Cured of leprosy, many individuals continue to face isolation and hardship within leprosy colonies, despite medical advancements that have eradicated the disease. This persistent issue, highlighted by reports from NPR News and other sources, underscores the complex challenges faced by those who have survived the stigmatized illness.
Alamelu, a resident of the Kalvari Nagar leprosy colony in India for 22 years, was sent away by her family at age 12 after her diagnosis, according to NPR News. Even though leprosy is curable, many former patients continue to live in colonies due to long-term physical effects like crippled hands, blindness, amputations, and foot lesions that can become infected if untreated, as reported by NPR News.
The stigma associated with leprosy remains a significant factor in the continued isolation of these individuals. Multiple sources, including NPR News and Nature News, have noted the challenges faced by leprosy patients. The disease, often misunderstood, leads to social exclusion and difficulty reintegrating into mainstream society.
While medical advancements have provided cures, the long-term consequences of the disease and the societal stigma create a cycle of isolation. The report from NPR News highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical health of former patients but also their social and emotional well-being.
In other healthcare news, a report from Nature News detailed an artificial-lung system that kept a patient alive for 48 hours until a transplant. Additionally, another report, drawing from multiple news sources, mentioned a new surgical procedure for cancer survivors.
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