Leprosy prevalent in Irian Jaya

Leprosy prevalent in Irian Jaya

SORONG, Irian Jaya: The number of Irians suffering from leprosy has reached over 2,300, says a local official.

Leprosy was still high in Monokwari (38 per 10,000 people), Yapen Waraopen (39), Sorong (21), Fak-fak (14), Biak (13.4), Merauke (12.5) and Jayapura (11.8), head of the provincial health ministry office Gunawan said Saturday.

He said that compared to other provinces, 12.7 per 10,000 people in 1994 was still high.

He said the provincial administration and several international non-governmental organizations, like TLMI, NSL and Emaus Swiss, are providing free medical treatment to combat leprosy in the province.

He called on Irians to help bring lepers to public health centers for regular medical treatment, Antara reported. (rms)