100 million F CFA to fight leprosy

Benin has set aside 100 million F CFA (US $142,857) for the management of its 4,500 leprosy patients in 2001, the Panafrican News Agency (PANA), reported officials of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme as saying. PANA quoted Dr Augustine Guedenon, coordinator of the programme, as saying the country was working on a five-point strategy to bring the leprosy prevalence rate within the internationally recommended level of one infection per 10,000 persons by 2004. This would be a first step towards total eradication of the disease, he said. The programme involves the intensification of screening and treatment; reinforcement and decentralisation of screening capacities; regular monitoring and evaluation; maintaining adequate medical supplies and logistics; and social mobilisation through information, education and communication activities. It is supported by international bodies including the Raoul Follereau Foundation, the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation.