Don't stigmatize leprosy patients: govt to people

Government today sought the cooperation of everyone to eradicate misconceptions surrounding leprosy that have rendered those affected by it unemployed, stigmatized and un-accepted by society.
"Government will do whatever it takes to ensure treatment but we need cooperation and participation of everyone for shedding the fear of leprosy. The number of leprosy patients is still huge and it is disturbing to know the number of new cases every year," Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Ministry Keshav Desiraju said at the launch of a nation wide campaign, HEAL India (Hire, Educate and Accept)organised by the Leprosy Mission Trust India.
The campaign aims to create awarenss on the causes and cure for leprosy and will be reaching out to the people through 40,000 children in schools across Delhi NCR, youth and colleges through workshops, films, music, contests, and PTAs.

The organisation is also advocating for leprosy awareness to be a part of school curriculam.
India accounts for 58 per cent of the leprosy cases world wide.
"Through this campaign, we want to see that the communities are transformed so that people affected by leprosy can live with dignity," said Dr Sunil Anand, Country Director of The Leprosy Mission Trust India.