Leprosy screening and prevention continues in Vanuatu
Leprosy screening and prevention continues in Vanuatu
Last year, we told you about a visit to a remote area of Vanuatu in the Province of Malampa, to begin screening the population for signs of leprosy and giving all residents their first dose of Rifampicin to help to prevent them from developing the disease.
In April, it was time for the Vanuatu medical team to make another visit to extend the area of the project and increase awareness about leprosy in the local communities.
The project took place in Lamap – a village near the south of Malekula island which is best accessed by boat.
The first day was spent going through the medications to ensure that they had enough. Visiting the community had to wait for the next day, as a sign of respect, after a recent death.
The local health co-ordinator held a meeting for all the local village chiefs to explain to them what they were doing and why. He gave a presentation about leprosy, and what can be done to reduce the incidence of the disease.
All this information was very well received, resulting in all of the chiefs being examined for signs of leprosy and then being given their first dose of Rifampicin.
Well done to Kevin and the team for keeping on track towards zero leprosy in Vanuatu!
