214 leprosy patients in Dhanusha

JANAKPUR, Feb 7: Even as the government claims to have eradicated leprosy from the country, 214 cases of leprosy has been found in Dhanusha district. Such large number of patients in Dhanusha, which has a population of less than 800,000, has come as a worrisome fact for the government committed to eliminating leprosy.



The total number of leprosy cases in the country stands at 2,600. It is less than one in every 10,000 population. Twice in the past, the government had failed to meet its target in eradicating leprosy.



"Such a high number of leprosy patients in one district is worrying sign," says Siya Ram Raya, president of Environment and National Development Society (ENDS). Mahottari has the second highest leprosy cases (176) followed by Sarlahi.

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