Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) – Introduction (For professionals)

• Leprosy has struck fear into human beings for thousands of years. Since ancient times, leprosy has been regarded as a highly contagious, mutilating and incurable disease and this has led to an intense negative reaction from the community – many of whom dread the people afflicted with leprosy more than the disease itself.
• However, with the advent of drugs that can cure leprosy, the social picture of leprosy has gradually changed over the past decades. It is now regarded more rationally as a public health problem, and patients are now being treated in the general health services alongside other diseases.

Adapted from Dr Seow Chew Swee: Update on Leprosy