Leprosy: Why it matters in Bangladesh
Md. Sazedul Islam
World Leprosy Day (WLD) will be observed on January 26 across the world, including in Bangladesh. WLD is a significant occasion to raise awareness about leprosy, combat stigma, and promote the rights and dignity of those affected.
Annually observed globally on the last Sunday of January, the international day serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by leprosy. The main objectives of WLD are to facilitate the dissemination of accurate information on leprosy, debunking misconceptions that contribute to social discrimination; promote the accessibility of diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services to assist individuals impacted by the issue; and strengthen worldwide cooperation and allocate money to improve leprosy control efforts.
The theme for WLD 2025 has been selected as “Unite. Act. Eliminate,”. The theme underscores the importance of eliminating leprosy through united efforts. International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP), a Switzerland-based federation of 13 international anti-leprosy non-governmental organizations, took the initiative to celebrate this day. The first initiative to observe the day was taken on the last Sunday of January, 1954. World Health Organization (WHO) later endorsed the initiative, taking necessary measures for its dissemination globally.
ILEP is a consortium of international non-governmental organisations with a shared desire to see a world free from leprosy. WHO classifies leprosy among the group of 20+ Neglected Tropical Diseases. According to WHO, leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200000 new cases reported every year.
In Bangladesh, leprosy is a national health problem. It is also responsible for creating social, economic and other problems for a large number of people. Though responsible for creating human sufferings, the leprosy issue remained neglected in the country. The negligence resulted in gross human rights violation such as employment, education and marriage of the leprosy victims were affected.
According to National Leprosy Programme (NLP), though annually about 3000 to 3500 new leprosy cases are detected in Bangladesh in recent years, the real number is double the figure. Concerned sources said, many of the leprosy patients become disabled due to lack of timely and proper treatment. Hence, it is urgently needed to identity patients at the early stage and ensure their treatment across the country.Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa, and eyes. Though the disease is curable with early treatment, stigma often prevents individuals from seeking timely medical care.
Leprosy, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can result in nerve damage, physical impairment and the risk of severe disability. This can profoundly affect the individual, the family and the whole community.
In countries like Bangladesh, people are subjected to discrimination and social exclusion simply because they are, or have previously been, affected by leprosy.
Throughout most of recorded history, men, women and children who have experienced leprosy have suffered grievous forms of social injustice amounting, in effect, to dehumanisation. As a result of fear, and the resulting stigma associated with leprosy, they have had their most basic human rights denied by virtually every culture in which leprosy has appeared. Despite the fact that there has been a cure for leprosy for more than 60 years, outdated images and stereotypes and offensive names persist, resulting in widespread prejudice and discrimination.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council adopted the Principles and Guidelines for elimination of the discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members. These Principles and Guidelines make national governments responsible to eliminate leprosy-related discrimination.
Bangladesh has developed a ‘National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2030’ for achieving the target of zero leprosy vision by 2030. Now it is the government’s duty to take necessary steps for implementing the Plan.
The present interim government has formed a number of commissions to reform the country’s sectors. Health is one of the sectors. Leprosy is an important issue in the health sector. Though leprosy is responsible for causing massive human sufferings, it remains neglected in the country. The reform commission on health should look into the matter by giving proper emphasis to the leprosy issue for the sake of national interest.
We can derive a huge national benefit if we can address the leprosy issue properly. Leprosy deserves due attention with allocation of adequate funds in the national budget.
WLD aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, notably; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By focusing on the elimination of leprosy, this day promotes health and wellness for the most marginalized and supports efforts towards ending epidemics of neglected tropical diseases.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: It plays a crucial role in advocating for equal treatment and reducing inequalities faced by those living with leprosy, especially in terms of health access and social inclusion.
As we observe WLD, we envision a world in which leprosy ceases to be a public health issue and those impacted by this condition can lead lives of respect and acceptance, free from discrimination.
The day highlights the need for collective action to eliminate leprosy and its associated stigma. Observing WLD involves: Educating the public on causes, symptoms, and treatment options; advocating for policies that protect the rights of affected individuals; encouraging community participation in awareness and inclusion campaigns; and promoting mental well-being for individuals recovering from the disease.
WLD is a powerful reminder of the global commitment required to combat leprosy. Bangladesh is working to achieve the target of a leprosy-free nation by 2030. However, sustained efforts, policy support, and social inclusion remain keys to achieving this vision.
By addressing stigma, improving healthcare access, and promoting mental well-being, we can not only eliminate leprosy as a public health concern but also ensure dignity and equality for all individuals affected by the disease.
Let us all concerned come forward for addressing the leprosy issue with the government playing the leading role.
The writer is a, freelance journalist.
Comment / Reply From
You May Also Like
Latest News
Vote / Poll
ফিলিস্তিনের গাজায় ইসরায়েলি বাহিনীর নির্বিচার হামলা বন্ধ করতে জাতিসংঘসহ আন্তর্জাতিক সম্প্রদায়ের উদ্যোগ যথেষ্ট বলে মনে করেন কি?