District Leprosy Society of Health Department, Leh  observed Anti Leprosy Day on January 30 at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Leh. 

In India, 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 Leprosy Awareness Campaign, a fortnight-long campaign from Jan 30-Feb 13, themed, 'Let’s Fight Leprosy and Make Leprosy a History'. The campaign aims to address the issue of stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy and increase awareness.   

Chief guest Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr. Nurzin Angmo, shared that Anti-Leprosy Day in India is observed on the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi as Gandhiji worked relentlessly for the upliftment of leprosy patients and to remove the stigma associated with it. She also spoke about early detection, medication, and the disability caused by leprosy and informed that the central government bears the cost of reconstructive surgery needed in cases of leprosy and also provides allowances to the patients. 

Dermatologist, SNM Hospital, Dr. Konchok Dorjey, gave a detailed presentation on the causes, symptoms, and treatment, including pre-treatment counselling, recommended treatment regime, post-treatment counselling, the global incidence of leprosy cases and National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) strategy.

District Immunization Officer, Leh, Dr. Dolma Chuskit, spoke about the leprosy scenario in Leh district and the action plan inclusive of surveillance, detection, and awareness to successfully conduct the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign in the whole district.

Auxillary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), officials and staff of the National Health Mission, UT Ladakh, and the staff of CMO Leh participated in the event.

According to reports, Brazil, India, and Indonesia account for 74% of new leprosy cases globally.