a medical condition, also known as Hansen's Disease, which still affects millions of people. caused by a bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae (a distant relative of the TB bacillus) and is probably spread by airborne droplet infection. The first outward sign of leprosy is loss of feeling in a patch on the skin. curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). capable of causing disability and even blindness if untreated by attacking nerves under the skin, leading to loss of feeling, paralysis and unfelt injury of the hands, feet and face. the least contagious communicable disease.  Most people are naturally immune but millions in developing countries are susceptible.  After only a couple of days on treatment, sufferers are no longer infectious. still prevalent in many parts of the world. More than 300,000 new cases were detected in 2006. still surrounded by myths, stigma and fear which mean that it is more than a medical condition. without an effective preventative vaccine - which is why early detection and treatment with MDT are so vital. a public health problem in 6 countries (WHO statistics): Brazil, DR Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and United Republic of Tanzania.     over 90% of people affected by leprosy live in developing countries where resources are scarce. Here leprosy risks becoming a forgotten problem amongst higher profile social problems more than 14 million people have been cured with MDT since the early 1980s.  A six-month course usually cures leprosy. between 3 and 4 million people already suffer from, or are threatened with, permanent disability due to leprosy. Life expectancy can be reduced by 50%, mainly due to economic hardship. (S. K. Noordeen & J. M. Hombach)