Leprosy in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku: At least 1,650 people are still known to be suffering from leprosy in Maluku, health officials said here yesterday.

"Most of the leper patients being treated since the beginning of the year are in Ambon, north Maluku and southeast Maluku," Dr. Umarella, head of the provincial health office, was quoted by Antara as saying.

The current number may increase as surveys on the disease in central Maluku and central Halmahera will only be conducted next year.

It is estimated that seven people suffer leprosy out of every 10,000 in Maluku. (mds)