IN OBSERVANCE of World Leprosy Day, the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) is ramping up its efforts to raise awareness about leprosy.
Dr. Silvino Rey Pino, from SPMC's Department of Dermatology, reported 35 new cases of leprosy in 2024, including patients from Davao City, Davao del Sur, Kidapawan, Surigao del Sur, and Cotabato. The youngest patient is eight years old, and the oldest is 68. One or two cases are cured, depending on individual responses to medication.
In 2023, SPMC recorded 42 cases, with the increase attributed to the reopening of services post-pandemic. Many patients had delayed treatment due to COVID-19 restrictions. A key challenge, Pino noted, is the lack of studies to pinpoint the exact source of leprosy transmission.
“Yung transmission hindi related yung hygiene, again its the immunity of the individual. So 95 percent natu naa n ay immunity sa Leprosy, naa lang gyud lima ka porsyento sa atoang community nga dili immune ana nga sakit (The transmission is not linked to hygiene; it’s about the immunity of the individual. 95% of us have immunity, and only about five percent of the community is susceptible),” Pino explained during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on January 27, 2025.
Dr. Donna May Sarrena, also from SPMC's Department of Dermatology, said that leprosy is curable with available treatments, including multi-drug therapy provided free by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“We want to educate the public na curable siya, ibig sabihin ng curable may treatment available. We have multi-drug therapy which is provided to us by the World Health Organization for free (We want to educate the public that leprosy is curable, meaning there is an available treatment. We offer multi-drug therapy, which is provided free of charge by the WHO),” she said.
Pino highlighted that multi-drug therapy is given in packets for six to twelve months, ensuring patients complete their treatment.
Although leprosy is transmissible, Sarrena reassured that it isn’t easily spread. At least 95 percent of the population is naturally immune, and isolation is no longer recommended. Once a patient starts treatment for a month, they are no longer contagious, even if not yet declared "cured."
Leprosy is not inherited, and prolonged exposure to an infected person is needed for transmission. Sarrena urged individuals to seek medical attention if they notice early signs, like numb white or dark patches on the skin or areas of the body that no longer sweat.
With around 15 residents, 16 consultants, and support from the City Health Office, SPMC is adequately staffed to handle leprosy cases. Sarrena emphasized that greater awareness is crucial to prompt individuals to seek treatment early.
The WHO defines leprosy as a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. It spreads through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth, especially with frequent and prolonged contact. RGP