“I realize that leprosy is not just about the number of cases. Leprosy is a disease that has brought stigma and discrimination (to sufferers). Hence, we need great efforts so Indonesia can achieve zero leprosy, zero disability, and zero stigma,” Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said.
In a statement issued here on Monday, he said the five measures include expanding disease elimination efforts to 111 districts and cities, up from 42 initially, and initiating mass screening in five priority regions starting this month. The five regions are Tangerang, Bekasi District, Brebes District, Jayapura City, and Sampang District
The measures also include screening for people with dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), particularly in Papua, Maluku, and Sulawesi.
Dapsone is a drug often used to treat leprosy. DHS is an adverse reaction to the drug.
Sadikin also emphasized the need to ensure the availability of multi-drug therapy (MDT) for leprosy treatment.
The minister said that a meeting with WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa at the World Health Assembly 2023 had inspired Indonesia’s commitment to eliminate the disease.
Leprosy, he noted, is not as high a priority compared to other communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.
In the same statement, Sasakawa praised Indonesia’s commitment and leadership in eliminating leprosy.
Indonesia is a vast country with complex geographical challenges, but he said he believes collaboration will enable the country to eliminate the disease.
“I believe Indonesia has the capacity, spirit, and political will to become a global model in leprosy elimination,” he added.
He also urged the government, international organizations, scholars, religious leaders, and communities to unite and contribute to anti-leprosy efforts.
“I am already 86 years old, but I hope I can see the day when Indonesia succeeds in completely eliminating leprosy,” he said.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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