- MAITRI Leprosy Centre is the only organisation authorized by the Government of Bihar to run the Leprosy Eradication programme on its behalf in 3 provinces, covering an area of approx 800 sq miles, population 545,000.
- MAITRI's leprosy eradication programme has been running since 1989 and offers completely free-of-charge service to the patients.
- Until January, 2002 MAITRI Leprosy Centre ran its activity on the basis of the Survey, Education, Treatment (SET) principles of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme of India, whereby detecting and treating 6,500 cases.
- The integration of leprosy treatment into the government health services in January, 2002 has changed MAITRI’s role to supervision/consultancy to the government services for the facilitation of the integration process.
- Since September, 2002 MAITRI has been entrusted by the government with the assistance to the government staff at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and with the carrying-out of awareness activities among the population with IEC campaigns (information-education-communication) through individual and mass health education in the entire Gaya District (24 provinces).
- Since February, 2003 MAITRI has assisted the government services in the whole of Gaya District (24 provinces) for the implementation of the new prevention-of-deformities programme.
- MAITRI activities are carried out by local doctors and specifically trained Indian field workers.
- After the registration of new cases at the government primary health centers, MAITRI’s field staff verify the diagnosis and supervise the distribution of the multi-drug therapy.
- MAITRI's field staff are also engaged in all complementary services related to the overall care of old and new patients in Gaya District , including home visits to assist patients with certain needs or conditions.
- MAITRI also runs a small Hospital for the treatment of secondary effects of the disease for patients with leprosy and a Shelter for homeless and disabled patients at its centre in Bodhgaya
- The total population under MAITRI's care is 3,972,882 in 24 provinces (7,941 sq km)
Leprosy : the facts
- One new case of leprosy is reported every 40 seconds
- Leprosy can be completely cured - fact.
- Leprosy is caused by the bacillus mycobacterium leprae, which creates changes to nerves.
- Untreated leprosy can lead to hand, foot and eyelid nerve damage and crippling deformities, like 'claw' hand, 'drop' foot and blindness.
- Leprosy patients can be cured with six to twelve months of uninterrupted drug treatment.
Leprosy : the signs
- An early symptom is often a small, light-coloured patch on the skin
- The inability to feel touch, heat or pain in the affected areas
- Enlargement or tenderness of peripheral nerves, associated with signs of nerve damage, such as sensory loss in those areas
- Paralysis and wasting, especially in the hands and feet, resulting in deformities
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