World Leprosy Eradication Day 2023: Theme, History, Significance, and Importance

World Leprosy Day 2023: In India, the day is observed on 30 January on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary.

World Leprosy Eradication Day 2023 theme is "Act Now. End Leprosy."

(Photo: iStock)

World Leprosy Day (WLD) or World Leprosy Eradication Day is a global healthcare event that is observed to raise awareness of leprosy. The day is observed on the last Sunday of every January. However, in India, it is celebrated on 30 January. World Leprosy Day 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, 29 January, across the world. In India, the leprosy awareness event is called "Anti-Leprosy Day" and it will be celebrated on Monday, 30 January, by the people of the country.

World Leprosy Eradication Day 2023 will be celebrated on 30 January, on the occasion of Martyr's Day (Shaheed Diwas). Mahatma Gandhi was deeply committed to the cause of Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. Hence, this day is observed on his death anniversary in India. Everyone should educate themselves and others about leprosy, the disease that affects many.

It is important to note that different global and local organisations come together on World Leprosy Day to promote awareness campaigns about the disease. They organise different events and activities to talk more about leprosy and its symptoms.

World Leprosy Day 2023: Theme

The goal of World Leprosy Eradication Day is not only to aware people of the disease but also to focus on individuals affected by it. Everyone should note that World Leprosy Day 2023 theme is "Act Now. End Leprosy."

The intention of this theme is to urge local and global decision-makers to remove leprosy by taking part in activities and promoting self-awareness about the diagnosis of this disease.

Everyone should know the World Leprosy Eradication Day theme for this year and think of events that focus on it. It is important to raise awareness among people who are completely unaware of the disease.

World Leprosy Eradication Day 2023: Importance

Leprosy, popularly known as Hansen's disease, is an infectious disease that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the hands, feet, and face and attacks the neurological system of individuals.

Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) announced leprosy as an "eliminated" global health problem, over two lakh people are diagnosed with it every year, across the globe.

World Leprosy Eradication Day is observed to educate people about the disease and how it affects an individual. The day also gives importance to people who are already affected by leprosy.

World Leprosy Day: History

Raoul Follereau, a French philanthropist, introduced World Leprosy Day in 1953. His aim was to raise awareness among people about leprosy by talking about past misconceptions about the infection.

Now, people across the globe observe this day by organising events and activities.