Health officials and participants during the National
Anti-Leprosy Day and Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign in Phek town on
Thursday.
- DIMAPUR — The Phek National Leprosy Elimination
Programme (NLEP) on Thursday observed National Anti-Leprosy Day and Sparsh
Leprosy Awareness Campaign at the conference hall of deputy commissioner’s
office on the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
- The awareness campaign was aimed at raising awareness on
leprosy, highlight the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and
inspire collaborative action to eliminated leprosy.
- Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ebenezer Phesao, DTO DTC
of Phek, stated that the day is observed to remind of the continued fight
against leprosy, a disease that has long carried the weight of stigma and
discrimination. He added that World Leprosy Day serves as a global platform to
raise awareness about leprosy, eliminate stigma surrounding the disease and
support those affected by it, stated an update from National Health Mission
(NHM), Phek.
- He further appealed to the participants to renew their resolve
and advocate for policies that protect the rights of persons affected by
leprosy.
- In a short speech, Balong Phom, EAC of Phek, encouraged the
participants to be ambassador in the fight against the leprosy disease. He also
spoke on the importance of earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- “To achieve our goal, we need to unite and work together,”
Phom said.
- The anti-leprosy pledge was administered by Saratho Katiry,
SDO (Civil) of Phek.
- The invocation prayer was said by Kuvesa Nyekha, youth
director of PBC 5th NAP BN, Phek, while the welcome address was delivered by
Kuduvo Kezo, DPO DAPCU.
- The programme was chaired by Azenuo Mere, DCM of NHM, and
concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dihuto, senior PMS (NLEP).
