LEPROSY CASES REACHED 27 FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS

The number of Leprosy cases has climbed to a threatening stage in the Solomons.

Solomon Islands has recorded 27 new leprosy cases – of which 20 cases were found in Honiara, alone.

Leprosy Advocacy Officer at the Ministry of Health, Oliver Mepela told SIBC News today, the new cases were recorded last year.

Mr Mepela also said the Ministry recorded a total of one hundred and 75 leprosy cases, from 2005 to 2013, and that most of the cases come from Honiara, Guadalcanal and Malaita.

He says last year Honiara recorded 20 cases and this is quite threatening.

“From 2005 to 2013 we have recorded 175 cases, that is throughout the Solomons, and most of these cases comes from Honiara, Guadalcanal and Malaita, but most of them are from Honiara itself, and you know its a bit threatening. And we have these hotspots, Jericho, Koa Hill, Fishing village and Lord Howe settlement. Now we have a lot of cases coming from these areas”.

World Leprosy Day falls today and was celebrated in Honiara this afternoon under the theme,”Joining Forces – Accelerating Progress.”