World Leprosy Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of January. The aim of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about the myths and stigmas about the disease and make the public aware about the causes and cures.
Here we will discuss world leprosy day and know more about the disease and initiatives by the government of India to eliminate leprosy.
What is World Leprosy Day?
World Leprosy Day is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of January month to raise awareness about leprosy, its causes and the efforts made to eradicate it globally. In 1954 a French philanthropist Raoul Follereau first observed the day. The aim of celebrating the day is to educate people about the nature of leprosy, misconceptions and stigmas associated with it and about challenges faced by the people living with the disease.
While celebrating the day the aim is also to highlight the efforts taken globally by the government and various organisations to combat the challenges faced and support people affected by the disease. Awareness about leprosy serves as an important platform to inspire action, improve awareness, and ensure that people affected by leprosy receive the medical care and social support they need.
World Leprosy Day 2025
World Leprosy Day 2025 will be observed on Sunday January 26, 2025 as it is observed annually on the last Sunday of January across the world and on January 30th in India. The day is celebrated by organising activities and programs like campaigns, seminars, and support programs for people affected by the disease. World Leprosy Day plays a significant role in advocating for a leprosy free world. The aim is also to challenge the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding leprosy.
World Leprosy Day 2025 Theme
The World Leprosy Day 2025 theme has not been announced yet but the theme for the past year centered around combating misconception and stigmas, improving the quality of life of people affected by leprosy and also raises awareness about the disease, its causes and cures.
Themes in the past years:
- 2023- “Act Now. End Leprosy”
- 2024- “Beat Leprosy“
What is Leprosy Disease?
Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a chronic disease which lasts for long periods and mainly affects the skin, nerves, eyes, and respiratory system. It causes symptoms like skin sores, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Leprosy disease develops slowly and if it’s not treated it can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability. With early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy using a combination of medicines called multidrug therapy or MDT it can be cured. Leprosy is contagious that spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated person but it is not very easy to catch. However, many people still have misunderstandings and fears about the disease.
Leprosy Causes
Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The exact mechanism of transmission is not fully understood, but it is believed that it transmits through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Prolonged close contact with an untreated person is a key factor in the spread of the disease.
The disease does not spread through casual contact with a person who has leprosy like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other. Moreover, the patient stops transmitting the disease when they begin treatment.
Leprosy Cases in India
India has the highest number of leprosy cases in the world. However, the country has made significant strides in reducing the incidence of leprosy due to national programs aimed at the elimination of the disease.
- Total number of cases: India historically had the highest number of leprosy cases globally.
- Significant decrease: The government launched a National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) which has led to a significant reduction in the number of cases over time.
- Incidence rate: The annual incidence rate of new cases has decreased.
Trends in New Leprosy Cases in India (2019-2022)
| Year | New Leprosy Cases in India |
| 2019-2020 | 114,451 |
| 2020-2021 | 65,147 |
| 2021-2022 | 75,394 |
| 2022-2023 | 103,819 |
Statewise NLEP data FY 2022-2023 (up to January 2023)
| S.No. | State/UT | Prevalence Rate (PR)/ 10000 population |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | 0.5 |
| 2. | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.1 |
| 3. | Assam | 0.2 |
| 4. | Bihar | 0.9 |
| 5. | Chhattisgarh | 2.3 |
| 6. | Goa | 0.2 |
| 7. | Gujarat | 0.4 |
| 8. | Haryana | 0.1 |
| 9. | Himachal Pradesh | 0.2 |
| 10. | Jharkhand | 1.4 |
| 11. | Jammu & Kashmir | 0.1 |
| 12. | Karnataka | 0.3 |
| 13. | Kerala | 0.1 |
| 14. | Madhya Pradesh | 0.9 |
| 15. | Maharashtra | 1.2 |
| 16. | Manipur | 0.1 |
| 17. | Meghalaya | 0.0 |
| 18. | Mizoram | 0.1 |
| 19. | Nagaland | 0.1 |
| 20. | Odisha | 1.2 |
| 21. | Punjab | 0.2 |
| 22. | Rajasthan | 0.1 |
| 23. | Sikkim | 0.2 |
| 24. | Tamil Nadu | 0.3 |
| 25. | Telangana | 0.7 |
| 26. | Tripura | 0.0 |
| 27. | Uttar Pradesh | 0.4 |
| 28. | Uttarakhand | 0.3 |
| 29. | West Bengal | 0.5 |
| 30. | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 0.1 |
| 31. | Chandigarh | 1.4 |
| 32. | Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 1.0 |
| 33. | Daman & Diu | 0.1 |
| 34. | Delhi | 0.8 |
| 35. | Lakshadweep | 0.0 |
| 36. | Ladakh | 0.3 |
| 37. | Puducherry | 0.1 |
Leprosy Elimination Programme in India
In 1983, the government of India launched, National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) which aims to eliminate leprosy through early diagnosis, detection, multi-drug therapy, and challenging the stigma around the disease.
Key components of NLEP include awareness programs to the citizens about the disease, providing free treatment to people affected, and integrating leprosy care into general health services.
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Awareness Campaigns
- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about leprosy disease.
- Public awareness campaigns focus on early detection, treatment, and reducing stigma and misconception about the disease.
- Workshops, outreach efforts, media campaigns.
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Early Diagnosis and Treatment
- Encouraging individuals with symptoms to seek medical help.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability and transmission of leprosy.
- The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) promotes multi-drug therapy, which is provided free of charge.
-
Surveillance and Monitoring
- Regular surveys and data collection helps in tracking new cases.
- Tracking new cases early helps in early treatment and prevention of epidemic.
- Surveillance ensures that emerging trends and geographic hotspots are identified quickly.
- Monitoring systems help in allocating resources effectively and adjusting strategies to eliminate the disease more efficiently.
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Community-Based Support
- Focus on reducing misconceptions and stigma for those affected by the disease.
- Focus on social inclusion and rehabilitation.
- Local support groups provide emotional counseling and practical assistance to help individuals reintegrate into society.
- Vocational training and education empower people to rebuild their lives post-treatment.
National Leprosy Eradication Programme
The government of India launched the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in 1983 to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem by reducing the prevalence rate to less than 1 case per 10,000 population. The program emphasizes:
- Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)
- Rehabilitation
- Collaboration with NGOs
- Monitoring and Reporting
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World Leprosy Day FAQs
Q1. When is World Leprosy Day
Answer: World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of January, which falls on January 26 in 2025, and on January 30th in India.
Q2. What is the purpose of World Leprosy Day?
Answer: World Leprosy Day aims to raise awareness about leprosy, reduce stigma, and promote action for the elimination of the disease.
Q3. Is leprosy contagious?
Answer: Leprosy is not highly contagious and requires prolonged close contact for transmission. Most people have a natural immunity to the disease.
Q4. Can leprosy cause disability?
Answer: If left untreated, leprosy can cause permanent nerve damage, deformities, and disability. Early treatment can prevent these outcomes.
Q5. How is Leprosy Transmitted?
Answer: Leprosy is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets from an infected person. However, the disease is not highly contagious, and only those with prolonged exposure to untreated individuals are at risk. The disease requires close and long-term contact, and the majority of people (about 95%) have a natural immunity to the bacteria.
