Suchergebnisse

Leprosy can be cured with multi-drug therapy as recommended by WHO. However, the presence of leprosy stigma prevents people from obtaining early detection and proper treatment. Furthermore, the adverse effect of leprosy treatment on certain individuals with genetic susceptibility, known as dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, is often presumed as a malpractice. This further lowered people willingness to seek medical help. The reluctance to cure the disease could worsen the disease condition and spread it to their community. To overcome these problems, there should be efforts to disseminate medical information to community which discuss about leprosy treatment and its possible adverse effect. In this activity we, together with Puskesmas Desa Tegal Angus, informed and educated leprosy patients, their family and their neighbouring community with the help of educational media in the form of print and digital media. The aim of this activity was to share correct information on leprosy and the urgency of leprosy treatment, which in turn would reduce leprosy stigma and increase the patients' willingness to complete their full course of treatment. According to the test result, people gained improved understanding about leprosy, especially in term of its definition, its transmission and treatment, factors that influence its susceptibility (including genetic factor) and how to avoid deformity due to leprosy.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is increasingly being recognized as a potential tool for improving the efficacy and safety of drug therapy. Therefore, several efforts have been undertaken globally to facilitate the implementation process of PGx into routine clinical practice. Part of these efforts include the formation of PGx working groups working on PGx research, synthesis, and dissemination of PGx data and creation of PGx implementation strategies. In Asia, the Southeast Asian Pharmacogenomics Research Network (SEAPharm) is established to enable and strengthen PGx research among the various PGx communities within but not limited to countries in SEA; with the ultimate goal to support PGx implementation in the region. From the perspective of SEAPharm member countries, there are several key elements essential for PGx implementation at the national level. They include pharmacovigilance database, PGx research, health economics research, dedicated laboratory to support PGx testing for both research and clinical use, structured PGx education, and supportive national health policy. The status of these essential elements is presented here to provide a broad picture of the readiness for PGx implementation among the SEAPharm member countries, and to strengthen the PGx research network and practice in this region.