The Causes

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is caused by bacteria called m.leprae which attacks nerves in the hands, feet and face leaving them numb and without feeling. This bacteria is much more prevalent in poor countries, although there are around 10 cases a year in New Zealand. People and families living in poverty are more vulnerable to the disease due to malnutrition and lowered immune systems.

The most common symptom of leprosy is discoloured patches of skin that lose their sensitivity. If left untreated, leprosy can affect the peripheral nerves which can cause the fingers and toes to claw inward and the eyes to lose their ability to blink, causing blindness. The biggest risk of injury is due to ulcers and infections in the hands and feet. These occur because cuts, bruises and burns are ignored when the skin loses sensitivity. Untreated infections can become so severe that disfigurement and amputations may result.

There is a cure, and disability can be completely avoided if leprosy is detected early enough. Early diagnosis is imperative because although the progression of leprosy can be halted, disability cannot be reversed. The medication used to treat the disease (multi-drug therapy) takes affect just a couple of days after treatment has started.

The Consequences

Sadly, leprosy is as much a social disease as a medical one. In almost every country that we work, stigma towards leprosy-affected people and their families still exists. It stems from superstitions, religious beliefs, attitudes to physical disfigurement and discriminatory laws and practices.

People affected by leprosy are often rejected by their own families once the signs of the disease appear. So while one person may be diagnosed, whole families can be torn apart. Families affected by leprosy are often discriminated against within their communities. Shut out from their homes, schools, workplaces and churches, people and families affected by leprosy find themselves further entrenched in the cycle of poverty. This leads to further isolation and despair. 

Read about the work we do to combat the causes and consequences of leprosy.