WESTERN Provincial government has appreciated and is committed to working closely in developing health and medical services, in leprosy for that matter together with the National and provincial health and medical services policies and programmes.

Western Province Supervising premier Hon Christian Mesepitu said health is for all and it should be our sole responsibility to ensure and make sure that health and Medical Services continue in the communities and our province with the help and support of the National Government.

Mesepitu said the slogan states that early detection in Leprosy is everybody’s business meaning that we all responsible for any signs and symptoms of leprosy.

“We should be the first people to note and detect and to take appropriate action or measures rather than ignoring it and leaving it all into the hands of the nurses or health workers”.

“Only if we can do that, we will accomplish our theme and that is Zero disability due to leprosy in Children”, he added.

“We have our own issues, concerns challenges, ups and downs, strength and weakness. We cannot move on, we cannot prosper, we cannot lean and we cannot plan with these challenges as we come to term with situations and the future,” he said.

He said “this launching provides the venue and the opportunities for all in addressing Leprosy as a challenge. Together let us breed cooperation’s, working together and build friendship in addressing challenges and will enhance our commitments for the campaign.

He said let us unite this leprosy campaign and advocate for the programme.

“Therefore I appeal to you all to let this campaign trouble free and let peace and harmony be our guiding principles.

He thanked all the participants, NGO’s, stakeholders, Western Provincial Health Authorities, Business houses, private sector, general public, Police, Western Provincial Premier Hon Wayne Maepio and the Western provincial government for the initiative and for organizing such an important occasion in Gizo.

“Indeed it’s an honor for us here to be your host and we are so proud that you are our guests for this launching programme.

He also thanked the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) team for their attendance and participation during the World Leprosy Day launching in Western Province.