Steps towards eliminating Hansen's disease stigma

Abstract

Persons affected by Hansen's disease (PAHD) can develop long-term physical disabilities and psychological problems if the disease is not managed promptly and correctly. The complex and multi-faceted nature of stigma related to Hansen's Disease, and the discrimination arising from it, demands multiple parallel steps to improve the health, well-being and lived experience of People Affected by Hansen's Disease, including: 1) adoption and pursuance of a human rights based approach; 2) revocation of discriminatory laws; 3) education and training for healthcare workers; 4) new techniques and therapies to diagnose and treat HD without side-effects and to reduce risk of disabilities; 5) elimination of stigmatising terminology.

The Potential Role of AI in Addressing Challenges in the Clinical Management of Hansen's Disease

“…Stigma often acts as a significant barrier to individuals seeking timely medical care. 28 AI-powered chatbots and symptom-checking applications offer individuals a discreet way to assess their symptoms, providing benefits like anonymous assessment, education, and mental health support. These tools allow people to seek information without fear of social stigma or judgment, ensuring confidentiality and personalization of information for enhanced engagement, as well as addressing concerns in a nonjudgmental and empathetic manner.…”