- Volume 72 , Number 3
- Page: 334–5
News and notes
International Journal of Leprosy Business Office 1 ALM Way, Greenville, SC 29601
2005 Membership and Subscription rates
The Officers and Council of the International Leprosy Association have, in accordance with the Constitution and By-laws of the organization, agreed on the following new rates for Membership of the ILA and subscription to the JOURNAL, applicable from January 1st, 2005.
The possibility of making the JOURNAL accessible online only, has been widely discussed, but such a policy would currently limit access quite severely in some parts of the world. We have therefore arranged with the publisher, Allen Press, for the continued quarterly printing of the JOURNAL for those Members and Subscribers who still require it.
Membership of the International Leprosy Association
Individual membership of the ILA with full access to the online JOURNAL and the Members' area of the ILA site, but no printed copy of the JOURNAL . . . USD 25.00
Individual membership of the ILA with full access to the online JOURNAL and the Members' area of the ILA site, plus a printed copy of the JOURNAL . . USD 100.00
Subscription to the International Journal of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases
Institutional subscriptions to the JOURNAL, with online access and a quarterly, printed copy of the JOURNAL. . . . . . . . USD 180.00
While there is open access to the online JOURNAL at present (please go to www. leprosyjournal.org), from January, 2005, access to both the current and past issues will require a valid username and password, obtainable through the Business Office: ijl@ leprosy.org. Institutional subscribers may arrange for direct access for specific computer IP addresses.
The ILA's web-site is at www.leprosy-ila.org
Notice. Wellesley Bailey Awards for Courage and Achievement. The Wellesley Bailey awards are unique. In June 2005, two remarkable people who have had leprosy and faced significant challenges from the disease, will be presented with the fourth Wellesley Bailey Award. There is no other international award which acknowledges the accomplishments of those who have been affected by leprosy.
Created in 1999 to celebrate the life and work of Mr Wellesley Bailey, founder of The Leprosy Mission, the Wellesley Bailey awards honour those who have made extraordinary contributions to society through overcoming the social stigma and physical challenges of leprosy.
A former recipient of the awards said "Leprosy is a ruthless thief, which first, turns off all the lights before you notice that there is an intruder. Then in the total blackout it viciously created, it robs you of every single irreplaceable treasure you possess."
The recipients will have been active members in their community for at least five years and will be champions for the cause of leprosy through their achievements. Each Award includes a prize of £1000 and a presentation plaque. The recipients will be invited to travel to Dublin, with a supporter of their choice, to receive the Award at an awards ceremony in the first week of June 2005.
Nominations for the 4th Wellesley Bailey awards. These unique international awards acknowledge the accomplishments of those who have made extraordinary contributions to society despite the challenges of leprosy.
Recipients must have personally experienced leprosy, will have been active members of their community for at least five years and champions for the cause of leprosy.
Each award includes a prize of £1000 and a presentation plaque. The recipient will be invited to travel to Dublin for a special awards ceremony in the first week of June 2005.
Nominations must be submitted on the official form available from Glynis Forbes. The deadline for nominations is 10 January 2005.
Notice. African Leprosy Congress. Johannesburg [Midrand] South Africa. www.wits.ac.za/leprosy.
The International Leprosy Association is planning a regional African Leprosy Congress at Midrand north of Johannesburg, South Africa from 31st January to 3rd February 2005.
The Congress will bring together leprosy workers and scientists fighting the disease in Africa and from elsewhere. The purpose is to exchange information both scientific and operational, to accelerate progress towards the elimination of the disease and to ensure that the legitimate needs of leprosy-affected persons are met both in humanitarian and rehabilitation terms. The congress is planned to be co-organized by the government of South Africa and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization [WHO] and the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations [ILEP].
Conference Details.
- Dates: 31st January through 3rd February 2005
- Venue: Eskom Convention Centre, Midrand, north of Johannesburg, South Africa
- Languages: English, French, and Portuguese-Interpretation services will only be available during the plenary sessions
- Objectives
(i) To bring together leprosy workers from Africa and elsewhere to discuss technical and scientific issues including those relating to progress in leprosy control and elimination on the continent
(ii) To exchange information and experiences
(iii) To increase the commitment and motivation of participants toward anti-leprosy work- Format: Invited lectures, symposia, free presentations [Oral and Poster]
Number of papers expected in open sessions: 75
Expected number of poster presentations: 50
- Sessions
Six open sessions for free presentations covering Epidemiology, Control and Elimination, Clinical aspects, Rehabilitation and Basic Sciences.
Three invited lectures covering Molecular Biology, Prevention of Deformities and Leprosy Elimination.
Three symposia covering changing leprosy scenarios in Africa, Reaching the Unreached and Social and Rehabilitation issues.
- Registration
Closing date for registration:
29th October 2004
Closing date for receipt of abstracts:
29th October 2004
Closing date for late registration:
31st December 2004
- Registration package
- Four nights' economy accommodation
- All meals for four days: Commencing with Dinner on 30th January and ending with lunch on 3rd February 2005. Lunch will be provided for delegates who arrive on early morning flights at Johannesburg International Airport on 30th January
- Transport to and from Johannesburg International Airport
- Registration kit
- Documentation
All other costs such as phone calls and bar service are for the personal account of the delegate.
Prospective participants are requested to register well in advance as accommodation is limited. Most guests will be accommodated in economy rooms whish shared bathrooms, but a few en-suite rooms are available and will be allocated to those quests who book first.
- Registration fees
a. For delegates from outside the Republic of South Africa
i. Normal: US $ 500: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
ii. Late: US $ 600: US $ 100 nonrefundable deposit payable by 31st December 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
iii. Onsite registration: US $ 700
iv. Interns: US $ 300: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004, balance payable by 30th January 2005
v. Interns' late registration: US $ 400: US $ 100 non-refundable deposit payable by 30th December 2004, balance payable by 30th January 3005
b. Delegates from within the Republic of South Africa
i. Normal: ZAR 2 300: ZAR 500 non-refundable deposit payable by 29th October 2004; balance due by 30th January 2005
ii. Late: ZAR 2 800: ZAR 500 nonrefundable deposit payable by 31st December 2004; balance due by 30th January 2005
iii. Onsite registration: ZAR 4 500
Please note: All deposits are strictly nonrefundable.
- Additional Deposit: South African Rand 100.00
Please note, all guests will be required by the Eskom Convention Centre to pay a refundable cash deposit of ZAR 100.00 on arrival.
- Registration
All registrations are being dealt with online at www.wits.ac.za/leprosy
For enquiries regarding administrative matters relating to the conference, please contact Peter Laubscher, Executive Director, Leprosy Mission Southern Africa at Email: peter@tlm.co.za, Phone: +27 11 440 6323, Fax: +27 11 440 6324, Mail: P O Box 46002 Orange Grove 2119 South Africa
- Abstracts of papers
All scientific matters relating to the Congress are being co-ordinated by a scientific committee chaired by Dr Noordeen, President of the ILA. Abstracts should be 200 words or less in length and should have a tile and the names of the authors, including the name of the presenting author which should be underlined. The abstract should mention the affiliations of the authors and the address of the presenting author, including an email address. Delegates wishing to present papers should send their abstracts to Dr. Noordeen by 29th October: Email: Noordeen@eth.net, Phone: [91-44] 2445 6337, Fax: [91-44] 2445 6338, Mail: 1-A, K.G. Valencia 57, 1st Main Road, Gandhinagar, Adyar, Chennai - 600 020 INDIA.
National Conference on Elimination of Leprosy - Raipur (India).
27-30 January 2004.
Summary Report.
Through an initiative taken by the International Leprosy Association, the National Conference on Elimination of Leprosy was organized under the auspices of Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh. The Conference was co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Anti-leprosy Associations and the Nippon Foundation/ the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation. The Conference was also supported by the International Leprosy Union, the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, the Indian Association of Leprologists, IDEA and the Leprosy Elimination Alliance.
The Conference which started its deliberations on 27 January had its formal inaugural ceremony on the morning of the following day, 28 January, when it was formally inaugurated by His Excellency the President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, in the presence of H.E. the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Lt. Gen. K. M. Seth, the Chief Minster of Chhattisgarh Dr. Raman Singh, the Minster of Health Dr. Krishna Murthy Bandhi, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, President of the Nippon Foundation, Dr. S. K. Noordeen, President of the International Leprosy Association and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. C. S. Walter, Secretary of the International Leprosy Association and Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee.
The President of India, in his inaugural address, after greeting the participants, made a fervent plea to take concerted steps so that the prevalence of leprosy can be brought down to less than one case per 10,000 population by the year 2005. He emphasized the need for "rehabilitation with compassion" so that all treated patients are rehabilitated. In this connection, he commended the efforts made by Gujarat through a comprehensive program of leprosy elimination, disability care, and rehabilitation of leprosy patients in which the state government, medical colleges, hospitals and NGOs were active partners. He emphasized the need to study the increased occurrence of the disease in certain states and suggested introducing appropriate environmental remedial measures. He linked leprosy elimination to overall development at every level that would provide better amenities, hygiene, education, and better health care, and emphasized the vital need for a holistic approach. He concluded that leprosy elimination was a multi-dimensional task and asked the participants to work with the theme "Let my brain remove the pain of the suffering humanity." His clarion call was concerted action by all so that the country is free from the disease within the prescribed time frame.
Dr. Raman Singh, the Chief Minister outlined the progress being made by Chhattisgarh state towards elimination of leprosy and promised that his state would reach the elimination target in time.
Mr. Yohei Sasakawa greeted the participants, and explained the Nippon Foundation's commitment to the elimination of leprosy in India. He outlined its contribution through his trips to different states in India and the need to strengthen political commitment, leprosy awareness in the community and social support to leprosy affected persons.
Dr S. K. Noordeen welcomed the President of India and other dignitaries and outlined the objectives of the conference and how the conference was in tune with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and his objective of ending leprosy in the country. Dr. C. S. Walter proposed a vote of thanks.
The conference, which brought together over 900 participants from different parts of the country, had its sessions so structured to include invited lectures and organized symposia. There were five lectures on technical subjects covering case-detection and diagnosis (Dr. Krishnamurthy), MDT and management of leprosy in the field (Dr. Raja Rao), disability situation in India (Dr. Srinivasan), urban leprosy (Dr. Revankar), and community mobilization for leprosy elimination (Dr. Murugesan). There were eight symposia moderated by experts in their respective fields. These were operational and epidemiological issues in case-detection (Dr. Ravi Kumar), treatment delivery, case-holding and referral (Dr. Ranganatha Rao), rehabilitation within the community (Dr Gopal), reaching the unreached (Dr. Lobo), vision beyond 2005 (Dr Noordeen), integration of leprosy into general health services (Dr. Abraham Joseph), the role of media (Dr. Gokhale), and the role of NGOs in leprosy elimination (Dr. Walter). In addition to the lectures on technical topics, presentations were made on the progress towards leprosy elimination at national and state levels, including the constraints faced and remedial measures undertaken. The presentation on the national leprosy situation was made by Dr. Dhillon, Deputy Director-General of Health Services (Leprosy), Government of India. Presentations on the leprosy situation in the states of Andhra Pradesh. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Tamil Nadu were made by the respective state leprosy officers. The sessions were well attended and there was considerable discussion by the participants on the various issues directly related to elimination of leprosy. Participants, who wished to present their own findings and views, particularly from the field, were able to do so through poster presentations and over 150 posters were presented.
The conference ended with a concluding session chaired by Dr. Krishna Muthy Bandhi, Minister of Health. The conclusions of the conference in the form of Raipur Declaration (see later) was read out by Dr Noordeen. Concluding remarks were made by Dr. Alok Shukla, Health Secretary, Dr. Ratre, Joint Director, Dr. Yuasa, Dr. Noordeen, Dr. Walter, and Dr. Masih.
RAIPUR DECLARATION. The National Conference on Elimination of Leprosy took place from 27 to 30 January 2004 at Raipur (Chhattisgarh) at the initiative of the International Leprosy Association. It was co-sponsored by World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) and The Nippon Foundation/Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation. It was held under the auspices of the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh and supported by the International Leprosy Union, the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, the Indian Association of Leprologists, IDEA, and the Leprosy Elimination Alliance.
The National Conference after -
- Reviewing the current leprosy situation in the country and in the different states
- Appreciating the progress made in reducing the burden of leprosy in the country through widespread application of MDT along with related activities,
- Expressing concern over the high prevalence and case-detection in some of the states particularly the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal,
- Further expressing concern over the general tendency towards complacency as a result of initial successes,
- Recognizing the urgency of the situation in view of the approaching target date of December 2005,
Urges the national and state programs to:
1. PROMOTE more vigorously the integration of leprosy services into general health services so that service coverage is increased effectively and the goal of leprosy elimination reached in time;
2. INTENSIFY VIGOROUSLY their efforts towards detection of cases in time and completion of treatment;
3. DISSEMINATE appropriate IEC messages on signs and symptoms of leprosy, its curability through MDT, and the free availability of treatment in all health facilities so that patients can self-report in time;
4. TAKE steps to rehabilitate leprosy-affected persons in a cost-effective and compassionate manner so that they can be fully assimilated within the family and the community as productive members;
5. ENSURE that leprosy patients continue to get the necessary treatment services even after leprosy is eliminated as a public health problem;
6. ADDRESS the following specific problems or issues, the resolution of which is vital to the attaining of the goal of elimination of leprosy:
Continued problem of detecting all the backlog and hidden cases,
Delayed diagnosis,
Overdiagnosis,
Re-registration,
Inadequate and inappropriate training of general health services workers, hindering their effective participation in the integrated setting, and
Inability to dismantle unnecessary vertical elements in the programme.7. DEVELOP strategies in collaboration with all stakeholders to identify and focus on specific geographic areas or populations of high endemicity and ensure that more intensified decentralized time bound plans are developed and implemented on an urgent basis, taking into consideration the priority problems mentioned above.