Why in News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested governments to prioritize leprosy elimination and ensure sustained funding for surveillance, treatment, care and support.
World Leprosy Day
- It is observed annually on the last Sunday of January since 1954.
- It was established by Raoul Follereau in honor of Mahatma Gandhi's compassion for leprosy patients.
- Aim - To raise public awareness about leprosy.
- World Leprosy Day, 2025 – Theme - 'Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy'.
Leprosy
- It is a neglected tropical disease that primarily affects the nervous system.
- It is also known as Hansen's disease.
- It is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium lapre that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, and skin areas around the body.
- It's more common in people living in poverty.
- Symptoms - Most prominent in cooler parts of the body such as the hands, feet, and face.
- In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burn.
- Transmission - Leprosy is not so contagious, repeated contact with nose and mouth droplets from someone with untreated leprosy can spread.
- Treatment - Leprosy is curable with antibiotics, Treatment usually lasts one to two years, and early treatment can prevent disability.
- Global scenario - In 2023, 1,82,815 new cases were reported from more than 100 countries, with 95% of those concentrated in 23 global-priority countries.
- Alarmingly, more than 5% of the new cases were reported with Grade 2 Disability (visible deformity), highlighting delays in detection.
- 5.6% of the new cases were among children, with some countries reporting child rates exceeding 30%, indicating ongoing transmission.
- Jordan became the 1st country to be verified and acknowledged by the WHO for elimination of leprosy, demonstrating what is possible with focused and concerted efforts
- Additionally, in 2023, 56 countries reported zero new case of leprosy.
- Scenario in India - India accounts for 53% of the global leprosy cases.
- As of recent statistics, India has successfully achieved the goal of eliminating leprosy as a public health problem, defined as having less than 1 case per 10,000 people.
- Global Leprosy Strategy - The Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030 has a vision of zero disease, zero disability and zero stigma and discrimination.
Reference
The Hindu | Leprosy Elimination
