JAMMU: World Anti Leprosy Day was today observed across Jammu Division under the guidance of Director Health Services Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma.
The theme for this year is “Beat Leprosy” that encapsulates the dual objectives of the day to eradicate the stigma associated with leprosy and to promote the dignity of people affected by the disease. This year a fortnight Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign is to be observed from 30th January 2024 to 13th February 2024.
In Jammu District an event was organised by Dr. Sushma Mattoo, Zonal Leprosy Officer in the Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar under the supervision of Medical Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Magotra.
The purpose of this event was to generate awareness about causes, transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment, prevention of leprosy and social stigma associated with the disease among the community. The event started with observation of two minute silence to commemorate death anniversary of Father of Nation Shri Mahatma Gandhi Ji followed by pledge taking ceremony on the occasion of Anti Leprosy Day.
Under the supervision of Principal ANMT School Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu Dr. Daisy Parihar the students of ANMT School performed a cultural program that was appreciated by all present in the function. A Rally was also flagged off by Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Rajeev Kumar Sharma from Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu enroute Gole Market area. On this occasion a Tribute was paid to commemorate the Covid warriors.
Deputy Director Dentistry, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai, and officers and officials from the Directorate of Health Services Jammu and Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu were present on the occasion.
World Anti Leprosy Day was also observed in health institutions of all districts of Jammu division. Various types of activities were conducted that included two minute silence followed by pledge taking ceremony, flagging off of rallies, Nukkad Natak, Poster making and awareness in Health institutions, Schools, Anganwadi Centres and among the community.
Cleanliness drives were also held in health institutions. Emphasis was laid on early detection and its treatment which is provided free of cost at all health institutions so as to eradicate leprosy from the root level. On the occasion Information, Education and Communication material on the disease was also distributed amongst all field functionaries and the general masses by the health department.