World Leprosy Day Is On 30th January:
Every January 30th in India is Anti-Leprosy Day, which is Mahatma Gandhi`s difficult day because he was deeply committed to the cause of leprosy. Since 2017, the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) has been held to commemorate Anti-Leprosy Day and to decrease stigma and discrimination against leprosy patients.
About Leprosy:
♦ Leprosy, also known as Hansen`s disease, is a bacterial infection that can affect the skin and nerves, resulting in deformities and disability if left untreated.
♦ Despite being associated with the disease for centuries, it is not hereditary, entirely curable, and only mildly infectious—more than 85 percent of cases are non-infectious, and more than 95 percent of those who have it have natural immunity.
♦ The infection is asymptomatic at first and usually remains that way for 5 to 20 years.
♦ Granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes are common symptoms.
♦ This can lead to a loss of ability to feel pain, as well as limb loss due to repeated injuries or infections from unnoticed wounds. Weakness and poor vision are also possible side effects.
♦ Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases in the world wide.
♦ Every year India accounts for 60% of new cases.
♦ It was formally announced in 2005 that it would no longer be considered a public health issue in India. The number of new cases had dropped to less than one per 10,000 at the time. India, on the other hand, has the world`s highest number of leprosy patients.
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