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By Digital Patro

World Leprosy Day 

World Leprosy Day is an international observance for raising awareness of leprosy. This day aims to reduce public shame, promote treatment, and dignity for people affected by the disease. It encourages efforts to fight discrimination and work to get rid of leprosy from society. 

Introduction 

This day focuses on educating people about Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. It teaches how to prevent and cure the disease, and to support the people living with it. It also highlights that leprosy is a bacterial disease, completely treatable, and the myths and beliefs around it must be removed. It also emphasises that the effects of leprosy increase harmfully due to traditional approaches towards it. 

Celebration

It is celebrated on the last Sunday of January each year. World Leprosy Day falls on the 25 this year. People from all around the world involved in NGOs, INGOs, communities, and health authorities celebrate this day. It is celebrated mostly in countries where leprosy is still a public health concern. This day aims to end the misconceptions and discrimination caused by leprosy. Supporting early diagnosis, treatment, and proper care, this reminds people that leprosy is curable. Although no holiday is provided, schools are seen to contribute to awareness activities on this day.
  The countries where Leprosy Day is observed keenly are:

  • India

  • Brazil

  • Indonesia

  • Nepal

  • Bangladesh

  • Nigeria

Moreover, people celebrate it in many ways. The main purpose is to raise awareness and remove the myths about Leprosy. Organizations and institutions observe it with campaigns and rallies. In rural areas, local clinics and community health services are provided. This helps in providing accurate information and also the medical supplies to the affected ones. In social media too, people share video clips, banners, posters to convey real information about this disease. Health ministries and INGOs also hold various events focused on awareness and inclusion.

What does this day teach us? 

It teaches us empathy, understanding and the importance of science in curing a disease. It features compassion, respect for human dignity and fairness. Families use this day as an opportunity to teach about life’s struggle and equality in society. Children learn about infectious disease, human rights, stigma reduction, and public health efforts in simple, engaging ways.

Historical Background

People started observing World Leprosy Day in 1954. Raoul Follereau chose this day because it’s near the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was another historical figure connected to this disease. He had a feeling of great affection and compassion towards Leprosy patients.
It began as a campaign in the 1950s and then slowly grew into a global health awareness observance. New themes each year promote and preserve awareness on Leprosy and its effects. The theme for 2025 was “Unite. Act. Eliminate.” 

How can you support? 

  • Join or organize awareness and health education events. 

  • Learn and share accurate facts about leprosy and its treatment. 

  • Support organizations that help people affected by leprosy. 

  • Encourage respectful language and inclusive behavior. 

  • Do not spread myths or misinformation about leprosy transmission. 

  • Avoid stigmatizing or discriminatory language or behavior. 

  • Don’t treat the day as a curiosity, instead, focus on education and empathy. 

How the UN recognizes it

World Leprosy Day is supported by health ministries and global health organizations. WHO also supports this as part of efforts to meet UN goals. Although it is not a formal UN-declared international day, it aligns with global health priorities.

Sources

References:

  • Wikipedia – World Leprosy Day (date, history, origins)

  • WHO – World Leprosy Day campaigns (dates and themes)

  • PAHO/WHO – Information on awareness efforts and significance 

Websites:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – official health data and campaign materials 

  • ILEP Federation – global leprosy awareness programs

Quick Reference Card Format

World Leprosy Day | विश्व कुष्ठरोग दिवस 

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📅 Date:Jan 25th 2026 | २०८२ माघ ११

🌍 Celebrated in: Around the world 

⏰ Duration:1 day

🏛️ Status: Observance

🎯 Type: International

👥 Communities: Health workers, Community workers, Patients

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Quick Fact: Leprosy bacteria grow so slowly, symptoms take years to appear.