MEDICAL EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR ON HANSEN'S DISEASE

Date Posted: October 10, 2014

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Antipolo City, Rizal – More than 300 individuals, composed of hospital directors, health officers, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) all over the province participated in a medical education seminar on Hansen’s Disease and other skin diseases held recently.

Supported by the provincial government of Rizal under the stewardship of Gov. Rebecca Ynares, the East Avenue Medical Center - Department of Dermatology and Uplift Movement Foundation, Inc. conducted the seminar aimed at raising awareness and erasing the stigma of Hansen’s Disease or more commonly known as leprosy, it brings to its victims.

Dr. Angela Lavadia, head of the dermatology department of the medical center which conducted the seminar, said that through education and information dissemination to the public, they could ultimately change or end the undeserved stigma society has subjected leprosy patients.

Throughout history, patients afflicted with leprosy has been looked down by people, treated inhumanely and worst ostracized even by their family and society that should have been taking care of them.

“It is the commitment of the provincial government of Rizal, together with all medical workers, to support noble advocacies which will help individuals afflicted with leprosy and other skin diseases bring back their self-esteem, and be provided with the medical assistance they need,” remarked Rizal Gov. Nini Ynares.