Friday, May 30, 2008
Clinical neurophysiology - Approach to leprosy neuropathy (3)
Ref.: “Clinical neurophysiology - Approach to leprosy neuropathy” – part III
From: Garbino J. A., Bauru, SP, Brazil
Dear All, In attachment to this message is part III of Dr J. A. Garbino’s, “Clinical neurophysiology - approach to leprosy neuropathy”. It is in PDF format (180 KB). The rest (parts IV-VIII) will be circulated in the coming days.
Best regards,
S. Noto
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Clinical neurophysiology - Approach to leprosy neuropathy
Ref.: “Clinical neurophysiology - Approach to leprosy neuropathy”
From: Garbino J. A., Bauru, SP, Brazil
Dear All,
It is with great pleasure that I forward the important paper of Dr J. A. Garbino, “Clinical neurophysiology - approach to leprosy neuropathy”, to the LML. It is a Power Point presentation and it has been divided in 8 parts. Part I and II are attached to this message. The rest will be circulated in the coming days.
Best regards,
S. Noto
Attachments:
(1) In Powerpoint file (part 1 & 2 combined)
(2) In PDF format (part 1 & 2 combined)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
Ref.: Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
From: Warren G., Sidney, Australia
Dear Salvatore,
Interested in this bit of correspondence and a couple of others that have recently come through.
Yes the care of the neuropathic limb was really perfected by Dr Paul Brand working in Karigiri and many diabetic specialists now acknowledge this and are grateful to have eh finer points we have developed in leprosy to pass on to their patients and students. My teaching now is that “IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE NEUROPATHY, THE MANAGEMENT IS VIRTUALLY THE SAME ONCE THE CAUSAL AGENT IS ADEQUATELY DEALT WITH.”
IN 1999 we published “The care of Neuropathic limbs a practical manual” by Grace Warren and Sydney Nade. It was published by Parthenon Publication who unfortunately are no longer publishing. As far as we can ascertain this is the only text book that does deal with the care of neuropathy as a medical entity and not just as a side effect of leprosy, or diabetes or any other problem. It deals with all the basic testing and methods of care but does not deal in great details with the surgical techniques applicable to those with neuropathy. Some of these are to be found in text books such as “Surgical Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in Leprosy and other Neuropathies” edited by Richard Schwartz and Wim Brandsma and published by EKTA in Nepal in 2004. I have also contributed a chapter on the surgery of leprosy that is often relevant in other neuropathies, to “Primary Surgery” Volume One Published by Oxford Medical Publications, in 1990.
Over 3000 copies of “The Care of Neuropathic limbs” have been sold and distributed round the world, many as gifts from The Leprosy Mission International to Leprosy Institutions, but also sold through the Internet and through TALC. When Parthenon closed down the remaining copies came to The Leprosy Mission in Box Hill Australia and we still have a few hundred copies for sale if required, from The Leprosy Mission, P. O. Box 293, Box Hill Vic 3128, Australia,
Email is: tlmaust@leprosymission.org.au
Good care of diabetic feet and neuropathy from other causes does depend very much on self care and getting the patients, his relatives and his carers, to understand that the main problems are reduced sensory perception and muscle weakness or paralysis. That the patient must understand what are his problems and attempt to care for himself. No one else can really do it for him 24 hours each day. I must agree with Dr Premkumar (LML May 8th, 2008) that a multidisciplinary approach is needed and we, who have done so much on detail what is needed, are still trying to spread the information right across the medical fields of the world.
Grace Warren
Am., M.D., M.S., FRCS., FRACS., F AOrth A.,
Previously Adviser in Leprosy and reconstructive surgery to The Leprosy Mission in Asia
Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
Ref.: Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
From: van Brakel W., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
I agree with William Faber (LML April 15th, 2008) on the importance of exploring joint foot care services for people affected by leprosy, diabetes and other neuropathies. Reliable figures, certainly published figures are very scarce. Recently, a few district-wide disability surveys were carried out in Indonesia among people released from treatment in the past 5 years. The results are being analysed at present. In one of districts, among ~16% of 304 people examined and interviewed had 1 or more wounds on hands or feet, about two-thirds of those on the feet. We need to await the results of the remaining districts, but if this is anything to go by, as much as 10% of former patients could have a lower limb wound problem.
In absolute numbers, these will be outnumbered by people with diabetic foot problems, particularly in years to come. China already has 700,000 lower limb amputations per year for reasons of diabetes and projected figures of diabetes in India are also astronomical (currently 35 million cases, rising to more than 70 million by 2025). For people with diabetes in developing countries, foot care services are often non-existent outside urban areas and even there they may not be able to cope with the required capacity. I think we should actively explore how services currently used for leprosy only could widen their scope to include people with other, but similar needs. I believe this would help sustainability of such services in the long run.
With best wishes,
Wim van Brakel
Report on stigma
Ref.: Report on stigma
From: Ryan T. J., Oxford, UK
Dear Salvatore,
Thank you for circulating Dr Gopal’s message on Stigma (LML May 19th, 2008). In attachment are my comments on this subject.
Your sincerely,
Terence J Ryan
Oxford
Workshops: “From Global Strategy to National Action”
Ref.: Workshops: “From Global Strategy to National Action”
From: Soutar D., London, UK
Dear Salvatore,
I would be grateful if you could post the following short news item regarding important workshops being facilitated by WHO and ILEP.
Many thanks,
Douglas Soutar
Mr Douglas Soutar
General Secretary
International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations
doug.soutaratilep.org.uk
http://www.ilep.org.uk/
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7602 6925
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Report of Pre Congress Workshop on "Stigma, Identity and Human Rights"
Ref.: Report of Pre Congress Workshop on "Stigma, Identity and Human Rights"
From: Gopal P. K., Coimbatore, India
Dear Dr. Noto,I have attached herewith the Report of Pre Congress Workshop on "Stigma, Identity and Human Rights" of 17th International Leprosy Congress. Kindly publish this for the benefit of Leprosy Mailing List readers.
With kind regards,
Dr. P. K. Gopal,
President, IDEA
Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
Ref.: Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
From: Premkumar R., Karigiri, Tamil Nadu, India
Dear Salvatore,
I would like to reply to Prof. William Faber’s message dated LML April 15th, 2008. The answer to his question is, yes; to a very large extent the knowledge and skills of we professionals involved in the care of leprosy feet, like surgeons, physio-occupational therapists and footwear technicians are also used for the care of diabetic feet at Karigiri; as well we participate in a multidisciplinary approach for diabetic feet. At Karigiri from where this letter is being sent, each Wednesday a diabetic clinic is held in which approximately 30 patients attend. The management is clinical examination of patients & chemotherapy, diet therapy, ophthalmology and foot care and it is a basic package to each diabetes patients.
As far as foot care is concerned, general examination of the feet for deformities & skin condition, sensory (biosthesiometry & monofilament) and intrinsic muscles testing, and vascularity tests are done. The above findings are used in classifying the foot into low/moderate/high risk groups. The foot management is based on these diagnoses. Management normally consists of patient education, selection of footwear, and treating pre-ulcerative condition/s i.e., reduction of callus, corns and fissures.
Last but not least, based mainly on our leprosy experiences a chapter on the footwear for diabetes was written by us in the 4th edition of a practical guide to diabetes mellitus; it is in the press. Editor – Dr. Nihal Thomas. Publishers – Academa Publishers, Delhi. Since I do not have Prof William’s address would you please send my above reply to him?
Warm greetings,
Premkumar (PhD)
Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
Ref.: Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet.
From: Awcock D., Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Dear Dr Noto,
In response to William Faber's questions (LML April 15th, 2008) 176 of the 265 admissions in 2007 at the CIOMAL rehabilitation centre in Phnom Penh were for ulcer care. This constitutes a growing proportion of our in-patient work because other aspects of the work are decreasing. We are doing less surgery than before and reactions are increasingly being dealt with in general hospitals. The centre is noted for saving feet that other institutions will amputate and the number of patients presenting with ulcers is increasing slightly each year.
These patients are drawn from an estimated 20,000 current and former leprosy patients and the problem of'diabetic foot' is likely to be greater since it is suggested that the number of people affected by diabetes may reach 300,000 within a few years. This has prompted the Ministry of Health and a small group of NGOs to initiate a training programme that takes account of our experience and expertise with 'leprosy feet' through practical sessions at our rehabilitation centre.
Regards,
David Awcock
New ILEP Website Launched/Nouveau Site Internet de l'ILEP Lancé
Ref.: New ILEP Website Launched/Nouveau Site Internet de l'ILEP Lancé
From: Bonham F., London, UK
Dear Colleagues,
Our new website is now online at the same address of http://www.ilep.org.uk/
There are a number of improvements such as:
larger font size on a light background to make it easier to read;
a search facility;
more information in text pages rather than in pdf documents;
Infolep information service supported by Netherlands Leprosy Relief, including the Infolep catalogue, information pages and library services http://www.ilep.org.uk/library-resources/infolep-information-services/
Naturally we are still developing this website and we intend to add pages about leprosy work in all countries where ILEP Members are supporting anti-leprosy activities. We hope to put on these pages data and narrative information about leprosy work in the country.
We welcome your feedback on this new website.
