HomeImportant DaysWorld Leprosy Day 2024: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Leprosy Day 2024: Date, Theme, History and Significance

World Leprosy Day 2024

Every year, World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January. In 2024, it takes place on 28th January. The day aims to create awareness about leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and eyes. Leprosy Day also promotes efforts to eliminate leprosy and address the stigma associated with it.

History:

In 1954, French philanthropist Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Day, aimed at raising awareness about the disease, especially its socio-economic ramifications. The day is celebrated on January 30 in India. It also marks the death anniversary of the apostle of world peace, Mahatma Gandhi.

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World Leprosy Day Theme 2024

  • The theme for World Leprosy Day 2024 is “Beat Leprosy”, encapsulating the dual objectives of the day: eradicate the stigma associated with leprosy and promote the dignity of people affected by the disease.
  • Theme 2021 – “Beat Leprosy, End Stigma and Advocate for Mental Wellbeing ”.

What is Leprosy

Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, and eyes. Leprosy is caused by a slow-growing bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae and spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth of infected individuals.

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Types of Leprosy

There are two types of leprosy:

  • Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy: It is the mildest form of leprosy. It typically affects 1 to 5 skin lesions and causes minimal nerve damage.
  • Multibacillary (MB) leprosy: It is the more severe form of leprosy and is often described by multiple skin lesions, widespread nerve damage, and potential eye problems.

Early Signs, Symptoms

Skin Lesions

  • Patchy, lighter, or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin.
  • Loss of sensation in the affected area
  • Lesions may be flat or raised and may appear anywhere on the body
  • Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet:
  • This can lead to difficulty gripping objects or feeling the ground while walking.

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

It affects the hands, feet, and face, leading to difficulty in performing daily tasks

ENLARGED LYMPH NODES

It can be near the groin, armpits, or elbows

Diagnosis and Treatment of Leprosy

A skin biopsy diagnoses Leprosy and a small sample of skin is studied with the help of a microscope to detect the presence of M. leprae bacteria. Treatment for leprosy includes a combination of antibiotics, typically allocated for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to the prevention of disabilities and ensure timely recovery.

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World Leprosy Day 2024: Dates

YearDateDay
2023January 29Sunday
2024January 28Sunday
2025January 26Sunday
2026January 25Sunday

FAQs

Is January 30 observed as World Leprosy Day every year?

Internationally, World Leprosy Day is celebrated every year on the last Sunday in January.

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