Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus called Mycobacterium leprae (a relative of TB). It is also known as Hansen’s disease, after the scientist who discovered M. leprae in 1873.
Hundreds of people are still being diagnosed with leprosy each day globally, with one in 12 of these being children. However, due to fear and lack of knowledge, there are over three million people living with undiagnosed leprosy, a Maltese NGO says.
While in most of the advanced countries, the subject of leprosy is mostly mentioned around World Leprosy Day, observed on the last Sunday of January.
The Grand Commandery of the Castello, based at Torri Lanzun, in Mensija, made it its ongoing mission for the last 48 years to fund charities assisting lepers in various countries.
While in most of the advanced countries, the subject of leprosy is mostly mentioned around World Leprosy Day, observed on the last Sunday of January, the Grand Commandery of the Castello, based at Torri Lanzun, in Mensija, made it its ongoing mission over the previous 48 years to fund charities assisting lepers in various countries.