Leprosy in Maluku

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)