’Constant danger’: Life after leprosy, a long neglected disease

This photo taken on January 18, 2023 shows former leprosy patient Ali Saga displaying a prosthetic hand (R) as he compares it to his own hand inside his workshop in Tangerang, where he makes artificial limbs at affordable prices for people with disabilities. (AFP)
This photo taken on January 18, 2023 shows former leprosy patient Ali Saga displaying a prosthetic hand (R) as he compares it to his own hand inside his workshop in Tangerang, where he makes artificial limbs at affordable prices for people with disabilities. (AFP)
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Updated 30 January 2023

’Constant danger’: Life after leprosy, a long neglected disease

’Constant danger’: Life after leprosy, a long neglected disease
  • Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, has been haunting humanity for at least 4,000 years, often affecting the poorest communities

PARIS: Dan Izzett has lived with leprosy’s effects on his body for 70 years, and has lost much to what he calls an “ancient, fascinating, very unkind disease.”
The Zimbabwean former civil engineering technician and pastor was diagnosed at the age of 25 in 1972, but first contracted the disease when he was just five.
That long incubation period gave the bacteria that causes leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, lots of time to spread through his body.
His right leg was amputated in 1980 in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare. Now 75, Izzett has no feeling above his elbows, below his knees or in 70 percent of his face.




Karim Sawadogo, a former leprosy, paints a picture at the Raoul Follereau Institute near Adzope, on January 26, 2023. Listed by the WHO as one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), leprosy is transmitted from a sick person to healthy person. (AFP)

That lack of feeling poses a “constant danger,” Izzett told AFP in a phone call from his home in southwest England.
In October 2020, “I put my hands on a hot plate and hadn’t noticed it until I could smell my flesh burning,” he said, leading to the amputation of the middle finger of his right hand.
The following year, the little toe on his left foot was amputated. Last month, he lost another toe.
Izzett said he chose to speak out about his experience because millions of survivors who were less well off were unable to, partly because of the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds the disease.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, has been haunting humanity for at least 4,000 years, often affecting the poorest communities.
It is a considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, and remains under researched and little discussed compared to many other illnesses.




Leprosy patients are seen at at the Raoul Follereau Institute near Adzope on January 25, 2023. (AFP)

In 2021, more than 140,500 new cases were detected worldwide, nearly three quarters of them in Brazil, India and Indonesia, according to the WHO.
However pandemic-related disruptions have led to nearly 40 percent fewer cases being detected a year, with fears that tens of thousands have gone undiagnosed.
Even before the pandemic, the official numbers likely did not reflect reality.
“We know the number of patients who have been tested, but we do not count the forgotten, undetected patients,” said Bertrand Cauchoix, a leprosy specialist at the Raoul Follereau Foundation in France.
This is in part because the disease’s incubation period can last up to 20 years. Testing and diagnosis also takes time, during which patients could potentially infect their family members.
Before he received his diagnosis, said Izzett, “my wife got the disease from me.”
Back in the 1970s, Izzett was given the antibiotic Dapsone, which was then a lifetime treatment.
In the mid-80s, a combination of drugs including Dapsone known as multidrug therapy (MDT) became available. It can cure leprosy over a 12-month course — though nerve damage and other remnants of the disease remain.
Mathias Duck, a former chaplain in Paraguay’s capital Asuncion, only needed six-months of MDT after being diagnosed with leprosy in 2010.
“I consider myself the luckiest person affected by leprosy because I was diagnosed and treated in time and so I have no impairments whatsoever,” the 44-year-old told AFP.
The WHO provides MDT to patients worldwide for free, with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis donating doses since 2000.
However there has been little progress for new treatments.
“There is no money for leprosy, only charitable donations,” Cauchoix said.

Alexandra Aubry, a specialist at the Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases in France, evaluates whether every new antibiotic developed for other illnesses could also be used for leprosy.
Her laboratory is one of the few in the world able to carry out tests on the leprosy bacteria, which does not survive in a petri dish.
They are trying to find a way to “simplify” treatment so it can take less than six months, she said.
There are also a couple of vaccines being developed, though they remain in early phases of human testing.
“It is very complex to get funding for this,” Aubry said.
“To assess the effectiveness of a vaccine, you have to follow the vaccinated population for 10 to 15 years,” with the timeframe extended further by the disease’s long incubation period, she said.
In comparison to how swiftly the world responded to Covid, leprosy efforts are “a drop in the bucket,” Duck said, calling for far more research and political action.
But he added that there is something everyone can do for World Leprosy Day on Sunday — stop using the word “leper.”
“We call it the ‘L word’,” Duck said, describing it as discriminatory.
“It’s a little step that most people can do,” he added, “to give people affected by leprosy “the dignity they deserve.”

