Banke and Bardiya Struggle Against Leprosy Challenges Despite Decrease in Cases

Ranjha (Banke), Nov 12: While there has been a decrease in leprosy cases compared to previous years, Banke and Bardiya districts in Lumbini Province continue to grapple with new cases of this chronic infectious disease, posing challenges to its elimination.

During the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), Shinning Hospital in Janaki rural municipality, Banke, identified 126 cases of leprosy. Hospital chief Mangal Bahadur Tharu reported that, of the cases detected last year, 55 were from Banke, 37 from Bardiya, and the rest from other districts in Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudur Paschim provinces.

Operated by the NGO INF Nepal, the hospital had identified 157 leprosy cases in the fiscal year 2078-79 BS (2021-22). Tharu mentioned that regular camps are being conducted in various locations to uncover hidden cases of the disease.

Ram Bahadur Chand, the health division chief of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis, acknowledged challenges in leprosy prevention and emphasized the need for more actions, including leprosy camps, to identify hidden cases.

Jeevan Rajaure, the leprosy focal person at the District Health Office in Bardiya, pointed out that social perceptions towards leprosy patients have not completely changed, and those with the issue still face stigma in society, hindering their access to medical care.

Gyanendra Kumar Chaudhary, chief of the District Coordination Committee in Banke, commended INF’s role in promoting public awareness against leprosy, identifying undiagnosed cases, and contributing to prevention efforts in the area. He pledged to facilitate communication among the three-tier government to allocate the budget to the district for leprosy elimination initiatives.