Feared and misunderstood since biblical times, few would know there are still more than 30 lepers living in the Maltese islands. A National Statistics Office report on social protection published recently revealed that 36 people were paid “leprosy assistance” in 2012.

This non-contributory benefit is paid to any head of household who suffers from leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, or who has a member in their household suffering from it.

The number of people receiving the €34.94 weekly allowance is slowly dwindling each year, with 57 individuals receiving it in 2007.

This year just 32 qualified for assistance, the Social Solidarity Ministry said.

“There are still a number of old-time sufferers of Hansen’s disease living in Malta. I emphasise these are non-infective cases,” explained Charles Savona-Ventura.

Chev. Prof. Savona-Ventura is Grand Prior of the Grand Priory of the Maltese Islands of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.

The priory has traditionally assisted lepers and still supports a number of ageing Maltese lepers living in the community.

There are no longer any lepers living in institutions.

A group of lepers were housed for a long time at St Bartholemew Leprosarum at St Vincent de Paul Hospital. Twenty-four were transferred to Ħal Ferha Estate in 1974.

There are still a number of old-time sufferers of Hansen’s disease living in Malta. I emphasise these are non-infective cases

Ħal Ferha closed down in 2001 when the only remaining case was transferred to St Vincent de Paul. The last institutionalised leper died several years ago.

There is a deep social stigma attached to leprosy because it can cause skin lesions and severe physical deformities, but modern-day treatments mean the disease is treatable and non-infective.

Leprosy primarily affects the peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal passages.

Though widely assumed to be spread via the respiratory system through nasal droplets, broken skin is also a possibility.

The Grand Priory has an NGO affiliate called the Raoul Follereau Foundation (Malta) – the Order of Charity, which collects funds to support the worldwide fight against the disease.

Despite leprosy being curable, it is still a disabling scourge in third world countries because treatment is not readily available, Chev. Prof. Savona-Ventura said.

The Order of Charity circulates an annual newsletter among its 1,600 members and issues posters and circulars to all parish churches and church schools.

In 2013, the Order distributed almost €15,000 to around 20 associations worldwide who work with lepers.

Anyone wishing to assist the Order of Charity in its fight against leprosy can send donations together with their name and address to: Order of Charity, Catholic Institute, Floriana.

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