52 cases of leprosy were reported in 2011, one less than those documented in 2010. Rubavu District is one of the most affected areas, with 12 cases between 2008 and 2011.Dr. Michel Gasana, Head of Division in charge of Tuberculosis and Other Communicable Respiratory Diseases (TB&ORD Division), noted that the disease was still a cause of concern despite efforts to rid the country of the disease. “Even if leprosy is not a public health issue, the disease continues to cause some concern due to the deformities it leaves with the victims.”He called on the public to be on a look out for its symptoms that include; muscle weakness especially in the hands and feet, skin stiffness and dryness, loss of fingers and toes, enlarged nerves, especially those around the elbow and the knee and eyes problems which lead to blindness. Malick Kayumba, the Communications Specialist in the TB and ORD Division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, disclosed that the most areas affected by the disease are Bugarama in Rusizi, Kirarambogo in Gisagara, Nzangwa in Bugesera, Nyundo in Rubavu and Kabilizi in Nyaruguru.He added that the TB&ORD Division in charge of the control of leprosy is working hard to support active detection campaigns in endemic sites, continuous training of the health workers and prevention, treatment medical and social rehabilitation of patients. Nyundo was the first area in Rwanda to have a centre that treats Leprosy. It had only two new cases in 2011.Eighteen people were healed from Leprosy in Nyundo and are still being supported by the TB/ORD Division. Kayumba noted that persons affected by leprosy are entitled to rights like all other persons and should not been marginalised. Leprosy spreads like the common cold, but is much less contagious than the cold, or influenza. It is curable and treatment is for either six or 12 months.
