Link made between leprosy and psychiatric problems -as Guyana joins ‘zero discrimination’ movement

Jan 30, 2019 News

Persons infected with leprosy have been found to have a higher prevalence of psychiatric problems than the general population of patients with other diseases.
This is according to Director of Leprosy Control within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Heather Morris–Wilson. She pointed out that depression can reinforce feelings of social exclusion, interfere with work and daily life, reduce social interaction, and lead to further isolation and in severe cases can even lead to suicide.
“Depression in people affected by leprosy is complex and multifaceted, both a consequence and a cause. Indeed, the depression may also lead to or accentuate a lack of self care which can worsen impairments,” Dr. Morris-Wilson shared.
She went on to point out that the experience of depression in people affected by leprosy is not just an individual issue but is linked to the social context, that is, the ethical and moral values of the society. For this reason, the Leprosy Control Director underscored that “it is important for health professionals and community members to realise the pervasive history and meanings of the disease for people.”
Alluding to a study, Dr. Morris-Wilson shared that it has been found that even health care workers have been known to have negative attitudes towards persons with leprosy patients due to their lack of knowledge. According to the health official, “little do they realise that their stigma can and has negatively influenced patients’ health-seeking behaviours.”
She moreover noted that it is imperative that research be conducted to effectively implement public policies that ensure the full exercise of human rights, especially access to health care and education and reduce discrimination of those affected by leprosy.
For this very reason, the World Health Organisation and other organisations dedicated to the fight against leprosy are calling for “Zero discrimination against those affected by leprosy.” But organisations cannot achieve this zero discrimination goal in isolation, Dr. Morris-Wilson related.
She has firmly embraced the view that in order for change to be realised when it comes to leprosy, “government, civil society, health professionals and especially those affected by leprosy need to come together, think and act to build a world free from leprosy and discrimination.”
Dr. Morris-Wilson added, “We in Guyana must not forget that leprosy is still relevant and there are many reasons why we must talk openly about leprosy, stigma and its effect on mental health.”
Moreover, a valiant effort has been engaged to fight discrimination against this disease and by extension mental health.

Leprosy Control Director, Dr. Heather Morris –Wilson.

Emphasis in this regard was brought to the fore as World Leprosy Day 2019 [January 27] was observed under the theme: “Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice.”
Leprosy is said to be one of the oldest recorded diseases that exists today and has been a major public health problem in many developing countries for centuries. It is said to be an infectious chronic disease of the skin and nerves, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body such as the hands, feet, and this disease leads to gradual loss of nerve-endings, fingers and toes.
According to Dr. Morris-Wilson, leprosy is known to affect all age groups and both sexes and generally manifests outwardly with a patch on the skin that is a little lighter than an individual’s normal skin complexion. “The skin patch will have a partial or total loss of sensation, which is caused when the bacterium invades and destroys the nerves in the skin,” related the Leprosy Control Director.
Transmitted in Guyana, in 2017 a total of 67 new leprosy cases were identified among which six percent were children and 10 cases or 15 percent of patients with visible deformities. Last year too, a total of 49 new leprosy cases were notified, among which seven [14 percent] were children and 12 cases or 27 percent of patients had visible deformities.
Beyond the effects of the disease itself, people affected by leprosy experience stigma, discrimination and many limitations imposed by society. They are often excluded and their human rights violated. In fact, Dr. Morris-Wilson said, “stigma, discrimination and prejudice continue, though the disease can be treated and cured with antibiotics” thus amplifying the need for more efforts to be plugged into ensuring that persons with leprosy are no longer marginalised.