#discrimination against persons affected by leprosy

[indizombie]

"Leprosy remains a deep-rooted human rights issue," says Alice Cruz, the UN Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy, a role she's held since November 2017. There are more than a hundred laws that discriminate against people with leprosy worldwide, creating a strong stigma that can act as a barrier for getting treatment, she says. In some countries, leprosy is grounds for divorce. In India, this was the case until laws were amended in 2019. Many people affected by the disease still struggle to get jobs, and the disease can hinder their access to healthcare and education. "Countries should do everything in their power to have discriminatory laws abolished and to put in place policy that can guarantee economic and social rights to people affected by leprosy," says Cruz. "Going forward, we should ask ourselves the question: are our healthcare systems working to afford full accessibility to persons affected by leprosy? This is because leprosy is much more than a disease, it became a label that dehumanises people who are affected by it."

Kamala Thiagarajan, ‘Leprosy: the ancient disease scientists can't solve’, BBC

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil: UN expert hails legislative breakthroughs favouring children separated from parents affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease)

A UN expert today welcomed legislative strides towards protecting and promoting the human rights of children separated from their parents affected by Hansen's disease in Brazil.

"I congratulate the Brazilian government on the signing of this milestone and encourage it to implement this law with the necessary resources and structures, and to ensure that cases are examined and decided by the inter-ministerial commission in a swift and effective manner," said Dr. Beatriz Miranda Galarza, UN Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by Hansen's disease and their family members.

Some 16,000 children were separated from their parents suffering from Hansen's disease and sent to institutions between 1923 and 1986, under the state's forced segregation policy at the time. These separated children have been fighting for reparations from the state and filed several cases in state courts over the past decade. "I also congratulate all human rights defenders, including the National Movement for the Reintegration of People Affected by Hansen's Disease (MORHAN) for this achievement," she added.

Continue reading.

[jpshealth]

Demystifying Leprosy: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a condition that has been shrouded in mystery and misconceptions for centuries. But fear not! In this article, we're here to demystify leprosy, unravel its mysteries, and provide you with the essential information you need to know about this ancient disease.

Understanding Leprosy

What Is Leprosy, Anyway?

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and nerves. It's not highly contagious, and its transmission usually requires prolonged close contact with an infected person.

The Historical Significance

Leprosy's history is as old as civilization itself. Throughout history, leprosy has been misunderstood, leading to social isolation and stigmatization of those affected. Fortunately, modern medicine has made great strides in understanding and treating the disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The Warning Signs

So, how do you recognize leprosy? The disease manifests with various symptoms, primarily affecting the skin. Look out for skin lesions, nodules, and loss of sensation in affected areas.

Early Diagnosis Is Key

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. If you suspect you have leprosy or notice any symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. Leprosy can be diagnosed through a physical examination and laboratory tests.

Treatment and Prevention

Advanced Treatments for Leprosy

The good news is that leprosy is curable with antibiotics, primarily a combination called multidrug therapy (MDT). Treatment duration can be several months, but it's highly effective.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Preventing leprosy involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding prolonged close contact with untreated individuals. Regular screenings in high-risk areas can also help identify and treat cases early.

Debunking Myths

Myth #1: Leprosy Is Highly Contagious

Contrary to popular belief, leprosy is not highly contagious. It requires extended, close contact for transmission.

Myth #2: Leprosy Is a Punishment

Historically, people believed leprosy was a divine punishment. In reality, it's a bacterial infection that anyone can contract.

Myth #3: Leprosy Causes Body Parts to Fall Off

This is perhaps the most persistent myth. Leprosy causes nerve damage, which can lead to injuries, but it doesn't make body parts fall off.

Real Stories of Resilience

Leprosy Survivor Stories

While leprosy has a dark history of stigma and discrimination, many individuals have shown remarkable resilience in the face of the disease. Their stories are inspiring and remind us that a diagnosis of leprosy doesn't define a person.

Lending a Helping Hand

Ways to Support Leprosy Research

If you'd like to make a difference in the fight against leprosy, consider donating to organizations dedicated to research, treatment, and support for affected individuals.

Conclusion: Shedding Light on Leprosy

Leprosy, once shrouded in fear and ignorance, is now better understood and highly treatable. By debunking myths, sharing survivor stories, and spreading knowledge, we can reduce stigma and discrimination surrounding this ancient disease. With compassion and awareness, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by leprosy.

