Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 30
Along with the rest of the country, Anti-Leprosy Day was observed in Kohima at Leprosy Colony on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, state leprosy officer, Dr. Ahu Sekhose said the government is contemplating to change its policy on one of the oldest and the earliest documented diseases, leprosy, as it is not an incurable disease anymore.
He stated that leprosy has long been associated with different myths by many people, stigmatizing the patients, however the present scenario is changing with scientists finding out that the disease is a least infectious one. He highlighted that the cure for leprosy was discovered and gradually improvised since the 1940s and today it is considered that more than 90% of the world’s population have high immunity to the disease. There are many incurable diseases and leprosy is not one of them, he stressed while underscoring the need to create this awareness to the public. Towards this end, he pointed out that government policy is changing in many countries and leprosy patients are no longer being secluded in separate health facilities. At the most, the treatment for leprosy takes one to one and a half year now, he added.
Dr. Sekhose also stated that this year, the Central government has selected several states for the observation of Anti-Leprosy Day based on the prevalence rate of leprosy cases and accordingly, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have been shortlisted amongst the north east states. Nagaland not being shortlisted only indicates that there is low prevalence here, he said, and added that the programme was being organized only as a symbolical observance of the day.
The official encouraged the patients to strive and contribute to the society in their own capacities once their treatment gets over. He exhorted them that so long as they are confined in the hospital even after their treatment period then they will not have any success stories to tell, and further appealed to them to prepare for transitional change after their treatment is over and fulfill their calling in life.
Observing that those who have been affected are the best crusaders to discern the stigma and myth attached with leprosy, he wished them early recovery and called upon all to work together in creating awareness that leprosy is not a disease to fear as it is curable.
One of the 11 patients of the Leprosy Hospital Kohima spoke on behalf of the patients and acknowledged the support of the government. He also thanked the doctors and nurses for extending care to each patient. “It is our prayer that God bless you all for all that you do for us,” he said.
