Dimapur, Feb 28: Commemorating “Sparse leprosy awareness campaign” from January 30 to February 13, a brief function was organised to observe Anti-Leprosy Day on February 28 in the DC’s office chamber, Kohima.
During the observance, Deputy Commission, Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan stated that leprosy is still a problem in our district/country.
Leprosy is a common disease caused by bacteria called Lepra bacilli, which is not contagious, and treatment is freely available at all government hospitals and health facilities.
The DC pointed out that leprosy is completely curable and can be prevented from physical deformities if identified and diagnosed at early stage. The duration of treatment is either 6 or 12 months.The early signs and symptoms of leprosy include hypo-pigmented skin, one or more than one patch on the skin with loss of sensation, painless, pale and dry, loss of eye-lashes, nodules over ear and ear pinna, and face having oily skin, hand and feet having dryness, loss of sensation, and muscle wasting.
Stating that MDT is a sure cure for leprosy, he appealed not to discriminate the person affected by leprosy.
January 30 is observed as anti leprosy day, the day Mahatma Gandhi passed away in 1948, who is known for his love and service towards persons suffering from leprosy. Gandhi used to keep leprosy patients in his ashram and cleaned their wounds with his own hands. He proved to the world that leprosy does not spread by touching.
Leprosy is a disease caused by bacteria. It is very easy to recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease. Persons with such problems should be sent to the nearest health facility for diagnosis and treatment.
