Leprosy returns to Bangladesh

Jan 30th, 2012

Bangladesh was declared free of leprosy 13 years ago by the World Health Organisation - but the disease has now returned to the capital Dhaka as well as rural areas.

The announcement was made yesterday at a rally in Khagrachhari in the southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts to mark World Leprosy Day.

About 500 people attended the event, organized by Chittagong Leprosy Control Mission, part of The Leprosy Mission International, (TLMI) an NGO working to increase awareness about diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

District deputy commissioner Anisul Haque said the area was among the most risky places for leprosy, because the tribal people were very unaware of the disease and it carries a great stigma.

Sanay Tripura, 42, a Catholic and local TLMI medical officer, said there are about 4,500 leprosy patients in the country today. He said the chance of catching the disease in the region is around one in 10,000.

According to TLMI, 3,800 fresh leprosy cases were found last year with 732 being Dhaka city dwellers.

Source: UCAN

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