Leprosy Mission (Jersey)
The Jersey Branch of the Leprosy Mission supports the eradication of the causes and consequences of Leprosy.
Leprosy is:
- a medical condition, also known as Hansen's Disease, which still affects millions of people.
- caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae (a distant relative of the TB bacillus) and is probably spread by airborne droplet infection. The first outward sign of leprosy is loss of feeling in a patch on the skin.
- curable with multidrug therapy (MDT).
- capable of causing disability and even blindness if untreated by attacking nerves under the skin, leading to loss of feeling, paralysis and unfelt injury of the hands, feet and face.
- the least contagious communicable disease. Most people are naturally immune but millions in developing countries are susceptible. After only a couple of days on treatment, sufferers are no longer infectious.
- still prevalent in many parts of the world. More than 300,000 new cases were detected in 2006.
- still surrounded by myths, stigma and fear which mean that it is more than a medical condition.
- without an effective preventative vaccine - which is why early detection and treatment with MDT are so vital.
- a public health problem in 6 countries (WHO statistics): Brazil, DR Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and United Republic of Tanzania.
- over 90% of people affected by leprosy live in developing countries where resources are scarce. Here leprosy risks becoming a forgotten problem amongst higher profile social problems
- more than 14 million people have been cured with MDT since the early 1980s. A six-month course usually cures leprosy.
- between 3 and 4 million people already suffer from, or are threatened with, permanent disability due to leprosy. Life expectancy can be reduced by 50%, mainly due to economic hardship.
Officers of the Jersey Branch of The Leprosy Mission
Chairman - Jean A Le Maistre
La Maison de la Trappe,
Millais,
St Ouen,
JE3 2AL
Tel: 484004
Email: jalemaistre@jerseymail.co.uk
Secretary - Jenny Le Maistre
La Maison de la Trappe,
Millais,
St Ouen,
JE3 2AL
Tel: 484004
E-mail: jalemaistre@jerseymail.co.uk
Treasurer - David Dallain
Elmwood,
La Grande Route de St Jean,
St. John,
JE3 4FL
Tel: 862408
Email: dallain@jerseymail.co.uk