World Leprosy Day: Raising Awareness and Ending Stigma

World Leprosy Day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), is observed annually on the last Sunday of January. For example, World Leprosy Day was marked on January 26, 2020. This observance was initiated in 1953 by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau, who selected the date to coincide with the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948. Gandhi was a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, including those affected by leprosy, making the timing deeply meaningful.

The purpose of World Leprosy Day is to increase global awareness of a disease that many mistakenly believe has been eradicated. Sadly, both the disease and those living with it are often overlooked and face significant stigma in society.

Every day, more than six hundred new cases of leprosy are diagnosed worldwide, requiring prompt treatment. In 2014 alone, 213,899 people were officially diagnosed with leprosy. However, it is estimated that millions more remain undiagnosed, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge posed by the disease.

History of the Disease

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The disease is named after Norwegian physician Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who, in the late 19th century, identified its bacterial origin. This discovery dispelled the earlier misconception that leprosy was hereditary and paved the way for modern treatments and control measures.

Leprosy and Its Common Symptoms

Leprosy is an infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucous membranes, and eyes. According to the WHO, it can also lead to psychological distress and social isolation due to stigma.

Common symptoms of leprosy include:

• Light-colored or reddish skin patches with reduced sensation
• Numbness and weakness in the hands and feet
• Pain and inflammation in the joints
• Blisters or rashes on the skin
• Decreased ability to feel touch or pain, sometimes described as “pins and needles”

The incubation period for leprosy is typically around five years, but symptoms can appear as early as one year after infection. The disease spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated individuals, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Insights from Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

“As WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, I have seen firsthand how leprosy has marginalized individuals. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the social and economic consequences of the disease.

Overcoming leprosy involves more than early diagnosis and prompt treatment. It also requires changing mindsets, so that leprosy is no longer a source of shame or prejudice. We must remove all barriers in the way of those seeking medical care. We must eliminate the obstacles that prevent affected individuals and their families from living in dignity and enjoying all their basic human rights as full members of society.

I often talk about leprosy in terms of a motorcycle. The front wheel represents curing the disease and the rear wheel symbolizes ending discrimination. Only when both wheels are turning at the same time will we make progress toward our destination of a leprosy-free world.”

Current Efforts and Challenges in Leprosy Control

Despite significant advances in treatment, leprosy remains a public health concern in several countries, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Multi-drug therapy (MDT), introduced in the 1980s, is highly effective in curing leprosy and preventing disability when administered early. The WHO provides free MDT worldwide, which has substantially reduced the global burden of the disease.

However, challenges remain in early diagnosis, access to healthcare, and combating stigma. Many affected individuals delay seeking treatment due to fear of discrimination, leading to preventable nerve damage and disabilities. Social exclusion and poverty further perpetuate the cycle of marginalization.

Organizations such as the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) and the WHO continue to work collaboratively to promote leprosy elimination, improve patient care, and raise global awareness.

How You Can Help on World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day offers an opportunity for individuals, communities, and governments to unite in support of those affected by leprosy and to advocate for their rights. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about leprosy—its symptoms, transmission, and treatment—to dispel myths and reduce stigma.
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to leprosy elimination and patient support.
• Advocate for Rights: Promote the inclusion of people affected by leprosy and support policies that protect their human rights.
• Encourage Early Diagnosis: Raise awareness about the importance of early medical consultation if symptoms appear.

Conclusion

Leprosy, once a disease shrouded in fear and misunderstanding, is now curable and manageable thanks to scientific advances. However, social stigma and discrimination continue to affect millions worldwide. World Leprosy Day reminds us to look beyond medical treatment and to foster compassion, understanding, and inclusion for those impacted by the disease.

By joining global efforts to eliminate both leprosy and its associated stigma, we can work toward a future where no one suffers from this ancient disease or the prejudice it brings.