With regards,
Felicity
Felicity Bonham PA to the General Secretary International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations Tel 44 (0) 207 602 69 25 - Fax 44 (0) 207 371 16 21 – Website: www.ilep.org.uk felicity.bonhamatilep.org.uk
---
Chers collègues,
Notre nouveau site Internet est maintenant en ligne au même adresse de http://www.ilep.org.uk/
Un nombre d’améliorations ont été introduits tels que :
fonts plus grand sur fond clair facilitant la lecture
la possibilité de chercher
plus d’informations présentés sous forme de page au lieu de fichiers pdf
Infolep - service d’information parrainé par Netherlands Leprosy Relief, y compris le catalogue d’Infolep, des pages d’information et service de bibliothèque http://www.ilep.org.uk/library-resources/infolep-information-services/
Nous sommes toujours en train de développer note site Internet et nous avons l’intention d’ajouter des pages sur tous les pays ou les Membres de l’ILEP soutiennent des activités anti-lèpres. Nous y espérons inclure des données et du texte narratif sur le travail entrepris dans chaque pays.
Veuillez nous faire part de vos impressions de ce nouveau site Internet !
Cordialement,
Felicity
Felicity Bonham Assistante du Secrétaire général de l'ILEP Fédération internationale des Associations contre la Lèpre Tél 44 (0) 207 602 69 25 - Fax 44 (0) 207 371 16 21 – Site internet: http://www.ilep.org.uk/
felicity.bonhamatilep.org.uk
News from Garkida Hospital, North Eastern Nigeria
Ref.: News from Garkida Hospital, North Eastern Nigeria
From: Barminus G. A., Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Dear Dr Noto,
Thank you for including me on the leprosy mailing list. I am currently working with the State Dermatology Hospital in Garkida, Adamawa state, which is in the North Eastern part of the Nigeria, bordering the Cameroon. It was established by the Church Of The Brethren (USA) in 1929. Dr Roy Pfaltzgraff worked hear for 28 years before he retired. The hospital is now a government institution since 1976 when it was taken over from the missionaries. It was converted to a dermatology hospital in 2004 for the purposes of integration but its main roll remains, that is providing services for people affected by leprosy.
Using the 2007 figures, 515 cured cases visited the hospital for one medical problem or the other, while 42 new cases were diagnosed during the same period. This figures are very small compared to what it used to be.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Augustine Barminus
Jimeta-Yola
Adamawa State
Nigeria
Epidermal skin tumours in leprosy
Ref.: Epidermal skin tumours in leprosy
From: Warren G., Sidney, Australia
Dear Salvatore,
I cannot resist throwing my penny worth into the ring.
I have been working in leprosy for almost 50 years, right round the world. I have treated thousands, seen may be even be tens of thousands of leprosy affected persons, at all stages of leprosy, in consultation in order to do reconstructive surgery, often in situations where there is unlikely to be another surgeon who would remove such lesions.
The only basal cell carcinoma that I can remember seeing in the leprosy centres, was on the nose of a patient who was I think not even a suspect of leprosy and got to me because I was the only one who visited that medical centre who might be able to do something to repair the ”defect”.
By contrast I have seen many squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that have developed in long term ulcers, especially on feet and legs. Some SCC were only diagnosed because of the occurrence of secondaries, especially in lymph-nodes in groin causing oedema pain etc. In Hong Kong, an autopsy was performed on every patient who died while an inpatient and we rarely found evidence of malignancy; certainly not of skin lesions due to malignancy.
Thanks for all you do – it is certainly must be a big help to those who are isolated. Or need unusual advice. It is not what you know but who you know that counts in so many circumstances.
Best regards,
Grace Warren
What is the patho-physiology of madarosis in Leprosy?
Ref.: What is the patho-physiology of madarosis in Leprosy?
From: Sihombing B., Jakarta, Indonesia
Dear Dr. Salvatore,
I would like to ask whether eyebrow in madarosis-leprosy patient can grown again after completed the treatment? During the time I have observed that: - the eyebrow of some patients grew again after suffer from madarosis but, for some patients, their eyebrow was still bald.
What is the patho-physiology of this problem?
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards,
Dr. Benyamin Sihombing
Leprosy Control Programme
Subdit Kusta & Frambusia, Ditjen PP & PL
Jl. Percetakan Negara No. 29
Jakarta 10560
Indonesia
Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet
Ref.: Multidisciplinary approach for diabetic and leprosy feet.
From: Faber W., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
Recently, there has been an interesting discussion on the LML about the management of ulcers on the feet of leprosy patients. It has not been clear, however, how big the burden of neuropathic foot care is in programmes or institutions where people afflicted by leprosy are treated? I would be interested to get comments on the following points.
It is of interest, with the new WHO policy of sustainable leprosy care in mind, to have an estimation of the prevalence and workload of these patients. And in this respect I think neuropathic foot ulcers are the most important. Also, ulcers are the entry point of infection leading to soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis. As ulcers on deformed feet, with the Charcot foot as the most extreme presentation, are more difficult to manage it is of interest to have information on deformity, and localisation of the ulcers.
For this purpose the Dutch Neuropathic Foot Society has developed a registration form, the so-called FINU form, which can be used for all kinds of neuropathic feet. And which is very useful to register the changes, including ulcers, of the feet, and is also of value in follow-up.
However, in the (near) future the “diabetic foot” will be a far bigger problem than the “leprosy foot”. And it is of interest to know to which extent the knowledge and skills of professionals involved in the care of leprosy feet are also used for the care of diabetic feet. And if they participate in a multidisciplinary approach for diabetic feet.
Best regards,
William
Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
Ref.: Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
From: Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Ref.: Dr H Joseph Kawuma, GLRA, Uganda LML March 27th, 2008
Dear Dr Kawuma,
Many thanks for your response to my LML message dated 19th February ’2008.
1)Prevalence rate (PR) of active leprosy cases in Shahapur “Taluka” (sub unit of district Thane) with a population of 235,000 having seven PHCs is officially reported to be 3.8 per 10,000. The PR in Thane district (population 9,175,946) is believed to be 1.1 per 10,000. The govt may have some figures on the trend of PR. Our study looked only at the magnitude of the disabilities without any reference to the active disease needing MDT which is taken care of by the govt. 2)The investigation did not aim at understanding the disease burden caused by disabilities due to diseases other than leprosy. We cannot believe that the services offered to such patients attending PHCs were ideal. However, we can confidently say that POD services for leprosy patients at the PHCs were definitely highly inadequate. To this extent, human rights issues involved are “leprosy- specific”.
With kind regards,
Dr R Ganapati
Director Emeritus
Could “Hansenologia internationalis” replace the “International Journal of leprosy and other Mycobacterial diseases”?
Ref.: Could “Hansenologia internationalis” replace the “International Journal of leprosy and other Mycobacterial diseases”?
From: Das P. K., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,Just I had been thinking, in absence of the “International Journal of Leprosy”, why not “Hansenologia internationalis”, published in Brazil fills up the vacuum?
Since Dr. M. Virmond is now the president of ILA, the journal can have editorial home at Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, in Bauru in Brazil. Only thing is that the journal has to be published in both English and Portuguese, have in the abstracts in either of the two languages, as a vice versa manner. The journal has high standing in South America. It is worth considering.
Greetings,
Pranab
The burden of leprosy in Bolivia
Ref.: The burden of leprosy in Bolivia (see attachment)
From: Villarreal Olaya M. E., La Paz, Bolivia
Dear Dr. Noto,
Thank you for circulating the attached paper on the LML. It is about the current situation of leprosy in my country Bolivia, which borders with Brazil.
Until the year 2006, in Bolivia were detected about 100 new cases of leprosy per year. In 2007 were carried out field campaigns in order to detect leprosy on the basis of symptomatic skin lesions. The campaigns were conducted in two Departments only, namely Beni and Pando. Their outcome was the registration of 404 new cases in 1 year; from March 2007 to February 2008.
With the objective of working actively in the control of the leprosy, we hope to arrive with this message to organizations that can help us to continue working in the leprosy endemic areas of Bolivia.
Yours sincerely.
Dra. Maria Esther Villarreal OlayaDermatologist in charge of the National Leprosy Programme La Paz, BoliviaEmail: mevo1108athotmail.com
Early Diagnosis of Neuropathy in Leprosy--Comparing Diagnostic Tests in a Large Prospective Study (the INFIR Cohort Study)
Ref.: Early Diagnosis of Neuropathy in Leprosy--Comparing Diagnostic Tests in a Large Prospective Study (the INFIR Cohort Study)
From: van Brakel W., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
Can I please ask you to announce to the LML readers the news that one of the key papers in the INFIR series - “Early Diagnosis of Neuropathy in Leprosy--Comparing Diagnostic Tests in a Large Prospective Study (the INFIR Cohort Study)” by van Brakel et al. - has just been published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The full paper can be accessed free of charge through the link below.
http://www.plosntds.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0000212
With best wishes,
Wim van Brakel
Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
Leprosy Unit
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Global Dermatology Congress, Genoa, Italy, 23-26 April 2008
Ref.: Global Dermatology Congress, Genoa, Italy, 23-26 April 2008
From: Chukwu J. Enugu, Nigeria
Dear Noto,
I refer to you LML message dated April 02 2008. As many of us will not be able to come to Genoa, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could publish a summary of the proceedings of Leprosy Meeting in the LML.
Best regards,
Joseph Chukwu
Medical Coordinator
GLRA Nigeria
Indian journal of leprosy
Ref.: Indian journal of leprosy
From: Erlings J., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Dr Noto,
I would like to refer to the e-mail of Dr Juan Periche Fernandez of April 1st.
Dear Dr Juan Periche Fernandez,If you go to the Pubmed website * and enter "Indian journal of leprosy"[Journal] in the query box you will find 1392 citations (some with abstract) for articles published in the Indian Journal of Leprosy.*PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles back to the 1950s. PubMed includes links to full text articles and other related resources." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/To subscribe you can contact:The Organizing Secretary,Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh,No. 1. Red Cross Road, New Delhi 110 001 By the way: The Infolep library holds most volumes of this journal from 1929 up to the current one.