[gamegill]

UN rights expert calls on Bangladesh to draft anti-discrimination leprosy laws — Global Issues

“Leprosy is hidden beneath multiple layers of systemic exclusion, structural discrimination, and institutional neglect,” said UN Special Rapporteur on discrimination against persons with leprosy, Alice Cruz, following an eight-day visit to Bangladesh. Currently, people from 120 countries are affected byleprosy, known as Hansen’s disease, with more than 200,000 new cases reported worldwide…

[cryptosecrets]

UN rights expert calls on Bangladesh to draft anti-discrimination leprosy laws — Global Issues

“Leprosy is hidden beneath multiple layers of systemic exclusion, structural discrimination, and institutional neglect,” said UN Special Rapporteur on discrimination against persons with leprosy, Alice Cruz, following an eight-day visit to Bangladesh. Currently, people from 120 countries are affected byleprosy, known as Hansen’s disease, with more than 200,000 new cases reported worldwide…

[firelynxinbloom]

The United Nations has made a statement regarding the protests against racial inequality in the United States. It reads:

"The recent killing of George Floyd has shocked many in the world, but it is the lived reality of black people across the United States. The uprising nationally is a protest against systemic racism that produces state-sponsored racial violence, and licenses impunity for this violence. The uprising also reflects public frustration and protest against the many other glaring manifestations of systemic racism that have been impossible to ignore in the past months, including the racially disparate death rate and socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disparate and discriminatory enforcement of pandemic-related restrictions. This systemic racism is gendered. The protests the world is witnessing, are a rejection of the fundamental racial inequality and discrimination that characterize life in the United States for black people, and other people of color.

The response of the President of the United States to the protests at different junctures has included threatening more state violence using language directly associated with racial segregationists from the nation’s past, who worked hard to deny black people fundamental human rights. We are deeply concerned that the nation is on the brink of a militarized response that reenacts the injustices that have driven people to the streets to protest.

Expressions of solidarity—nationally and internationally—are important but they are not enough. Many in the United States and abroad are finally acknowledging that the problem is not a few bad apples, but instead the problem is the very way that economic, political and social life are structured in a country that prides itself in liberal democracy, and with the largest economy in the world. The true demonstration of whether Black lives do indeed matter remains to be seen in the steps that public authorities and private citizens take in response to the concrete demands that protestors are making. One example is nationwide calls to rollback staggering police and military budgets, and for reinvestment of those funds in healthcare, education, housing, pollution prevention and other social structures, especially in communities of color that have been impoverished and terrorized by discriminatory state intervention.

Reparative intervention for historical and contemporary racial injustice is urgent, and required by international human rights law. This is a time for action and not just talk, especially from those who need not fear for their lives or their livelihoods because of their race, colour, or ethnicity. Globally, people of African descent and others have had to live the truths of systemic racism, and the associated pain, often without meaningful recourse as they navigate their daily lives. International leaders that have spoken out in solidarity with protestors, and with black people in the United States should also take this opportunity to address structural forms of racial and ethnic injustice in their own nations, and within the international system itself.

UN experts:

E. Tendayi Achiume, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

Ahmed Reid (Chair), Michal Balcerzak, Dominique Day, Sabelo Gumedze, and Ricardo A. Sunga III,Working Group of experts on people of African descent

Ikponwosa Ero, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism

Leigh Toomey (Chair-Rapporteur), Elina Steinerte (Vice-Chair), José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, Sètondji Roland Adjovi, and Seong-Phil Hong,Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

Githu Muigai (Chair), Anita Ramasastry (Vice-chair), Surya Deva, Elżbieta Karska, and Dante Pesce, Working Group on Business and Human Rights

Rhona Smith, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia

Yao Agbetse, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic

Nourredine Amir (Chair), Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

Tomás Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Saad Alfarargi, Special Rapporteur on the right to development

Catalina Devandas-Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities

Kombou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education

David R. Boyd, Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment

Agnès Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food

Yuefen LI, Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights

David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

Baskut Tuncak, Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances and wastes

Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health

Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context

Livingstone Sewanyana, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order

Obiora C. Okafor, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity

Alice Cruz, Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members

Alioune Tine, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali

Chris Kwaja (Chair), Jelena Aparac, Lilian Bobea, Sorcha MacLeod, and Saeed Mokbil, Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination

Felipe González Morales, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants

Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on minority issues

Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons

Michael Lynk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967

Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

Joe Cannataci, Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy

Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Mama Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on sale and sexual exploitation of children

Victor Madrigal-Borloz, Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences

Isha Dyfan, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia

Aristide Nononsi, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan

Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Nils Melzer, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children

Fabian Salvioli, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence

Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

Dubravka Šimonovic, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences

Léo Heller, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation

Meskerem Geset Techane, Elizabeth Broderick (Chair), Alda Facio, Ivana Radačić, and Melissa Upreti (Vice Chair), Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

The Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity."

