Know about World Leprosy Day 30th January 2023

What is World Leprosy day?

World Leprosy Day is an annual observance on January 31st that raises awareness of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, and its impact on sufferers around the world. The day is also intended to promote efforts to eliminate the disease. The event was first observed in 1954 and is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health organizations.

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History of world leprosy day

The historical background of World Leprosy Day can be traced back to the 1950s, when French humanitarian Raoul Follereau established the day to raise awareness about leprosy and combat the prejudice and discrimination faced by those affected by the disease.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The disease has been known for centuries and has been associated with social stigmatization and discrimination. In the past, people with leprosy were often ostracised and forced to live in leper colonies.

Follereau, who had visited leper colonies in Africa and Asia, was deeply moved by the plight of those affected by the disease. He began to advocate for their rights and worked to raise awareness about leprosy through public speeches, articles, and books. In 1954, he established World Leprosy Day as a way to draw attention to the ongoing need to address the disease and combat discrimination against those affected by it..

Significance of World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day is an important observance because it raises awareness about leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin and nerves, and can lead to disfigurement and disability. The day is intended to promote efforts to eliminate the disease and to improve the lives of those affected by it.

One of the main reasons why World Leprosy Day is significant is because it helps to break the stigma associated with leprosy. The disease has long been misunderstood and feared, and people with leprosy have been ostracized and discriminated against as a result. By raising awareness about the disease, World Leprosy Day helps to educate people about what leprosy is and how it is transmitted, and it encourages people to treat those with the disease with compassion and respect.

Another significance of World Leprosy Day is that it is an opportunity to advocate for more resources to fight the disease. Leprosy is a curable disease, but access to early diagnosis and treatment is limited in many parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. World Leprosy Day is used to raise funds and awareness to support leprosy control programs, and to advocate for increased funding for leprosy research.

In short, World Leprosy Day has the significance to raise awareness about leprosy, breaking the stigma associated with it, improving the lives of those affected by it, and advocating for more resources to fight the disease.

Timeline of Leprosy day

Here is a timeline of some of the key events in the history of World Leprosy Day:

1. 1954: French philanthropist Raoul Follereau observes the first World Leprosy Day on January 31st to honor the memory of Saint Damien, a Catholic priest who worked with leprosy patients in Hawaii in the 19th century.
2. 1982: World Leprosy Day is officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. 1991: WHO launches the Global Leprosy Programme to accelerate progress towards elimination of the disease as a public health problem.
4. 2005: The World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on leprosy which emphasized the need for continued efforts to overcome the disease and its consequences, including stigma and discrimination.
5. 2010: WHO launches the Global Leprosy Strategy 2010-2020, which aimed at reducing the global leprosy burden and reaching the goal of a leprosy-free world.
6. 2015: WHO reports that the global number of new leprosy cases has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded.
7. 2020: World Leprosy Day theme is "ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice"
8. 2021: World Leprosy Day theme is "Beatlebya, Eliminate Leprosy"
9. 2022: World Leprosy Day theme is "Leprosy and COVID-19: We're in this together"
10. 2023: World Leprosy Day theme is "Act Now. End Leprosy."

These are some of the key events in the history of World Leprosy Day, but this is not an exhaustive list. The theme changes every year and is chosen based on the current situation and the ongoing challenges.