Republic of Korea has given the Fiji Government US$10 million for the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre at Tamavua Twomey Hospital to benefit patients suffering from Hansen’s disease or leprosy.
Minister for Health Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu says this fund will assist in delivering high quality rehabilitation service to patients.
Dr. Lalabalavu says the Ministry of Health together with Government’s support will continue to fight for a leprosy free Fiji.
The Minister says although they continue to detect 4 to 7 new cases annually, they are confident with the team at the Leprosy and Dermatology Department the fight against Leprosy.
Dr. Lalabalavu adds the hospital is also managing patients from our neighboring Pacific Island countries and this speaks volume of the role that Tamavua Twomey Hospital is playing in the care of leprosy patients in the Pacific region.
He says one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases , Hansen’s disease or leprosy, together with other NTDs are estimated by the World Health Organisation to affect nearly 1.5 billion people in 149 countries around the world today.
He also says NTDs are endemic, they represent a largely hidden disease burden among some of the poorest communities and disproportionately affect children, women and people with disabilities, and flourish in communities with poor housing and sanitation, unsafe water, and limited access to basic health care.
The Minister says with the advancement of medical therapy, leprosy is now preventable, treatable and curable.
