The Government of Lakes State promised to address the different needs of leprosy patients.
John Mabeny, who directs Primary Health Care in the state, told Good News Radio that leprosy patients living in the colony at Malou, some 25 kilometres south of Rumbek, presented to the State government their needs during the celebration of Leprosy World Day on Saturday.Mr. Mabeny said the patients asked for a water source, a school and a health centre.
He urged Malteser International to enter into dialogue with the Ministry of Social Development for the borehole and school.
He promised that the Ministry of Health will address the request for a clinic.
Daniel Luak Malual, a leprosy officer working with Malteser International, said his organization plans to eradicate leprosy from the region in collaboration with the Health Ministry.
He added that the eradication plan requires the co-operation of the entire community, urging those who have signs of leprosy to go to the nearest health centre for treatment.
There are about 100 leprosy patients at Malou.
Malteser International foresees the creation of another 50 homesteads at Malou to welcome additional patients.
The leprosy patients at Malou are served through a health outreach programme implemented by the Missionaries of Charity Sisters and Malteser International.