With kind regards,
Jiske Erlings
INFOLEP Leprosy Information Services P.O. Box 950051090 HA AMSTERDAMwww.infolep.org
Basal cell carcinoma associated with chronic ulceration
Ref.: Basal cell carcinoma associated with chronic ulceration
From: Scollard D., Carville, USA
Dear Salvatore,
Regarding Dr. Al Aboud’s query about carcinomas in leprosy, I reviewed this several years ago and found what he had indicated – reports of squamous cell carcinoma associated with chronic ulceration, but no reports associating any other carcinoma with leprosy. I have no knowledge of any carcinomas specifically associated with the peripheral neuropathy of leprosy.
David Scollard
How many registered ILA members there are at present?
Ref.: How many registered ILA members there are at present?
From: Browne D., Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK
Dear Salvatore,
Do you know how many registered ILA members there are at present? How many new registration were there in Hyderabad? I know I was one such new registration. I wonder who will be on the 'steering committee' to accept the new registrations, and who will inform the new members of their 'approval' if approved? The bye laws state that only approved members can vote at AGMs!
Yours sincerely,
Derek
The “Indian Journal of Leprosy”
Ref.: The “Indian Journal of Leprosy”
From: Gautam Virender P., Delhi, India
Dear Dr. Juan Periche Fernandez,
I refer to your LML message dated April 01 2008. The link to the abstracts of articles published in Indian Journal of Leprosy is "
http://www.galenicom.com/en/medline/journal/0254-9395/Indian+Journal+of+Leprosy". I hope this will be useful for you.
With regards,
Dr. Virender P Gautam; M.D., D.T.C.D.
Leprosy Programme Advisor
Netherlands Leprosy Relief-India
U-9; Green Park Extension,
Delhi-110016
Email: virendragautam_1atrediffmail.com
Request of references about carcinoma in leprosy
Ref.: Request of references about carcinoma in leprosy
From: Das P. K., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
This note is for Dr Dr. Al Aboud of Saudi Arabia (LML April 02 2008). Since he is looking into the literature for the incidence of carcinoma in Leprosy, I shall appreciate if he could list the references and also look into the incidence of other cancers e.g. lymphoma, Schwannoma etc.
Thank you.
Pranab
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in leprosy
Ref.: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in leprosy
From: Faber W., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Dr Khalid al Aboud,
I assume that the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma in the eyelid region has no relationship with a longstanding leprosy. In my clinic, in patients with a long-lasting follow up, I have not encountered basal cell carcinomas. In case nerve destruction might play a role, for which I don't know any evidence, one would expect them to be localised at the areas of nerve destruction, by the previous leprosy lesions.
Yours Sincerely,
William R. Faber,
MD, PhD
Professor of Tropical DermatologyAcademic Medical CenterUniversity of AmsterdamMeibergdreef 91105 AZ AmsterdamThe NetherlandsT: 31 - 20 566 2480F: 31 - 20 696 0076
email: w.r.faberatamc.uva.nl
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in leprosy
Ref.: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in leprosy
From: Al Aboud K. M., Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Dear Dr Noto,
Greetings.Recently, I saw 2 cases of leprosy (treated since long time and with multiple disabilities), who have pigmented basal cell carcinoma on the lateral canthus of the eye. I checked the pubmed for such occurrence of BCC in leprosy and, I could see many reports of skin cancer in chronic ulcers in leprosy. However, I could not find in my quick search any reference of cases similar to mine.
I would really appreciate the comments from Leprosy Mailing List (LML) members about this. Does the destruction of the skin nerves has any role in carcinogenesis of the skin?
With my best regards.
Sincerely,
Dr Khalid Al Aboud
Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist King Faisal Hospital , P.O Box 5592 Makkah Saudi Arabia Tel 0096625566411 ext 6666 Fax 0096625563523 E-mail: alaboudkhalidatyahoo.ca
Global Dermatology Congress, Genoa, Italy, 23-26 April 2008
Ref.: Global Dermatology Congress, Genoa, Italy, 23-26 April 2008
From: Noto S., Genoa, Italy
Dear All,
With great pleasure I would like to communicate that from the 23 to 26 April 2008 it will be held in Genoa a Congress on Global Dermatology. The rationale of this congress is in attachment; its programme can be seen at: http://www.dermatologiaglobale.info/
On the first day of the congress it is planned a meeting on leprosy. There will be four presentations and a debate as follows:
1. “Timely diagnosis. Leprosy training in endemic coutries”, « Diagnostic précoce. Formation sur la lèpre dans les pays d'endémie » Bobin P. ;2. “Minimal basic care for leprosy patients“; Ryan T.;
3. “Treatment of reactions“, Naafs B.;
4. “Leprosy control, elimination and eradication”, Deepak S.
Best regards,
S. Noto
Review de press. “Leprosy strategy is about control, not eradication”
Ref.: Review de press. “Leprosy strategy is about control, not eradication” (see attachment)
From: Soutar D., London, UK
Dear Salvatore,
Mailing List readers may be interested to read a recent Lancet article titled Leprosy strategy is about control, not eradication by Cairns Smith and Jan Hendrik Richardus. The Lancet 2008; 371:969-970 (march 22, 2008).
Best regards,
Douglas Soutar
Mr Douglas Soutar
General Secretary
International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations
doug.soutaratilep.org.uk
http://www.ilep.org.uk/
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7602 6925
<<Soutar D 2008 04 01 review de press The Lancet.doc>>
The "Indian Journal of Leprosy"
Ref.: The "Indian Journal of Leprosy"
From: Periche Fernandez J., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Dear Dr Noto,
I had hear a lot about the "Indian Journal of Leprosy"; I have seen several times references about articles in that journal but, I have never been able to see one issue, no even a link in the internet where to see any article not even an abstract. I have had the desire to read articles I know of many times.
Perhaps Dr R Ganapati or other colleagues from India may be of some help on that? Thank you in advance for some more information about this Journal.
Dr. Juan Periche Fernandez
Medico-Dermatologo
Director Unidad de Lepra del Distrito
NacionalCoordinador
Comite de etica interno (Internal review board)Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugia de PielDr Huberto Bogaert Diaz (IDCP-Dr.HBD)office (809) 684-3257 ext 234; Fax (809) 681-7687Apartado postal 1090Corazones UnidosDermatologia y Cosmiatria(809) 683-6185mobile (809)815-1060
e mail jpericheathvtudr.org
Santo Domingo, DN Rep. Dominicana
Friday, May 23, 2008
"Clinical Aspects of Nerve Damage in Leprosy"
Ref.: "Clinical Aspects of Nerve Damage in Leprosy"
From: Theuvenet W. J., Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
During the 17th ILC in Hyderabad, India there were a number of colleagues who asked for a copy of my book: "Clinical Aspects of Nerve Damage in Leprosy". These can be freely obtained through Mrs Jiske Erlings (infolep@leprastichting.nl) of the NLR.
With warm regards,
Wim
Dr. Willem J.Theuvenet, M.D., Ph.D.,
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, Esthetic and Hand Surgery,
Consultant for NLR and TLMI
Regional Hospitals of Apeldoorn, Deventer and Zutphen, The Netherlands
E-mail: wjtheuvenet@wxs.nl
“COPE” (client-orientated, provider-efficient)
Ref.: “COPE” (client-orientated, provider-efficient)
From: Awcock D., Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Dear Dr Noto,
I refer to Dr Ruth Butlin’s LML message dated March 21st 2008. The editorial and article from the BMJ do indeed make interesting reading and illustrate very clearly just how complicated the issue of participation has become.
I am not too concerned about the terminology –whether the people involved are patients, users or clients, or clinicians, providers or staff - these are matters of individual preference or particular circumstance. What I think should concern us more is the extent to which apparent confusion about the purpose and process of participation limits the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of studies such as the one so honestly described in the article.
Many staff have a very clear idea of 'what it is like to be a patient here', and they act on that knowledge where necessary and appropriate, but others have no idea at all. In my experience it is sometimes necessary to both give patients a voice and teach staff to listen. I have found that a framework called COPE can be helpful where patients are generally not very assertive or articulate.
COPE stands for client-orientated, provider-efficient and is a self assessment tool that can be adapted to a specific location and type of activity. The assessment is carried out by staff with the involvement of patients and their own managers. This means that the assessment addresses the needs of the staff (for training, resources, new policies, encouragement, whatever) as well as the needs identified by patients. No issues that concern patients or staff have to be excluded because they are outside the control of the staff. And the record of the assessment provides the evidence that it has been done and in what ways if any it was beneficial.
I have used COPE in a variety of settings and seen it lead to significant improvements in the patient experience and the job satisfaction of the staff but sometimes it doesn't work because it is the wrong tool for the particular situation or time. For anyone interested, more information can be found on the website www.engenderhealth.org including a free downloadable handbook.
Yours sincerely,David AwcockCambodia
Nerve repair by denatured muscle autografts promotes sustained sensory recovery in leprosy
Ref.: Nerve repair by denatured muscle autografts promotes sustained sensory recovery in leprosy
From: Palande D. D., Kurichikuppam, Pondicherry, India
Dear Dr. Salvatore Noto,
I am attaching the publication on Nerve grafting for LML members.
Warm regards,
Dinkar D. Palande
Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
Ref.: Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
From: Kawuma H J, Jinja, Uganda
Dear Dr. Noto,
I refer to Dr Ganapati’s message dated LML Feb 19 2008. I was not able to listen to Dr. Ganapati's presentation during the ILC.
Answers the following 2 questions might help to clarify issues on my part:
1.
