Last Update: January 28, 2023, 06:15 IST
Hansen’s disease or leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. (Representational Image: Shutterstock)
World Leprosy Day 2023: aims to create awareness about a disease that still reports more than 200 thousand people every year, according to the World Health Organization
World Leprosy Day 2023: World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the fourth Sunday of January. According to the World Health Organization, it aims to create awareness about a disease that still kills more than 200,000 people every year. Hansen’s disease or leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria affect the lining of the nerves, skin, eyes and nose. If diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be completely cured. Every year, WHO announces a theme to share key messages around that year. Here’s all you need to know about World Leprosy Day 2023:
World Leprosy Day 2023: Theme
According to the official website of the World Health Organisation, this year’s theme is “Act now. End leprosy. There are three key messages to draw attention to this topic. The WHO website states the following:
- expulsion is possible
We have the power and the means to prevent transmission and defeat this disease. - do it now
We need resources and commitment to end leprosy. Give priority to leprosy eradication. - reach the unreachable
Leprosy is preventable and treatable. Suffering from leprosy is unnecessary.
World Leprosy Day: History
In 1873, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, a Norwegian physician, became the first person to identify the bacterium that was the primary cause of leprosy. It is called Mycobacterium leprae.
To raise public awareness, the first World Leprosy Day was celebrated in 1954. This was all thanks to French philanthropist Raoul Folreau, who marked the day every year on the first Sunday of January.
This year, the 69th World Leprosy Day will be celebrated across the world. India specifically marks the day on January 30, while most countries celebrate it on the fourth Sunday of January, which will be January 29 this year.
World Leprosy Day: Significance
The first and foremost reason for marking World Leprosy Day is to raise awareness among the general public so as to eliminate social discrimination towards those who are suffering from this condition. These prejudices need to be removed for patients to live with dignity. The objective of World Leprosy Day is to create an environment of inclusivity.
The day also aims to spread awareness about the treatment of leprosy. There are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about this disease. Many patients either do not have the means to access treatment or are not aware of it.
Stigma makes it worse. Raising awareness will not only help people with leprosy to get equal opportunities in the society, but will also help them know what they need to know about the treatment of their condition.
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