Leprosy prevalence in morocco decreases

The prevalence rate of leprosy in Morocco has considerably decreased from 32 cases per 100,000 inhabitants recorded in 1990 to 1.14 in 2002 thanks to the modern and efficient poly-chemotherapy, says the health ministry.

According to data available as of December 30, 2002, the number of patients treated for leprosy stands at 340, which is a rate of 1.14 for each 100,000 inhabitants.

In 2002, there were 60 new leprosy cases, including 40 men and 20 women, which is a rate of 0.20 per 100,000.

The anti-leprosy program is one of the oldest ones conducted by the health ministry. Since it started in 1950, the results were encouraging. However, leprosy still prevails as a pandemic in isolated rural areas, particularly among the poorest populations.