Muerte social en el leprocomio Mariano Estrella de la ciudad de Cuenca entre los años 1946-1991

Abstract

Leprosy is a disease that has undoubtedly been a cause of stigma and rejection for those who had it. The first cases in Ecuador occurred with the arrival of the colonizers in the sixteenth century. During the time of Real Audiencia de Quito, people with Hansen’s disease were pursued, rejected, and banished. In the nineteenth century, leprosaria were established in the main cities of the country. In Cuenca, "Lazareto de Miraflores" leprosarium was founded, which was later renamed "Mariano Estrella." For this reason, this study will analyze the events that led to the social death of the leprosy patients at Mariano Estrella between the years 1946 and 1991. It's essential to frame this investigation within these years since, in 1946, all people with Hansen’s disease from Cuenca returned to the leprosarium after having spent fourteen years in Quito. In 1991, thanks to medical advances, leprosy was eradicated in the country, and the leprosarium in Cuenca was closed. This study will use primary sources such as archives, newspapers, interviews, etc., and secondary sources such as books, articles, and medical research. All of these will demonstrate that the stigma, segregation, and rejection led to the social death to which these people were condemned.