World Leprosy Day (WLD) is an opportunity to remind the world that leprosy still exists and that millions of vulnerable people continue to live with the consequences of this neglected tropical disease.
WLD helps focus attention on the needs of some of the poorest and most marginalized people in the world-those affected by leprosy. Many people mistakenly believe leprosy is an ancient disease that was eradicated long ago. In reality, every year hundreds of thousands of children, women, and men are newly diagnosed with leprosy.
On this day, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) organize public awareness and educational outreach activities to inform communities about prevention, early detection, and treatment of leprosy. Rallies, marathons, seminars, and workshops are also held worldwide to raise funds for research, treatment, rehabilitation, and to address the social stigma faced by people affected by the disease.
The theme of World Leprosy Day this year is "Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma." This theme highlights the fact that leprosy can be easily cured with timely antibiotic treatment, yet stigma and discrimination remain widespread. The theme is a call to action to raise awareness, highlight the challenges faced by people affected by leprosy, and inspire collective efforts to eliminate both the disease and the stigma associated with it.
World Leprosy Day was established in 1954 by French writer and journalist Raoul Follereau. It is now organized by the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP), a Switzerland-based federation of 13 international anti-leprosy NGOs working toward a world free from leprosy. The World Health Organization (WHO) later endorsed the initiative and took steps to promote it globally.
WHO classifies leprosy as one of more than 20 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). According to WHO, leprosy remains endemic in more than 120 countries, with over 200,000 new cases reported each year.
In countries like Bangladesh, people are often subjected to discrimination and social exclusion simply because they are, or were previously, affected by leprosy. Throughout history, individuals with leprosy have endured severe social injustice amounting to dehumanization. Fear and misinformation have led to denial of basic human rights across cultures. Despite the availability of a cure for more than 60 years, outdated stereotypes and offensive terminology persist, resulting in widespread prejudice.
Stigma associated with leprosy deeply affects daily life. It causes people to lose their jobs, be forced out of their homes, and be excluded from family and community life. Children affected by leprosy are often denied access to education.
In Bangladesh, leprosy remains a national health concern and also creates significant social and economic challenges. Despite the human suffering it causes, leprosy has long remained neglected. This negligence has resulted in serious human rights violations related to employment, education, and marriage for those affected.
According to the National Leprosy Programme (NLP), around 3,000 to 3,500 new leprosy cases are detected annually in Bangladesh. However, the actual number is believed to be nearly double. Many patients develop disabilities due to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Early detection and nationwide access to proper treatment are therefore urgently needed.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa, and eyes. While the disease is fully curable with early treatment, stigma often prevents individuals from seeking timely medical care. Untreated leprosy can lead to nerve damage, physical impairment, and severe disability, affecting not only individuals but also families and communities.
Bangladesh has developed a National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2030 with the goal of achieving zero leprosy by 2030. Addressing leprosy effectively would bring significant national benefits. The issue deserves greater attention, including adequate allocation of funds in the national budget.
As we observe World Leprosy Day, we envision a world where leprosy is no longer a public health concern and those affected can live with dignity, respect, and acceptance-free from discrimination.
The day underscores the need for collective action, including public education on symptoms and treatment, advocacy for rights-based policies, community participation in inclusion campaigns, and support for the mental well-being of those recovering from the disease.
The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh (TLMI-B) stated that World Leprosy Day is a powerful reminder of the global commitment needed to combat leprosy. While Bangladesh is working toward becoming a leprosy-free nation by 2030, sustained efforts, policy support, and social inclusion remain crucial.
On this World Leprosy Day, let us pledge to prioritize the leprosy issue in the national interest, with the government taking a leading role.
The writer is a freelance journalist