 


Where We Are Going Today: Athr Cafe in Riyadh offers gourmet coffee

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 31 March 2023

Where We Are Going Today: Athr Cafe in Riyadh offers gourmet coffee

Photo/Supplied

If you like reading books while enjoying a beverage in a cozy atmosphere, you should visit Athr Cafe. Located in the center of the Al-Malqa district in Riyadh, it is a terrific spot to study, unwind, or get together with friends for a drink.

The genuine motorcycle next to the door, which gives the coffee shop a modern classic atmosphere, will catch your eye as soon as you arrive.  

One of the most well-liked study spots for undergrads, this student-focused cafe has a ton of study spaces.  

Athr Cafe offers gourmet coffee, speciality coffee, a selection of fresh baked goods and a variety of cold beverages.  

The library area, along with the extremely comfy luxury sofas and the cafe's warm and welcoming yellow lights, are what make this place unique.  

You can browse the selection of books, pick one you like, and relax and spend hours reading it in a serene environment.  

A spacious sitting space with tables, a more intimate outdoor seating area with cushions where you may gather with friends or family to enjoy after indulging in some delectable sweets, and the library area make up the seating area at Athr.  

Once inside the cafe, you'll feel as though you've embarked on a story that will transport you between its classic books and stylish, modern design.

Small business owners and locally produced commodities, including water, coffee beans, and baked goods, are supported by the coffee shops.

Visitors enjoy coming back frequently because of the staff's friendliness and professionalism, as well as the fact that every sip of every beverage is prepared correctly.  

For a more focused drink, you may add a shot of espresso to their speciality — Athr Mojito —  which is an extremely refreshing mojito made with berries or peaches.

The shop has a lot of natural elements, like wood and plants, that make you feel at home and entice you to remain longer.  

The most expensive drink the cafe offers is the signature one, which costs $6.40, making the price rate relatively fair for a neighborhood cafe.

 

 


Staying healthy this Ramadan need not be hard; Here are some tips

Staying healthy this Ramadan need not be hard; Here are some tips
Updated 29 March 2023

Staying healthy this Ramadan need not be hard; Here are some tips

Staying healthy this Ramadan need not be hard; Here are some tips
  • Water, proteins, sleep, exercise key, says physician
  • Avoid calorie-dense juices, smoothies, ice cream

RIYADH: When fasting from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan many people can overlook the importance of a well-rounded diet and either overeat or fail to ingest enough nutrients for the day.

Dr. Mohammed Baker Alawamy, a consultant adult gastroenterologist and therapeutic endoscopist from Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, highlighted several ways of keeping healthy this Ramadan through diet and exercise.

“Drink ample amounts of water, try to limit the amount of refined sugars in your diet, and be cognizant (of) the amount of protein you consume,” Alawamy said.

Eating proper nutrition — such as a Mediterranean diet — staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can nurture the body during Ramadan and harness the benefits of fasting. (Shutterstock)

Many people find themselves overeating during the month of Ramadan while others complain of weight loss due to having a lower caloric intake. The ideal wellness goal while fasting is finding the right balance that provides the body with proper nutrition to complete the fast.

“My rule of thumb is 1 gram of protein for each kilogram of body weight to reduce the muscle losses during the fasting month of Ramadan,” Alawamy said.

HIGHLIGHT

The ideal wellness goal while fasting is finding the right balance that provides the body with proper nutrition to complete the fast. Many people have their sleep disrupted because of the tradition of spending late nights with family and friends. Maintaining proper sleep is also important in Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan is one of the best times to create a reset for the body with changes in habits including avoiding unhealthy food.

When choosing the right sahoor or iftar drink to consume, many people choose smoothies believing that it is a healthy option that will satisfy their hunger throughout the day.

