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Deputy CMO Mokokchung, Dr. Kibangkumba, along with other health workers pose for a group photo on the occasion of Anti-Leprosy Day programme at Imlong Place, Mokokchung town, on January 30. [/caption]
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CMO Dimapur, Dr. Vikato Kinimi, along with other officials on the occasion of Anti-Leprosy Day programme on January 30.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 31 (EMN): Nagaland has observed the Anti-Leprosy Day on January 30 with the launching of Sparsh leprosy awareness campaign aimed at eliminating stigma and discrimination against leprosy on the theme ‘Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice.’
In Dimapur, the Anti-Leprosy Day was observed at the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office, wherein Dr. Heto, ZLO, NLEP, reoriented the gatherings on the objective of Sparsh leprosy awareness campaign. Stating that leprosy has been prevailing since ancient times with stigma and discrimination attached to it, he said that Sparsh leprosy awareness campaign was aimed at eliminating the stigma and prejudice by intensifying awareness about the aspect of leprosy and also identify new case so as to provide early treatment.
The campaign was launched under NLEP on January 30, 2017, with the main objective to promote community participation to reduce stigma and discrimination against leprosy, enhance early case reporting, and reduce leprosy related disabilities.
Dr. Heto was of the opinion that stigma could be removed through awareness and education. He informed that health workers would visit public areas such as railway station, bus terminals, DC complex, hospitals and identified villages and schools during the campaign in order to detect new cases of leprosy.
Also speaking on the occasion, Dr. K Vikato Kinimi, CMO, stated that leprosy is totally a curable disease and no stigma should be attached to it. Stating that early detection was crucial to prevent the spread of disease, he has advocated dissemination of awareness to the public. He further urged the health workers to carry out the campaign with love and compassion to enable the patient come forward and seek medical assistance.
Dr. Vikato Kinimi also led the participants in taking the Sparsh Leprosy pledge to work together and fulfil the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to create a leprosy-free India.
In a related programme, Mokochung district also observed the Anti- Leprosy Day at Imlong Place, Mokokchung town on January 30.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Temsuyanger, ZLO, stated that the goal of Anti- Leprosy Day was to raise awareness of the disease and also to mark the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi, who had worked tirelessly to help the affected with the disease.
Expressing concern on the possibility of importing leprosy cases as Mokokchung has many floating population from outside, ADC Mokokchung, Manpai Phom, has stressed on the need to take necessary measures and create awareness among the public. He also administered the anti- leprosy pledge.
Deliberating on the different aspects of the disease, Dr. Kibangkumba, deputy CMO, said leprosy could be cured by MDT (Multi Drug Therapy).
