Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by a low multiplying bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and the extremities. Multidrug therapy (MDT) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccinations are effective at treatment of the disease, but social misconceptions about the disease inhibit efficient health care for affected individuals. In South Korea, leprosy patients face social, economic, and political discrimination. Korean leprosy patients are isolated into Sorokdo island and face challenges such as difficulty receiving education and limited job opportunities. Leprosy cognitively, emotionally, and socially impacts patients’ lives, and represents a serious social inequality issue. To raise awareness, dispel myths about the disease, and to end patient discrimination that destroys families, we conducted case studies based on scientific journals. The paper specifically focuses on difficulties faced by Korean leprosy patients, and subsequent initiatives by the government to aid patients. To reach the WHO’s target of health and wellbeing for all by 2030, we need to educate the masses about leprosy and address relevant social inequality issues.
Source: Advances in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Seungshin Lee, David Ahn, Justin Kim, Cathy Park, Kunmin Kim, Alice Kim, Chae Eun Kim, Jisu Shin, Timothy Cho, Jonathan Jo, David Park, Tae Youn Kim, Paul S. Chung
Institution: University of California, Irvine
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3136620824