A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF LEPROSY AFECTED PEOPLE IN NAUNG KAN VILLAGE, EASTERN SHAN STATE

Leprosy is a chronic infectiours disease and only in Myanmar, around 3,000 new patients are recorded every year by Myanmar Christian Leprosy Mission. This study focuses on the Socio-Economic conditions of Leprosy effected people in Naung Kan, Keng Tung Township, Eastern Shan State and present the accessibility to healthcare services, education, vocational trainings, employment opportunities, discrimination and participation in society. This study used descriptive analysis based on primary data collected by interviewing with structured questionnaires, and secondary. The study found out that Leprosy people in Naung Kan village have got regular treatment; health care and education service. The minority are taken care by Christian Missionary, Government and Non-Government with livelihood trainng, grants and infrastructure support. Moreover, they have limited awareness on leprosy and are discriminated from the society. In addition, there is insufficient support to leprosy people people for rehabilitation and medical treatment. Therefore, this study suggests the importance of health care service and advocacy, vocational training, and livelihood support to be accessible by the leprosy people