To mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to spread awareness about leprosy, a ‘Sparsh Leprosy Public Awareness Fortnight' will be launched in Raipur district from January 30 to February 13.
‘Anti-Leprosy Day’ is observed on January 30 to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom.
Gajendra Dongre, the Raipur Chief Medical and Health Officer’s office spokesperson, said on Saturday that the leprosy awareness campaign will be conducted under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme.
As per the guidelines issued by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at village level ‘Gram Sabha’ will be organized to remove fears and misconceptions and create awareness among the villagers on leprosy.
On the occasion, a fully cured leprosy patient will be honoured as a guest.
A pledge will be administered to all the participants not to discriminate against any leprosy affected person.
A publicity vehicle will be used to create awareness in villages regarding leprosy and its cure. A team will conduct a door-to-door drive to check symptoms of leprosy.
Dongre said the prevalence rate of leprosy in Chhattisgarh is 2.45 per 10,000 population. Efforts were on to bring the rate to less than 1 per 10,000 population.
