The distribution of leprosy in Zambia

The distribution of leprosy in Zambia is analysed on a district basis. High density areas are identified and it is suggested that genetic (tribal) factors may be relevant. It is shown that the treatment of leprosy patients has moved away from largely church-related institutions to Government Rural Health Centres. In spite of the urban drift, leprosy remains essentially a rural problem in Zambia. Differences in provincial prevalence rates for leprosy in Zambia have been recorded in previous Annual Reports of the Ministry of Health. However, an analysis of prevalence rates at a District level appears not to have been undertaken previously. It was felt this would prove of interest and be of value both for future planning of leprosy services and research.