Household screening continues in Vanuatu
Household screening continues in Vanuatu
In Vanuatu our PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) activities are continuing in known “hot spots” for leprosy.
Population screening has continued in Malampa province at three more villages - Unua, Aulua and Atchin.
A total of 1036 people were examined for signs of leprosy, and where appropriate given a dose of Rifampicin to reduce the likelihood of anyone who may be incubating the disease from developing leprosy.
One new case of leprosy was diagnosed as a result of these activities, and the patient began MDT (multiple-drug-therapy) for a six-month period.
These visits from medical staff also include talks about leprosy to increase awareness of the illness.
During the past couple of months, this process has also begun in the province of Sanma where another case of leprosy was recently diagnosed.
Vanuatu presents many problems in carrying out these activities, owing to the difficulty of travelling large distances between different regions and the isolation of many communities.