What is the situation with active leprosy cases in that setting? I would be interested in both the magnitude and the trend.
2.What type of services are provided for other people with disabilities that are not leprosy related? Is it that the human rights issue in this setting is leprosy specific?
Best regards,
H Joseph Kawuma
GLRA, Uganda
Indian Journal of Leprosy
Ref.: Indian Journal of Leprosy
From: Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Dear Dr Noto,
In response to the query from Dr Juan Periche Fernandez (LML, March 21, 2008) I would like to suggest the “Indian Journal of Leprosy”, a reputed quarterly publication in English.
Address :
Indian Journal of Leprosy
1A, KG Valencia
57 First Main Road
Gandhi Nagar, Adyar
Chennai 600 020
Tel: ++91-44-2441 6869
Fax: ++91-44-2445 6338
Regards,
Dr R Ganapati,
Bombay Leprosy Project,
Hansenologia Internationalis
Ref.: Hansenologia Internationalis
From: Virmond M., Bauru, SP, Brazil
Dear Dr. Noto,
Regarding the message from Dr. Fernandez (LML Mar. 21st, 2008) I would suggest the periodical Hansenologia Internationalis, which is now available free on-line at:
http://www.ilsl.br/revista/index.php/hi
This is the official periodical for Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima and the Brazilian Society of Hansenology and is generously supported by the Fundação Paulista Contra a Hanseníase (http://www.fundacaohanseniase.org.br/)
With best regards,
Marcos Virmond
ILSL
Participation
Ref.: Participation
From: Butlin Ruth C., Bangladesh
20.02.08Dear Dr Noto,
Many leprosy projects nowadays recognize a need to have participation from “beneficiaries” at all levels in their undertakings (i.e. in planning, implementation, & monitoring). This is difficult in practice, and sometimes attempts are abandoned despite an ideological commitment to the concept.
It is not always clear what is meant by “participation”, and various terms are used for the individuals who are expected to “participate”: they may include past users of services & current users, even potential (future) users of the services, they may be referred to as “clients”, and may sometimes be regarded as “consumers”. How to measure “success” in facilitating participation or how to quantify the benefits of participation is debatable. We would do well to learn from others` experience, including the experiences of those who work outside the leprosy field.
In this context, I would like to draw attention of readers of the “leprosy mailing list” to a most interesting recently-published article by Fudge et al (1.) in the British Medical Journal, and the accompanying editorial (2.).
This article reports work with “survivors of stroke” who are a group who have much in common with leprosy-affected people, there fore I feel it is relevant even though it was carried out in England where the cultural and economic situation differs from that in most leprosy-endemic countries.
Thank you,
Yours sincerely,
C Ruth Butlin
1.“Assessing the promise of user involvement in health service development: ethnographic study”. Nina Fudge Charles D A Wolfe, Christopher McKevitt. BMJ (2008) vol 336, p 313- 317. (Also available on line at BMJ 29th Jan 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.39456.552257.BE)
2.“Involving users in developing health services - representation is not enough: voices must be translated into action”. Gillian Craig. BMJ (2008) vol 336 p 286-287 (on line at BMJ 29th jan 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.39462.59875.80)
LML Meeting - Note for Record
Ref.: Note for the Record, Hyderabad, 2 February 2008
From: Deepak S., Bologna Italy
Dear All,
Dr P. Narasimha Rao and Dr R. Ganapati proposed to Dr Salvatore Noto to organise a meeting of Leprosy Mailing List (LML) during the 17th International Leprosy Congress held in Hyderabad (India) from 31 January to 4 February 2008. Once a number of persons expressed interest in the basic idea of an evening informal meeting-cum-dinner, Dr Narasimha Rao organised everything. The issues that came up during this meeting included the following:
Beginning of LML Salvatore explained that after his return from Mozambique (end 1999), a group of friends had some question about leprosy and they wrote to Ben Naafs for advice. It worked so they felt that it could be useful to continue it as emails can be useful medium to reach to people. The number of persons joining LML rose slowly, mainly by word of mouth publicity. Right now it goes to about 600 email addresses but almost 60 messages bounce back so this means that there are some dead addresses as well. Some email servers take these messages as spam and refuse them.
The initiative is done all as volunteer level and the basic formula of the mailing list has remained unchanged from the beginning except that from 2003 onwards the archives are there on the AIFO webpage and are done by Sunil. The list includes addresses from most of endemic countries.
Improving the archives Archives are only accessible according to the date and not according to topic or author. There is no search facility in the archives yet. Sunil explained that archives are also maintained at a volunteer level and there are no funds to invest in the improvement of the web page. He asked if there are persons who have some skills with managing webpages and can help with improving the archives of LML, they should contact him or Salvatore. It was suggested that pictures should not be circulated in LML as they make files heavier and these can be put only on the website.
Promoting discussions on specific issues There was a suggestion that LML should promote discussions on specific issues as this would lead to a more complete understanding of a subject, otherwise messages keep on changing subjects and leaving some subjects halfway. Others argued that the best thing about LML is its simplicity and liberty of persons to choose what they wish to discuss. Salvatore explained that some times on important issues he gets no discussion and on other messages that do not seem very interesting, there is lot of debate.
Importance of LML Most persons agreed that LML has made it much easier to get updates on new strategies, policies, etc. as WHO, PAHO, ILEP etc. can disseminate their news very quickly. Salvatore explained that it is important that everyone feels welcome in the list so sometimes if the message is making personal comments, he can ask authors to make some changes but otherwise he does not interfere and he reassured that there is no policy of censoring anything. Usually messages asking for practical information get priority.
He advised that if you have sent a message and it has not been circulated in the LML, remind him about it and there is no hidden motive behind not sharing any message.
The meeting concluded with a thanks to all participants and a special thank to Dr Narasimha for the organisation of the meeting.
Dr. Sunil Deepak
Request of information about books and other resources on leprosy in Spanish and English
Ref.: Request of information about books and other resources on leprosy in Spanish and English.
From: Periche Fernandez J., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Dear Salvatore,
How are you?
I have been asked by some friends who work in leprosy control in Guatemala to recommend the books on leprosy needed to up date their library. Which ones would you recommend? These colleagues speak Spanish or English.
Besides books, I will recommend journals like the Leprosy Review and the Fontilles journal. It is bad that the International Journal of Leprosy and other Mycobacterial Diseases (from the ILA) is not longer been published. Do you know any other journal on leprosy worth to recommend?
I plan to invited them to the LML. Also I will let them know about web pages like ILA, ILEP, WHO, AIFO etc. Do you know any other? What else would you suggest?
I would like to know what will members of the LML have to suggest also?
Thanks in advance.
Dr. Juan Periche Fernandez
Medico-DermatologoDirector Unidad de Lepra del Distrito NacionalCoordinador Comite de etica interno (Internal review board)Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugia de PielDr Huberto Bogaert Diaz (IDCP-Dr.HBD)office (809) 684-3257 ext 234Fax (809) 681-7687Apartado postal 1090Corazones UnidosDermatologia y Cosmiatria(809) 683-6185mobile (809)815-1060e mail jpericheathvtudr.org
Santo Domingo, DN Rep Dominicana
New website against discrimination
Ref.: New website against discrimination
From: Custodio de Souza A., Pinto P. R., Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil
Dear Salvatore
We are pleased to inform that the website about Bacurau's work to fight discrimination against leprosy in Brazil it is already launched.
www.casadebacurau.com.br/br/nav.html
Best regards,
Artur Custodio de Sousa
Morhan National Coordinator
http://www.morhan.org.br/
Paulo Roberto Pinto
Coordinator of the Bacurau website project
“History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View”. International Leprosy Conferences and Congresses
Ref.: “History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View”. International Leprosy Conferences and Congresses
From: Robertson J., Australia
In attachment the relevant table
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View”. International Leprosy Association (ILA)
Ref.: “History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View”. International Leprosy Association (ILA)
From: Robertson J., Australia
Dear Salvatore,Thanks to everyone for their help! This is what it looks like now (see attachment). It seems that the extensive role played by Dr Muir needs to be further clarified. I think that Dr Shubha Pandya may be able to shed light on that. (Apologies for the repetition. Corrections are most appreciated)Best wishes,Jo
NB
The table about the international leprosy congresses will follow
Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
Ref.: “Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India”
From: Revankar C. R., Marol, Mumbai, India
Dear Dr. Noto,
I refer to Dr Ganapati’s LML message “Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India”; dated February 19th, 2008. This study on the disease burden in terms of physical disabilities among the people affected by leprosy in a rural population group presented by Dr. Ganapati at the ILC in Hyderabad is really useful for understanding and planning disability prevention and care activities.All of us are aware of the Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) activities initiated by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in India. The national programme has developed operational guidelines to practice DPMR activities at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care.
With all the reservations, leprosy diagnosis and treatment activities were integrated within primary health centre (PHC) activities after several years of vertical leprosy programme. Even though there are several lacunae/reservations, integrated leprosy programme at PHC level is showing a good progress as a sustainable strategy to reduce the disease burden further.
Similarly, let us be optimistic regarding practicing disability prevention activities by the health personnel at primary health care level after adequate training, supervision, external technical guidance and adequate logistic support. Of course, practicing DPMR activities will not be as easy as delivering MDT blister packs.
However, sound field experience gained in MDT programme would be very useful in practicing DPMR activities at various levels with the support of all interested partners.
I appreciate if Dr. Ganapati circulates his full paper which he presented. This will be useful to readers who could not listen to this important paper.
