MORHAN

Together, we will eliminate leprosy

MORHAN (Movimento de Reintegração das Pessoas Atingidas pela Hanseníase) or Movement of Reintegration of Persons Afflicted by Hansen's disease in English, is a non-profit organization that operates to reduce leprosy and the stigma of leprosy in Brazil. This organization was initially created to ensure the rights of patients from leper colonies due to their isolation, and today it is one of the most successful Brazilian social movements, with representation in the National Health Council.[1] The group has used several methods to disseminate information about leprosy including, but not limited to, handing out pamphlets, hosting seminars, and organizing puppet shows for children.[2] Morhan also creates its own publications as a means of mobilization and news regarding leprosy.[3] Furthermore, Morhan has worked with anthropologists to provide explanatory models and lay explanations of leprosy within the Brazilian context.[4] Morhan's work has been exemplary in creating partnerships between social groups and the government and received an award from the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals.[5] The current National Coordinator is Artur Custodio Moreira de Souza.[1]

  1. ^ a b Maciel, Laurinda (2003). "Memories and history of Hansen's disease in Brazil told by witnesses (1960–2000)". História, Ciências, Saúde. 10 (1): 308–335. doi:10.1590/s0104-59702003000400015. PMID 14650421.
  2. ^ White, Cassandra (2009). An Uncertain Cure: Living with Leprosy in Brazil. 1-234: Rutgers University Press.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  3. ^ Vieira, Marcelo (November 2006). "Uma breve visita à história de construção do Morhan". Cadernos do Morhan: 29–35.
  4. ^ White, Cassandra (2005). "Explaining a Complex Disease Process: Talking to Patients about Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) in Brazil". Medical Anthropology Quarterly. 19 (3): 310–330. doi:10.1525/maq.2005.19.3.310. PMID 16222964.
  5. ^ Aquino, Jaqueline. "MORHAN Receives Award Millennium Goals". Archived from the original on 2014-02-21.