Eating proper nutrition — such as a Mediterranean diet — staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can nurture the body during Ramadan and harness the benefits of fasting. (Shutterstock)

“What I usually tell my patients, the worst kind of calorie you can consume is one that is easily absorbed, does not satisfy your hunger, and is calorie dense,” Alawamy said.

Alawamy explained that most of these calorie-dense foods include juices, smoothies and ice cream.

“Obviously, you can make smoothies that are balanced and nutritionally excellent, but most people use frozen fruits, add sugar or ice cream, and do not include much fiber in that mix,” he said.

High fiber, balanced diets such as the Mediterranean diet have been shown to affect health positively. (Supplied)

When asked about what “gut-healthy” foods people should make a part of their Ramadan routine, Alawamy explained that he has some reservations about the term gut healthy since it is “always misconstrued or misrepresented.”

“It is always best to stick to the basics. High fiber, balanced diets such as the Mediterranean diet have been shown to affect health positively,” he explained.

Many medical experts suggest avoiding eating processed foods and relying on nutritional options such as fresh fruits and vegetables and snacks such as nuts.

Diet and exercise are two ways to stay healthy this Ramadan. (Shutterstock)

“Nuts contain a significant amount of polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy and help reduce the (craving) for other less nutritious foods,” the doctor said.

When the month of Ramadan begins many stop exercising completely, but Alawamy says it is a great time to do light workouts.

“It (Ramadan) is an excellent opportunity for most people to do low-intensity level exercises, for example, normal pace walking or brisk walking as well as stretching and yoga,” he said.

People can even engage in high-intensity exercise after breaking their fast, he said.

Maintaining proper sleep is also important in Ramadan. In many parts of the world, many have their sleep disrupted because of the tradition of spending late nights with family and friends.

Some people use Ramadan as a time to be drastically reduce food intake but losing weight too quickly can potentially be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is important to find a certain balance when it comes to the quality and quantity of the foods consumed, ways of staying active and regulating the body’s sleeping schedule.

When trying to find a healthy Ramadan routine that suits your individual needs and health requirements one can feel overwhelmed by the different voices and opinions online. It is always best to do thorough research and contact a trusted physician for advice.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Ortisei bakery in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 27 March 2023

Where We Are Going Today: Ortisei bakery in Riyadh

Photo/Supplied
  • The bakery serves a variety of options, including croissants, flatbreads, sweets, beverages, sourdough bread, panini and sandwiches. The cakes are also well-reviewed

If you are looking for a place to go to with friends or family for brunch, you can visit Ortisei. With many options for beverages, sweets, and sandwiches, the bakery can serve all members of the group with its menu.

Ortisei opened its doors last summer in Almalqa district in Riyadh, every day from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. The bakery got its name from a small village in northern Italy and it is best known for serving different kinds of baked goods and coffee at a good price.

Along with its delicious food, bright interiors, and comfortable settings, it has a calm atmosphere that makes it great for people searching for quiet locations to work.

The bakery serves a variety of options, including croissants, flatbreads, sweets, beverages, sourdough bread, panini and sandwiches. The cakes are also well-reviewed.

Among these, “Orti Sunshine” and chicken avocado are some personal favorite choices from the sourdough menu. The former is worth a try because of the unique mix of spices, creating an explosion of flavors in one bite that challenges your taste buds.

For people who are friends of the environment, Ortisei uses natural flowers as part of its decor on every dining table. In addition, it has a small fountain that creates natural water sounds in the background, connecting you with nature.

For more information, check out Ortisei’s account on Instagram @ortisei_ksa. The chefz application is also collaborating with the bakery to deliver delicious foods right to your door.

 


Sudan’s speciality ‘bittersweet’ Ramadan drink

In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it.
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it.
Updated 26 March 2023

Sudan’s speciality ‘bittersweet’ Ramadan drink

In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it.
  • In Sudan, the arduously made “helo-murr,” which means “bittersweet,” is a drink synonymous with Ramadan
  • It can be found on almost every table across the northeast African country at the end of the day’s fast

