Multiple drug therapy (MDT) is used to treat leprosy all over the world, the three drugs being Dapsone, Rifampicin and Clofazimine. However, in the late 1980s in Vanuatu, nine of the 37 patients being treated for leprosy developed Dapsone Syndrome – a serious condition which resulted in the deaths of four of those patients translating to an 11% death rate amongst all patients being treated for leprosy. The Ministry of Health decided (with advice from the World Health Organisation) to remove Dapsone from the MDT for all leprosy cases in Vanuatu.

Romario Marau had been treated for leprosy in the past but did not appear to be cured – he continued to have large swollen nodules on his face and was unable to continue working due to his appearance. Our leprosy consultant, Dr Arturo Cunanan, saw Romario on a visit to Vanuatu in early February. He restarted him on leprosy medication, substituting Erythromycin for the Dapsone. After just few weeks of treatment, Romario was able to return to work at the Espiritu Hotel where he was recently named Employee of the Month by his employer – the Espiritu Hotel. Well done Romario, we are proud of you!