Anti-Leprosy Day observed on 30 January 2017

30 January:  Anti-Leprosy Day

Anti-Leprosy Day was observed on 30 January 2017 across the country to spread awareness about the disease.

Annually, the day is celebrated in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi to re-memorize his selfless efforts and care for the people affected by leprosy.

Objectives of Celebrating Anti-Leprosy Day are -

• To raise awareness about the disease

• To offer help to those affected by the disease through regular and free of cost treatment they need

• To make the diseased persons psychologically strong and help them to cope up with physical impairments of skin sores and nerve damage

• To ascertain that all affected persons are getting the necessary treatment, rehabilitation and care or not

• To estimate the marked decrease or increase in the rate of spread of the disease

About Leprosy Disease

• Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease (HD).

• It is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

• Symptoms that develop include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin and eyes.

• The disease results in a lack of ability to feel pain. Weakness and poor eyesight are also associated with the disease.

India’s success story in eliminating Leprosy

• 1955: National Leprosy Control Programme launched

• 1983: National Leprosy Eradication Programme launched

• 1983: Introduction of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)

• 2005: Elimination of leprosy at the national level was achieved on 31 December 2005.

• 2012: Special action plan for 209 high endemic districts in 16 States/UTs launched

• 2016: A three-pronged strategy for early detection of leprosy cases in the community was introduced under the National Health Mission.

• 2016: A special Leprosy Case Detection Campaign was launched. As a result, more than 32000 cases were confirmed and were put on treatment.