The Great Divorce

(With apologies to CS Lewis, a well known Christian apologist)

Once upon a time there was a ‘single’ medical service that only dealt with leprosy patients. As time went by and singleness did not seem very attractive and cost-effective by leprosy organisations and governments alike, Leprosy got engaged and married TB. This seemed a very fruitful marriage and many people have been blessed by this marriage, an arranged marriage that had To Be.
Then, as Leprosy in the minds of many got ‘old’, not attractive, and ‘disappeared’, a new lover appeared on the scene with the name of HIV. This much younger lover was very potent and has in many instances lured TB away from Leprosy.
In some places TB and Leprosy still have a relative good relationship and may even celebrate a 25th silver wedding anniversary. In many other places separation has set in and counselling has been unsuccessful in rescuing the marriage of two like-minded organisms. Of course, HIV is a very rich lover. Who would not want to start a relationship with such a wealthy, good looking ‘body’?
Leprosy, while single and enjoying the benefits of the bachelor getting all the attention from NGO’s who only loved her, now has been adopted by Ministries of Health. These parents have to divide their resources and attention to many, many children and Leprosy as an adopted child often suffers. When there are still partnerships, legalised or not, the problem is often one of attention: if there are many, many ‘children’ with TB, and TB is potentially killing, then the only one special child with Leprosy will often be ignored.
Leprosy often feels lonely and abandoned, has not disappeared, and starts feeling very much like an orphan. ‘Who will take care of me’? She thinks.
Yes, the Leprosy organisations, secular and mission, are still there. Some have adopted the name of that partner, TB, in their original name and now have a legal partnership, others are merely still dating.
Care for leprosy affected persons is secured, although these organisations often have to fight for their cause with guardian parents like governments and respected advisory bodies such as WHO. In some instances they even have to inform them that Leprosy is still alive and that they are interested in continuing to care for her. But in the eyes of these beholders they are sometimes considered recalcitrant teenagers.
But what about the money? Funding for research? The rich uncles and sugar daddies seem to have plenty of money available for TB and AIDS/HIV research. Pocket money is sometimes only left for Leprosy. How much are they willing to invest in Leprosy to see to it that Leprosy will truly disappear and those that have been affected by her will live happy and whole lives? TB and HIV/AIDS can then live happily together and don’t have to think anymore about this orphaned child.

PS. For those that feel addressed in some way or another: don’t be offended. The story, however, may contain some (half) truth. Try to separate the chaff from the wheat and maybe see what you can/ should (not) do with some of these (half) truths: pray, lobby, donate...