Living with Stigma: Voices from the Cured Lepers' Village in Ghana

Stigmatization of persons cured of leprosy (PCLs) is a long standing social problem especially in the developing world, which often leads to their isolation from mainstream society. This study presents the voices of PCLs in the Cured Lepers' Village in Ho, a community located in Southern Ghana. The study collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 participants. Findings indicate that PCLs continue to live a significant number of years in the Cured Lepers' Village after they are cured of leprosy. This situation is due to several factors such as stigma (including self-stigma), isolation, and neglect. Fear of the disease and compliance with religious and sociocultural beliefs, and regulations regarding leprosy were identified as reasons for the isolation of people affected by the disease. The study recommends a comprehensive public education program on leprosy targeting community leaders to help re-integrate PCLs into their communities and calls for social workers to be part of this process.