By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Leprosy Day on January 25, health officials are renewing calls for greater public awareness, stressing that leprosy is curable, but stigma continues to prevent many people from seeking timely treatment.
World Leprosy Day 2026 is being observed under the theme “Leprosy is curable. The real challenge is stigma.”
According to Nurse Mandy Ali of the National Leprosy Programme, fear of discrimination and social rejection remains one of the biggest obstacles to early diagnosis and treatment. She explained that many individuals hesitate to seek medical attention even when they notice symptoms, allowing the disease to progress unnecessarily.
Ali noted that the number of reported cases fluctuates from year to year, largely due to limited awareness of the disease’s clinical signs and symptoms. She emphasised that anyone who visits a public health facility can be referred to the National Leprosy Programme, where treatment is readily available.
Early intervention, she said, allows patients to complete treatment successfully and significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Leprosy develops slowly and is not easily contracted, requiring prolonged close contact—often over several years—with an untreated person.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious condition that primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. While it is fully curable with medication, the World Health Organization reports that more than 200,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year, largely due to delayed treatment linked to stigma and misinformation.
Ali explained that many misconceptions surrounding leprosy are rooted in myths and biblical interpretations, causing individuals with visible skin lesions to be unfairly shunned. She said removing these deep-seated beliefs is key to encouraging people to come forward for early diagnosis and treatment, enabling them to live normal, productive lives.
The National Leprosy Programme operates a daily clinic and conducts extensive fieldwork across the country. In addition to Georgetown, outreach activities are regularly conducted in Regions One, Five, Six, and Eight to ensure patients in remote areas continue to receive care.
As part of World Leprosy Day activities, the programme plans to engage both current and former patients to better understand their experiences, challenges, and concerns. Ali also urged families and caregivers to provide support and understanding to those living with the disease.
Health officials continue to stress that leprosy is not a life sentence, and with early diagnosis and treatment, full recovery is possible.
