National Anti Leprosy Day-2024 celebrated at Ganderbal

GANDERBAL, January 30: National Anti Leprosy Day-2024 was today celebrated at Town Hall Ganderbal under Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign-2024 wherein Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmad was the chief guest.

The event was organized to raise awareness about leprosy and its prevention with an objective to sensitize all the stakeholders to eradicate leprosy by 2027 as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI.

At the outset, the event started with an inaugural session by CMO Ganderbal, DrAfroza Shah who highlighted the significance of the day and the aims and objectives of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

Appreciating the efforts of the health care workers, she stressed them to augment upon active surveillance and ensure no leprosy case is undetected.

On the occasion, ADC Gulzar Ahmad highlighted the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders to achieve the targets under NLEP.

He also emphasized upon an end to stigma associated with the disease and ensure all the beneficiaries are taken proper care as per the guidelines. ADC Ganderbal also led the pledge ceremony wherein all the stakeholders took part.

The event also witnessed two minute silence to mark the observance of Martyr’s day.

Dr Safeena Mushtaq, District Epidemiologist, NCD and Bilal Ahmad, Social Activist also spoke on the occasion. While Dr Safeena sensitised the participants about the disease, screening module and treatment protocol.     Bilal Ahmad highlighted the role of the general public in order to play their role in eradication and ending the taboo associated with it.

On the occasion District Social Welfare Officer, Ganderbal, Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Ganderbal, Project Officer ICDS, Ganderbal, Medical Superintendent DH Ganderbal, Medical Superintendent, SDH, District Immunization Officer Ganderbal, all Block Medical Officers and field workers associated with NLEP programme participated in the programme.

The dignitaries also distributed kits among the beneficiaries who are already treated and are under follow up.

Before the conclusion of the event, certificate distribution was held in order to acknowledge and recognize the efforts of all officers and officials to make this programme and event a success.

After the successful completion of the programme a rally led by ADC Ganderbal was held from Town Hall to Duderhama Chowk, Ganderbal in order to generate awareness against stigma related to the disease.

Overall, the National Anti-Leprosy Day celebration at Town Hall Ganderbal was a platform for collaboration between government officers/officials, healthcare professionals and the community to work together towards eradicating leprosy and ensuring better healthcare for those affected.