To mark World Leprosy Day, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan today flagged off a Leprosy Awareness Van here from Nandini Hills. The awareness van will tour Samba town and adjoining areas to spread awareness about leprosy, its early signs and symptoms, availability of free diagnosis and treatment and to dispel myths and stigma associated with the disease.
Pamphlets and other IEC material will also be distributed among the public during the campaign. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that leprosy is a curable disease and stressed the importance of early detection and timely treatment. She highlighted that observing World Leprosy Day on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary is a reminder of his lifelong compassion and support for persons affected by leprosy.
The event was attended by the Chief Medical Officer, Samba, Dr Vidhi Bhatial along with district officers, programme officials and various health department functionaries, who briefed about the initiatives being undertaken under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in the district. The initiative aims to enhance public awareness and strengthen community participation towards achieving sustained elimination of leprosy in the district.