Regards,Dr. C R Revankar
Marol, Mumbai, India
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. ILA
Ref.: History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. ILA
From: Meyers Wayne M., Washington DC, USA
Dear Dr. Noto,
Just a note to add some information on the ILA for the "History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View" (I refer Jo Robertson's email dated 15 February 2008).
-- President 1938-1943 Prof Emil Marchoux (Paris, France) (IJL Vol 7 p 595, 1939)
Prof. Marchoux, who made many outstanding contributions to leprosy, died 19 Aug 1943 (IJL Vol 12 p 116, 1944)
-- Dr. H. W. Wade's name was put forward for President of the ILA, and approved with acclamation, at an Extraordinary Session of the ILA held at the 2nd Pan-American Leprosy Congress in October 1946 (IJL Vol 15 p 98, 1947).
-- During the interval August 1943 - October 1946, the affairs of the ILA seem to have been handled by the Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. E. Muir.
-- Dr. W. Felton Ross was Treasurer 1988-2002.
So much for now. I will attempt to add more information at a later date. Congratulations to Jo Robertson for her initial summary, and to you for the excellent service you are rendering by the LML to the worldwide community of those interested in leprosy.
Best wishes,
Wayne M. Meyers
wmekmeyers@comcast.net
Current leprosy situation in Brazil – Poster
Ref.: Current leprosy situation in Brazil – Poster
From: W. de Oliveira M.L., Brasìlia, Brazil
Dear Salvatore,
This is a clarification concerning the poster from the Hansen´s Disease Programme of Brazil attached joint to my presentation at the 17º ILC in Hyderabad, India. It was not presented in the morning session: – “Programme Achievements “- but, it was in exposition at the desk of the Government of Brazil, during the all Congress. It is enclosed to this message. Thank you for circulating it in the LML.
Best wishes,
Maria Leide
Maria Leide W. de Oliveira
Coordenação do Programa Nacional de Controle da Hanseníase-PNCH/DEVEP/SVS/MS
SCS Qd4 Bl A Ed. Principal-3º andar-
Cep: 70.304-000
Brasília -DF-Tel: 61-3213- 8188-FAX: 61-3213-8233
NB
Thank you to Dr Sunil Deepak for making the presentation available at:-
aifo.it/english/resources/online/books/leprosy/ila-india08/index.htm
Nerve grafting in leprosy
Ref.: Nerve grafting in leprosy
From: Palande Dinkar D., Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dear Dr. Salvatore Noto,
In the recently held I.L.A. Conference in Hyderabad we, Dr. Jerome Pereira, Dinkar D. Palande. A. Subramanian and others, had presented a paper titled "Nerve repair by denatured muscle autografts promotes sustained sensory recovery in leprosy" (Abstract No. O/199). At the IAL Conference in Orlando we had presented the early work and now we have presented a 10 to 15 years follow up.
For the information of members of the LML I am glad to report that the same article has now been published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery -British, Issue 2, Volume 90B, pp220-224.
With warm regards,
Sincerely,
Dinkar D. Palande
Centenary Year of Dr Stanley Browne
Leprosy Mailing List – February 16th, 2008
Ref.: Centenary Year of Dr Stanley Browne
From: Browne D., Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK
Dr Stanley George Browne CMG OBE MD FRCS FRCP AKC
Secretary Treasurer ILA 1966-1984
Organiser of 4 International Leprosy Congresses (London 1968, Bergen 1973, Mexico 1978, New Delhi , 1984)
Dr Derek Browne, Dr Stanley Browne’s son gave a paper on the centenary of Dr Stanley Browne at the 17th International Congress in Hyderabad 2008.
Dr Stanley Browne would have been 100 years old on December 8th 2007. He was born on 8 December 1907 and died on World Leprosy day 29 January 1986 . His wife Mali Browne also died on World Leprosy Day 29 January 2006.
Their gravestone is in Brockenhurst, Hampshire , UK .
The conference week included World Leprosy Day.
The other reason for promoting the Centenary year is that most of Dr Stanley Browne’s writings, articles and papers from childhood to his death are now archived in the Wellcome Library in London in 70 boxes. These archives can be accessed on the web, from the Wellcome library or under Dr Stanley Browne’ name, and may be viewed at the Wellcome Library in London . The records contain many case notes of patients treated for Leprosy, in the pre and post Dapsone era in the former Belgian Congo 1936-59, research on B663 (Clofazamine) and other anti-leprosy drugs in Nigeria 1959-66 and his time as Director of the Leprosy Study Centre in the UK.
Dr Stanley Browne wanted to be a medical missionary from the age of 5. He studied Medicine at Kings College Hospital London and obtained most of the medical school prizes. He combined house appointments with postgraduate study and became a member Royal College of Physicians London in 1934 and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1935. He was accepted by The Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) for work in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Browne studied French and Tropical medicine at the Institute de Médecine Tropicale Prince Leopold Antwerp obtaining a Diploma in Tropical Medicine in 1936 before travelling to the Congo .
1936-1959 BMS Yakusu Belgian Congo
Stanley arrived at the BMS Hospital at Yakusu in 1936. He was a General Physician, General Surgeon, General Paediatrician and Obstetrician. He also worked on trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis and obtained his MD for his studies on the control of onchocerciasis. He identified that the larvae of Simulium Damnosum the fly in the life cycle of the onchercera volvulus was under crab shells in areas of fast flowing water. He treated the water with DDT, which killed the larvae and not the crabs, or fish. River blindness was then controlled in the neighbouring area as a result of this work. His rural surveys showed a high incidence of Leprosy in fact in one area around Kombe district over 50% of the population had leprosy. He endeavoured to find the cause and cure for Leprosy. He helped build a Leprosarium across the river from the hospital at Yalisombo. The Belgian Government allowed the medical school to train nurses to the Belgian standard if the hospital oversaw the medical needs of the population, which covered an area of over 10,000 square miles. Browne developed programmes of community care using 18 health centres and 36 treatment centres which he and his team visited regularly. These pioneering programmes became a model in Africa for the WHO for the control of endemic diseases.
1936-1946. Pre Dapsone era. Leprosy Control was essential. Diagnosis was made during rural surveys and it was the older members of the community who could diagnose the ‘bad’ leprosy.
The standard treatment at the time was isolation of the patients and segregation from their communities. The isolation village across the river at the Yalisombo was used with treatment with injections of Chaulmoogra oil. Browne grew Chaulmoogra trees and produced the oil.
1946-1959. Dapsone era Samples of Dapsone arrived from American Leprosy Missions to the BMS at Yakusu. But who would volunteer to take this new medication for Leprosy? One trusted Christian trained infermier who contracted Lepromatous leprosy agreed to be the first ‘Human guinea pig’. His lepromatous lesions disappeared and his bacterial leprosy index fell, he was cured. Many new patients now arrived at Yalisombo and as many as 2000 were resident at one time. Special ‘Grateful Samaritan Services’ were organised to give cured patients certificates, saying they were free of Leprosy. In 1958 Fred Zinnerman filmed the leprosy scene for the film ‘the Nuns Story’ at Yalisombo. Stanley helped with these arrangements and the stars of the film Audrey Hepburn, Peggy Ashcroft and Peter Finch took part in a ‘Grateful Samaritan service. Later Audrey Hepburn worked as director of UNICEF having been motivated to help children having seen the leprosy patients at Yalisombo.
1959-1966 Stanley was director of the Leprosy Research Unit Uzuakoli, Eastern Nigeria . Clofazamine era with low Dapsone treatment. Stanley succeeded Dr Frank Davey at Uzuakoli. His main interest was now research. He studied low dose Dapsone, Isorilone, Avosulphone, Nialamide, Oxaoralen and other drugs. His major work was with B663 (Clofazamine), which started in 1960 with co-operation from the Medical Research Council of Ireland in a pilot study of 6 patients. Three patients also received standard doses of Dapsone. Geigy found production costs very expensive and were going to stop manufacture of B663. Stanley was able to persuade Geigy later Ciba Geigy and now Novartis to produce this drug. See Browne and Hogerzeil ‘B663’ in the treatment of Leprosy Review (1962) 33 6 and Leprosy Review (1962) 33 182. There were also contributions by Stanley at the V111 ILA Congress in Rio de Janeiro in 1963 on drugs and drug trials in Leprosy. He contributed to a chapter on the Differential Diagnosis of Leprosy in the book ‘Leprosy in Theory and Practice’ Ed Cochrane and Davey 1963.
In the Introduction to the 1964 annual report of the Leprosy Research Unit Uzuakoli, Stanley mentions that Leprosy was almost controlled but external vigilance was still necessary. Stanley suggested that Leprosy services should be integrated into the General Medical Services both in diagnostic and treatment aspects. He research on low dose Dapsone was also very encouraging. Stanley presented these initial findings with B663 at a symposium in London 1968 organised by the makers GEIGY and at the International Leprosy Congress in London , which he organised in 1968. Three Articles on B663 were published in Leprosy Review 1965 vol 36 pages, 9-11, 13-15,17-20.
During 1966 he visited Ethiopia representing the International Society of Rehabilitation of the Disabled and the American Leprosy Missions to assess the suitability of Addis Ababa as a centre for training medical and paramedical workers in rehabilitation for leprosy and other crippling diseases and conditions. This was the start of the ALERT Ethiopia project.
