Supporting Those Affected by Leprosy

Persons affected by leprosy, especially those with leprosy-related disabilities, may face stigma leading to social exclusion and poor mental well-being. Social exclusion often aggravates existing poverty, social inequalities and other vulnerabilities. A substantial proportion of persons affected suffer from common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Where such services are available, persons affected may be helped through socio-economic rehabilitation services, self-care or self-help groups, peer counselling and community mental health services. Often these involve meeting in groups and/or close, face-to-face contact with peers or care givers.

The key COVID-19 control measures like social distancing, self-isolation and prohibition to meet in groups directly interfere with the above services and interventions. This may directly affect the livelihood of persons affected, their ability to carry out effective prevention of disability activities and activities to work on building resilience and overcoming mental health problems. They may also increase social exclusion and loneliness, while fear of COVID-19 infection may add to anxiety and depression.

Raise awareness among health workers, social services and public authorities