A "Leprosy Awareness Van" was today flagged off from the District Administrative Complex by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, as part of the launch of the leprosy awareness campaign- SPARSH to inform the community about the illness and remove any potential stigma attached to it.
The van will visit different towns and remote regions to spread awareness of the signs, the value of early diagnosis and treatment, and the fact that leprosy is curable.
"Initiatives like these are essential for tackling the social stigmas of various diseases and in creating awareness about their causes and preventive measures," the Deputy Commissioner said, while expressing gratitude to the volunteers and sponsors who are supporting this initiative.
“The community will become healthier and more informed thanks to this leprosy awareness campaign,” he said. The Deputy Commissioner said it was crucial that such awareness campaigns are regularly held to enable the people to learn about leprosy prevention and how to better care for those who have already been infected.
The introduction of this van was also a motivational step towards the total eradication of leprosy from society and guaranteeing that no one will ever again have to endure its debilitating effects.
Among the others present included Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, Chief Medical Office Rajouri; Dr. Anees Altaf Nabi; Dr. Ghulam Qadir and other officers/officials of Health Department.