[historyrph]

HISTORY OF DISABILITY.

in the past five years, i’ve noticed that historical rps have made wonderful strides toward inclusivity –– however, one sector of the rpc that is almost always lacking is disabled representation. i’ve created the following guide for roleplayers to take cues from; i am by no means an expert and have relied on google for the majority of my research. i myself am a disabled woman, so i would appreciate if any criticism you might have would remain respectful of both myself and my experiences. 

disabled experiences are not universal, and may be exacerbated by socioeconomic, ageist and racial prejudices of a region. nevertheless, the brief history below should help you understand the attitudes, stigmas, and care for disabled individuals a little bit better. as always, i encourage you to undertake your own research before diving into writing a disabled character.

INAPPROPRIATE TERMS:

start with the DEFINITION OF DISABILITY. a disability can be a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. some disabilities are visible, others are not. discrimination against those with disabilities is called ableism. learn what it is, learn what it isn’t, and know that some words that are largely accepted by the government and society do not reflect the wishes of the disabled community AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. crippled, vegetable, psycho and r*tarded are all slurs; furthermore, ‘handicap’ is not considered an appropriate term, neither is wheelchair-bound, the disabled, suffers from, or mentally handicap. read more about appropriate / inappropriate terms here! please note that now inappropriate terms such as ‘lame’ or ‘afflicted’ might have been used during the time period you’re writing in. know what your partners are comfortable with before using them! (*this applies to all of the above.)

REMINDER:

disability is NOT A NEW CONCEPT and not something that has emerged as a result of increasing numbers of people affected. disability is an ancient concept that has existed for as long as people have existed. this should reflect in your roleplays.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING HISTORY IS LARGELY GATHERED FROM EURO-CENTRIC, CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVES.

DISABILITY IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD: disabilities in the medieval period could be highly visible. in medieval england, lepers, blind and deaf people, mentally ill people, and physically disabled people were a part of everyday life for the lower classes. individuals could be born with said disability, or were injured from diseases such as leprosy. attitudes toward disability were mixed. religion taught that it was a punishment for sin, or the result of being under the hostile influence of the planet saturn. in society, disability was seen as a failure, deformity or defect of the individual. as a result of the myths about disability, people with disabilities were feared and often stigmatized, shunned, abused, or condemned. people with visible disabilities were even used for entertainment. others believed that disabled people were closer to god – they were suffering purgatory on earth rather than after death. quality of life was often poor, and disabled individuals were regarded as being ‘sickly.’ 

DISABILITY DURING THE RENAISSANCE: caring for disabled people became a civic duty, not just a religious matter, during the renaissance. rich benefactors began to fund buildings for the disabled but it was to enhance their reputation, not to save their souls. by the end of the 16th century, new almshouses and hospitals were springing up, particularly throughout england. life could be difficult for disabled people but, during this era in history, they were not isolated. mentally ill people lived in their communities, and were treated with religious, psychological, astrological and traditional remedies. other disabled people married and had families and worked, unless their disabilities were too extensive. with the rise of humanism, disability could be seen as a sign of martyrdom and healing. 

DISABILITY FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE VICTORIAN ERA: explanations for disabilities spanning from physical to mental were now rapidly challenging the idea that god or astrology caused madness and disability. madness was no longer seen as a possession of the soul, but a loss of reason, and this could be restored with the right treatment. a disabled person had suffered a misfortune, not been sent a divine message, and they deserved charity during this era in history. a disabled person’s life was often harsh and brutal, though – it is not documented as being harder than anyone else’s during this era. disabled people lived in their own homes and communities, and they could marry and support themselves when possible, and receive help from the better-off or parishes if they could not. there were disabled people at all levels of society, from beggars to distinguished deaf portrait artists. the 19th century, in particular, witnessed the growth of asylums that sought to treat “mental disabilities.” 

