Leprosy on Palue island

Leprosy on Palue island

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: At least 200 out of the 13,000
residents on Palue island, Sikka regency, are suffering from
leprosy.

One of the main problem facings residents is the lack of
proper medical facilities to fight the disease.

Ruben Regi, 54, a relative of one of the victims told The
Jakarta Post here on Tuesday that the community health center was
not equipped with medicine for leprosy.

"The staffers always say that there is no medicine for this
disease. That is why we have stopped looking for a cure," Regi
added.

Another resident, Wende Woko, 39, said health officials once
visited the area to disseminate information on the disease, but
they did not inform residents on how and where to get treatment.

Head of Sikka's health office Ignatius Henyo Kerong said the
island is the only area in the regency with leprosy sufferers.

Indonesia is believed to have the third highest number of
leprosy sufferers after Brazil and India. (jac/01)