World Leprosy Day, traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday of January globally, holds a special significance in India as it coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s Punyatithi on January 30 every year.

The primary objective of observing World Leprosy Day is to raise awareness among the general public about the stigma associated with this disease and to educate people that leprosy is caused by a type of bacteria and can be easily treated.

Various national institutions and integrated regional centres are under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities organized different programs on the occasion of World Leprosy Day to spread awareness.

• The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center in Delhi conducted an awareness session and group discussion.
• The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Kolkata organized a webinar.

• The Comprehensive Regional Center in Tripura conducted an orientation program focusing on prevention and control of leprosy.
• The Comprehensive Regional Centers in Nellore, Davangere, Chhatarpur, Bhopal, and Nagpur organized multiple awareness programs.

• The Shantiniketan Ratanpalli Vivekananda Adivasi Welfare Society in Birbhum, West Bengal, also hosted a program, including various cultural events organized by the Disha Center.

These initiatives aimed to spread awareness and dispel myths surrounding leprosy, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. The concerted efforts of these institutions contribute to the global mission of eliminating the stigma associated with leprosy and ensuring a leprosy-free world.

MG/MS/VL SD

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