There is currently no verified case of leprosy in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG); nevertheless, Chief Health Promotion Officer Shanika John stated that the Ministry of Health will closely monitor the situation.
According to John, no cases of leprosy have been reported in St Vincent since 2002.
“There is no confirmed case of leprosy currently in St Vincent and the Grenadines as of January 15th, 2024.” .
“Our team, which includes our surveillance committee, is monitoring the situation closely and also in dialogue with regional colleagues, not just to make sure we have things in place but to ensure that we are also able to detect early and to do some sort of treatment.”
Leprosy can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and nasal mucosa. The condition is curable if diagnosed and treated early on. It is crucial to remember that people with leprosy can work and live a normal life both during and after treatment.
While leprosy was traditionally thought to be a very contagious and devastating disease, the Ministry wishes to reassure the public that it does not spread easily and that treatment is quite effective. However, if not treated, leprosy-related nerve damage can cause hand and foot abnormalities, paralysis, and blindness.
2018: No cases of leprosy were documented.
2019: One case was found, effectively managed, and the individual is now enjoying a normal life.
2020: No cases of leprosy recorded.
In 2021, no cases of leprosy were documented.
In 2022, no cases of leprosy were recorded.
In 2023, no cases of leprosy were documented.
