Leprosy has been a cause of major concern for the health sector globally for decades. Due to a lack of awareness among people and correct information about the disease, the social stigma surrounding leprosy made it more challenging. However, there has been a decline in this disease in the last one or two decades.

According to the report of the World Health Organization, at present the highest number of cases of leprosy are being seen in African and Asian countries. World Leprosy Day is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of January with the aim of making people aware and educating people about leprosy.

Recent reports have alerted about the increasing cases of leprosy in India. The increasing number of leprosy cases among children under 18 years of age in Maharashtra has raised concerns for the health department. Of the 17,048 new cases of leprosy reported between April and December last year, 1,160 cases (ie seven percent) were seen in children. The rise in leprosy among children is a sensitive indicator, officials said.

Cases increased in many states of America also
International media reports show that America has also seen an increase in new cases of leprosy in the last few years. The rate of new cases of leprosy has increased in the southern parts of the United States since 2000. Nearly one in five cases of leprosy in the United States is from Central Florida.

Health experts say that leprosy also brings with it many other challenges, in which the feeling of social stigma has been seen the most. This also affects the mental health of the patient, due to which there is a risk of complications of the disease.

Target to make India leprosy-free by 2027
It is noteworthy that despite the number of leprosy cases among children declining from 12 percent in 2010-11 to 5-6 percent of the total cases currently, the World Health Organization believes that leprosy remains endemic in many Indian states. India is working on the target of making the country leprosy-free by the year 2027.

Leprosy is not highly contagious
Health experts say it is important to know here that leprosy is also like other infectious diseases. In many places, it is also known as Hansen's disease. This is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae which can cause skin lesions along with nerve problems, upper respiratory tract, and eye problems. However, there are effective medicines available for its treatment which not only reduce the infection but can also help prevent the complications caused by leprosy.

Need to remove social stigma
Health experts say the infection rate of leprosy is not high. This disease does not spread by casual contact, handshake, or hug with a person suffering from leprosy. There can be a risk of transmission only in case of close contact with an untreated leprosy patient for several months. Therefore do not discriminate against patients. Treatment of this disease can be made easier only by removing the social stigma surrounding leprosy.

(PC: iStock)