WHO Collaborative Programmes

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Control of endemic diseases - leprosy elimination

Leprosy is one of the public health problems in Somalia mainly in the riverine areas of South and Central Somalia. There were 600 cases registered during the pre-war era. Currently, only World Concern - an International NGO- is the only agency dealing in Leprosy control activities in selected locations such as Jilib of Middle Juba Region, Merka of Lower Shabelle Region, Mogadishu and Boroma in NW Somalia (cross-border area). Not much is known in other parts of the country. According to health professionals in NW and NE zones of Somalia, Leprosy is not a major problem in these zones. In the year 2000 total number of cases registered were 222 cases. The country prevalence of Leprosy is less than 1 per 10,000 population. 

Achievements

Identification and treatment with MDT of Leprosy patients continued. WHO supplied MDT drugs to World Concern, which is the lead agency in the country. WHO also supported World Concern to conduct training for health professionals on case management in Leprosy cases. WHO also supported establishment of Leprosy laboratory centres in Merka and Mogadishu. In addition, WHO supported the establishment of a shoe-shop in Merka for rehabilitation of Leprosy cases with disabilities. 

Main constraints

1. Changing security situation in the south
2. Lack of adequate competent trained staff
3. High stigma associated with the disease among community members

Objectives

1. To eliminate Leprosy as a public health problem in affected regions
2. To develop community based sustainable Leprosy control programme