The World Leprosy Eradication Day or the World Leprosy Day is celebrated on 30th January or the Sunday which falls closest to this date, every year. The day is celebrated to promote awareness about this epidemic disease and also to help people who are suffering from its pain. The particular date was chosen in order to show respect to death of the great Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi. He had a comprehensive knowledge about leprosy and made efforts in helping people suffering from the disease. Brazil, India, Tanzania, Madagascar, Nepal, Angola and Central Africa are some of the main countries who are plagued with leprosy.
What is Leprsosy?
Leprosy is an infectious chronic disease that affects the nervous system, especially the ones in the colder parts of the body like hands, legs, skin, respiratory tract etc. It is one of the oldest epidemic diseases of the world caused by the Mycobacterium Leprae. It is a rod shaped acid fast bacillus and the disease is also called the Hansen’s disease. Bu,t it is curable disease and is generally treated with Multiple Treatment Drug or MDT. The drug was made available by WHO for free in the effected parts of the world to eradicate the disease.
Why is World Leprosy Day Celebrated?
The World Leprosy Day celebration has a lot of significance across the globe. It makes people aware of the disease and its various affects. It encourages different organizations to lend their support in eradication of leprosy from the map of the world. Earlier, people suffering from it died mostly due to lack of treatment and social banishment. People suffering from leprosy faced a lot of discrimination and were outcaste from the society.
The day is observed worldwide to help the millions of people who are infected with the disease as well as prevent the leprosy count from growing more than 10 million. The World Leprosy Day educates the people about the need to properly manage the disease and approaching in an integrated way towards the victims. Education about the disease can only prevent it from spreading as it is spread through nasal droplets, coughing etc. People in close contact with the victim get infected and the cycle never stops.
Events and Activities
The World Leprosy Day is celebrated with a particular theme each year. ‘A Life Transformed’ was the theme for 2014. It aimed to support the leprosy affected people around the world and transform their lives. Various measures have been taken to defeat the disease and help the leprosy victims live with dignity. The Leprosy Mission Scotland gave special emphasis to the leprosy patients in India.
Government, nongovernment and other health organizations conduct a plethora of activities that mainly focus on bringing more and more people to join the movement. Fundraising events are held to raise money for the treatment of the leprosy victims who suffer from economic issues. Various social groups are motivated to contribute for the cause and support the victims.
World Leprosy Eradication Day also focuses on poverty as leprosy has always been linked to it. With the help of the fund-raising events and promoting awareness, the economic hindrances can be tackled to a certain extent. In addition, workshops, cultural events etc are held in schools and colleges to educate people about leprosy.