Leprosy Day is observed in India on January 30 to raise awareness and support. The day honors Gandhi’s death anniversary and his fight to eradicate the disease.
World Leprosy Day, around the world, is observed on January 29, formerly January 28, the last Sunday of January. Leprosy Day is observed in India on January 30 to raise awareness and support. 30th January marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. As leprosy is viewed as a stigma, the Father of the Nation waged a war against this crippling disease his entire life.
Gandhi wanted to see leprosy eradicated. He stated: “The only work I have not been able to complete in my lifetime is eliminating leprosy.” However, by taking part in World Leprosy Day, we can all get one step closer to completing this fantastic work.
M. leprae causes leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. Disfiguring skin lesions and nerve damage are its main skin, peripheral nerve, and upper respiratory tract effects. Long-standing stigma and social exclusion plague the disease.
Devoted to helping leprosy patients, French philanthropist Raoul Follereau founded Leprosy Day in 1954. Mahatma Gandhi, who tirelessly promoted leprosy awareness and ended its stigma, was remembered on January 30.
Gandhi respected everyone, regardless of illness or social status. He cared about leprosy patients and improved their living conditions and healthcare. He said everyone deserved a dignified life and worked to promote this.
Since then, January 30 has been Leprosy Day to honor Gandhi and raise awareness.
WHO says 2024’s Leprosy Day theme is “Beat Leprosy”.
Significance of Leprosy Day:
On Leprosy Day, we must honor Gandhi and end leprosy discrimination. To eradicate the disease, it raises awareness of its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Conclusion
On January 30, India observes World Leprosy Day to support leprosy patients. Long stigmatized and discriminated against, leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. In 1954, French philanthropist Raoul Follereau founded Leprosy Day. On Leprosy Day, we honor Mahatma Gandhi and fight leprosy discrimination. To eradicate the disease, it raises awareness of its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
