Leprosy Resurgence Sends Public Health Concern

A study by scientists from the Centre of Respiratory Drug Research (CRDR) in collaboration with AMREF, is investigating why there are many cases of Leprosy in Kwale and Kilifi counties. The study, titled “Delay in Leprosy Diagnosis in Kilifi and Kwale Counties in Kenya,” conducted between July 2019 and March 2020, brings attention to the significant delays in diagnosing leprosy, contributing to the ongoing burden of the disease in the region.

Revealing critical insights, the study found that although a majority of leprosy patients initiate treatment promptly after diagnosis, a considerable number of individuals experience substantial delays in getting diagnosed. Some individuals endure delays of more than a decade before receiving a leprosy diagnosis. The findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize addressing delays in leprosy diagnosis within the leprosy program.

Barbara Miheso, one of the lead study authors, emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach involving coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare organizations, and communities to tackle this persisting issue. “The study retrospectively identified leprosy patients diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2019 from health facility leprosy treatment registers, out of the 118 traced individuals, 81 index patients were enrolled in the study, with a notable majority being females (60 percent),” she said.

Among the patients, 88.9 percent had the multibacillary type of leprosy at the time of diagnosis, and the median age at diagnosis was 53 years. The delay in diagnosis was measured in months, representing the time elapsed between the onset of leprosy symptoms and the actual diagnosis. These findings emphasize the need for concerted efforts to address delays in leprosy diagnosis, ensuring timely intervention and improved management of the disease in the affected regions.

The study team consists of Dr. Jane Ong’ang’o (PI), Ms. Sophie Matu (Co-PI) Barbara Miheso (Co-PI) Ms. Margret Karugu (Co-PI), and Mr. George Ngugi (Accountant).