Director of Leprosy Research Unit later Study Centre UK . International Leprosy Control 1966-1986. Browne’s outstanding skill in leprosy was in great demand throughout the world, and his many advisory roles included Consultant Advisor in Leprosy to the Department of Health and Social Security, 1966-79 and Medical Consultant to the Leprosy Mission 1966-1978. He was also involved in numerous leprosy organizations including LEPRA as their medical secretary 1968-1973 and was vice president 1984-1986. He was appointed International Leprosy Association secretary treasurer from 1966-1984 taking over from Dr Ross Innes. He was appointed Honarary Vice President of the ILA from 1984-1986. He was Medical Consultant to the Leprosy Mission 1966-1978. His contributions to tropical medicine were recognised by many awards including the British Medical Associations Stewart Prize for Dermatology in 1975; the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine JN Chaudry gold medal 1978; Fellowship of Kings College Medical School (first recipient) 1978. He was awarded the CMG and OBE and the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Lion form King Leopold 11. Officer de l’Ordre de Leopold 11 1958 and Commander de l’Ordre de Leopold 11 in 1980. He became President of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1977-1979.
He received the Damien Dutton award in 1979 with an oration from President Carter of the USA . In 1979 he was the first non-Japanese recipient of the Nihon Kensho-Kai special appreciation award. In 1984 he received the Knight of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem . He was also president of the International Association of Physicians for the Overseas Services. He encouraged many medical students to take an interest in Leprosy Research, immunology, dermatology, genetics and molecular biology.
His Christian contributions to world missions are exhaustive. He was President of the Baptist Union 1980-1981 and President of the International Congress of Christian Physicians 1982-1986 and preached to many people and organisations around the world. Stanley had an audience with Pope John and Pope Paul at the Vatican . He organised his last ILA Congress in New Delhi 1984, which was presided over by Mrs India Gandhi Prime Minister of India and included Madam Teresa from Calcutta .
Dr Stanley Browne died on world Leprosy day 29 January 1986 after a short illness. He was given the Title of Mr Leprosy and Phyllis Thompson who wrote a book about him called ‘Mr Leprosy’. Sylvia and Peter Duncan wrote ‘Bonganga’ after Stanley appeared on the television programme ‘In Town Tonight’ in 1957. Peter Duncan interviewed him. Nancy Martin wrote a schoolbook on his life called ‘ Battle against leprosy’.
The Centenary year for Dr Stanley Browne began at the ILA Congress Hyderabad January 29 – February 3 2008 . Stanley Browne was a remarkable man who was committed to studying leprosy. He was involved in the Pre Dapsone, Post Dapsone and B663 eras and the start of MDT. He advised over 60 governments around the world on Leprosy Control Programmes. He was influential in integrating leprosy into the general medical services as early as 1962 and tried to remove the stigma of leprosy around the world by promoting Human rights. His motto was ‘ Observe, Record and Publish’. His archives are a tribute to his life’s work. His life is a challenge to us all interested in the eradication of leprosy from the world.
Dr Derek Browne February 2008
Presentations from ILC Hyderabad
From: Deepak S., Bologna, Italy
Dear Salvatore,
I would like to inform the LML readers that most of the powerpoint presentations made during the plenary sessions in the mornings during the 17th International Leprosy Congress held in Hyderabad (India) from 31 January to 4 February 2008 are now available in PDF (Acrobat) format at the following webpage:
http://www.aifo.it/english/resources/online/books/leprosy/ila-india08/index.htm
If anyone has problems in downloading and would like to receive some files by email, I will be happy to send it to them.
With best wishes,
Dr Sunil Deepak
Head, Medical Support Department
AIFO
Via Borselli 4-6
40135 - Bologna
Italy
Tel: +39051 - 4393211 / 4393219 (Direct)
Fax: +39051 - 434046
Email: sunil.deepakataifo.it
Webpage: www.aifo.it/english/
Hyderabad
Ref.: Hyderabad
From: Scollard D., Carville, USA
Salvatore,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election as Vice President for Communications of the International Leprosy Association, and to let the subscribers of the LML know about this.
The ILA is being re-organized under the leadership of Dr. Marcos Virmond, Brazil, and Salvatore will be responsible for communications. Mainly, this is expected to involve the development of a much expanded and much more interactive web site. It will NOT change or replace the LML! The Council members of the ILA expressed great confidence that you can bring your skills for communication and on-line community building to the ILA, and I hope that more LML subscribers will become members of the ILA, as well.
I would also like to personally thank Dr. Narisimha Rao for organizing the very nice dinner so that many of us could meet Salvatore while we were at the Congress in Hyderabad – a wonderful evening!
David Scollard
Leprosy and Information Technology
Ref.: Leprosy and Information Technology
From: Prickett I., London, UK
Dear Dr Noto,
I would like to contribute to the discussion started by Dr. Deepak by showing how Infolep, the international knowledge centre for leprosy, uses information technology. Infolep facilitates access to (digital) information on leprosy for anyone involved in leprosy, from researchers and students to programme managers and field workers.
Infolep’s main services are:
• (digital) information on leprosy
• electronic access to key publications on leprosy
• (help with) literature searches
• information from our databases and our library catalogue
• advice and support to information resource centres in leprosy endemic countries
• quick reference on leprosy
• library
With the widespread use of Internet and e-mail, ‘distance’ is a no longer a problem for professionals all over the world to request (and receive) information on leprosy. Results of literature searches and answers to questions are preferably sent by e-mail: No risk of getting lost in postal mail services, and much faster.
Infolep also maintains a website on leprosy with up-to-date fact sheets, on-line entry to the catalogue of the Infolep library, and access to digital resources. The Infolep website is momentarily under construction but will be relaunched this spring as a part of the new ILEP Federation website.
By using the Internet as a medium to advocate our services and by making publications available online, we can reach anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Please contact Infolep at Infolep@leprastichting.nl for more information about its services or the new website. For those attending the International Leprosy Congress in Hyderabad, please visit the ILEP booth and find out more about Infolep.
Regards,
Imogen Prickett
ILEP Technical and Information Co-ordinator
Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
Ref.: Burden of Leprosy Disabilities in Rural India
From: Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Dear Dr Noto,
The journey towards ‘World Without Leprosy’, punctuated by 17th International Leprosy Congress assumed special importance with the deliberations on ‘post-elimination’ problems and human rights issues at the recently concluded Congress in Hydeabad.
I presented the results of a study which revealed an abnormal load of visible disabilities due to leprosy in an adopted rural population adjoining Bombay (Ref: ILC Abstract book, O-195, p. 137). The prevalence rate of disabilities was 27 per 10,000 (figures updated). Doorstep POD services to over 400 leprosy-disabled are being offered by rural volunteers through donations raised by the Bombay Leprosy Project, as the govt. presumably is slowly getting aware of the gravity of the problem.
I was however, surprised at the stunning silence of the enlightened audience which consisted of epidemiologists, POD experts, surgeons, human right activists and leprologists besides the programme manager of the govt. of India. The fact that there were no questions or comments implied that either the experts took such a phenomenon for granted on they had no comments as the situation was beyond redemption.
The study raised the question of how PHCs, in an integrated set up will help to reach the utopian goal of ‘World Without Leprosy’ which is the theme of the Congress, besides meeting the ‘human rights’ of the patients. The four PHCs under investigation faced an astonishing disability load ranging from 23.7 to 35.2 per 10,000 population. This issue assumes special significance, as several sessions in Hyderabad, unlike the previous ILCs addressed in particular the human rights of persons affected by Leprosy.
Regards
Dr R Ganapati
Director Emeritus, Bombay Leprosy Project
Case Definition and Detection
Ref.: Case Definition and Detection
From: Kawuma H. J., Jinja, Uganda
Dear All,
I am very happy of forwarding to the LML the important paper of Dr Joseph Kawuma: “Case Detection and Definition” (see attachment). It was presented at the plenary session on Operational Issues on Patient Management, during the 17th ILC in Hyderabad.
Best regards,
S. Noto
Centenary Year of Dr Stanley Browne
Ref.: Centenary Year of Dr Stanley Browne
From: Smith C. W., Aberdeen, UK
Dear Dr Noto,
Derek Browne's paper (LML February 16th, 2008) is an important contribution to the history of leprosy.
I wanted to comment on the last sentence on his article - 'His life is a challenge to us all interested in the eradication of leprosy from the world.' There were a number of calls during the recent highly successful ILA congress for a strategy of leprosy eradication. Clearly there is a degree of popular support and political will for eradication of leprosy but there must be serious reservations about the scientific feasibility. Perhaps a fitting way to celebrate this centenary would be sponsorship of a workshop to explore in depth the feasibility of eradication and to identify what research would be needed to develop the tools that might make eradication possible.
Cairns Smith
ALM and TLMI Alliance Communiqué
Ref.: ALM and TLMI Alliance Communiqué
From: Walmsley J., Brentford, Middlesex, UK
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to send the news of a new Alliance formed between American Leprosy Missions and The Leprosy Mission International.
The attached Joint Communiqué has some of the details. If you have any queries regarding the implications of this new alliance, I am sure Geoff Warne and/or Chris Doyle would be happy to hear from you.
Kind regards,
Janet Walmsley CFRE
Director for Support & DevelopmentThe Leprosy Mission InternationalTel: +44 (0) 20 8326 6721 (direct) Email: janetw@tlmint.org
http://www.leprosymission.org/index.html
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Society
Ref.: History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Society
From: Robertson J., Australia
Dear Dr Noto,
I am attaching the table about the International Leprosy Society.
Best wishes,
Jo Robertson
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Association
Ref.: History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Association
From: Robertson J., Australia
Dear Dr Noto,
I am attaching the table about the International Leprosy Association.
Best wishes,
Jo Robertson
17th International Leprosy Congress
Ref.: "17th International Leprosy Congress"
From: Bhavna Bhaswati, Hyderabad, India
Dear Delegates,
Greetings of the day!!
