Commemorating ‘World Leprosy Day, the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Zunheboto, launched the national anti-leprosy awareness campaign in its office on January 30.
The awareness campaign was launched under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) with a vision to join hands for a leprosy-free Nagaland, stated an update from the CMO’s office.
It stated that the deputy CMO of Zunheboto, Dr. K Akaho Sema, launched the campaign on the theme “United for dignity” and highlighted the significance of leprosy. He also encouraged the staff under NLEP to be active and be regular in their field visits so that leprosy does not resurface again though it has been eradicated from the district.
He informed that leprosy is completely curable and early treatment could prevent disability. He further informed that treatment is available for free in all government health centres.
In another programme, the CMO’s office in Tuensang observed ‘Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign’ in its conference hall on January 30.
In the keynote address, CMO Dr. Keveduyi Theyo informed that leprosy is treatable, curable and therefore the stigma and discrimination should be avoided.
On the occasion, the participants also took pledge on Sparsh leprosy awareness campaign.
The programme was chaired by Tsupai, health assistant, which commenced with an invocation prayer said by Thsuyanchu, LDA, while the welcome address was delivered by Hanah, LDA.
Meanwhile, Phek district also observed ‘Anti-Leprosy Day’ at CMO’s office on January 30 on the theme ‘Let us fight leprosy and make leprosy a history.’
The main objective of the observation was to raise awareness about leprosy disease and teach people about the disease that is now easily curable, an update from the CMO’s office stated.
Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino, CMO Phek, in his keynote address, encouraged the staff of National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) to continue their awareness activities and eliminate leprosy completely.
The resource person, Dr. Shevo Hiese, DVBO Phek, highlighted the significance of the programme. He also presented the causes, signs and symptoms of leprosy. The importance of awareness to do away the social stigma was also emphasised as leprosy is curable and not a hereditary disease.
Hiese further informed that treatment of leprosy is free.
On the occasion, anti-leprosy pledge was administered to the participants and also distributed IEC materials.
Report stated that NLEP staff would also be carrying out sparsh leprosy awareness campaign till February 14, 2023, by undertaking various IEC activities across the district.