Leprosy elimination through integrated basic health services in Myanmar: the role of midwives

Myanmar is one of the top 16 countries identified by WHO as being hyperendemic for leprosy. Multi-drug therapy (MDT) was introduced in 1988 as a vertical programme and gradually integrated into the basic health services (BHS), achieving 100% coverage over the registered cases by 1995. To achieve maximum coverage of and benefit for patients, both leprosy vertical staff and BHS staff were trained to implement MDT whilst performing routine BHS activities. This included a total of 8615 trained midwives who were mobilized for the nationwide leprosy elimination programme (LEP). They worked at village level in various parts of the country and were willing and able to carry out basic tasks in leprosy management, such as the implementation of MDT using blister-calender packs carrying a month's supply of drugs. This study was performed to assess the workload of midwives and their attitude towards LEP. The authors conclude that midwives in Myanmar show a high level of commitment and reliability, which are essential contributing factors to achieve the current goal of leprosy elimination by the year 2000. Along with the present trend of decreasing prevalence rate, leprosy could no longer be considered as a public health problem at national level by the year 2000 in Myanmar. However, because of its long incubation period, new leprosy patients may arise even after the elimination target is achieved, whilst many other patients may become disabled. A community-based sustainable approach for the post-elimination phase, after the year 2000, will be essential and the contribution of the midwives may be of considerable importance.