Jayapura, Jubi – Nearly 1,600 people in 16 districts in Papua are suffering from leprosy, said Ary Pongtiku, a consultant of Leprosy and Framboesia in Papua and West Papua in Jayapura last week.

He said the actual number could be higher because people were reluctant to get treatment. In addition, the patients did not want to take medication given by paramedics. If it is not to be taken seriously then the it is difficult to eradicate.

Therefore, the Papua provincial government allocated Rp. 200 million and Rp. 525 million from the Netherlands Leprosy Relief.

When asked about the prevention of leprosy by using a "blanket system", he stated it would be implemented in Mumugu village, Asmat, Papua. We have recorded 135 lepers in Mumugu that its treatment would be using the "blanket system" out of 350 lepers.

The area that became epidemic of leprosy is the city of Jayapura, Timika, Sarmi, Nabire, Mamberamo Raya, Biak, Waropen, Asmat, Supiori, Digoel, Mappi, Merauke, Jayawijaya, Paniai, Yapen Islands, Keerom and Jayapura regency.

Source: http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/04/15/nearly-1600-people-in-papua-suffer-from-leprosy/