As we have few days left for the International Leprosy Conference we wanted to reinstate few important points, which are as follows:-
REGISTRATION:
Registration is for three days
29th, 30th & 31st January 2008
You are kindly requested to carry your registration number to the registration counter as the counters are divided according to the registration numbers. This would avoid inconvenience to fellow delegates & also help in saving important time.
DOMESTIC/ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND RAILWAY STATIONS:
Kindly look for special counters placed for 17th ILC 2008 at the Domestic/ International Airport and Railway Stations.
Our representatives (in white shirt having the name of the congress) would be there to assist you for transfers. With their assistance you can get Pre-paid taxi and can pay directly at the pre-paid taxi counter to avail this service & get dropped at respective hotels. The expected charges are as follows:
Pre paid taxi from Airport to HICC (conference venue) - Rs.400/-
From Railway stations to HICC (conference venue) - Rs.450/-
.
Auto Rickshaws are also available outside the airports for cheaper transfers. However, we do not advice usage for auto rickshaws late night & it may be inconvenient in case you are carrying big bags/extra luggage. The fare is expected to be the following:
a. Auto from Airport to HICC (conference venue) - Rs.200-250/-
b. Auto From Railway station to HICC (conference venue) - Rs.250/-
In case of Emergency, you may call Mr. Tirupathi at +91 9848440272
.
COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE DURING CONFERENCE DAYS
The complimentary shuttle service will be provided only from 30th January onwards from the below mentioned list of hotel/guest houses. In case you have booked your accommodation on a bulk booking of 30 delegates or more staying at one hotel/guest house we can arrange for a coach transfer. However, if the number of delegates is lesser we would not be able to provide coach service to that point. In this case you are requested to reach out to the nearest hotel/guest house mentioned in the list below to avail complimentary shuttle service. The pickup timings from these hotels are as follows:
S.No Hotel Name & Address Pick up points Pick Up Timingis
1 Belson Taja Mahal Hotel (Secun) same hotel 7.00 am
2 Hotel Nakshtra ( Secunderabad) same hotel 7.00 am
3 Asrani International ( Secunderabad) same hotel 7.15 am
4 Anmol Continental ( AP Secretariat) same hotel 7.00 am
5 Green Park ( Ameer Pet) same hotel 7.30 am
6 Silver Park ( Ameerpet) same hotel 7.20 am
7 Mapple Inn Jublee Hils same hotel 7.30 am
8 Sai Sparsha Homes( Madhapur) Ginger Court 7.45 am
9 Kasani GR Hotel( Madhapur) same hotel 7.30 am
10 Corporate Guest House same hotel 7.30 am
11 Swagath Residency same hotel 6.55 am
You may call on the helpline for any further assistance, Mr. Tirupathi at +91 9848440272.
In case you wish to book your accommodation on the above any of the above hotels, please email your requirement on sravan@cimindia.net and will be get back to you accordingly.
Availability of rooms will be depending on case to case basis & rooms will be provided on the basis of 100% Advance to have the booking on confirmed basis.
INTERPRETATION SERVICE:
Interpretation for French and Spanish has been arranged during the conference from 30th Jan to 3rd Feb 2008. Delegates who require interpretation service would be given a headset each day. In case a delegate takes the headset he/she has deposit his/her passport as a security at the time of issue of the headset. The passports would be given back once the head set is returned.
KINDLY NOTE: It is mandatory to give your passport in order to get a headset. Therefore kindly carry your passports to avoid inconvenience.
ABSTRACT ACCEPTANCE
Kindly visit the page “Scientific Programme” in the conference website http://www.17ilc2008.com/ to check for your abstract acceptance.
GENERAL INFO – HYDERABAD: BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Hyderabad, the creation of the Qutab Shahi rulers, is the capital of Andhra Pradesh state, offering a fascinating panorama of the past.
It boasts of a strong industrial, commercial and information Technology centre. Hills, tanks, forests, and rock formations dominate the physiographic of Hyderabad. It is fast developing as a beautiful tourist destination. The city is famous for its minarets and pearls.
Average temperature : Max: 30°C / Min 17°C
For more information on Sightseeing Palaces and Hyderabadi cuisine please visit the conference website: http://www.17ilc2008.com/
Hope the above is in order. Should you require further information, please let us know. Thanking you Best Regards Bhavna Bhaswati
Government of India - WHO-ICMR workshop on 'Monitoring and evaluation of leprosy control in the post-elimination era
Ref.: Government of India - WHO-ICMR workshop on 'Monitoring and evaluation of leprosy control in the post-elimination era'
From: Das P. K., Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dear Salvatore,
I have read the resume of the meeting held on Nov 2007 in Chennai, with interest (Pannikar V. LML January 15th , 2008).
Most of the strategies and logistics as described, seem to me, rather common sense. The contents will surely be agreed upon by most of the LML readers. Nevertheless, I would like to make a simple comment if I am allowed, which is as follows:
I am rather surprised that there was no earnest discussion about the pressing need for identifying risk individuals for succumbing to disease and per se nerve impairment at an early stage. In my humble opinion as a non clinician, this surely, must be the goal for the investigators in the world without Leprosy. Despite the fact we know so much about the leprosy immunopathology and we had been so much engaged in hypothesizing the unique pathomechanism of this enigmatic disease, we still know so little! I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed with so many contradictory opinions being expressed about the patho-mechanism of the disease, but early detection of the disease at the silent stage still remains a mystery. This is extremely important to identify the disease with confirmation at a very early stage, so that “pre-empty” measure can be adopted, before the infection has a chance to evolve resulting into the debilitating disease.
I am sure each one of us is quite alert, but question is how are we going tackle it? It will be interesting to listen to discussions among the PUNDITS {knowledgeable experts with wisdom}, who will be present in the forthcoming ICL, in Hyderabad.
Thanks for forwarding the synopsis of the Chennai meeting.
Pran
Possible meet of LML members in Hyderabad during the conference
Ref.: Possible meet of LML members in Hyderabad during the conference
From: Narasimha Rao P., Hyderabad, India
Dear Dr Salvatore,
I have mentioned in my previous mail regarding possibility of meet of LML members at Hyderabad, provided the members agree for such meet. While looking at the programme of the leprosy congress, there is only one official social evening on 1st of February which is Friday. All other evenings, including the evening of Saturday and Sunday (2nd and 3rd February) are free for the delegates. I feel that It would be nice if all the LML members who come to Hyderabad to attend the congress could make it convenient to meet in one of those evenings.
Although the place where the conference is being held is expensive one, there are many decent venues available (not very far from the venue of the conference) for a evening meet if it is decided upon, which are not very expensive. A nice evening Indian dinner could be arranged for Rs. 500 per person (approx. $12 per member). I will be very happy make and look after the arrangements if it is decided upon to go ahead with such a meet.
I am sure it would be a nice evening.
Looking forward to further interaction in this regard,
With regards,
P. Narasimha Rao
Hyderabad
My contact numbers are
Residence: 0091-40-23514566.
Mobile is 0091-9849044898.
WHO/ILEP Technical Guide on Community-Based Rehabilitation and Leprosy
Ref.: WHO/ILEP Technical Guide on Community-Based Rehabilitation and Leprosy
From: Prickett I., London, UK
Dear Dr Noto,
WHO and ILEP have recently published a guide on CBR and Leprosy. Please add the message below to the Leprosy Mailing List in order to help us publicise this new resource.
With thanks and regards,
Imogen
Dear Colleagues,
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) are pleased to announce the publication of the WHO/ILEP Technical guide on community-based rehabilitation and leprosy.
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is recognized as a key strategy for social inclusion, aimed at overcoming stigma, activity limitations and participation restrictions, and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. As such, it is an approach which is highly relevant to the rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy.
This technical guide describes the strategies and tasks of CBR as the appropriate response to the needs of individuals, families and communities affected by leprosy. It will prove a useful re-orientation and familiarization tool for managers, trainers and supervisors in leprosy control or rehabilitation programmes responsible for introducing and managing CBR. It may also be used by CBR managers to include people affected by leprosy in their programmes. It describes the broad objectives of CBR, the roles and tasks of programme managers, and the responsibilities of community workers who have daily contact with people affected by leprosy, their families and community members. The guide recommends approaches reported to be effective, but avoids prescribing these methods in all situations.
Although ILEP has contributed to WHO publications in the past, this is the first joint publication of such a resource in collaboration with their Disability and Rehabilitation Unit. This is a very positive result of the closer links forged through ILEP’s renewed official relations status with WHO. The Guide is now available to download from the ILEP website: http://www.ilep.org.uk/documents/WHOTechGuideWEB1.pdf
As with other ILEP publications, field-based colleagues are encouraged to consider printing this Guide locally if they require larger quantities; ILEP will provide print ready materials for this purpose. Printing resources locally has proven to be a cheaper and more efficient way of maximizing circulation and usage.
Please contact Imogen Prickett, Technical and Information Co-ordinator at ILEP for more information: imogen.prickett@ilep.org.uk
With regards,
Imogen
Ms. Imogen Prickett
Technical and Information Co-ordinator
International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations
Tel: +44 0207 602 6925 Fax: +44 0207 371 1621
Leprosy and Information Technology
Ref.: Leprosy and Information Technology
From: Frankel R. I., Hawai, USA
Dear Dr. Noto,
I refer to Dr Ganapati’s message: “Leprosy and Information technology” dated LML January 18th 2008. I would like to emphasize the importance of item number 5 in this email. I myself was not aware of this resource until this past month. In addition, I was not aware that the ILC would be held this month and thus am not able to attend.Thank you for your leadership in this effort.Sincerely,Richard I. Frankel, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.Emeritus Professor of MedicineUniversity of Hawai'I
Leprosy and information technology
Ref.: Leprosy Information and Technology
From: Faria Rodrigues C. A., Passos, MG, Brazil
Dear Dr. Ganapati,
Thank you for your message: “Leprosy and Information technology” dated LML January 18th 2008.
