The World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January and internationally on the 30th Jan.

The day is focused on achieving the target of zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children.

The day was originated in 1954 by French philanthropist and writer, Raoul Follereau, with a motive to raise global awareness of this deadly primordial disease and call attention to the verity that it can be prevented, treated and cured as told by Centre for Disease Control government features website.

The day is celebrated on January 30 especially in India to honor one of the greatest freedom fighters-Mahatma, Gandhi, on his death anniversary who worked diligently towards the welfare of those people who were distressed with leprosy.

What is leprosy?

Leprosy is an unceasing communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.

The disease primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.

Leprosy can occur to people under any age group ranging from early infancy to very old age.

But the good thing is that leprosy is curable and early treatment prevents most disabilities.

Transmission

Any detail on the exact mechanism of how leprosy transmits is still not known but the most widely held belief until recently was that the disease was transmitted by contact between leprosy sufferers and healthy persons.

More recently the possibility of transmission by the respiratory tract is gaining ground.

Also, the possibility of transmission through insects cannot be ruled out completely.

Symptoms

A variety of skin gashes may be seen but macules (flat), papules (raised), or nodules are common.

A loss in senses is a distinctive feature of leprosy. The skin abrasion may show loss of commotion to pin pick or light touch.

Peripheral nerve trunks getting thick comprises another attribute of leprosy accompanied by damage to nerves.

Leprosy as a global program

Leprosy is related to deformities in communities from ages, where it is rampant.

Unawareness, myths, and delusions about the disease lead to disgrace and to some extent people dithered to seek treatment for the fear of getting discriminated.

People who got affected by leprosy were rundown of social entitlements like disability pensions and contesting elections. In fact, Leprosy became ground for divorce in some countries.

The World Health Organization started the Global Leprosy Strategy in 2016 and it is accelerating to achieve a leprosy-free World by 2020. It all started with a vision of a world without leprosy.

The target for discontinuing discrimination is zero countries with legislations that allow discrimination on the basis of leprosy.