LEPROSY

1. Decrease the current prevalence of leprosy in order to move towards its eradication.

2. Each clinic has each year at least one staff member who has had some continuing training in Leprosy from a supervisor.

1.1 The clinic has a copy of Leprosy Control in South Africa and a plasticised copy of Diagnosis of Leprosy, Skin Lesions in Leprosy, and Treatment of Leprosy.

2.1

3.1 List of drugs in accordance with the Essential Drugs List including prepacked MDT in combi/bubble packs.

4.1 A supervisor checks progress of each case every 3 months and arranges for hospital review if needed.
4.2 Staff are able to suspect leprosy by testing for sensation and enlarged nerves and to refer to the correct hospital for biopsy diagnosis and notification if positive for leprosy.
4.3 Close contacts are examined and referred.
4.4 Files of patients are kept in related designated hospitals, supplies of combination bubble packs for multi-drug treatment are provided and clinics supervise continuity of care.
4.5 Clinic staff care for ulcers, educate patients to prevent deformity and seek help from the Leprosy Mission for help with rehabilitation, footwear and protection devices.
4.6 Sensation and motor function are tested every 3 months.
4.7 Reactions are recognised and referred to hospital.
4.8 Staff attitudes, both towards patients and in the community, are friendly, caring and help reduce stigmatisation.

5.1

6.1 All patients attending clinics for service receive health education, information and support.

7.1 All newly diagnosed cases are notified to the Provincial Health Department.
7.2 Patient’s records are kept up to date.
7.3 All leprosy patients are on a register at the referral centre in each province.

8.1 Clinic staff once a year on International Leprosy Day (3rd Sunday in January) arrange health education about leprosy to reduce stigma and to arouse awareness of early symptoms and of the fact that leprosy can be cured in their communities.

9.1 For purposes of rehabilitation (and contact tracing in some areas) the Leprosy Mission is informed of all newly diagnosed cases by telephone or fax.