Labelling persons affected, and the places they live, by their disease.

Leprosy Mailing List,
June 20th, 2009
Ref.: Labelling persons affected, and the places they live, by their disease.
From: Soutar D., London, UK

Dear Salvatore,

With regard to the article posted recently entitled “The Legacy of Brazil’s Leper Colonies” by Elizabeth Poorman (LML May 30th, 2009). This article presents some very interesting elements of the political history of leprosy in Brazil. Her perspectives regarding the perception of “cure” by people who continue to suffer the sequelae of the disease are also important to be reiterated. However, the paper loses its credibility through its frequent and wholly unnecessary use of the term “leper”.

The discrimination and stigma imposed on people affected by leprosy will never end until people cease from labelling persons affected, and the places they live, by their disease.

To continue to use such labels is both disrespectful and affront to the dignity of those affected. As long ago as 1948 the International Leprosy Congress in Havana passed the resolution: “That the use of the term “leper” in designation of the patient with leprosy be abandoned…”

And of course this has been stressed most recently in the Global Appeal of Mr. Sasakawa in London 2009 when he called on media and religious leaders to stop using the term “leper”. Leprosy causes nerve damage and impairments but ultimately it is society that creates ‘disability’ in terms of the continuing stigma and discrimination experienced by those affected.

Our behaviour, our attitudes and the language we use are measures of whether we are part of the problem or part of the solution.

Regards,
Douglas Soutar

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
E-mail: doug.soutar(at)ilep.org.uk