Lepra em Namaíta, província de Nampula: uma reflexão sobre representações socioculturais

Abstract

This Report is an exploratory research based on the qualitative method and carried out in August 2010, at the Namaita Administrative Post, Nampula Province, extreme north of Mozambique. It analyzes the “Sociocultural Representations of leprosy disease ”. Trying to understand the characterization that is made about the disease, the degree of stigmatization (the construction and removal of the “other”, which we are not we). To carry out this work, the following research techniques were used; semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, participant observation having been Emakhuwa and Portuguese languages ​​are used depending on the circumstances of the process data collection. The results of this research allow us to understand that given discrimination, marginalization due to stigma, normalized, noting self-stigmatization of patients. As a result of the integration of the Program of Leprosy control in treatment centers and health centers, along with other diseases, and the identification of disease treatment campaigns, active participation of groups of volunteers to raise awareness of patients, to report to health posts treatment, and according to the 2009 statistics from the Ministry of Health, and, in reports by health professionals, also allow us to understand that the involvement of of the local health community has helped to improve the quality of services provided and consider to be a means of eradicating Leprosy in Mozambique. Lepers today have different views on their states, although they have no power or voice, about the distinction of his physical states as a sick person, maintain his self- stigmatization. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)