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[JICA Leprosy Control and Basic Health Services Project in Myanmar]
1Expert Service Division, Bureau of International Medical Center of Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare, 1-21-1, Toyama Sinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan. y-ishida@it.imcj.go.jp
Summary
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project in Myanmar accelerated leprosy elimination and developed disability prevention strategies. It also enhanced primary healthcare services for diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- International Health
- Tropical Medicine
Context:
- A 5-year bilateral technical cooperation project by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Myanmar.
- Collaboration between Myanmar's National Leprosy Control Program and JICA experts.
- Focus on leprosy control and basic health services in Myanmar.
Purpose:
- To accelerate the achievement of national leprosy elimination.
- To develop and implement technologies for prevention of disability (POD) and prevention of worsening of disability (POWD).
- To strengthen the referral system for leprosy control, POD/POWD, and physical rehabilitation.
Summary:
- The project facilitated national leprosy elimination, declared in 2003.
- It piloted and scaled up POD/POWD services, integrated into a national program.
- Refresher training for primary healthcare workers improved services for tuberculosis, malaria, leprosy, trachoma, and HIV/AIDS.
Impact:
- Contributed to the elimination of leprosy at national and sub-national levels.
- Established sustainable national programs for disability prevention in leprosy.
- Enhanced capacity of primary healthcare staff and improved diagnostic capabilities through equipment and training.