DISABILITY IN THE 20TH CENTURY: in the early 20th century, many public figures agreed with the idea of eugenics. they believed that anyone disabled or ‘deficient’ was a threat to the ‘health of the nation’. the return home of disabled ex-servicemen from world war one, however, challenged the widespread idea that disabled people were a burden. this allowed advances to be made in prosthetics, new exercise and fitness approaches, and employers were now urged to take on disabled workers. later in the 20th century, disability would be looked at closely in america by government workers. in particular, president fdr was a wheelchair user, and, nearly fifty years after his death, president george bush authorised the Americans with Disabilities Act that prohibits discrimination based on disability. 

MOBILITY AID THROUGHOUT HISTORY

although there is no clear date as to the initial invention of the wheelchair, the first notable one was created in 1595 for king khillip ii of spain, known as an invalids chair. (please note you should not be using the word invalid in 21st century speech!)

walking sticks (known as canes) and their use go back to the dawn of time. primitive man used a branch as an early tool or just for support and so the staff of rod came into being as a status symbol or as a defensive weapon, but can also be used as a mobility aid for disabled characters.

the walker was first introduced in the early 1950s. in addition, the invention of the rollator occurred in the late 70s. 

** these dates should not prohibit you from portraying a disabled character in history. this is roleplay, have your character or someone around them invent mobility aids! 

ROYALTY AND NOBILITY WITH DISABILITIES

complete list here.

due to the popularity of inbreeding throughout history, many royal families are known for their physical “defects” and biological abnormalities, such as the habsburg jaw or the british crown and hemophilia. there! are! disabled! royals! they have and do exist. please write them. please represent them. and please know that disability is not always a sign of inbreeding or a ‘deformity.’ do your research, take the time to understand and develop your character’s disabilities, understand that they can and will change throughout your characters’ life, but above all –– know that disabled people are just people. their stories deserve to be written as much as anyone else, all we ask is that you do so respectfully and avoid speaking over actual disabled voices in your interpretation.

[2022-503-33-poppirobertsongray]

Vitiligo Research

The push for more awareness/acceptance for the autoimmune disease; Vitiligo

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a very complicated autoimmune disease, affecting 0.5-2% of people, that causes white spots/patches on the skin which can cause a disfiguring appearance. This loss of pigmentation results from the immune system attacking itself, and the white patches are the body's reaction to this happening. The autoimmune is extremely complicated and there are no current cures or treatments that are guaranteed to help. The good news is that vitiligo – upsetting as it can be to those living with it – is neither life threatening nor contagious. A proper treatment protocol may effectively put it under control and reduce the appearance of white lesions. Vitiligo signs vary considerably from person to person. It is more pronounced in people with dark or tanned skin. Some may only acquire a handful of white spots that develop no further. Others develop larger lesions that join together and cover significant areas of the skin. An early distinction between two basic types of vitiligo -– segmental and generalized -– is very important in predicting disease activity and choosing the right treatment. Yet, not every white lesion is a sign of vitiligo. A well-trained dermatologist should be able to distinguish vitiligo from contact leukoderma or more than twenty other conditions with similar skin appearance

Technically this disease is only “skin deep” but for the people that suffer from it is physiologically a lot deeper than that.

Information taken from https://www.umassmed.edu/vitiligo/vitiligo-resources/ https://vrfoundation.org/about_vitiligo

The History of Vitiligo

When vitiligo was first discovered (around 250 bc,) the disease was confused with leprosy. From this time people with vitiligo were treated like their condition was contagious and were shunned by society along with people suffering from leprosy. Modern day research has proved that this is not the case, however in many parts of the world vitiligo still has a certain stigma. Even after many centuries went by, people with vitiligo continued to be discriminated against, segregated from “normal society”, and in some cultures were unable to get jobs or even get married based upon ancient religion and beliefs.  

Information taken from https://vrfoundation.org/vitiligo_history  

Current Awareness

Vitiligo now has its own awareness day (25th June,) with the aim of building global awareness to the disease and what it looks like on people who have it.

Winnie Harlow is one of the leading faces for vitiligo awareness. She has the autoimmune herself, is a global top model and a spokesperson for vitiligo. She is a depiction of confidence and is an inspiration to anyone with the disease to feel comfortable in their own skin.

