Vice President calls for intensified efforts toward early detection of leprosy cases

Vice President presents the International Gandhi Award for Leprosy, 2021

The Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for intensified efforts for early detection of leprosy cases, equitable access to appropriate treatment and integrated leprosy services.

He was presenting the International Gandhi Award for Leprosy, 2021 to Dr Bhushan Kumar from Chandigarh and Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust, Gujarat at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas in New Delhi. The annual award was instituted by Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation.

The Vice President urged people and civil society organisations to join the campaign to eradicate leprosy. He said that there should be social mobilisation in support of this noble cause. He also wanted Gram Sabha to include leprosy eradication in their programmes

Acknowledging India’s steady fight against leprosy, he said that India successfully accomplished levels of leprosy eradication defined as less than one case per ten thousand population.

Expressing his concern over the fact that India is reporting the highest number of leprosy cases in the world, he stated that India accounts for (51 per cent) of the new cases detected globally (2020–2021). He said that the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) has been at the forefront of the battle against leprosy and has been trying to ensure total eradication.

Recalling the contribution of Mahatma Gandhiji towards eliminating social ostracism suffered by people afflicted by leprosy, the Vice President said, “Mahatma Gandhiji’s compassion for patients of leprosy stands out as a towering example of exemplary kindness towards fellow human beings. Gandhiji led by example—often tending to leprosy patients personally—in an era in which ignorance about the disease held sway.”