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.