Hansen's Disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, and the immune status of the infected person is also thought to play a role in its onset. The number of new cases in Japan has decreased due to advances in medicine and public health. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of new cases in 2015 was approximately 210,000, and active international cooperation from Japan is also required for the elimination of Hansen's Disease. Hansen's Disease is a disease that can be cured without leaving any aftereffects if detected and treated early, and it is possible to prevent the onset of aftereffects such as peripheral neuropathy. However, the need for early detection and treatment of Hansen's Disease will not change in the future, and its importance will never be lost, especially in the fields of dermatology and neurology. Before the repeal Leprosy Prevention Law in 1996, medical treatment for Hansen's Disease was carried out at national and private Leprosy sanatorium, but now it is often carried out at general medical institutions, and there is a need to improve clinical medicine, such as basic medicine, diagnosis, and treatment of Hansen's Disease. We have decided to hold the "39th Summer university course on medical science of leprosy" (see attached "Schedule") for medical professionals and medical students to further deepen their knowledge of Hansen's Disease.
We look forward to your participation in this course.