Leprosy,
also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infective disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), a bacteria
with slow growth.

The disease’s contagion is
difficult to contract, and most people do not get infected even after coming in
contact with leprosy bacilli. The only people vulnerable to the disease are those
who live in close proximity to patients with advanced leprosy.

The chronic disease mainly affects an infected
person’s peripheral nerves and skin. Common symptoms of leprosy include discolouration
and patches on the skin, abnormal skin growths or nodules, thick of stiff skin,
numbness on infected areas of the skin, ulcers on the soles of the feet,
paralysis or increased muscle fragility, and eye problems that could
lead to permanent vision loss.

In India, World Leprosy Day is
observed every year on January 30, along with Mahatma Gandhi’s death
anniversary.

Also Read: Martyrs’ Day: Tributes pour in to observes Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary

In other parts of the world, the day
is observed on the last Sunday annually.

The internationally recognised day
marks the celebration of leprosy patients, recognising their struggles, and
raising awareness of the infectious disease. The day also aims to eradicate
taboos and discrimination related to the disease.

Also Read: Explained: What is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)?

Yohei Sasakawa, a WHO Goodwill Ambassador
launched ‘Don’t Forget Leprosy’, a leprosy awareness campaign in August 2021. The campaign aims to avoid the negligence of
leprosy and its patients during the ongoing pandemic.

The disease can spread via droplets
from an infected individual’s nose or mouth. It cannot be passed over to foetuses even if the mother is infected. It is also not transmitted via sexual contact. Contrary
to popular notion, the disease cannot be transmitted by hugging, shaking hands,
or sitting next to an infected person. In the past, the disease was conjectured
to be a highly contagious disease, although later research shed light on its slow
transmission rate. Leprosy can easily be medicated during early diagnosis with
the help of antibiotics.

Due to its lack of awareness, stigma and
discrimination continues to affect leprosy patients, especially the ones with
deformities.