There is a growing amount of awareness in the adult world, however there is next to no education happening in young people. This is the area I am going to be driving to bring awareness to in my campaign. “The emotional aspects of living with vitiligo are very real but often overlooked. Many children who have the disorder face egregious teasing and bullying. The disorder can affect people’s emotional and psychological wellbeing with many people reporting feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, shame and depression. Young people in particular are prone to bouts of anxiety, depression and feelings of alienation. Children and young adults tend to be image conscious and can find the disorder and its symptoms devastating.”

[ziqitzasblog]

Ziqitza – World Leprosy Day

Every year on the final Sunday of January, World Leprosy Day is marked around the world to promote awareness about leprosy and to let people know that the disease is now easily cured. Unfortunately, many individuals around the world continue to be affected by this condition due to a lack of basic medical care and the disease’s stigma.

Leprosy affects the nerve system, causing numbness in exposed areas of the body such as the hands, feet, and face. The condition was nicknamed Hansen’s disease after the scientist Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who discovered in 1873 that the sickness is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It can take many years for leprosy symptoms to show after infection.

Ziqitza – What is leprosy?

The bacterium Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, which is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection. The nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract are the most commonly affected. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease.

Skin sores, nerve degeneration, and muscle weakness are all symptoms of leprosy. It can result in severe disfigurement and substantial impairment if not treated. Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases that has been documented. Around 600 B.C., the first documented reference to leprosy was discovered.

Many countries, especially those with tropical or subtropical climates, have leprosy. In India, it’s particularly very frequent.

Ziqitza – What are the symptoms of leprosy?

The following are the most common leprosy symptoms:

muscle wasting

Hands, arms, feet, and legs are numb.

lesions on the skin

The skin lesions cause a loss of touch, warmth, or painful feeling. Even after several weeks, they have not healed. They’re paler than your typical skin tone, or they’re irritated and inflamed.

Leprosy Diagnosis

Leprosy is diagnosed primarily through clinical signs and symptoms. After a period of training, every health practitioner should be able to detect the indicators. In practice, patients with such disorders routinely present themselves to the health centre as soon as the symptoms become apparent. Only in a few rare cases is it necessary to utilise laboratory tests to confirm a leprosy diagnosis.

If a person exhibits one of the following cardinal indications in an endemic area, they should be considered to have leprosy:

Leprosy-related skin damage and sensory loss, with or without thicker nerves

Skin wounds, whether single or many, are usually lighter in colour than healthy skin. The scars can appear reddish or copper-colored at times.

Smears of skin that are positive.

Leprosy Treatment and Cost in India

The treatment for leprosy is a multidrug regimen that lasts between six and twelve months. Because treating leprosy with just one antileprosy medicine can result in drug resistance to that agent, leprosy is best treated with a mix of drugs known as multidrug therapy. The pharmaceutical combination utilised in MDT is determined by the disease classification. The most important antileprosy drug, rifampicin, is used to treat both kinds of leprosy.

Multidrug therapy (MDT) was initially prescribed by a WHO Expert Committee in 1984 and has been the standard treatment for leprosy since 1995. WHO has provided MDT to all endemic countries at no cost. Doctors and health practitioners prescribe a combination of rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine to treat multibacillary leprosy. Leprosy treatment in India can cost up to Rs. 27,000, which includes thorough care for the patient.

World Leprosy Day is celebrated on January 30, in India on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “Saving a life is more rewarding experience a person can undergo in his/her lifetime”

People with leprosy can and should live better lives instead of being shunned, discriminated against, and denied basic human rights, and our purpose should be to ensure that they do.

About Ziqitza HealthCare Limited

With over 42 million Indians served, Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan is a well-known provider of emergency healthcare services in India. Around 2.5 lakh Covid patients used Ziqitza ambulance services in the previous year. Ziqitza Rajasthan received the Times Social Impact Award and is ranked #34 in the Global Real Impact Awards. We’re all aware of the status of our roads, as well as the numerous accidents that occur on a daily basis.

The 108 ambulances of Ziqitza Healthcare (ZHL Rajasthan), Asia’s largest private emergency medical service provider, have assisted patients from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Sikkim. The 108 Ambulance crew can provide free, high-quality care to residents of these states.

