On the last Sunday of January, the world marks World Leprosy Day, a day set aside with the aim of raising awareness about leprosy. The focus is on achieving zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children. This year’s theme for World Leprosy Day zeroes in on ‘ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice’. Interestingly, in India, the observance takes place on 30th January every year, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, chosen to honor Gandhi’s lifelong compassion for those afflicted with the disease.
Recognizing Champions of Leprosy Eradication
In recent times, global contributors to leprosy eradication have been recognized. For instance, Shri Yohei Sasakawa received the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2018 for his significant input in Leprosy Eradication both in India and worldwide.
Leprosy in India
In India, leprosy elimination was achieved—defined as less than 1 new leprosy case per 10,000 population—in 2005. However, despite this progress, 60% of the world’s leprosy patients are found in India. Moreover, a sample survey for leprosy conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) from 2008-2011 estimated around 2,50,000 new cases each year.
Steps Taken Towards the Eradication of Leprosy
Novel initiatives are being executed to eliminate leprosy. In 2017, the government launched the nationwide Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) aimed at emphasizing the significance of early detection and treatment.
National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
NLEP, a key initiative, focuses on prevention and cure, particularly in endemic regions. A Leprosy Case Detection Campaign was launched in March 2016 which involved house-to-house screening and patient referrals for diagnosis.
Development and Integration of the Leprosy Vaccine
The noteworthy introduction of an indigenously developed vaccine against leprosy—Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP)—into the NLEP has been a significant step. This preventive vaccine is administered to those in close contact with leprosy patients.
Contributions of Indian Research
Indian research has significantly contributed to the development of Multi-Drug Therapy or MDT, now endorsed by WHO, leading to shorter treatments and higher cure rates.
Battling Social Stigma
One essential aspect of the fight against leprosy is the removal of social stigma. Changing societal attitudes towards leprosy and eliminating discrimination is crucial.
| Leprosy Facts |
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| Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. |
| The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. |
| The mode of transmission is unclear, though the most widely held belief is transmission through contact. However, recent theories suggest possible respiratory route transmission; insect transmission hasn’t been completely ruled out either. |
| Worldwide, males are more frequently affected than females, often at a ratio of 2:1, according to WHO’s Global Leprosy Report. |
| Leprosy is curable with MDT, and early treatment can prevent disability. |
| The disease is not hereditary, nor does it transmit from parents to children. |
About Leprosy
Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is an infectious ailment caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Although the exact mode of transmission is unknown, theories suggest contact or respiratory route transmission, with possibilities of insect transmission not entirely dismissed. Men are more affected than women, as per WHO’s Global Leprosy Report. It is treatable with multi-drug therapy (MDT); early treatment can prevent disability. Leprosy is not a hereditary disease and doesn’t transmit from parents to children.
