Leprosy control in Surabaya

Abstract

The number of registered leprosy cases in Surabaya, which has 2.5 million inhabitants, in December 1978 was 3,118, but it has been estimated that the total of leprosy patients is probably around 5,000. The prevalence of leprosy in this city is at least 1.25 per 1,000 inhabitants. The Department of Dermato-Venereology of the Dr Sutomo Hospital in Surabaya, which is a general as well as a teaching clinic, is involved in many leprosy control activities. The latter covers among other aspects: epidemiological studies; passive and active case detection; free medical care for more than 75% of the registered leprosy cases in Surabaya; rehabilitation; health education to the patients and their relatives, to other medical staff members and the community; teaching activities; research work; and cooperation with the Netherlands Leprosy Relief Association to combat leprosy in and around Surabaya.