‘If you have any more queries, please contact Ziqitza Limited via our website(Ziqitza Healthcare).

[divyabhashkar]

End leprosy discrimination laws ‘without delay’, UN rights expert urges  |

End leprosy discrimination laws ‘without delay’, UN rights expert urges |

“It is time for all States concerned to make a choice: whether to keep such discriminatory laws against persons affected by leprosy in violation of international human rights standards, or to eliminate such discrimination in law without delay”, said the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, Alice Cruz.  Sunday marks…

[ziqitzahealthcare]

Ziqitza - World Leprosy Day

Every year on the final Sunday of January, World Leprosy Day is marked around the world to promote awareness about leprosy and to let people know that the disease is now easily cured. Unfortunately, many individuals around the world continue to be affected by this condition due to a lack of basic medical care and the disease's stigma.

Leprosy affects the nerve system, causing numbness in exposed areas of the body such as the hands, feet, and face. The condition was nicknamed Hansen's disease after the scientist Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who discovered in 1873 that the sickness is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It can take many years for leprosy symptoms to show after infection.

Ziqitza - What is leprosy?

The bacterium Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, which is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection. The nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract are the most commonly affected. Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease.

Skin sores, nerve degeneration, and muscle weakness are all symptoms of leprosy. It can result in severe disfigurement and substantial impairment if not treated. Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases that has been documented. Around 600 B.C., the first documented reference to leprosy was discovered.

Many countries, especially those with tropical or subtropical climates, have leprosy. In India, it's particularly very frequent.

Ziqitza - What are the symptoms of leprosy?

The following are the most common leprosy symptoms:

muscle wasting

Hands, arms, feet, and legs are numb.

lesions on the skin

The skin lesions cause a loss of touch, warmth, or painful feeling. Even after several weeks, they have not healed. They're paler than your typical skin tone, or they're irritated and inflamed.

Leprosy Diagnosis

Leprosy is diagnosed primarily through clinical signs and symptoms. After a period of training, every health practitioner should be able to detect the indicators. In practice, patients with such disorders routinely present themselves to the health centre as soon as the symptoms become apparent. Only in a few rare cases is it necessary to utilise laboratory tests to confirm a leprosy diagnosis.

If a person exhibits one of the following cardinal indications in an endemic area, they should be considered to have leprosy:

 Leprosy-related skin damage and sensory loss, with or without thicker nerves

Skin wounds, whether single or many, are usually lighter in colour than healthy skin. The scars can appear reddish or copper-colored at times.

Smears of skin that are positive.

Leprosy Treatment and Cost in India

The treatment for leprosy is a multidrug regimen that lasts between six and twelve months. Because treating leprosy with just one antileprosy medicine can result in drug resistance to that agent, leprosy is best treated with a mix of drugs known as multidrug therapy. The pharmaceutical combination utilised in MDT is determined by the disease classification. The most important antileprosy drug, rifampicin, is used to treat both kinds of leprosy.

Multidrug therapy (MDT) was initially prescribed by a WHO Expert Committee in 1984 and has been the standard treatment for leprosy since 1995. WHO has provided MDT to all endemic countries at no cost. Doctors and health practitioners prescribe a combination of rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine to treat multibacillary leprosy. Leprosy treatment in India can cost up to Rs. 27,000, which includes thorough care for the patient.

World Leprosy Day is celebrated on January 30, in India on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “Saving a life is more rewarding experience a person can undergo in his/her lifetime” 

People with leprosy can and should live better lives instead of being shunned, discriminated against, and denied basic human rights, and our purpose should be to ensure that they do.

 About Ziqitza HealthCare Limited

With over 42 million Indians served, Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan is a well-known provider of emergency healthcare services in India. Around 2.5 lakh Covid patients used Ziqitza ambulance services in the previous year. Ziqitza Rajasthan received the Times Social Impact Award and is ranked #34 in the Global Real Impact Awards. We're all aware of the status of our roads, as well as the numerous accidents that occur on a daily basis.

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End leprosy discrimination laws ‘without delay’, UN rights expert urges  |

End leprosy discrimination laws ‘without delay’, UN rights expert urges |

“It is time for all States concerned to make a choice: whether to keep such discriminatory laws against persons affected by leprosy in violation of international human rights standards, or to eliminate such discrimination in law without delay”, said the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, Alice Cruz.  According to…

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Together, we can stop discrimination and stigma against people with Hansen's illness. We can discover to recognize signs and know when to see a doctor for diagnosis. Inform yourself and your community and separate the truths from the misconceptions about Hansen's illness. Around the world: The number of new cases reported globally to World Health Organization (WHO)external icon in 2016 was more than 200,000.

