Event Detail
On January 28, 2008, public gathering was held in the MOLSA meeting hall in Addis Ababa and in different branch associations in the regions.
ENAPAL member’s representatives from 6 kebeles, NGOs and local government administration bodies were present and discussed on:
what is leprosy? What is the cause of leprosy?, Leprosy control situation in Ethiopia: the case of less attention to leprosy in the regions and the associated problem of disability prevention and diagnosis. Distribution of POD materials problem was presented by Dr Getachew TB and leprosy control team leader in MOH.
Ato Ahmed Mohammed country representative of GLRA and chair person of the organizing committee on his speech raised the issue that ,apart from the treatment there are many persons affected by leprosy ,which needs care after cure ,the distribution of orthopedic and prevention of disability supplies are not adequate and the need to reduce leprosy related social stigma .
The history of world leprosy day and the objective of observing it in Ethiopia, The establishment, objectives and tasks accomplished by The Ethiopian National Association of Ex-Leprosy Patients were presented by Ato Menberu Adane, the managing director of ENAPAL.
Physical disabilities because of leprosy is preventable if the patient gets timely and appropriate treatment and ENAPALs lack of plot of land for projects and the construction of its own office were the core of ENAPAL chair man Ato Leulseged Berhane massage.
The state minister of MOH, Dr Kebede Worku emphasized at his opening speech on lack of awareness and wrong attitudes as a challenge for leprosy eradication and control work. He also expressed the interest of MOH to cooperate with ENAPAL and other like minded organizations.
Stage drama titled “ fench “ which has been aimed at on teaching about leprosy ,its cause , its medication and the stigmas and wrong attitudes of the public towards leprosy and persons affected by leprosy was showed to the participants of the gathering .
Journalists of all media were present and reported about the observance of the day and the issues rose at the public gathering to the general public through TV, radio and news papers.
The day was also observed in the branches of ENAPAL in the regions together with the respective concerned government offices like bureaus of labour and social affairs.
The events were public gatherings and banners, and posters were used and The Truth magazine were also distributed to the public.