Stories of hardship and hope: Towards zero leprosy in Cambodia
Cambodia has made great progress in reducing leprosy – in 2019, the country reported that 127 people were receiving treatment and there were 92 new cases, and in 2020, those numbers fell to 55 and 38 respectively. But leprosy has not been eliminated completely, and small hotspots still exist in communities around the country. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted case detection and efforts to work with affected communities, and so the country has renewed its push to eliminate this neglected tropical disease by 2030.
Leprosy is not highly infectious, but it is a chronic disease that can be transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with people not receiving treatment. If left untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Leprosy is curable, and treatment in the early stages is critical to prevent disability.
Achieving zero leprosy in Cambodia is now within sight. It will require effective prevention, treatment and care of the disease through the deployment of Cambodia’s dense network of leprosy health workers and working with communities to ensure patients receive the support they need, especially those who are disproportionally affected - women, children and ethnic minorities. Ending the stigma around the disease is also crucial so that people feel comfortable seeking help and supporting others through treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided technical and financial support to the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Health and partners, in numerous areas of leprosy prevention, treatment and care, including active case finding, contact tracing, social rehabilitation, and piloting interventions for elimination. WHO will continue its support until the goal of interrupting transmission of leprosy is reached.
Scroll through the photos below to hear from three people who are no longer infectious with leprosy and live in Troeung Village, a haven for people affected by leprosy in Kampong Cham Province. They share their empowering stories and advice for others.