Leprosy

Leprosy in Vanuatu is considered to be endemic and is among the 13 neglected tropical diseases on its way to elimination.

Although on this road, the disease is still of public health interest as it continues to be reported every year.

Each year the World Health Organization reports 200,000 people diagnosed with leprosy and there are millions who are living with the damaging consequences of delayed leprosy treatment.

In Vanuatu, Leprosy has affected both men and women 65% of men and 35% of women affected with Leprosy since the year 2000.

But for those who do not take care of themselves, the long term end result involves lifelong deformities and disabilities.

PNG successfully eliminated leprosy as a public health problem/issue by year 2000, achieving the elimination target of less than 1 leprosy case per 10,000 population. 

This however, doesn’t mean a total eradication.

Only six provinces did not reach the elimination target and still remain as high endemic to date.

These provinces are NCD, Gulf, Central, Western, Sandaun and East New Britain.