World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day

On the last Sunday of January is World Leprosy Day. It focuses on trying to meet the target of zero cases of leprosy related disabilities in children. Disabilities do not occur overnight, but happen after a prolonged period of undiagnosed disease. Early detection is key to achieve this target, alongside scaling up interventions to prevent leprosy transmission.

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy is a disease that causes disfigured skin sores and nerve damage to arms, legs and skin areas on the body. It is an extremely infectious disease.

What are the symptoms:

The main symptoms are skin sores, lumps or bumps that do not go away after several weeks. The nerve damage which is caused can lead to loss of feeling in the arms and muscle weakness.

What is the Treatment:

Leprosy is treated with Multidrug therapy. This is when a combination of drugs is used, as only one antileprosy drug (monotherapy) will result in the development of drug resistance to that drug.

If you notice anything, it is best to consult your medical practitioner. Make a difference this World Leprosy Day.

Medical Gap Cover Questions & Queries

If you have any more queries or questions regarding anything related to TRA Gap Cover, why not reach out to our helpful specialists here. You can also visit our Gap Cover here.

References:

World Leprosy Day 2019

Leprosy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

WHO International

Note: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice, general advice, or instruction of any kind. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals and/or intermediaries, or other relevant professionals, on any matter relating to their health and overall well-being. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors at the time, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health and/or financial authorities etc. assume the risk of any injuries and/or liabilities etc. Please note that Gap Cover is not a medical aid, and it is not a substitute for medical aid. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Terms and Conditions Apply.

OUR LATEST NEWS
20 October 2025News, TRA News

Super Cover Plus: Our Mid-Range Gap Cover Product

If you're a medical aid member in South Africa seeking comprehensive protection against medical shortfalls, TRA's Super Cover Plus is

15 October 2025Gap Cover, Health Insurance, TRA News

Paying R5000 for Medical Aid? You Still Need Gap Cover

Paying R5000 or more a month for medical aid should mean you’re covered for almost anything. But the reality is,

Read More
10 October 2025News, TRA News

TRA Vital Cover Plus: Our Second Entry-Level Gap Cover Product

If you're a medical aid member in South Africa looking for protection beyond the basic coverage, TRA's Vital Cover Plus

Read More
Whatsapp
Open Popup