Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dimapur, Dr. I Moatemjen, on Monday launched the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) at CMO’s office.
During the launching programme, state programme officer, Dr. Ahu, stated that a lot of myths and misconceptions about leprosy, one of the oldest diseases in the world, prevalent in the olden days are still present today. This has resulted in stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy in the society.
He stated that leprosy, like any other skin diseases, is curable at any stage; the only difference being that leprosy if not treated can cause deformity.
He also informed that all the leprosy cases treated today were once hidden cases, which were detected during LCD campaigns held in the past.
Dr. Ahu urged the search teams and supervisors to continue working diligently during the current campaign and refer any suspected case for confirmation and free treatment.
District Programme Officer, National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), Dr. Valentina Neikha, who chaired the programme, emphasised on intensive inter-personal communication during house-to-house visits to dispel misconceptions, stigmas and discriminations associated with leprosy.
Other officials who attended the programme included Dr. SK Dey, state consultant for leprosy; Dr. Tiala, CMO Chümoukedima; Dr. Antoly Suu, Dy. CMO; Dr. Benchilo, DTO; Dr. Kavito, DPO (NVBDCP); Dr. Rebecca, DPO (RCH/UIP) and staff under CMO establishment.