South Sulawesi launches mass leprosy prevention program

The South Sulawesi provincial government has launched a large-scale chemoprophylaxis program to prevent leprosy transmission across 24 regencies and cities. The initiative, part of the 'Andalan Sehati' screening program, aims to provide early detection for 10,357 participants, specifically targeting high school and vocational students, Madrasah Aliyah students, and IPDN cadets.

To support these public health efforts, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has provided 505 units of medical equipment to the province. This assistance includes 33 portable X-ray machines and 472 NPOC units. The program was inaugurated during the 357th anniversary celebrations of South Sulawesi, with Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman emphasizing that the primary goal is early intervention and the elimination of social stigma surrounding the disease.