CABUSAO, Camarines Sur --– Unfazed by the heavy rains on its way to Bicol Sanitarium, in observance of the 4-day annual event program Leprosy Control and Prevention Week of Department of Health, the Junior Chamber International Naga, an affiliate organization of Junior Chamber International Philippines and Junior Chamber International – commonly known as Naga City Jaycees – joined the community led by Dr. Edgardo Sarmiento, chief administrator, Bicol Sanitarium, San Pedro, Cabusao, Camarines Sur in celebrating their culminating activity recently with the theme of “Working Towards a Leprosy-Free Philippines.”

        JCI Naga, led by its president, Alexis Fante and the chairpersons of the “JCI Naga Lakbay Lingap sa Bicol Sanitarium,” Ronald Robin Rosin and Manolo Salvino Jr., conducted an outreach activity by sharing food, clothings, and personal toiletries. Program and parlor games were also held which brought smiles to children and elders. Members of the Naga Jaycees serenaded the elders and children at Bicol Sanitarium, after a moving intermission number from the patients in Bicol Sanitarium.

        The main objective of the “JCI Naga Lakbay Lingap sa Bicol Sanitarium” is to uphold the tenets that embodies the JCI Creed: That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality; that service to humanity is the best work of life.

        A lecture-seminar on the disease was conducted by sanitarium’s medical specialist Dr. Anastacia Abella highlighting the history, origin, and the cure of the disease.

        Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is a chronic, mildly communicable disease caused by bacterial infection identified as Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin; the mucous membranes, especially those in the nose; and the peripheral nervous system. If left untreated, the disease can cause physical deformity and disability. M. leprae infection occurs primarily in human beings.

        In the early years, leprosy was believed to be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. However, present studies show that this is unlikely because M. leprae are not usually found on the skin’s surface.

        Some documented cases suggest that people become infected by inhaling the bacteria. With each cough or sneeze of an untreated Person with Leprosy (PWL), the bacilli are discharged as droplets. Effective multi-drug therapy (MDT) kits provided by The World Health Organization and The Department of Health are readily available for patients with leprosy.

        The project was made possible through the support of 1st Dist. Rep. Dato Arroyo, Cabusao Mayor Totoy Genova, JCI Sen. Nilo Aureus, Goldprint, EUG Liner, Bicol Petroleum, Felmark, COSLOR Enterprises through JCI Sen. Mellany Loria of JCI Legaspi Dawani and Past National Vice President for Bicol JCI Mem. Det Badiola of JCI Naga Carińosa.

        JCI Naga as part of a worldwide organization of young leaders and entrepreneurs will continue to implement programs that will be relevant to its community with its commitment to contribute in creating positive change.