Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who escaped violence in Myanmar since last August, currently live in overcrowded camp under poor sanitation conditions. With health services on a down, it is now feared that their lives may become susceptible to Leprosy. The disease commonly thrives in areas with poor hygiene and overcrowded housing conditions, and to make matters worse, the overwhelmed healthcare system means people will remain untreated.
Untreated leprosy often causes lifelong consequences and can lead to disabilities including blindness, paralysis, and amputations. While it can be cured with a combination of antibiotics, many refugees are unable to access the vital treatment. UK-based specialist charity, Lepra is looking to set up an emergency programme to boost healthcare facilities within the refugee camps and host communities. Dr David Pahan, Director of Programmes at Lepra in Bangladesh, said, “Myanmar reported over 2600 cases of leprosy last year and the risk of the refugees carrying the disease is high. The situation is very desperate. People are living in tiny, cramped huts with poor ventilation. Whole families are living together in just one room, which greatly increases the risk of leprosy transmission. When the rainy season approaches, it will make the situation much worse as the area will be vulnerable to landslides and it will be very difficult to move the people to safety.”
