Upload
frederick-ding
View
960
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Work of the Leprosy Missionfounded 1874
Ministering in the name of Jesus to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of leprosy sufferers around the world and those with similar disabilities.
Regions of Care
Leprosy
An infectious disease caused by a bacteriumMycobacterium leprae
Affects skin and eyes and muscles such as hands and feet
Attacks nerves in the cool part of the body
If not attended to immediately, it causes deformities
What is leprosy?A disease.
The Disease
Initial SymptomsDevelopment of clearly defined pale
skin patches indicating isolation of bacterium
In extreme cases there is little definition between patches and healthy skin
The Disease
Progression of DiseaseNumbness in hand and feetPatient is susceptible to cuts,
infections and feels no painStiffened musclesLoss of the blinking reflex in the eye
can lead to blindnessIn some cases, amputation of hand
and feet is necessary
The Disease (continued)
Thought to be infectiousCommunicated through airborne
dropletsSneezing or coughingAbout 1,100 new cases detected
each dayOver 95% of the population are
naturally immune
This is Basarul.
He has leprosy.
Facts about Leprosy
One child is diagnosed with leprosy every 2 minutes
Since 1982, over 15 million people have been cured of leprosy with multi-drug therapy
There were over 224,000 cases of leprosy at the beginning of 2007
How Does Leprosy Affect People?
Leprosy affects people both socially and emotionally
There are many myths and fears about this disease
People who contract leprosy are ostracized
Young children, adults, anyone who contracts leprosy are often forced out of their homes and communities
People sometimes cannot work
Leprosy in the PastThe history of leprosy
History of Leprosy
Leprosy has existed since biblical times
Once existed in Europe from 1–2000 BCE, it has since disappeared in Europe
Canada once had 3 leprosy coloniesLeprosy still exists in many countries
in Asia, Latin America, and Africa
Leprosy and Canada
Leprosy no longer a threat in Canada
Came to Canada in 19th century through immigration and infected sailors
Lasted until the mid 20th century
Those with leprosy were sent to D’Arcy Island in British Columbia or Sheldrake Island in New Brunswick
Those with leprosy in Canada endured the same isolation as elsewhere in the world
Modern History of Leprosy
1893: Doctor Armaur Hansen of Norway discovers M. Leprae bacilli
1950s: Doctors begin using Dapsone to treat leprosy
1982: Leprosy develops resistance to Dapsone; the World Health Organization recommends multi-drug treatment
Modern History of Leprosy (cont’d)
Since 1982, Multi-Drug Therapy has made a huge impact
1985 leprosy was considered a health problem in 122 countries
Work has been progressing steadily toward a vaccine
American Leprosy
Missions and The Leprosy
Mission Canada
are continuing to help fund
research.
The “Ideal”
Find every case of leprosy at an early stage
Distribute the cure
Have people remain in their communities and be productive members of society
What are people doing about it?There is a cure, and we’re bringing it to those who need it.
“The Cure”
Curing people of leprosy is a complex process
Must respond to social as well as physical condition
The cure is made of three different antibiotics: Dapsone,Rifampicin, Clofazimineknown together as multi-drug therapy
The Cure
MDT can cure leprosy in as little as 6 months, and for more advanced cases, up to 2 year
Getting people to finish the cure is sometimes problematic considering the length of time they need to take the medication
The Cure (continued)
Leprosy does not cause pain but the process of curing leprosy can be very painful to patients
Patients can have negative reaction to drugs
MDT can cause inflammation of nerves painful swellingPatient may develop nodules on their body
caused by painful swelling of nerve endings
The Cure (continued)
Patients can experience pain after amputation or reconstructive surgery
Curing people with leprosy results in a return to family and to the community and a return to work and a purposeful life
Binta in Reaction to Leprosy Treatment
Binta at Amanawa Hospital
Catch Them Young Program
Vocational Training
Low Cost Housing
Micro Loan Program
Leprosy in the World Today
250,000 new cases per year16 countries with 1000+ new cases~15 million completed MDT3+ million with continuing disability194,000 disability adjusted livesWHO Enhanced Strategy 2011 – 20151 of 17 Neglected Tropical Diseases
Background of Neglected Tropical Diseases
Significant morbidity (1 billion affected)
Strong association with povertyFlourish in poor environmentsTend to co-existPrevalent in tropical areasLargely hidden – rural, remote, slumsSilent – no political voice
Millennium Development Goals
Leprosy work can be linked to 5 MDGs:MDG 6 – Reducing the burden of diseaseMDG 1 – Reduction of poverty
MDG 2 – Education of children
MDG 5 – Maternal healthMDG 8 – Partnerships
WHO Enhanced Global Strategy
Early case detection and treatmentPrevention of disabilityCommunity based rehabilitationPriority: equity, social exclusion,
human rights, discriminationMonitor the threat of drug
resistance
Leprosy and Our Call as Catholics
Jesus reached out to think and touched those affected by leprosy to restore them to health and wholeness
Our Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the dignity of all persons regardless of physical appearance
Catholic social teaching also calls us to respond to the poor and marginalized everywhere
Leprosy and Our Call as Catholics
Jesus taught us the importance of prayer and sacrifice for others
We can pray for those affected by leprosyWe can fundraise to support multi-drug
therapyWe can raise awareness of the need to
respect the dignity of all personsWe can work to alleviate the link between
leprosy and poverty in developing countries
To learn more about leprosy, visitwww.answeringthecall.ca