Sindh Health Minister Seeks Public Support For Leprosy Eradication

Muhammad Rameez Published February 01, 2017 | 04:20 PM

KARACHI, Feb 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 01st Feb, 2017 ) : Sindh Minister for Health, Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhro has sought public support to eradicate leprosy and associated stigma. Addressing a ceremony to commemorate World Leprosy Day, he appreciated that leprosy elimination was being successfully achieved in the country.

"Elimination is, however, not the end of Leprosy," said the minister and a senior medical care provider. "There are many challenges in terms of physical and social rehabilitation, which will go on even in the post elimination phase," said Dr.

Sikandar Ali Mandhro. Reiterating that Leprosy elimination does not mean that disease may have been wiped out, he appealed to the people to do away with stigma attached to disease and tendency to ostracize the sufferer.

"The stigma attached to the disease and trend to ostracize prevent many of the patients from seeking needed treatment hence preventing chances to eradicate the bacteria from the roots," elaborated the health minister.

Sindh Health Minister, Dr.

Sikandar Ali Mandhoro said there was need to create public awareness to minimize the burden of this disease. He on the occasion felicitated Dr. Ruth Pfau and her dedicated team and assured to extend all government support for their varied projects including rehabilitation of physically disabled and prevention of blindness besides eradication of leprosy.

Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhoro particularly appreciating Dr. Ruth Pfau said she was a living legend and the services she rendered for the people suffering from leprosy during past more than 50 years can never be forgotten by the people of the country in general and Sindh in particular.

The minister said World Leprosy Day not only symbolizes feelings of togetherness with patients affected by Leprosy but also provides an opportunity to renew our commitment for a Leprosy free world. Dr. Ruth Pfau, Founder of Marie Adelaide Leprosy Center (MALC), Mervyn Lono and senior board members of MALC, patients and people from all walk of life attended the program.