2-February-2024-Editorial

WORLD LEPROSY DAY

World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday of January, with India commemorating it on January 30th, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.

The day serves a dual purpose: eradicating the stigma associated with leprosy and promoting the dignity of affected individuals.

Purpose of World Leprosy Day Observation:

• Theme – “Beat Leprosy”: The theme for World Leprosy Day 2024 underscores the aim to eliminate stigma and uphold the dignity of those impacted by the disease.
• Raise Awareness: The primary objective is to raise public awareness about the societal stigma linked to leprosy.
• Education on the Disease: Informing the public that leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is easily treatable forms a critical part of the awareness campaign.

About Leprosy:

• Chronic Infectious Disease: Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious ailment affecting the skin, nerves, respiratory tract, and eyes.
• Transmission: It is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth during close contact with untreated cases, not through inheritance.
• Classifications: Leprosy is categorized into Paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB), based on bacterial load. Early treatment can prevent disability.
• Treatment: The multi-drug therapy (MDT) involving dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine is administered. MDT is provided free of cost globally since 1995.

Global Burden of Leprosy:

• Neglected Tropical Disease: Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in over 120 countries, with 200,000+ new cases reported annually.
• WHO Data (2022): In 2022, 182 countries reported over 1.65 lakh cases, mainly in the WHO African and South-East Asia Regions.

India’s Leprosy Scenario:

• Achievements: India achieved leprosy elimination as a public health problem in 2005.
• Endemic Regions: Despite this, leprosy remains endemic in various states and union territories.
• Prevalence Rate: The current prevalence rate in India is 0.4 per 10,000 population.

Initiatives for Leprosy Eradication:

Global Initiatives:

• Global Leprosy Strategy (2016–2020): Launched by WHO, it revitalizes efforts to control leprosy and prevent disabilities.
• Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL): A coalition dedicated to ending leprosy worldwide.

India’s Initiatives:

• National Strategic Plan (NSP) & Roadmap (2023-27): Aiming for zero transmission of leprosy by 2027, three years before SDG 3.3.
• National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP): Initiated in 1983, focuses on reducing disease burden, preventing disability, and enhancing public awareness.