Leprosy

doi:10.1017/9781009052733.037

Chapter 36 - Leprosy

from Section 5 - Bacterial Infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 June 2025

Saba M. Lambert and

Edited by

Dorothy Yeboah-Manu ,

Michael Marks and

David Mabey: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Martin W. Weber: Affiliation:
World Health Organization
Moffat Nyirenda: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu: Affiliation:
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
Jackson Orem: Affiliation:
Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala
Laura Benjamin: Affiliation:
University College London
Michael Marks: Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Nicholas A. Feasey: Affiliation:
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Summary

Leprosy is a chronic disease predominantly affecting skin and nerves, which may result in disability and social stigma, creating problems for patients and their families. Africa is the third most affected region worldwide after Asia and South America (WHO 2020), reporting 20,205 new leprosy cases. In 2019, eight African countries still reported more than one new leprosy case per 10,000 population. There was a 17% reduction in case detection in Africa in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (WHO 2021). The highest rate of advanced disability at diagnosis is reported in the African continent with 14.63% of newly diagnosed patients having Grade 2 Disability (WHO 2020). This not only implies delayed diagnosis, but increasing issues with disability, stigma and economic problems for individuals affected by leprosy.

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Type: Chapter
Information: Principles of Medicine in Africa , pp. 409 - 420

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009052733.037 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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