On Thursday, six years after Dr. Tetsu Nakamura was fatally shot, a leprosy clinic finally opened in Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan.
What happened
The clinic is run by Fukuoka‑based Peshawar‑kai and the Afghan NGO Peace Japan Medical Services (PMS). They rented a three‑story house, equipped it with ten beds, and staffed it with nineteen Afghans, including two doctors—one a dermatologist—nurses, a laboratory technician, a pharmacist and other support personnel.
Despite the facility’s readiness, no patients have voluntarily entered, and staff report confronting deep‑seated prejudice against leprosy.
Why it matters
Leprosy remains a concern in Afghanistan’s remote, mountainous regions where health infrastructure is weak; in the 1980s, 200‑300 Afghans traveled to Pakistan for treatment, according to Dr. Mohammad Abid, who has worked with Dr. Nakamura since the 1980s.
The clinic fulfills Dr. Nakamura’s long‑held vision and could provide emergency and long‑term care for a disease that is often misunderstood and stigmatized.
Prejudice and lack of awareness are identified as the main barriers to patients seeking care, prompting PMS to print 2,000 referral cards and plan awareness campaigns that stress leprosy’s curability.
What may happen next
Awareness efforts could gradually reduce stigma, encouraging patients to present for diagnosis and treatment. If community outreach succeeds, the clinic may begin to see admissions and could become a regional hub for leprosy care.
Training led by Chiyoko Fujita, a veteran nurse from Peshawar‑kai, may equip the medical team with the skills needed to manage the disease, potentially improving service quality and confidence among staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have no patients visited the clinic yet?
Staff say local prejudice toward leprosy and a lack of public knowledge about the disease are preventing patients from seeking care.
What is the capacity of the new leprosy clinic?
The rented three‑story house contains ten beds and can handle both emergencies and long‑term hospitalizations.
How is the staff being prepared to treat leprosy?
Chiyoko Fujita, a director and experienced nurse with Peshawar‑kai, will train the clinic’s nurses in December, addressing the fact that none of the hired doctors or nurses have prior experience with leprosy.
How do you think the community’s perception of leprosy could change with increased awareness?
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