I agree with you when you say: ”many scientists working in leprosy and related fields are still not aware of this most useful internet medium”. The work of Dr Salvatore Noto has been improving the knowledge of many of us around the world. I hope that during the forthcoming International Congress in Hyderabad we can further discuss this item.
Your sincerely,
Dr. Carlos Alberto Faria Rodrigues
Portal da Hanseníase
www.hanseniase.passosuemg.br
Av. Arouca, 660 sala 1014
37900-152 Passos-MG - Brazil
dermorl@passosnet.com.br
(+55) 35 3521-7811 - OFFICE
(+55) 35 9106-1717 - CELL PHONE
(+55) 35 3529-8027 - FESP- UEMG
Has not the jargon ‘Elimination’ of Leprosy outlived its utility?
Ref.: Has not the jargon ‘Elimination’ of Leprosy outlived its utility?
From: Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Dear Dr Noto,
Dr V Pannikar deserves to be complimented for releasing a most sensible document with progressive views, viz. Govt of India-WHO-ICMR workshop recommendations (LML –January 15th, 2008).
It is gratifying to note that after all, the WHO has admitted that “Quality of care for patient took a back seat during elimination drive”. The workshop also recommends “…to remove the term ‘leprosy elimination’ from the programme dictionary”. It is gracious of WHO to have agreed that the term elimination is “likely to create adverse impact on patient care and management and also research and funding”.
In this context, I cannot help but remind your esteemed readers about the remarks we made three years ago (LML Archives, LML - March 13th, 2005) “….The donors are made to believe that with the magic word of ‘Elimination’, the disease is already at the verge of being wiped out. Has not the jargon ‘Elimination’ of Leprosy outlived its utility? Though it is rather late, should we not eliminate this word and devise a more patient-friendly term that truly reflects the sincere attempt at the eradication of all ills afflicting the persons who have contracted specially the progressive forms of the disease for no fault on their part”. The contents of this LML were also later published in the International Journal of Leprosy (73: 229, September 2005).
I hope that the Govt of India-WHO-ICMR recommendations will be widely circulated among the delegates attending the forthcoming International Leprosy Congress in Hyderabad. I also welcome Dr Juan Periche Fernandez’s suggestion (LML-January 11th, 2008) that Dr P Narasimha Rao should kindly convene a meeting of LML subscribers at the Congress and hope that this proposal will be considered seriously. Perhaps the progressive recommendations of WHO may be taken up for discussion by the participants.
Regards,
Dr R Ganapati,
Director Emeritus, Bombay Leprosy Project
Leprosy and Information Technology
Ref.: Leprosy and Information Technology
From: Ganapati R., Mumbai, India
Dear Dr Sunil,
I appreciate your intention to prepare a research paper (LML - January 15th, 2008) based on the views of readers of Leprosy Mailing List.
1.The concept of LML using the medium of internet pioneered by Dr Salvatore Noto is an outstanding contribution in promoting dialogue among leprologists, field workers and other specialists.
2.Updated information emerging out of exchange of opinions has helped me and my colleagues in Bombay Leprosy Project in improving the quality of our service to leprosy patients in our Referral Centre and in the field as well as in areas of research.
3.This medium has been highly useful to record for the first time several novel experiments and experiences in the field of leprosy and elicit the critical opinion of the readers.
4.It is unfortunate that several users of this medium are contributing only occasionally.
5.Many scientists working in leprosy and related fields are still not aware of this most useful internet medium. I believe that the forthcoming International Congress in Hyderabad will be ideal meeting where the existence of this medium may be brought to the knowledge of the delegates and I hope that you and Dr Noto himself may take some initiative in this regard.
Thanking you and with kind regards,
Dr R Ganapati,
Director Emeritus, Bombay Leprosy Project.
Leprosy and Information Technology
Ref.: Leprosy and Information Technology
From: Deepak S., Bologna, Italy
Dear Salvatore,
Leprosy Mailing List is an example of how Internet and e-mails are influencing our knowledge and our work with leprosy.
I would like to ask the readers of LML to share with me any experiences they have about how information technology is influencing their work for leprosy in different ways including work in the field and organisation of leprosy services.
These experiences will help me in the preparation of a research paper on which I am working. You can write to me at: sunil.deepak@aifo.it
Thanks in advance,
Sunil
Dr Sunil Deepak
Medical Advisor
AIFO, Italy
LML meeting in Hyderabad?
Ref.: LML meeting in Hyderabad?
From: Periche Fernandez J., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Dear Dr Narasimha Rao P.,
Than you very much for your kind message (LML Jan. 11 , 2008). I really would like to meet a group of members of the LML at the ILC in Hyderabad. May be you who are already there could be the person to ask everybody from the LML interested to meet each other to be at one place in the venue at one day and time.
What about that. Who else will be interested to be there?
Dr. Juan Periche Fernandez
Medico-DermatologoDirector Unidad de Lepra del Distrito NacionalCoordinador Comite de etica interno (Internal review board)Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugia de PielDr Huberto Bogaert Diaz (IDCP-Dr.HBD)
Office (809) 684-3257 ext 234Fax (809) 681-7687Apartado postal 1090Corazones UnidosDermatologia y Cosmiatria(809) 683-6185mobile (809)815-1060e mail jperiche@hvtudr.orgSanto Domingo DN Rep Dominicana
Government of India – WHO-ICMR workshop on ‘Monitoring and evaluation of leprosy control in the post-elimination era
Ref.: Government of India – WHO-ICMR workshop on ‘Monitoring and evaluation of leprosy control in the post-elimination era
From: Pannikar V., New Delhi, India
Dear Dr Noto,
Please find attached the report of a joint workshop Government of India – WHO-ICMR on “Monitoring and evaluation of leprosy control in the post-elimination era”. It was held in Chennai on 5-6 November 2007.
My best wishes to the LML members for the New Year.
Regards,
Pannikar
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Congresses
Ref.: History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Congresses
From: Mas V., Fontilles, Spain
Dear Dr Noto,
I refer to Dr Al Aboud’s request about years, places and presidents of the International Leprosy Congresses. Please, find in attachment the Excel file with the updated table. As you can note there are still question marks about Bergen, Cairo, London and New Delhi.
Best regards,
V. Mas
Biblioteca Médica
Fontilles, Spain
biblioteca@fontilles.org
Request of information about a book in Arabic?
Ref.: Request of information about a book in Arabic?
From: Mas V., Fontilles, Spain
Dear Dr Noto,
Please, find herewith enclosed the cover of a book in Arabic. Dr. Ahmed Modarressi, CEF de Sanatorium “Mehrabkhan” from Meched, Iran, gave to our Medical Library as a present in 1960.
I am unaware of the title, of course, and I would like to know it to value its importance. I wonder if anybody among the LML members knows about this book? I would be very grateful if its title could be translated in English.
Thank you in advance,
Best regards,
V. Mas
Biblioteca Médica
Fontilles, Spain
biblioteca@fontilles.org
History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Congresses
Ref.: History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View. International Leprosy Congresses
From: Al Aboud K M, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Dear All,
Many thanks to your contributions to the earlier tabulations about “Editors of Leprosy Periodicals”. It was a successful initiative. The last update is available on the Archives of the LML as annexe to the message dated LML, October 1st, 2007.
I propose to expand this project and call it:- “History of Leprosy, a Tabulation View”. I believe that several important aspects of leprosy might be summarized in this way. In attachment is the draft of a new tabulation about International Leprosy Congresses (number, year, place, and president).
Kindly, forward your contributions to this subject to:
Dr Khalid Al Aboud Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist King Faisal Hospital , P.O Box 5592 Makkah Saudi Arabia Tel 0096625566411 ext 6666 Fax 0096625563523 E-mail: alaboudkhalidatyahoo.ca
Best regards,
Khalid M. Al Aboud, MD
17th International Leprosy Congress
Ref.: 17th International Leprosy Congress
From: Rahman M., Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dear Dr. Rao,
Thank you so much for welcoming (LML Jan. 11th , 2008). I have been working since last seventeen years in the field of Leprosy. But my luck did not favour me to attend any of the Leprosy congresses held in the past and also the forthcoming one. Somebody told me it might be the last congress; do you think so?
It seems to me very exciting to know about the global situation of leprosy and also the people of the globe who are working in leprosy. I hope the Leprosy Mailing List (LML) can help in updating all of us about this important event.
With kind regards,
Dr MD Mujibur Rahman
Medical Director LEPRA BangladeshHouse No.-30, Road No.- 10, Block - GBanani, Dhaka-1213
Bangladesh
LML members meeting in Hyderabad?
Ref.: LML members meeting in Hyderabad?
From: Shwe T., Myanmar
Dear Dr. Rao,
Greetings from Myanmar! Thank you for your kindness (LML Jan. 11th, 2008). It will be great, if could meet as LML members, taking advantage of our presence in the same place. Thanking you again.
Sincerely,
Tin Shwe
Literature on Leprosy in Arabic
Ref.: Literature on Leprosy in Arabic
From: Mas V., Fontilles, Spain
Dear Salvatore,
In response to the e-mail of Ruth Wexler (LML December 7th, 2007) you can find in attachment interesting (I hope so) literature on leprosy in Arabic. Really, it is not what she is searching for, but it is a reference to contact with the authors.
Best regards,
V. Mas
Biblioteca Médica
Fontilles (Spain)
biblioteca@fontilles.org