Leprosy situation in Myanmar-before and after multidrug therapy

Abstract

We introduced history of leprosy in Myanmar based on the book of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science published entitled "CONQUEST OF SCOURGES IN MYANMAR (Complied and Edited by Ko Ko, Kyaw and U Thaung) at 2002. "Leprosy Elimination Programme in Myanmar (Kyaw Lwin and Kyaw Nyunt Stein)" was appeared at chapter III in it. After dapsone treatment appeared, leprosy control program has started. Health system and service were developed and leprosy control program was also included in them. The integration of the elimination activities into basic health workers, such as midwives and health volunteers, has enabled the participation of a wide range of people in the community. After 1990s, multidrug therapy (MDT) was covered whole area of Myanmar, and task force for leprosy elimination was formed at Sate/Division, District and Township level. Finally Myanmar achieved the elimination of leprosy in January in 2003.