World Leprosy Eradication Day : Definition, History & Strategy, 2021-30
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World Leprosy Eradication Day is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of January to increase public awareness of leprosy or Hansen’s Disease. This particular date was assigned by a French humanitarian named Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion for people afflicted with leprosy. We started observing this day in 1954.
What is the History of the World Leprosy Eradication Day?
Leprosy is an infectious chronic disease that initially targets the nervous system and then spreads to other parts of the body such as hands, feet and face. It is caused by bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It has been named physician Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen who after his research proved this disease was caused by bacteria and is not hereditary.
Mahatma Gandhi devoted most of his life curing Leprosy patients at his Ashram at Sevagram. He developed a cure for leprosy patients by applying Bilwa leaves and regular recital of Ramayana.
In 1954, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts toward leprosy, French Philosopher and writer, Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Eradication Day to raise global awareness and call attention to the fact leprosy can be prevented, treated and cured.
In India, World Leprosy Eradication Day is observed on 30th January, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s death.
WHO and Global Leprosy Strategy, 2021-30
Leprosy has been diagnosed in over 200,000 cases worldwide every year and many people have been living with some other form of disability as a result of leprosy.
WHO has been engaging itself in changing the mindsets of people so that leprosy is no longer a source of shame or prejudice. Obstacles have been removed for the people who require medical care. Families affected by the disease are being helped to live in dignity and getting all their basic human rights to live in society.
WHO, this year has devised the Global Leprosy Strategy for 2021-30 which aims at Zero Leprosy, scaling up leprosy prevention alongside integrated active case detection, managing leprosy and its complications & preventing new disabilities. Also combating stigma which surrounds leprosy and interruption of transmission of disease.
World Leprosy Eradication Day: Commemoration around the World
Many Organizations consisting of people infected by the Leprosy disease and other partners in the leprosy community have held events about leprosy.
- WHO Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Yohei Sasakawa has stated the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment. He also stressed changing the mindset of people towards those affected by Leprosy.
- Official YouTube channel shows videos of persons affected by leprosy.
- Vatican Cardinal also messages especially on the occasion to help people getting treatment for Leprosy.
- Special Radio Interview series is organized by Lepra a prominent establishment working towards the cause of Leprosy.