India, shockingly, accounts for about 60% of the world’s new leprosy cases, with over 65,000 new cases reported annually.
Despite the country being declared ‘leprosy-free’ in 2005, the situation remains critical requiring our immediate action.
LEPROSY – THE DISEASE OF THE OUTCAST
Leprosy is a disease that not only causes physical debilitation but also deeply scars the lives of those affected by turning them into social outcasts. The visible symptoms of leprosy, such as skin lesions and deformities, often lead to fear and misunderstanding in communities, resulting in severe stigmatization.
People with leprosy are frequently ostracized, losing their social status, employment opportunities, and even family support. This isolation is not just physical but emotional, as they are treated with suspicion and contempt, leading to a life of solitude and despair.