Over 2,000 leprosy cases in Cibao

A total of 2,143 patients in the Cibao region have been diagnosed with leprosy, the infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium Lepromatosis.

The figures are in a report issued by the Leprosy Control Program of the Institute of Dermatology, Santiago de Los Caballeros. The director of the Institute, Dr. Freddy Simon�, said that of the total cases diagnosed, 1,892 thousand patients were discharged to convalesce while the remainder were still under treatment or observation.

He complained, however, that this program has a considerable cost which his institute is unable to fund. He explained that to pay the minimum needed to treat the leprosy patients, he is obliged to develop fundraising activities. He noted that there are many services not being offered to patients due to lack of funds.

Simono also highlighted the need for a health education program , through which to give talks and hold meetings with communities in places such as cultural and sports clubs, mothers groups and churches.

He said the leprosy control program covers 14 provinces of Cibao, and contact is maintained with patients through free home visits.

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