Leprosy is still a major public health problem in Bangladesh, as more than 5,000 cases were diagnosed last year, according to a study.

Rajshahi division has the highest number of leprosy patients -- about 45 percent of all cases -- followed by Dhaka with 33 percent of cases. In the last 20 years, more than 186000 cases were detected, the study said.

The Leprosy Mission International (Bangladesh) revealed the figures at a national advocacy seminar titled 'Leprosy is curable, free treatment is available, there is no place of social discrimination' at the IDB Bhaban conference centre in the city yesterday.

Experts at the seminar said the number might be higher as social stigma associated with leprosy is still prevalent in society, w|uch.is a major-obstacle to self-.

reporting and early treatment.

They said that integration of leprosy treatment in general hospitals is urgent. Currently there are only 40 beds available for leprosy patients in government hospitals. In private hospitals, there are another 324 beds available, which is inadequate.

Presenting the keynote paper, Rev. Martin Adhikary, programme director (hospital), said the disease is more prevalent in Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitanareas.

Leprosy is an airborne communicable disease. The first outward sign of leprosy is a patch on the skin, usually associated with loss of feelings caused by impairment of the functions of nerves. However, it is curable with the intervention of modern medicine. If not treated, leprosy can cause disability . , ...

In 2008, over 296,000 new cases were diagnosed around the world with over 800 being diagnosed every day.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promode Mankin said that with misconception still existing in society, rights of the leprosy patients are still violated. They are isolated by society, even their own families abandon them.

Lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor said the Lepers Act 1898 is posing barriers toward ensuring the rights of leprosy patients. A new and modern law should be enacted, he added.

Minister for Social Welfare Enamul Haque Mostafa Shaheed said it is neces-sary to conduct further research to find out why leprosy is more prevalent is certain part of the country.

Dr. James Tejosh Dash, country director, and Richard Labio Bala, director, administration of leprosy mission, also spoke.