This international day honours individuals who have experienced leprosy. It promotes awareness about the disease and advocates for the eradication of stigma and discrimination associated with it. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 is "Unite. Act. Eliminate." The call echoes the urgent need for nations to come together and initiate action to put an end to this ancient nemesis.
DidYouKnow: World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of January, but in India, it is observed on 30 January, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary. The date was chosen by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion for people afflicted with leprosy. The day began to be observed in 1954.
Leprosy, scientifically known as Hansen's disease, has been one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized diseases throughout human history. This long-term infection is caused by bacteria from the species *Mycobacterium leprae* or *Mycobacterium lepromatosis*. Leprosy primarily affects the skin, nerves, respiratory tract, and eyes, with its hallmark being nerve damage that can result in significant disfigurement and muscle weakness.
Contrary to popular myth, leprosy is not highly contagious. It requires prolonged, close contact to spread, and 95% of people exposed to the bacteria do not develop the disease, thanks to their immune system's natural defence. The bacteria are believed to spread through droplets from the nose and mouth during close and repeated contact with untreated cases. It's important to note that leprosy cannot be transmitted through sexual contact or from a mother to her unborn child during pregnancy.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest, sometimes emerging 20 years after initial exposure. They may include skin lesions, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Leprosy is classified into two main types: paucibacillary and multibacillary, which differ based on the number of bacteria present in the body.
Remarkably, leprosy is entirely curable today. Multidrug therapy (MDT), which includes a combination of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine, is provided free of cost globally through the World Health Organization. Thanks to effective treatment options, the global prevalence of the disease has plummeted from over 5 million cases in the 1980s to fewer than 200,000 cases by 2020.
Despite these medical advances, social stigma remains a significant barrier, often discouraging individuals from seeking early diagnosis and treatment.
Leprosy in India: A Focused Approach
India, which continues to account for more than half of all new leprosy cases, has made tremendous strides in tackling the disease. The Indian government launched the National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP) in 1954-55, evolving into the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in 1983. The primary goal was to control and ultimately eliminate leprosy through the widespread use of MDT and stringent monitoring strategies.
Through significant efforts and financial aid, including World Bank assistance, the programme reached all districts by the mid-1990s. Notably, India achieved the goal set by the National Health Policy of 2002 to reduce leprosy prevalence to less than one case per 10,000 people nationally by 2005.
The NLEP envisions a "Leprosy-free India" with key objectives such as reducing disability rates, ensuring zero disabilities among new child cases, and eliminating stigma and discrimination. Its strategy hinges on integrating leprosy services into the general healthcare system, conducting early detection drives, and sensitizing the public.
Steps for Prevention and Future Prospects
Preventing leprosy involves breaking the chain of transmission through early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Regular health checkups, public education on the disease, and community-based programs can help reduce stigma and encourage those affected to seek treatment early.
Prioritizing disability prevention through medical rehabilitation and strengthening health monitoring systems are crucial steps forward. In regions of high prevalence, contact tracing and household surveys help detect and treat cases before they worsen.
While leprosy once cast a long shadow over humanity, today's advancements in medicine and public health provide hope for its control and eventual eradication. What's essential is continued awareness, education, and societal support to achieve a world where leprosy no longer instils fear or social isolation.