Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, along with SSP Arun Gupta, today launched ‘SPARSH’, a fortnight-long awareness campaign to mark World Leprosy Day. The campaign is being organized by the Health Department under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kamal Jee Zadoo.
A special health camp was also conducted at District Hospital. The Deputy Commissioner flagged off an IEC cum awareness vehicle from the District Administrative Complex, to sensitize the public about the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy.
He said the campaign aims to eliminate stigma and prejudice associated with leprosy by generating public awareness, identifying new cases and ensuring early treatment. He added that the awareness vehicle shall tour different parts of the district to educate people about the disease.
Speaking on the occasion, the CMO informed that the Government has decided to conduct a nationwide awareness campaign from January 30 to February 13 to intensify leprosy detection efforts, marking the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Similar awareness programmes were also organized at the block and hospital levels across the district.