Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, January 30 2020:
A 15-day Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign and Anti-Leprosy Fortnight-2020 began today at the conference hall of National Health Mission at CMO office complex, Thoubal Wangmataba.
The programme is being organised by District Health Society, National Health Mission Thoubal and National Leprosy Eradication Programme Thoubal under the aegis of National Health Mission.
The inaugural function was graced by Thoubal Municipal Council Ward no 1 Councillor, Okram Inaotombi Devi; District Family Welfare Officer Thoubal, Dr Ksh Memcha Devi; District Leprosy Officer Thoubal, Dr Kh Homeshwar Singh and DHS Thoubal District Program Manager, Ch.Basanta as the presidium members.
As part of the programme, the gathering also paid floral tributes at the photo of Mahatama Gandhi.
On the occasion, Dr Kh Homeshwar said that the campaign is observed across the country to create awareness about leprosy.
Saying that leprosy is a chronic infection caused by mycobacterium leprae that affects the skin and peripheral nerves of a human body, Dr Homeshwar maintained that the exact mechanism of transmission of leprosy is not known.
As of Janaury 30, 2020, 24 cases of leprosy are detected in the State, of which 4 are from Thoubal District, the doctor said adding that the campaign is being carried out as part of global effort to eliminate the disease and to end discrimination and stigmatization of persons affected/infected by leprosy.
As part of the campaign, awareness programme will also be conducted at 8 Primary Health Centres of Thoubal, 5 PHCs of Kakching, different Gram Panchayats, Health and Wellness Centres, schools and clubs among others, Dr Kh Homeshwar, added.