Cabo Delgado Records 568 New Cases Of Leprosy
Maputo, 31 Jan (AIM) – The health authorities in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado reported 568 cases of leprosy in 2022, an increase of 73 when compared to the 495 cases registered in 2021.
The figure was announced on Monday, in the provincial capital, Pemba, by the Cabo Delgado provincial governor, Valige Tuabo, on the occasion of World Leprosy Day.
“The prevalence of the disease has risen from 1.5 to 2.1 cases for every 10,000 inhabitants”, the governor said, adding that the cases were reported with higher incidence in the districts of Montepuez, Chiure, Namuno, Nangade, Meluco and Mecufi, where the disease was considered uncontrolled.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in 2008, declared Cabo Delgado a leprosy-free zone. However, since 2015, new episodes have been reported, some already causing visible deformities.
The diagnosis of more cases results from the intensification of active searches in the communities, through volunteers of the Leprosy Control Programme, and screening of contacts of patients under treatment in the districts where the diseases is endemic.
“The fight against this disease requires selfless work for the early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy to prevent physical deformities”, the governor said, calling on citizens to fight against stigma and discrimination against people suffering from this disease.
(AIM)
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