Fact and Myth

An approximated 2 to 3 million people are coping with Hansen's disease-related impairments internationally. In 2016, the nations with the highest number of brand-new diagnoses were India, Brazil, and Indonesia, followed by some of the nations in Africa. Two-thirds of all new cases of Hansen's illness are identified in India, which remains home to a 3rd of the world's bad, a group disproportionately affected by the disease.

In 2015, 178 brand-new cases were reported to the National Hansen's Illness Program (NHDP)external icon, which coordinates care, research, and info about Hansen's disease in the U.S. The majority of those cases take place in people who have resided in areas of the world where the disease is still common. Approximately 5,000 people in the U.S.

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In some southern states of the U.S., nine-banded armadillos have been discovered to carry the bacterium that causes Hansen's disease. It is thought that transmission to individuals may occur when they deal with these animals. Geographical circulation of brand-new cases of Hansen's disease reported to facts and myths WHO in 2016. Thanks to WHO.

common myths

Hansen's illness mainly impacts people in resource-poor nations who live in crowded conditions and have difficulty accessing healthcare due to cross countries to centers familiar with Hansen's disease, and high expense of going to the physician. Because of this, regardless of the WHO's program to offer treatment free of charge, much of those affected do not finish it or do not get it at all.

Girls and females impacted by Hansen's illness deal with the included issue of gender and social discrimination, which might likewise postpone detection of the illness. In some countries, the law allows a person to lawfully divorce a spouse since they are impacted by the disease. Unfortunately, this may leave lots of ladies destitute, homeless, and not able to care for their kids.

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The good news is that Hansen's illness is curable. Education and enhancing access to fundamental health services for all are keys to effective removal of stigma and disability related to the illness. There are some typical misunderstandings about Hansen's disease that continue to trigger confusion and fuel preconception and discrimination.

Fact and Myth

Myth Fact Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is hard to catch, and in fact, 95% of adults can not catch it due to the fact that their immune system can eradicate the bacteria that causes HD. The digits do not "fall off" due to leprosy. The germs that causes leprosy attacks the nerves of the fingers and toes and triggers them to end up being numb.

This takes place in advanced stages of unattended illness. Historic leprosy is not the very same as contemporary leprosy. The "leprosy" found in historic and spiritual texts explained a range of skin problem from rashes and irregular skin to swelling. They were kept in mind to be really contagious, which is not real for Hansen's disease and likewise did not have a few of the most obvious signs of Hansen's illness, like disfigurement, blindness, and loss of discomfort sensation.

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Leprosy is caused by the slow-growing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and is not the result of one's habits or a curse. People with leprosy who are being treated with antibiotics can live a typical life amongst their family and good friends and can continue to go to work or school. You can not get leprosy through casual contact such as shaking hands, sitting beside or talking to someone who has the disease.

An individual is not infectious within a couple of days of starting the treatment with antibiotics. However, the treatment must be completed as recommended (which may take up to 2 years) to make certain the infection does not return. Lots of people think of leprosy as an ancient disease that was gotten rid of lots of years earlier.

Despite effective treatment, leprosy is among the world's most stigmatized diseases, and people coping with leprosy-related disabilities in numerous nations are avoided, denied standard human rights, and discriminated against. The preconception of leprosy impacts the physical, psychological, social, and financial wellness of those with leprosy, contributing to the cycle of poverty in the impacted areas.

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Inform yourself about Hansen's disease and show friends and family that leprosy is a curable disease. Informing yourself and others about leprosy assists illustrate a positive picture of leprosy and increase awareness about it in your neighborhood. Promoting a favorable picture of leprosy helps concentrate on the abilities of the affected individuals instead of disability.

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Citizenship

It is referred to as help and protection provided by a country to its citizen. Equal and full membership should be given to every citizen of the country.

Is citizenship equally given to every citizen or does it differentiates among individuals on the basis of their skill, race, gender or community?

Let us consider the example of south africa. They were segregated into 2 communities ie whites and blacks. The government of South africa used to discriminate between blacks and whites. Different laws were made to suppress the rights of blacks. Such ill treatment resulted into different protest and revolts.

