If detected & managed early, Leprosy is completely curable, writes Dr. Kinnor Das

Jan. 30: Leprosy, also known as a kushta rog in Sanskrit, is a communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is one of the least contagious diseases. Leprosy has even been mentioned in the scriptures by Sushruta. The disease mainly affects the skin and nerves. It is likely to be transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage. But if detected and managed early, it is completely curable.

Over the past year, the headlines have dominated by Covid-19. It is easy to forget about other diseases, such as, leprosy, especially because many people think of it as a disease of the past.  It is high time that the stigma related to the disease is addressed and replaced with the correct information.

World Leprosy Day is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of January. The day was chosen by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau in 1953. In India, we celebrate National Anti Leprosy Day every year on 30th January , on the same day as the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, although lived in times when stigma and fear surrounding leprosy was so high, was a dedicated crusader for social justice and inclusivity. He personally nursed Parchure Shastri, the great Sanskrit scholar, who suffered from leprosy, back to health. Gandhiji’s words and actions epitomized the philanthropic worker . His words, “Leprosy work is not merely medical relief; it is transforming frustration of life into joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service” is still relevant.

Today, we observed National Anti Leprosy Day 2021 in Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH). It was organized as a joint venture by the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy along with The Barak Chapter of NE IADVL. The programme focused on providing the much needed impetus to increase awareness about leprosy.

A quiz competition including undergraduates, interns and post graduates was organized. With neck to neck competition among the teams, nail biting tie breakers and special questions for the audience, it was a great bonding experience. Cash prizes of Rs 2000, 1000 and 500 were given for the first, second and third places respectively, along with trophies, certificates and chocolates.  Dr Abhiraj Paul Adhikary and Dr Prakash Yadav emerged victorious. Dr Bhaskar Gupta, President of Barak Chapter of NE IADVL and Dr Debajit Das, General Secretary of Barak Chapter of NE IADVL graced the occasion. The quiz master was Dr Ann John Kurien, Junior resident from Dept of DVL.

Let’s hope that we will achieve a world without leprosy, one day. But along the way, till we reach there, let’s work towards an inclusive society where diagnosis of leprosy no longer comes with a possibility of devastating physical, mental, social or financial consequences.

*Dr. Kinnor Das, MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy