As the world over prepares to celebrate World Leprosy Day tomorrow, local efforts are being intensified to raise awareness about leprosy. According to information emanating from the Leprosy Control programme “on this World Leprosy Day 2013 let us together work towards a world without leprosy.”The programme is directed by Drs Mileidy and Heather Morris. Currently there are 14 dermatology clinics which are held in various regions around the country where persons can go for skin checks and access treatment.Leprosy, it was noted is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease affecting the nerves and skin in human beings and if not treated persons with the disease can become blind, lose the sensations in their hands and feet and become prone to disability.Leprosy is regarded by many as the numb spot disease, which can be mistaken for lata, a birthmark, ring worm or allergies. “The good news is that leprosy can be cured,” outlined a statement from the Leprosy Control Programme.It is with this in mind that the local leprosy programme joins with the rest of the world in observance of the 60th World Leprosy Day.World Leprosy Day is observed internationally on the last Sunday in January to increase the awareness of the Leprosy or Hansen’s disease. This Sunday was chosen as the closest date to the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India, who understood the importance of leprosy.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) today, the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy is easy and most endemic countries are striving to fully integrate leprosy services into existing general health services.This is especially important for those under-served and marginalised communities most at risk for leprosy, often the poorest of the poor.Access to information, diagnosis and treatment with multidrug therapy (MDT) remain key elements in the strategy to eliminate the disease as a public health problem,NFL Jerseys Cheap, defined as reaching a prevalence of less than one leprosy case per 10,000 population, according to WHO.MDT treatment has been made available by WHO free of charge to all patients worldwide since 1995, and provides a simple yet highly effective cure for all types of leprosy.According to official reports received during 2011 from 130 countries and territories, the global registered prevalence of leprosy at the beginning of 2011 stood at 192,Cheap Jerseys From China,246 cases, while the number of new cases detected during 2010 was 228,474 (excluding the small number of cases in Europe).Most countries that were previously highly endemic for leprosy have achieved elimination at the national level and are intensifying their efforts at regional and district levels.Moreover,Wholesale NFL Jerseys China, information campaigns about leprosy in high risk areas are crucial so that patients and their families, who were historically ostracized from their communities, are encouraged to come forward and receive treatment.The most effective way of preventing disabilities in leprosy,NFL Jerseys China, as well as preventing further transmission of the disease, lies in early diagnosis and treatment with MDT,Cheap Jerseys From China, says WHO.