As we approach World Leprosy Day 2026, we mark its theme of ‘Leprosy is curable: the real challenge is stigma’ by highlighting the work of our Information, Education and Communication (IEC) mobile units.
During the past year, Lepra’s mobile unit in Jharkhand, funded by The Hodge Foundation, has become a vital source of health information on leprosy for thousands of school students and remote endemic communities. Travelling village to village, school to school, and block to block, this unit has carried information, hope and the promise of early diagnosis for communities that are too often left behind.
Due to misconceptions and myths surrounding the disease, people affected by leprosy can experience significant stigma and discrimination which causes barriers to seeking treatment. Afraid of rejection, many people hide their symptoms even from family members, isolating themselves from their community. But leprosy is curable and the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, transmission is no longer possible, and lasting disabilities can be prevented. IEC mobile units play a crucial role in raising this awareness.
Reaching young people with knowledge, confidence and reassurance
During school visits, the Jharkhand IEC mobile unit has challenged myths about leprosy through talks, films, puppet shows and health information leaflets. Our staff trained teachers to identify symptoms and encourage children to be more accepting of their classmates who are affected by leprosy.
For many students, this was their first time learning that leprosy is curable and if diagnosed and treated early enough, lasting disabilities can be avoided.
Teachers repeatedly shared that the mobile unit’s presence lifted the weight of stigma not only from classrooms, but from families and whole communities.
Strengthening communities through awareness and early detection
Across the year, the IEC mobile unit travelled to places where transport is limited, information rarely reaches and stigma remains deeply rooted. By holding sessions in high-population villages, public markets, and school management committee gatherings, we were able to maximise the number of people reached.
Empowering people to protect themselves through self-care
Alongside raising awareness, the Jharkhand IEC mobile unit played an essential role in educating people on how to manage their physical symptoms.
For many people affected, this was the first time someone had shown them, step-by-step, how to protect their hands and feet and prevent painful ulcers. We saw confidence grow; physically and emotionally, as people realised, they can take control of their health.
Standing with communities during national campaigns
Thanks to this IEC mobile unit, we were able to reach entire districts during key national health events, including Anti-Leprosy Fortnight, World NTD Day and during the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign.
During these campaigns, the mobile unit became the heart of district-level mobilisation, amplifying early detection, dispelling myths, and connecting suspected cases to care quickly.
District health officials repeatedly expressed that this mobile, flexible presence filled a critical gap that static facilities simply cannot.
Why IEC mobile units matter
In Jharkhand’s remote blocks, the IEC mobile unit is more than transport, it is the difference between knowing and not knowing, between early treatment and lifelong disability, between stigma that isolates and understanding that heals.
Because of the support from the unit, children now speak openly and without fear about leprosy, families recognise the signs early and come forward for help and people affected by leprosy feel seen, supported, and less alone.
