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In the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan lies the country's sole leprosarium، a specialized medical facility that has been treating patients with leprosy for decades. Despite its crucial role، the institution remains shrouded in myths and misconceptions. A recent report delves into the daily lives of those who reside and work within its walls، seeking to separate fact from fiction.

A Career Unforeseen

Moldagali Seitaliev، the chief physician at the Kazakhstan Republican Leprosarium، admits he never dreamed of working in such a facility. His path to this specialized field was unexpected، stemming from a request for help in the early 2000s. At the time، Seitaliev held dual roles as deputy head of the regional health department and head of the regional center for emergency medicine.

The then-chief physician of the leprosarium approached him for assistance. The facility was housing numerous patients requiring urgent surgical intervention، but regular hospitals were hesitant to admit them. "I couldn't refuse my friend's father's request،" Seitaliev recalls. Initially، he provided surgical support، anesthesia، and post-operative care. "Honestly، I wasn't particularly interested in this work at first. But then my fate became intertwined with this place،" he shared.

An Island Apart

Seitaliev confesses to initial feelings of fear and apprehension upon entering the leprosarium. However، he soon observed a unique bond between the staff and patients، which surprised him. "Doctors here don't compete with each other، no one chases money. Medical staff even provide financial assistance to patients،" he noted.

He describes the atmosphere as extraordinary، akin to stepping into another era or onto a secluded island. His dedication led him to study the disease extensively، reading numerous articles and completing a specialization in leprosy at the Astrakhan Scientific Research Institute in 2005. With new knowledge and the support of European philanthropists، his fears began to subside.

"Leprosy is one of the least contagious and least widespread infections. Fearing this disease as they did decades ago is a sign of ignorance،" Seitaliev emphasized. In Kazakhstan، only three cases of leprosy have been identified in the last 12 years، with the last recorded in 2017.

Modern Treatment and Social Reintegration

Currently، 212 individuals with leprosy are registered in Kazakhstan، with 30 residing in the leprosarium. These are primarily elderly patients with low social support، many of whom contracted the disease in the 1960s and 70s when effective treatments were scarce، leading to disabilities.

"Leprosy also alters a person's appearance. Facial disfigurement، deformities of the limbs، wounds، and skin lesions – all of this makes a person vulnerable in society. Therefore، they tend to isolate themselves،" explained Seitaliev.

However، he stressed that modern treatment methods allow patients to recover fully and cease being a source of infection. Prompt medical attention can prevent disability. "Many of our patients have successfully completed their treatment courses and returned to society،" the physician added.

A 46-Year Separation and Reunion

Seitaliev recounted the story of a female patient who lived in the leprosarium for over 40 years. Brought from the Kokshetau region in 1972، she had three young children at the time. Her relatives disowned her، telling her children their mother had passed away.

Remarkably، after 46 years، her grown children and grandchildren learned about her fate and visited her at the leprosarium. "This made the woman very happy،" Seitaliev said. Sadly، she passed away shortly after. This poignant event highlights how societal fear of the disease can deprive individuals of normal joys.

Migration: A Key Risk Factor

Leprosy is an infection transmitted solely from person to person؛ it has no natural reservoir. The primary driver of its spread is the presence of an infected individual.

"Leprosy is an infection with very low contagiousness. It does not spread through household contact and is not transmitted during normal social interaction. It can only be contracted through prolonged and close، usually familial، contact with an infected person،" the doctor clarified.

Furthermore، the physician identifies migration as a significant risk factor for leprosy transmission. The movement of individuals carrying the disease، those who have been in contact with it، or those who are asymptomatic carriers to new countries poses a risk. Changes in environment and climate can stress the body، potentially reactivating a dormant infection.

According to the World Health Organization، approximately 200،000 new cases are registered globally each year. In neighboring Uzbekistan، three new cases were confirmed in 2024.