(LML) Early detection is the critical part

Leprosy Mailing List – January 8,  2019

Ref.:   (LML) Early detection is the critical part

From:  Umerov Zhaudat, Moscow, Russia

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Dear Pieter,

Merry Christmas and happy New year!  

I believe that luck and success in the fight against leprosy in the new year is largely based on an assessment of our achievements and failures in the past. It is obvious that the solution to the leprosy challenge should be based on a real strategy and clear execution of tactical tasks within the framework of the strategy. We see that the strategy has clearly defined all relevant areas of struggle (early diagnosis, transmission, chemoprophylaxis, prevention of disability in children and adults, training, etc.).

These directions have already been formulated many years ago and do not change much. This indicates, firstly, the highest mystery of Hansen's disease and, secondly, the lack of implementation of tactical programs in treatment practice.

For example, the early diagnosis.  Currently, as the epidemiological experience shows, only active case finding by a team of leprologists (possibly as part of NTD specialists) can detect early cases of leprosy. This is indicated by observations (Arry Pongtiku, Papua, Indonesia) and experience in the eradication of leprosy in Russia. ""Know-how" of such teams (like fire brigades) is known. It remains only to have an ambitious desire. And I fully agree with Dr. Almeida that only a new generation of active professionals can put an end not only to the strategy of "early diagnosis".

Best wishes,

Umerov Zhaudat

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

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

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