On the last Sunday of every January, we observe World Leprosy Day. This year, it falls on the 29th of January. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an ancient and easily curable infectious disease. This observance aims to amplify the voices of those affected by leprosy worldwide and raise awareness about this often misunderstood disease.
Leprosy Day 2023: Act Now, End Leprosy
The theme for World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now, End Leprosy.” The day was first established by French philanthropist Raoul Follereau in 1954. Its primary objective is to raise awareness about leprosy and educate people about its effects and treatment. Unfortunately, many people around the world lack knowledge about the disease, do not have access to basic medical care and are often stigmatized due to misinformation about leprosy.
Understanding Leprosy: Causes and Symptoms
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium leprae. It is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), and it still persists in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually. The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes.
Transmission and Treatment of Leprosy
Leprosy spreads via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated individuals. However, it is curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT), and early-stage treatment can prevent disability. It is important to note that leprosy is not hereditary and does not transmit from parents to children.
The Global Scenario of Leprosy
In 2021, approximately 140,000 new cases of leprosy were reported, with 95% of these coming from 23 global priority countries. Of the new cases, 6% were diagnosed with visible deformities or grade-2 disabilities (G2D). World Health Organization’s Global Leprosy Report shows that males are often more afflicted than females, usually in a ratio of 2:1. Disturbingly, over 6% of the new cases were in children under the age of 15. The decline in reported cases from 2019 to 2021 does not reflect a decrease in transmission but is due to undetected cases resulting from Covid-19-related disruptions.
India’s Efforts to Combat Leprosy
In India, several nationwide initiatives have been launched to tackle leprosy. In 2017, the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) was initiated, focusing on early detection and treatment of the disease. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) concentrates on both prevention and cure, especially in endemic regions. In 2016, a campaign for house-to-house screening and referral of patients for diagnosis was launched.
A locally developed leprosy vaccine named Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP), produced by the National Institute of Immunology, has been introduced into the NLEP. It is used as a preventive measure for those living in close contact with leprosy patients. India’s research contributions led to the development of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), now recommended by WHO, which significantly improved cure rates and shortened treatment duration.
Changing Attitudes towards Leprosy
The fight against leprosy is not just medical; it’s also social. It’s crucial to remove the stigma associated with this disease. A shift in our attitude towards leprosy is necessary for eradicating discrimination and fostering a more inclusive society where everyone has access to care and support. To truly end leprosy, we must act now, changing not just our practices but also our perceptions.
