REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SENTANI -- Indonesian Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi visits Timika, Papua to monitor the spread of leprosy in Mumugu village, Asmat sub-district.

"Leprosy is still reportedly high in Mumugu, that is why the Minister will monitor the situation and meet the local people there," stated Papua Health Office Chief Aloysius Giyai here, on Wednesday.

Leprosy in Papua ranks third in the national level after West Papua and Maluku with about 1.3 thousand new leprosy cases each year.

Leprosy in Papua was reportedly found across 17 districts in Papua, including the Mamberamo Raya, Sarmi, Biak Noemfoor, Mappi, Boven Digoel and Jaya Wijaya district.

While in Mumugu, the minister will also monitor a number of public health centers and it's supporting medical facilities, as also human resources.

Leprosy is also reported to have spread in the areas where health treatment is not coupled with adequate health facilities; the disease is contagious among both adults and children.

Earlier on Tuesday, April 15, Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi visited Jayapura to monitor the implementation of HIV - AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing also evaluating the Health Social Security Management Agency, BPJS Kesehatan, at the basic services level.

The health Minister entourage also visited the Youwari Sentani, Walihole polyclinic in Yoka, and Marthen Indey Hospital in Aryoko, Jayapura.

After visiting a number of public medical facilities, the minister also hosted a talk show on how to eradicate malaria in Papua at on a local television channel.

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