The Anti-Leprosy Campaign (ALC) has reported that 264 new leprosy patients have been identified across the island since the beginning of this year.
Dr. Nirupa Pallewatte, Director of the ALC, stated that among the new patients, 24 are children under the age of 15.
In 2023, a total of 1,580 leprosy cases were reported, with 1,520 being newly identified. Of these patients, 180 were children under 15, constituting 12% of the total cases.
“In the first quarter of 2024, we identified 274 patients, with 264 being new cases. Among these, 21, or about 8%, are children under 15. These children cannot spread the disease. Additionally, we have identified that approximately 8% of this year’s patients have developed disabilities,” Dr. Pallewatte explained.
