Allexer Namundjembo
For decades, leprosy, or Hansen’s disease’s deep-seated stigma, extended beyond death in the Zambezi Region.
Those affected by the disease often faced exile, isolation, and indignity even in death.
Sibbinda Constituency Councillor Micky Lukaezi recalls the story of a man, a victim of leprosy, who was denied a traditional burial due to cultural stigmas associated with the disease.
“He was taken to the forest as it was against cultural beliefs to bury people suffering from the disease in the same way as others. The belief was that those with leprosy could not be buried in the same manner as others,” he said.
The belief was that they could not be laid to rest among their families.
Instead, their bodies were abandoned in the forest, covered with branches, and their faces concealed to prevent animals from devouring them.
Lukazi shared this story during the commemoration of World Leprosy Day in Katima Mulilo on Thursday.
Lukazi also recalled a conversation with a woman living with leprosy who feared she would meet the same fate.
“Before I became a councillor, one victim asked me if she would be treated the same way as the other victim had been. I assured her that if she passed on, and the community could not assist, there are undertakers who would ensure she would be properly buried,” Lukaezi added.
Challenges such as delayed diagnoses, socio-economic barriers, and the stigma surrounding the disease contribute to underreporting and hinder efforts to fully eradicate it.
Despite this, attitudes in the Zambezi region are shifting.
Lukaezi said the days of abandoning leprosy victims in the wilderness are over.
“No one will be buried in that manner anymore,” he said.
The region has seen gradual progress in dismantling harmful cultural beliefs, ensuring that those affected receive dignity and respect, both in life and death.
It is possible to cure leprosy, which spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Treatment during early stages can prevent disability.
There are 28 reported cases of leprosy in the country, mainly in the Oshana, Kavango West, Kavango East, Khomas, and Zambezi regions.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services’s (MoHSS) goal is to eradicate leprosy by 2027.
In the meantime, health minister Kalumbi Shangula has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting individuals affected by leprosy.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services pledges steadfast commitment to support early detection and treatment across Namibia,” he said.
The day was commemorated under the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
Shangula said the country has made progress in eliminating, especially in high-burdened regions, through early case detection and initiation of treatment.
He called on the public to play its role in supporting those affected by leprosy by fostering an atmosphere of understanding and compassion.
“Educating themselves and others about the disease can help dispel myths and reduce stigma, encouraging individuals to seek care without fear. Participation in local support groups or initiatives can provide emotional support and practical assistance, ensuring that affected individuals feel valued and connected within their communities. Let us do our part to create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he said.
He urged all health workers to remain vigilant and proactive in educating communities about the signs and symptoms of leprosy, fostering an environment that encourages individuals to seek help without fear of stigma.