Nelson Mandela is an epic example who fought against apartheid. He went to jail in 1964 and came out in 1994. Eventually, he became first black president of democratic south africa.

One more eminent personality was Martin Luther king, he gave 4 arguments against racial discrimination. Those 4 arguments are as follow:

1. Every individual in this world is equal on the basis of self-worth and dignity.

2. Segregation is considered as "social leprosy" on the body of politics as it inflicts psychologically victims of such laws.

3. It negatively affects white community as well.

4. Such artificial boundaries are creating a barrier in the growth of country as people lack cooperation among themselves.

Conclusion: Every day is a new day, with a new hope.

After a lot of sacrifices and dedication, there was finally a good morning in the free independent south africa. A dream seen 30 years back has finally become a reality for the blacks.

This all came to an end because of wise leaders like Nelson Mandela who chose negotiation over recrimination.

Finally, I would conclude by saying "where there's a will, there's a way."

[marymosley]

Union Health Minister seeks to amend 108 discriminatory laws against persons affected by Leprosy

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare wrote a letter to the Union Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, seeking amendment of the existing discriminatory laws against persons affected by leprosy.“It will be a befitting tribute to the Father of the Nation on his 150th Birth Anniversary if we can expedite the process and introduction of the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy (EDPAL) Bill, which was drafted by the Law Commission of India and annexed in its 256th Report”, Dr Harsh Vardhan wrote in his letter to the two Union Ministers.

In his letter, Dr Harsh Vardhan further wrote that “Even though the disease is now fully curable,it is disturbing to learn that there still exist 108 discriminatory laws against persons affected by leprosy including 3 Union and 105 State laws”. He stated that the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) has achieved enormous success in leprosy control, particularly in the last four decades. “In addition to the routine activities, more than a dozen innovations were introduced from 2016 onwards in a phased manner to address the issues being faced by the programme. Majorly, Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) (specific for high endemic districts), Focussed Leprosy Campaign (for hot spots i.e., rural and urban areas), Special plan for case detection in hard to reach areas, ASHA based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS) have contributed to early case detection. In addition, Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) is implemented to reduce stigma against persons affected by Leprosy in the community.These innovations have given the much needed impetus to the programme. Moreover, leprosy has become fully curable by Multi–Drug Therapy (MDT). This therapy is available free of cost at all the Government health care facilities in the country”.  A leprosy affected person after treatment does not transmit the disease agent. Hence, there exists no justification for the continued stigmatization of the persons affected by leprosy, Dr Harsh Vardhan stressed.

Requesting for proactively taking steps to redress this wrong, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that India is committed for justice and equality of all individuals including persons with disabilities as per the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). He also mentioned that the target of Global Leprosy Strategy, 2016 – 2020 is to reduce the number of countries with laws allowing discrimination on the ground of leprosy to zero.

In his letter to the Chief Ministers of 23 States/UTs (Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Goa/Daman & Diu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra, Bihar, Puducherry, Delhi, Rajasthan and North Eastern Region and Governor of J&K), Dr Harsh Vardhan requested them to earnestly look into the matter and direct all the concerned departments/ officers to work for the amendments of the existing discriminatory laws against persons affected by leprosy. The Union Health Minister also outlined the discriminatory laws that need to be amended in the States.

The post Union Health Minister seeks to amend 108 discriminatory laws against persons affected by Leprosy appeared first on Legal Desire.

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VIDEO: "People Affected by Leprosy Suffer Severe Discrimination"

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Mar 15 (IPS) - "More than 50 countries in the world have discriminatory laws against people affected by Hansen's disease. There is also a lot of discrimination in the public administration…and in society," Alice Cruz, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, said in this interview with IPS (in Spanish, with English subtitles).

Read the full story, “VIDEO: "People Affected by Leprosy Suffer Severe Discrimination"”, on globalissues.org →

from Global Issues News Headlines

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Mar 15 (IPS) - "More than 50 countries in the world have discriminatory laws against people affected by Hansen's disease. There is also a lot of discrimination in the public administration…and in society," Alice Cruz, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members, said in this interview with IPS (in Spanish, with English subtitles).

Read the full story, “VIDEO: "People Affected by Leprosy Suffer Severe Discrimination"”, on globalissues.org →

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