10% of leprosy cases are children under ten: Ministry

Minister says government aims to make Sri Lanka leprosy-free by 2035 through early detection, improved hospital facilities, and rehabilitation for affected individuals 

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Around 1,500 to 2,000 new leprosy cases are detected in Sri Lanka each year, with about 10% involving children under ten, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.   

Speaking at the National Leprosy Conference in Colombo, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (06), the Minister said that although Sri Lanka eliminated leprosy as a public health threat in 1995, new cases continue to emerge.   

He said the government aims to make Sri Lanka leprosy-free by 2035 through early detection, improved hospital facilities, and rehabilitation for affected individuals.   

Dr. Jayatissa noted that 40% of new cases are reported from the Western Province, mainly from the Colombo District, followed by Batticaloa, Gampaha, Kurunegala, and Kalutara. He also thanked the World Health Organization and the Sasakawa Foundation for their continued support in Sri Lanka’s fight against leprosy.