OM ESHR, Sudan: As generations of Sudanese have done before her, Wissal Abdel Ghany crouched next to a fire to prepare a traditional drink, a thirst-quenching favorite enjoyed during the fasting month of Ramadan.
In Sudan, the arduously made “helo-murr,” which means “bittersweet,” is a drink synonymous with the Islamic holy month.
It can be found on almost every table across the northeast African country at the end of the day’s fast.
“Without it, our table feels empty,” said Abdel Ghany, wearing a bright orange headscarf.
She sat in a small room in the village of Om Eshr, on the outskirts of the capital Khartoum, which teemed with a small force of women busily scraping and spreading a mixture before serving the beverage in clear glasses.
The drink has satisfied thirsty fasters for decades and recipes are “inherited from our mothers and grandmothers,” the 43-year-old said.
Corn is harvested and left to dry in the sun before being ground and mixed with spices such as fenugreek, cumin or even hibiscus — Sudan’s other essential Ramadan beverage.
This mixture is then soaked in sugar and water for several days.
Abdel Ghany spread a layer of the thick brown paste over a grill plate above the coals of a wood fire, cooking it into a thin, leather-colored film.
The resulting crepe-like layer is then peeled away and stored — ready to be soaked in the final step to create the beloved drink.
Served as cold as possible, the drink is one of many ways that fasting Sudanese cool off, a significant challenge in one of the world’s hottest countries.
The daytime fasting month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, after which they traditionally gather with family and friends to break their fast.
In Sudan, the brew is so identified with Ramadan that even the US embassy took to Twitter to promote its staff making it, with diplomats wielding wooden spoons over embers and sipping the amber liquid.
Abdel Ghany said preparing the drink is a collective effort, bringing “together our sisters and friends.”
“We make it together to share among ourselves,” she said.
In Sudan’s cities, she added, some people don’t make it themselves.
“But they still have to offer it for dinner, so they buy it ready-made,” she said.
For Abdel Ghany, the preparation of helo-murr and the holy month cannot be separated.
“All it takes is a whiff of the scent coming out of a home to know that Ramadan is here,” she said.


Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for a hearty iftar

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for a hearty iftar
Updated 31 March 2023

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for a hearty iftar

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for a hearty iftar

DUBAI: Popular in the Middle East, and south and central Asia, lamb haleem, a type of stew, is a staple dish in Ramadan.

Although it varies from region to region, it optionally includes wheat or barley, meat, and lentils.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@prashantchipkar)

It is made by blending or mashing the meat in the curry and serving hot with flat breads or on its own.

Here, Prashant Chipkar Qureshi, the culinary head chef at Masti Cocktails and Cuisine at Time Out Market Dubai, shares his lamb haleem recipe for a hearty iftar.

Lamb haleem is made by blending or mashing the meat in the curry. (Shutterstock)

Ingredients:

200 grams broken wheat

200 grams boneless lamb

2 grams red chili powder

50 grams yogurt

30ml ghee

5 grams mint

50 grams yellow moong dal

10 grams ginger garlic paste

2 grams turmeric

50-gram onion

50 grams haleem masala

20 grams coriander leaves

1-piece green chilies

Salt, to taste

Lemon wedges, 1 lemon

2 grams garam masala powder

1 gram peppercorns

1 cinnamon stick

50 grams cashew nuts

Method:

To prepare this popular delicacy, wash and soak the broken wheat for half an hour. Trim the lamb (boneless) of any excess fat. Add the lamb to a vassal with about one cup of water and put it over a medium flame. Fry the onion until golden brown and set aside.

To the lamb, add half a tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste, half a teaspoon of salt, red chilli powder and garam masala powder, along with a pinch of turmeric powder. Cook the mixture for eight to 10 minutes and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. Shred and keep aside.

Boil the broken wheat along with the yellow moong dal with a tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, green chillies, and peppercorns in eight cups of water until it is cooked completely, and the water is absorbed. Blend this mix for a few seconds.

Heat the oil in another container and add whole spices including a cinnamon stick, cooked and shredded lamb, the remaining green chillies, haleem masala, and half a cup of fresh coriander, and saute for two to three minutes. Add curd and saute for another 10 to 15 minutes. Add three cups of water and bring to a boil.

To this, add the blended broken wheat and dal mixture and mix well while adding a little ghee as you go. Let it simmer and cook slowly for at least 30 minutes. Serve hot garnished with fried onions prepared in step one, mint leaves, cashew nuts, lemon wedges, and the remaining fresh coriander.