Sri Lanka, Nov. 6 -- Although Sri Lanka successfully eliminated leprosy as a public health threat in 1995, new cases continue to emerge, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Addressing the National Leprosy Conference today in Colombo, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dr. Jayatissa revealed that each year approximately 1,500-2,000 new leprosy cases are detected, with around 10% affecting children under ten.
The Minister highlighted that the government is implementing a structured programme aimed at making Sri Lanka leprosy-free by 2035. Key measures include early detection of patients, improving hospital treatments and facilities, and implementing systematic rehabilitation programmes ...