New Delhi, January 29 (IANS). ‘World Leprosy’ Day is celebrated every year on 30 January. In India, this day is especially remembered by connecting it with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, because Gandhiji understood the pain of leprosy patients by living with them and gave an example of respect for them in the society.
The main objective of this day is to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy, to spread awareness among the people and to appeal to give a dignified life to the people affected by this disease.
Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The good thing is that its treatment is completely possible. With free medicines called multi-drug therapy, the patient gets completely cured within a few months. If the disease is detected in the early stages, there is no permanent damage to the hands and legs and the patient can live a normal life.
It is sad that even in today’s times, the biggest problem is not the treatment, but the stigma of the society and the stigma faced by the patients, due to which the leprosy patient has to face many difficulties. People think that this disease spreads very fast, there is no cure for it or it is the result of some sin or curse. Due to these misconceptions, patients are discriminated against. Many times the family throws them out of the house, neighbors keep their distance, jobs are lost, children are unable to go to school and they become isolated in the society.
According to the World Health Organization, people do not understand leprosy patients. The stigma is so deep that many people are afraid to go to the doctor even if they have symptoms. They think that if anyone finds out, their life will be ruined. Due to this fear, the disease keeps increasing, complications arise and the infection keeps spreading to others. This is why experts say – ‘The treatment of leprosy is easy, the real challenge is to eradicate the stigma.’
Various programs are organized across the country on 30 January. There are awareness rallies in every village, seminars in schools, health camps and interaction sessions with leprosy patients. Through these efforts, an attempt is made to break myths and explain the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Due to the joint campaign of the World Health Organization and the Government of India, new cases of leprosy are continuously decreasing, but the cooperation of the society is also necessary for complete eradication.
According to experts, India accounts for 53 percent of the world’s leprosy cases. According to the World Health Organization, India wants to eliminate endemic leprosy cases by 2030. But the Government of India has set the target of leprosy-free India by 2027.
–IANS
MT/SCH