LEPROSY: A FORBIDDEN CURSE?

PURPOSE Reasons for choice of title: Leprosy is seen as a taboo, or curse, even in todays modern world, and when people hear the word leprosy, they often shrink away from the subject as they see it as 'forbidden' Purpose of article: To bring about awareness of leprosy and let them know that it is no different from a common sickness - and not to judge a book by its cover

Leprosy (Hansen's disease)‏ What is leprosy? Leprosy is a chronic bacterial disease of the skin and nerves in the hands and feet and, in some cases, the lining of the nose. Leprosy is a rare disease in the United States. Who gets leprosy? Anyone can get leprosy, but children seem to be more susceptible than adults. How is leprosy spread? It is not clear how the leprosy germ is spread, but household and prolonged close contact is important. The germs probably enter the body through the nose and possibly through broken skin. The germs get in the air through nasal discharge of untreated lepromatous patients.

Interview Questions What do you know about leprosy? How do you feel about it? You say you feel uncomfortable/ok with it, so where do you get this perception? Is the source reliable? Eg: Friends, parents, media, etc If the source is reliable, why do you feel this way? If its not, then did you know leprosy is not contagious? Do you know how leprosy patients look like? Do you think people would accept them in todays modern world? Would you befriend a leper or even an ex-leper should you come across one? (If interviewee does not know) Would you change your thinking if I were to tell you that: Leprosy is curable. Leprosy is not contagious Would you allow your child to come into contact with a leper even after knowing the truth? Why so? How do you think the common man can help these victims?

Interview In-progress

3 Difficulties I faced I have discovered that my time management is abysmal. A major difficulty was that I did not use my time effectively and thus was hard pressed for time. Thinking of good questions was a bit of a hassle as I really had to be insightful and ask meaningful questions (Unlike those i usally ask) The 5W1H strategy was a big help to me Conducting the interview is going to be a bit of a problem as both my parents are overseas now. I will try to get a hold of them though

2 Things I Have Learnt I have really learnt a lot from these two weeks, such as clearing up all the myths about leprosy. For example, I thought leprosy was extremely contagious in the past, and that it was incurable. I have learnt that we should not belittle people just because of who they are, or regardless of what difficulties they may face. We should not sympathise them, we should empathise with them.

1 Thing for the Future After doing all that research about leprosy and what people actually think of them, I think that I should really try to do my part of helping to clear the myths about leprosy and to help these people in any way possible.

THE END THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME