• World Leprosy Day (WLD) is celebrated on the last Sunday of January.
• This international day is an opportunity to celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.
• In India, it is observed on 30th January every year, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.   
  • He was deeply committed to the cause of leprosy-affected persons.
• The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now. End Leprosy.” This year’s theme calls attention to three key messages:
  • Elimination is possible: We have the power and tools to stop transmission and defeat this disease.
  • Act now: We need the resources and commitment to end leprosy. Prioritize leprosy elimination.
  • Reach the unreached: Leprosy is preventable and treatable. Suffering from leprosy is needless.

About Leprosy 

• It is also known as Hansen’s disease and is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. 
• The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
• It is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age. Leprosy is at least 4,000 years old, making it one of the oldest diseases known to humanity.
• It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
  • The disease is not spread through casual contact with a person who has leprosy like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other.
• Impacts: Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities.
• It is reported from all six WHO Regions; the majority of annual new case detections are from South-East Asia.
  • It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases reported every year.
• Treatment: It is a curable disease. 
  • The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.
  • The combination is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT).