Sunday, December 23, 2018

(LML) The Leprosy Mailing List

Leprosy Mailing List – December 23,  2018

Ref.:  (LML) The Leprosy Mailing List 

From:  Pieter AM Schreuder, Maastricht, the Netherlands


Dear colleagues,

The past year we have seen quite a lot of new subscriptions, bringing the total well over 500. Not everyone is acquainted with the objectives and functioning of LML. Basically, it is an e-mail based (open) forum for exchange of information, mutual support, training and discussions on leprosy among persons based in different countries and continents. It was started in February 2001 by Salvatore Noto at the Centre for Training and Research in Public Health (Cefpas) in Caltanissetta, Italy, and up till now supported by AIFO by hosting our blog (LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/).

LML is independent and has no financial ties to any governmental or non-governmental organization or the World Health Organization (WHO). All information passes its editorial board (S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder) before being distributed. However, opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily shared by the editorial board. LML contributions are not considered publications as a publication in a recognised scientific journal. They can (and are) however be cited because they represent professional opinions.

In an editorial of the Leprosy Review of 2012 (The leprosy mailing list. EDITORIAL. Lepr Rev (2012) 83, 331–334) the history, objectives and functioning of the LML are presented.

"The specific objectives of the LML are:

- 1) divulge information about leprosy, its causes, prevention and treatment;

- 2) share information about management of leprosy control activities and programmes;

- 3) share information about socio-cultural aspects of leprosy and

      rehabilitation of patients with disabilities;

-4) offer a distance learning tool in leprosy for health professionals; and

- 5) create a forum to discuss the main issues on leprosy and its control activities and programmes.

Contributions like papers, clinical cases, letters, comments, reports etc. are sent to the moderator (presently Dr. Pieter Schreuder) via e-mail, who edits them in a common format and are then circulated among the members. Often prior to circulation of the documents, there is an exchange of mails between the moderator and the contributor, to clarify or modify points that are not clear.

LML is not only a forum for those still active in the field of leprosy, but it also offers the opportunity to those not active in the field of leprosy anymore, but who have a wide and valuable experience to share, to continue to contribute to the education of new comers in this field."

To summarize, LML is an open forum to which all those interested in leprosy are welcome to contribute. All opinions are respected, but have to be well argued (preferably backed up by literature references) and relevant to the topic in discussion.

LML wants to pass our Season's Greetings. Do not hesitate, any contribution, may it be a problem you encountered in your field, or information you want to share, is welcome.

Best wishes for 2019,

S.Deepak

Salvatore Noto

Ben Naafs

Pieter Schreuder


LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com


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