Leprosy Mailing List – July 25, 2019
Ref.: (LML) Leprosy Mailing List
From: Pieter AM Schreuder, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Dear colleagues,
The leprosy mailing list (LML) is an e-mail-based list for sharing information among people working in the field of leprosy worldwide (Editorial Leprosy Review 2012). The first part of this letter is to welcome the newcomers to LML of the past year. The second part of this letter is of interest to all LML readers.
LML was started in February 2001 at the Centre for Training and Research in Public Health (Cefpas) in Caltanissetta, Italy; from 2005 – 2013 held at the National Leprosy Referral Centre, Department of Dermatology, at San Martino University Hospital, in Genoa, Italy; and since 2013 run by Pieter AM Schreuder, Maastricht, the Netherlands. Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder <editorlml@gmail.com>
LML is independent and has no financial ties to any governmental or non-governmental organization or the World Health Organization (WHO). The LML blog (LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/) is hosted by courtesy of AIFO, Bologna, Italy. The editorial Board consists of Sunil Deepak, Ben Naafs, Salvatore Noto and Pieter Schreuder. All information passes its editorial board before being distributed. However, opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily shared by the editorial board.
LML accepts all contributions as long as they are relevant to leprosy. For a good understanding: LML contributions are not considered publications as a publication in a recognised scientific journal. They can (and are) however be cited because represent professional opinions.
A good example of the impartiality of LML was the discussion about 'elimination.'
Although the feelings about 'elimination' on both sides of the battle ground run high, and this issue absorbed many people in the field, there did and does not exists a stated LML opinion. However, LML editors can on personal title contribute to the discussion as long as it is clear that they do not claim to express an "official" LML opinion.
LML is an open forum which brings you in contact with almost 600 persons engaged in leprosy related work (from scientists to leprosy field workers, government officials to non-governmental organisations) in more than 50 countries. We like to hear the voices of all LML subscribers. Although not many people contribute actively to the discussions, many LML readers appreciate our efforts to show different opinions as was the case with the "elimination" discussion.
Over the past few years, we have seen a kind of turn-around in leprosy control: from attention to prevalence (elimination as a public health problem) to incidence (reducing transmission), from only passive case-reporting to providing funds for active case-finding activities to promote early detection and prevent nerve damage, renewed attention to detection and treatment of silent neuritis, treatment of reactions and prevention of further disability, upgrading skin smear services, attention to possible drug and multidrug resistance in leprosy, importance of post-MDT chemoprophylaxis in the case of LL patients, promoting respect for human rights etc. LML provided a widely-read platform for important discussions on such topics.
Recently, suggestions have been made to transform LML into an online Community of Practice (CoPs). Community of Practice is a vehicle for capturing knowledge to ensure public health preparedness, managing information more effectively, enabling global health professionals to work collaboratively in a virtual environment, and improving effectiveness in the face of dwindling resources. Online CoPs provide a virtual space for people who share a common interest and are working towards a shared goal. https://www.globalhealthlearning.org/course/online-communities-practice-cops-global-health For those interested, examples of such CoPs you will find in: https://knowledge-gateway.org/
Those of the editorial board who participated in such online fora were of the opinion that we should not go this direction. The fear is that even with CoPs only a small percentage of those health professionals and stakeholders will be active participants in those discussions. However, make up your own mind and visit those mentioned websites. CoPs could be of interest for your situation!
Nevertheless, we would like to appeal to our readers to take up the challenge and contribute to ongoing discussions or bring new items. LML makes a difference.
Best wishes,
Editorial Board LML
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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