The feature relating to World Leprosy Day (‘Improving the lives of leprosy sufferers’, The Sunday Times of Malta, January 28), made interesting reading.
Your readers may be interested to learn, however, that in Malta we still have individuals who are suffering from the ravages of this infection. These individuals, who numbered 28 in 2017, are now not infective themselves and hence they cannot transmit the infection to anybody around them.
However, they do suffer from all the stigmata associated with the disease and the havoc this microbe causes to the nervous system. The first documented case of leprosy in the Maltese islands dates back to 1492. The last reported new case of leprosy in Malta was in 1992, though we have had new cases of leprosy being diagnosed in immigrants in 2008 and 2011.
From a historical point of view, Malta can proudly walk with its head held high since it was the first country to institute a programme aimed at eradicating leprosy within the community. The pioneer work of the doctors, supported by the government of the time, must be recognised. Their work and success led to the eventual adoption of the methodology by the World Health Organisation.
In Malta, there are still organisations that work towards improving the conditions of individuals affected with leprosy. The Order of Charity collects tens of thousands of euros each year to send to Maltese missionary workers caring for leper communities, besides sending money to international organisations that help fight against the ravages of the disease in underdeveloped countries.
Last year, the Order of Charity distributed a total of €31,000.
Anybody wishing to contribute can send a donation addressed to the Order of Charity at the Catholic Institute, Floriana.