(Colombo) Sri Lanka has identified 264 new cases of leprosy across the country since the start of the year, as reported by the Anti-Leprosy Campaign (ALC).
Dr. Nirupa Pallewatte, the Director of the ALC, noted that these cases include 24 children under the age of 15. In comparison, the total number of leprosy cases reported in 2023 was 1,580, with 1,520 being new diagnoses. Of the total cases last year, 180 were children, constituting 12% of the patient population.
Dr. Pallewatte highlighted the situation for the first quarter of 2024, stating, “Out of the 274 patients identified this year, 264 are new cases, and 21 of these, or about 8%, are children under 15 years old. These children are not able to spread the disease. Additionally, approximately 8% of the patients identified this year have developed disabilities due to the condition.”
