It is observed on the last Sunday of January, every year. On this day we celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination. The theme for this year is "Unite. Act. Eliminate.".
The theme is a call to action aiming to raise awareness of leprosy, highlight the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy, and inspire collaborative action to eliminate leprosy. Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by the bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.

The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

The disease is transmitted by inhaling droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated case of leprosy, containing the causative agent, following prolonged, close contact. The disease does not spread through casual contact (like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals, or sitting next to each other). The patient stops transmitting the disease upon initiation of treatment.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may occur within one year of being infected but can also take as long as 20 years or even more. The disease manifests commonly through skin lesions and peripheral nerve involvement. Skin lesions usually have a different pigmentation than the surrounding normal skin (less pigmented or reddish) and may have various presentations (flat, raised, or nodules). Skin lesions can be single or multiple with a definite loss of sensation.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of leprosy is done clinically. Laboratory-based services may be required in cases that are difficult to diagnose. The diagnosis of leprosy is based on at least one of the following cardinal signs:
(i) Definite loss of sensation in a pale (hypo-pigmented) or reddish skin patch;
(ii) Thickened or enlarged peripheral nerve, with loss of sensation and/or weakness of the muscles supplied by that nerve;
(iii) Microscopic detection of bacilli in a slit-skin smear. Leprosy is a curable disease. The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three medicines (dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine)

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

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