Anti-Leprosy Day: SPARSH Outreach campaign launched in Kathua

KATHUA, January 30: District Leprosy Society of Health Department, Kathua observed Anti Leprosy Day by hosting an awareness event here in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. Anti-Leprosy Day is observed on 30th January, coinciding with the death anniversary of   Mahatma Gandhi.

The event also marked the launch of the Sparsh- the fortnight-long Leprosy Awareness Campaign with the theme, ‘“Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity”.’

The campaign aims to address the issue of stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy and increase awareness. In this regard a  “Leprosy Awareness Van” was  flagged off from the Chief Medical officer’s Office Complex to inform the community about the illness and remove any potential stigma attached to it. The van will traverse through different areas & blocks to spread awareness of the signs, the value of early diagnosis and treatment, and the fact that leprosy is curable.

Earlier, the District Health Officer delivered a lecture educating masses about the disease and effectiveness of the Medicines, Prevention & early detection as key to curb the disease.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr, Vijay Raina  highlighted the importance of such awareness campaigns for educating the people about leprosy prevention and how to care for those who have already been infected. The introduction of this van was also a motivational step towards the total eradication of leprosy from society and guaranteeing that no one will ever again have to endure its debilitating effects.

Among the others present included the staff of the leprosy unit & other field workers.