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A Word of Caution against the Stigma Trend in Neglected Tropical Disease Research and Control

2009; Public Library of Science; Volume: 3; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1371/journal.pntd.0000445

1935-2735

Joan Muela Ribera, Koen Peeters Grietens, Elizabeth Toomer, Susanna Hausmann-Muela,

Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

A man, suffering from an advanced stage of Buruli ulcer disease, is sitting on a wobbly stool repairing an old fishnet.As he limps to add the rags of old clothes he will use later as bandages to a pot of boiling water, the stained bandage covering his oozing wound on his leg and foot becomes apparent.''What happened?I was always good in school and worked hard on my fields.I was successful.But it's the jealousy!Someone in the village cursed me with atom (Buruli ulcer) and now I'm here like this! Since then, four years ago, I've had to give up my studies, my wife has left me.It was too much, too long.And now I have to pay for the schooling of my two children as well as for my treatment.I can not participate in the work groups anymore because of my condition, and so I have no one to help me with my fields which are ruined because of the time I spent at the hospital, waiting for healing… I do have a large family but I have to take care of myself alone now, without their help.But, my life isn't over!I'm still young, I'm strong.My life isn't over!''He is alone.Waiting.