The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 was “Unite, Act and Eliminate”. Across India, people came together to raise the profile of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF).
The Bihar team organised impactful activities to support those affected by leprosy and other NTDs.
The day began with a community-awareness rally, where volunteers and healthcare professionals engaged the public, dispelling myths and emphasising the importance of early case detection. A free medical camp followed, providing screenings and consultations for underserved communities.
In local schools, educational workshops fostered empathy and awareness among students, while an expert panel discussion highlighted treatment advancements, challenges, and the need for continued research and funding.
The day concluded with a cultural programme celebrating resilience, featuring performances and testimonials from people affected, reinforcing the message of compassion and social justice.
On 30 January 2025, Anti-Leprosy Day was observed across Telangana and Maharashtra with the theme "Unite, Act, Eliminate." Various awareness programs were conducted in all five referral centre regions.
In Telangana, various initiatives were conducted to raise awareness about leprosy and available support.
In Nirmal, a tribute was paid to Mahatma Gandhi followed by a capacity-building programme for undergraduate students at the Government Medical College, where participants took an oath to support the cause.
In Rangareddy, an awareness programme was held at Social Welfare Girls' High School, where a physiotherapist educated students on leprosy signs and symptoms, followed by a sensitisation session for 55 nursing students at a government tertiary hospital.
In Kagaznagar, a leprosy awareness rally was organised with Primary Health Centre, NLEP staff, and ASHA workers, where participants carried banners promoting MDT as the cure for leprosy, and an oath-taking ceremony was conducted to eliminate discrimination against affected individuals and reaffirm the commitment to a leprosy-free India.
At Hyderabad referral centre, assistive devices were distributed to people affected and a Socio-Economic Rehabilitation (SER) Loan cheque was presented to one of the beneficiaries to promote financial independence.
In Maharashtra, an orientation programme was conducted for healthcare staff and ASHA workers on the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC), a special initiative led by local NLEP authorities.
The celebrations across Telangana and Maharashtra aimed to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early detection and treatment of leprosy, reinforcing the collective vision of a leprosy-free India.
