Assam: National Leprosy Eradication Day observed in Tezpur

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: The National Leprosy Eradication Day was observed at Jahazghat Urban Primary Health Center Tezpur. The programme was presided over by Dr Rupak Kumar Baruah, Joint Health Director of Sonitpur district. The event was attended by Additional District Commissioner Tawhir Alam, Regional Leprosy Officer Dr TB Chettri, health workers, ASHA workers, and other health officials.

During the meeting, the objective of the event was explained by Dr TB Chettri, Regional Leprosy Officer. Dr Chettri said, “Let us all come together to raise awareness about leprosy. Let us put an end to the misconceptions prevailing in society and ensure that no one affected by this disease is left behind.”

He also said that to eliminate the stigma and discrimination against leprosy patients in society, the Government of India has been conducting this awareness campaign every year since January 30, 2017. This campaign is known as the ‘Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign.’ It is conducted from January 30 to February 13 every year. As part of this campaign, ‘village meetings’ (Gaon Sabha) are organized across villages with the cooperation of various departments such as Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Urban Development, Women and Child Development, and Social Justice and Empowerment to spread awareness about leprosy.

The Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC), with the assistance of ASHA workers and MPWs, will conduct awareness meetings in villages. Recovered leprosy patients will also be invited to these meetings. Awareness programmes will be conducted in schools as well, through quiz competitions, street plays, etc., to spread knowledge about the disease.

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