Lepers Find Hope In Chiang Mai

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SPECIAL REPORT

Lepers find hope in Chiang Mai

By Wannapa Khaopa

The Nation

Chiang Mai

Far from where Samnieng Srichai sat knitting a waistcoat, the 83-year-old woman looked no different from other elderly people. Coming closer to her brought a surprise: her fingers, gnarled by leprosy, knitted fluidly and skilfully.

Samnieng suffered from leprosy, or Hansen's disease, about 50 years ago. It made her fingers crooked. She also lost her left leg to the disease.

In those days she was unable to work, do housework or even look after herself. Now her life is similar to anyone else's of her age, and she can do everything herself.

"Living here, I feel comfortable. I'm content with my life here, where I share the same problems with other leprosy patients and talk to them about our healthcare," Samnieng said.

She lives in Traisapawakham village in Chiang Dao district in Chiang Mai province, where hundreds of leprosy patients have undergone treatment and started new lives. Samnieng moved here from Samut Prakan province 50 years ago.

In the past, leprosy was considered a disgusting disease. People feared they could get infected and knew little about the condition, and leprosy patients suffered physically and psychologically. They were forced to live separately.

Now their lives are better: drugs can cure them effectively and few people fear the infection, as they understand the nature of leprosy, which is caused by bacterial infection.

The Rajprachasamasai Institute, which is under the Department of Disease Control and supported by His Majesty the King, and the New Life Foundation, which was under the late Princess Mother's patronage, have played a crucial role in helping these patients, including Samnieng.

The institute has provided physical and psychological treatment, while the foundation has provided accommodation, land, occupational training and allowances to restore their lives.

Samnieng is living happily after recovery, despite her disabilities from the disease. She spends most of her time knitting waistcoats for her beloved children and grandchildren.

Rabiab has also found her life has got better. Thirty years ago, she was treated at McKean Rehabilitation Centre in Chiang Mai, another place with a long tradition of curing leprosy and improving patients' lives.

After receiving training at the centre, Rabiab can use her crooked hands to make blessings cards that are exported to the West.

Thailand has successfully handled leprosy with help from the Royal Family and international organisations.

There were 140,000 leprosy patients or a prevalence rate of 50 leprosy cases per 10,000 population in 1956. Last year, only 688 cases were recorded, a prevalence rate of just 0.11 case per 10,000 people.

Despite the success, the Public Health Ministry won't stop its drive to eradicate the disease.

"The ministry will initiate projects to help leprosy patients to honour HM the King's 84th birthday anniversary this year," Deputy Public Health Minister Pansiri Kulanartsiri said recently.

"We will change Prasart leper colony in Surin province into a normal community where fully recovered patients live," Pansiri said. "We will offer free surgery to fix people's disabilities caused by leprosy, including 40 cataract operations with artificial lens implants, 15 cornea operations and 15 total knee replacements."

Another project will see village health volunteers and local administrative organisations detect new leprosy patients in areas with high prevalence rates. These include Buri Ram, Roi Et, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat as well as areas where alien workers and hilltribe people live.

-- The Nation 2011-02-19

[Dap]

I applaud this project that helps to alleviate the mental and physical anguish suffered by so many. Thanks to the hearts and pockets of so few.

[gotlost]

I applaud this project that helps to alleviate the mental and physical anguish suffered by so many. Thanks to the hearts and pockets of so few.

I totally agree with you Dap.