Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa highlighted the significance of eradicating the stigma surrounding leprosy during the World Leprosy Day celebration in Suva. Emphasizing the importance of dignity and inclusion for those affected by the disease, Ravunawa remarked, “The stigma is a big fight for these victims. The members of the public need to have respect, dignity, love, and compassion for these patients with leprosy.”
This year, the theme for World Leprosy Day is “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” Ravunawa called for public education to better understand leprosy, stating that understanding the disease is crucial for supporting patients and their families. He urged the community to learn about the disease’s presentations and the challenges individuals and families face.
Young leprosy survivor Tapu Lupe shared her inspiring story, illustrating the personal journey of dealing with the illness. “My experience taught me that leprosy is a treatable illness, but it requires discipline, patience, and support. Although the journey was challenging, I succeeded because of my family and the dedicated doctors and nurses at my hospital,” she said.
In Fiji, health officials report five to seven new cases of leprosy diagnosed each year, highlighting the importance of continued awareness and advocacy. The fight against stigma remains crucial to ensuring that individuals affected by leprosy receive the respect and care they deserve, fostering a more empathetic society.
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