Additional District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Rajinder Sharma today launched 'SPARSH', an Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the occasion of World Leprosy Day across the district.
The campaign has been organized by the Health Department under the aegis of Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kamal Zadu. A special camp was also organised at District Hospital to mark the day.
Chief Planning Officer, Dr. Kasturi Lal; Dy. DEO, Lal Chand; DHO, Dr Rajinder Kumar; Programme Coordinator, Dhram Pal and other officers were present on the occasion. After flagging off a Van from District Administrative Complex to sensitize people regarding diagnosis and treatment of Leprosy “Act Now.
End Leprosy”, the ADDC said that campaign would help to eliminate the stigma and prejudice against the disease and identify new cases so as to provide early treatment. He said that the awareness Van will visit different parts of the district to make masses aware about the precautions and treatment of leprosy.
The ADDC further said that the Government has decided to organize a nationwide massive awareness campaign on the death anniversary of Shri Mahatma Gandhi from January 29 to February 13 by intensifying leprosy detection campaign to curb the crippling disease.
The ADDC urged the health workers to involve people to make the awareness programme successful besides urging the people to cooperate in this leprosy eradication IEC campaign and help such persons in getting the treatment. "The leprosy is fully curable if detected early", he added.