Socio-cultural Issues in Leprosy Control and Management

The priority areas in the leprosy elimination programme are early case detection, case holding and consequently, the prevention of disabilities. In some countries, a significant number of cases do not seek treatment or seek treatment late, partly due to socio-cultural beliefs and stigma about leprosy. We review the literature on socio-cultural beliefs and stigma about leprosy and the intervention programmes that address these beliefs and issues. Socio-cultural dimensions should be incorporated into leprosy control programmes to reduce stigma and promote community acceptance of leprosy patients by using the following approaches: (I) conducting qualitative studies on socio-cultural beliefs, (II) designing culturally appropriate messages and integrating them with existing beliefs, (III) involving community leaders, traditional healers and families, (IV) conducting cross-cultural comparison studies and (V) training health staff to be sensitive to patients’ concerns and culture.