World Leprosy Day is an important date to raise awareness and put spotlight on the risks associated with this illness. Here all you need to know about Leprosy Day.
World Leprosy Day, observed each year on the last Sunday of January, is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of leprosy as a treatable disease. It also seeks to bring attention to the stigma that people affected by leprosy experience, and emphasizes the need for greater action in both prevention and care.
What Is Leprosy?
Leprosy is an ancient disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a type of bacteria. It mainly affects skin and nerves, although it can sometimes affect other body parts like the eyes and lining of the nose. Symptoms of the illness can include discolored patches on the skin, tenderness in nerve endings, loss of feeling in affected areas of the body, and muscle weakness or paralysis. Although it can be treated with antibiotics, left unchecked it could lead to irreversible physical disabilities.
Why Leprosy Day Is Important?
World Leprosy Day is an important annual event to bring attention to this infectious disease. By raising awareness, policymakers, healthcare providers and communities can create initiatives for prevention, early diagnosis, and improved treatment for those who suffer from leprosy. The day aims to reduce the stigma associated with the illness and increase funding and resources for leprosy care and research around the world.