**Leprosy in Haut-Katanga: An Underestimated Public Health Issue**
Leprosy, often referred to as a disease of the past, is showing a troubling resurgence in the Haut-Katanga province, in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On February 4, during World Leprosy Day, the provincial Minister of Health, Joseph Sambi Bulanda, drew attention to alarming figures: 932 new cases in 2021 and significant resurgences over the years, culminating in 417 cases in 2024. While modern science has developed free and effective treatments, leprosy remains a pressing public health problem, revealing flaws in screening and awareness systems.
### A Forgotten Disease Status
To better understand the current situation, it is relevant to compare these figures with historical and contemporary data. While there are barely 200,000 new cases of leprosy worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization, Haut-Katanga stands out for its worrying prevalence, especially when these figures are linked to the level of economic and social development. Stigma and lack of awareness of the early signs of this disease not only hinder screening, but also the reception of patients in communities.
### Obstacles to Late Diagnosis
Joseph Sambi highlighted several obstacles to access to diagnosis, including the stigmatization of patients and the lack of information about the symptoms of leprosy, such as a skin patch lighter than the natural color of the skin. This lack of knowledge often results from a lack of health education in rural areas, where mistrust of health services is exacerbated by traditional beliefs. To what extent do these factors represent a barrier to public health?
A comparative study in other parts of Africa, where awareness campaigns have been successfully implemented, could serve as a model. In Ethiopia, for example, community education programs have reduced the number of undiagnosed cases by 84%. Strategies include training for health workers and public education sermons in churches and mosques, as well as support from community leaders.
### Community Engagement Needed
To break the cycle of stigma and ignorance, community engagement is essential. Resources must be directed towards active awareness campaigns that are adapted to local contexts. At the same time, it is crucial to set up mobile health teams to reach isolated populations who do not have access to care..
In addition, Haut-Katanga must also consider integrating health services into broader community development programs, taking into account the socio-economic factors that promote the development of the disease: poverty, lack of education, and gender inequalities. Implementing a holistic approach, taking into account the psychological well-being of patients, would be a useful piston in the barrel of effective treatment.
### Conclusion: A Call to Action
Joseph Sambi’s message is clear: the fight against leprosy must not be an isolated concern, but an essential dimension of a broader public health strategy in Haut-Katanga. Leprosy control must therefore be part of an overall dynamic, integrating education, prevention, community mobilization, and access to care.
The fight against leprosy is a societal challenge that generates much more than medical considerations. It calls upon deep values on inclusion and human dignity. Eradicating this disease is possible, but it requires concerted efforts to overcome the cultural, social and economic barriers that hinder healing and care for patients. In this sense, the fight against leprosy in Haut-Katanga could also be a sign of the progress that needs to be made on other fronts of public health and social justice. The authorities and civil society must act together to ensure that this fight does not end up as yet another inaudible cry but resonates as a real call to action and solidarity.