Overcoming Leprosy: Medical Treatment and Cures
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, has been a persistent health and medical treatment issue for thousands of years, with reports of the disease dating back to 600 BC.[1] The disease, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. One of the initial and most significant impacts of leprosy is nerve damage. The bacteria slowly attacks the nerves, leaving the affected individual unable to detect pain. This loss of sensation can lead to severe injuries, as the person may not notice a hot pot burning their palms, a sharp object penetrating their skin, or even a dislocated ankle. In addition to these physical injuries, leprosy can also trigger bouts of unbearable agony for the sufferer as infection exposes raw bones. Over the centuries, leprosy medical treatment and understanding of the disease have evolved significantly.
In 1873, Dr. A. Hansen, a physician from Norway, discovered that leprosy was caused by bacteria, proving it was a contagious disease. This discovery marked a significant turning point in the medical understanding of leprosy, paving the way for the development of treatments. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the first effective anti-leprosy drugs, known as sulfones, were introduced. These drugs were able to eliminate the bacteria from a patient’s system, but the physical disfigurement caused by the disease remained, as did the associated social stigma.[2]
The Introduction of Multidrug Therapy (MDT)
The most significant breakthrough in leprosy research progress came with the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT) in the late 20th century. MDT, a combination of several antibiotics, has proven to be highly effective in curing leprosy.[3] A study showed that the cure rate at 2 years was 99% in one MDT regimen and 97.0% in another, demonstrating the high efficacy of this treatment approach.[4] However, the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding leprosy often hinder patients from seeking help. Many patients, especially young people, hide their condition out of fear of being ostracized from their families and communities. This delay in seeking treatment allows the disease to progress, leading to more severe physical impacts and increasing the risk of transmission to others.[5]
Challenges in Leprosy Patient Support and Treatment
Despite the availability of effective treatments, several challenges persist in the fight against leprosy. Access to treatment is a significant issue, particularly in remote or impoverished areas. The cost of treatment can also be prohibitive for many patients, further limiting access to these life-changing therapies.[6] Drug resistance is another challenge in the treatment of leprosy. Some strains of Mycobacterium leprae have developed resistance to the antibiotics used in MDT, making treatment more difficult. This underscores the need for ongoing research and development of new treatment strategies.[7] Moreover, the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding leprosy often hinder patients from seeking help. Many patients, especially young people, hide their condition out of fear of being ostracized from their families and communities. This delay in seeking treatment allows the disease to progress, leading to more severe physical impacts and increasing the risk of transmission to others.[8]
GFA World’s Role in Overcoming Leprosy
GFA World plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Through our network of national missionaries, GFA World is able to reach remote and underserved communities, providing access to leprosy treatment and education. GFA World also works to combat the stigma associated with leprosy, promoting awareness and education, understanding and acceptance of those affected by the disease. GFA-supported workers provide medical aid, including wound cleaning and medication provision, to leprosy patients. These simple acts of love demonstrate God’s deep care for all His creation, even those who have been crippled or disfigured by this devastating disease. In addition to providing medical aid, GFA World also works to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy. By educating communities about the disease, GFA World helps to dispel myths and misconceptions, encouraging early treatment and reducing the social isolation experienced by many leprosy patients.
Despite the progress made in treating leprosy, the battle against this disease is far from over. GFA World is committed to continuing its work until leprosy is eradicated, but we need your help. By sponsoring a GFA World national missionary, you can help bring life-changing treatment and hope to those affected by leprosy. Your support can make a difference in the lives of those living with this disease, helping to overcome the challenges of access, cost, and stigma. Join us in the fight against leprosy today.
Learn more about leprosy disease understanding[1] World Health Organization: WHO. “Leprosy.” World Health Organization: WHO, January 27, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy.
[2] Leprosy Mission International. “The History of Leprosy.” Accessed November 4, 2023. https://www.leprosymission.org/what-is-leprosy/the-history-of-leprosy/.
[3] World Health Organization: WHO. “Leprosy.” World Health Organization: WHO, January 27, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leprosy.
[4] Sheth, Pritesh. “A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Cure and Relapse Rate of Paucibacillary Multidrug Therapy with Monthly Rifampicin, Ofloxacin, and Minocycline among Paucibacillary Leprosy Patients in Agra District, India.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 81 (June 30, 2015). https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.159929.
[5] Marahatta, Sujan Babu, Rakchya Amatya, Srijana Adhikari, Deena Giri, Sarina Lama, Nils Kaehler, Komal Raj Rijal, Suchana Marahatta, and Bipin Adhikari. “Perceived Stigma of Leprosy among Community Members and Health Care Providers in Lalitpur District of Nepal: A Qualitative Study.” PloS One 13, no. 12 (December 27, 2018): e0209676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209676.
[6] Nsagha, Dickson Shey, Elijah Afolabi Bamgboye, Jules Clement Nguedia Assob, Anna Longdoh Njunda, Henri Lucien Foumou Kamga, Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Earnest Nji Tabah, Alain Bankole O O Oyediran, and Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi. “Elimination of Leprosy as a Public Health Problem by 2000 AD: An Epidemiological Perspective.” The Pan African Medical Journal 9 (2011): 4. https://doi.org/10.4314/pamj.v9i1.71176.
[7] Cambau, E, P Saunderson, M Matsuoka, S T Cole, M Kai, P Suffys, P S Rosa, et al. “Antimicrobial Resistance in Leprosy: Results of the First Prospective Open Survey Conducted by a WHO Surveillance Network for the Period 2009-15.” Clinical Microbiology and Infection : The Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 24, no. 12 (December 2018): 1305–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2018.02.022.
[8] Marahatta, Sujan Babu, Rakchya Amatya, Srijana Adhikari, Deena Giri, Sarina Lama, Nils Kaehler, Komal Raj Rijal, Suchana Marahatta, and Bipin Adhikari. “Perceived Stigma of Leprosy among Community Members and Health Care Providers in Lalitpur District of Nepal: A Qualitative Study.” PloS One 13, no. 12 (December 27, 2018): e0209676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209676.