Stigmatization of Leprosy in Indonesia - Essay Example

Leprosy is transmitted through the air by dewdrops that come from the mouth and nose by contacting often untreated patients. Permanent damage of the nerves and paralysis of the muscles occurs when one remains untreated. People suffering from leprosy in Indonesia surface social isolation, this can be attributed to a report by the humanitarian news and analysis documented on the 22 March 2012 which states that if one is diagnosed with the disease he or she will be stripped from employment, places of worship, family, marriage and public services according to health officers. Children are neither safe from this stigmatization, if they lose their toes or fingers due to disability associated with leprosy then they will be subjected to similar to the rest (Idawani, 2002).

Leprosy has been declining in Indonesia; the number of victims who are listed for curative medication has greatly reduced in the past ten years. Acknowledgments have been directed to the national leprosy program for making a good development in controlling leprosy. In the article, it is true that stigma has discouraged victims of leprosy from seeking medical attention due to fear of being neglected. Dr.Handoko says that even victims of leprosy are not aware that treatment is free due to stigmatization Stigma thus plays a major role in curbing leprosy in Indonesia (Ika, 2015).