stigma and discrimination, which are believed to be one of the causes of the spread of leprosy among family members and community in endemic localities in Malaysia,“ he said in a statement issued in conjunction with World Leprosy Day 2021, themed “Together Stop Leprosy”.