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Track – Trace - Treat: Research in Bangladesh to Stop the Spread of Leprosy
Little Abish was playing with his friends when suddenly, his leg went numb. Terrified, he recognized the signs of leprosy and knew what it could mean for him—a life altered by disability. Living in a remote village without access to medical care, Abish faced a daunting future until he reached a mobile clinic supported by New Zealand donors.
Thanks to their support, Abish received a diagnosis and began a vital course of treatment under the care of dedicated doctors like Dr. Albert Pobon.
Dr. Pobon's pioneering research in leprosy prevention represents a crucial step toward achieving "No Child with Leprosy by 2035."
The initiative focuses on tracking, tracing, and treating individuals at risk of leprosy within communities. With advancements in technology akin to pandemic-era contact tracing, doctors can administer preventive antibiotics precisely to those who have been exposed, reducing the likelihood of infection.
For children like Abish, who often live in impoverished conditions with weakened immune systems, preventive measures are crucial. Without them, the disease can cause irreversible disabilities, such as clawed hands and feet, chronic ulcers, and social exclusion.
A future free from leprosy hinges not only on effective treatment but also on proactive prevention strategies. By supporting initiatives like Dr. Pobon's research, we can ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the care they need to prevent and manage leprosy effectively.
