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)