Md. Sazedul Islam

World health day will be celebrated across the world, including in Bangladesh, on April 7, marking the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about critical health issues facing the world and mobilizing efforts to address them. Observed annually under the auspices of WHO and otherrelated organizations, the day provides an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders at all levels to cometogether and advocate for effective, sustainable health policies and practices. Celebrating the day directly supports the achievement of two Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. It emphasizes the importance ofgood health as the foundation for prosperous and sustainable societies and highlights the interconnectedness of health with other SDGs, including reducing inequalities and fostering  partnership. SDG Goal 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. Hence, leprosy issue is related to achieving SDGs. If
leprosy issue is neglected, Bangladesh may find it tough to achieve SDGs. Bangladesh can derive a huge
national benefits if the leprosy issue is addressed properly with allocation of adequate funds for the
sector in the national budget. Across the world, health is suffering. And the challenges we as a global community need to address are immense. Climate change, conflict, political instability, and economic crises are having
devastating effects on people’s health. These global crises are proving to be catastrophic for people affected by leprosy.
According to WHO, leprosy is a neglected tropical disease, which still occurs in more than 120 countries of the world.
In Bangladesh, leprosy is a national health problem. Though mainly a health problem, leprosy also causes
economic, social and humanitarian problems in the country. If disabled due to leprosy, the affected people
cannot do livelihood activities, becoming a burden for the family and society. As there is a stigma over
leprosy, leprosy patients even their family members are victims of discrimination, which results in
trouble for their employment, marriage, education, and other social activities. Though leprosy is responsible for creating massive human sufferings, the issue remained neglected in the country. The issue has been denied its due national
attention it deserves. 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. According to WHO, Leprosy is a chronic infectious
disease caused mainly by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin,
the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Apart from the
physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also  face stigmatization and discrimination. However,
leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Multidrug therapy, the cure for leprosy, can prevent the permanent disability that occurs when the disease is
left untreated. Physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery are needed to restore mobility. Care for
ulcers and infected wounds are vital to prevent pain and amputation. The impacts of leprosy can be
lifelong, and so the need for healthcare is too. People affected by leprosy are now standing up for
their right to health. They’re advocating for an end to stigma and discrimination that prevents them from
accessing treatment. They’re calling for disability-  inclusion, so everyone can participate fully in 
society.  Regarding the damages caused by leprosy, we cannot afford inaction. Imagine a world where many people
could get the cure for leprosy before it caused permanent disability. Where people could get follow
up treatment and mental health support in their communities. Where poverty, discrimination, and
structural barriers no longer stopped people from living a full, healthy life.
With global action and investment, this vision is possible. That's why, addressing the needs of people
affected by leprosy must be a cornerstone of globalefforts to build a healthier, and more just world.
Leprosy victims are some of the poorest and most marginalised in our society. They are rarely heard,
seen, or included. Yet their right to health is no less important than yours or mine. On the occasion of
World Health Day, this right must become a reality. World Health Day 2025 is a call to action for
everyone in the country. It is an opportunity to unify efforts to improve health outcomes by
addressing the leprosy issue. By participating in the day’s events, we can contribute to a movement towards
a healthier and more equitable world free from leprosy. 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. We need to take up anti-leprosy activities such as raising awareness on leprosy, brining patients under timely treatment, ensuring the availability of
quality treatment, including for complex cases, across the country, imparting training for doctors
and health workers, rehabilitating the affected people, and further integrating leprosy treatment 
into general health services. Leprosy is curable with timely treatment. Its test
and treatment are available for free in the country. We need to work tirelessly to make sure that people
affected by leprosy can realise their right to health.According to The Leprosy Mission International- 
Bangladesh (TLMI-B), mental health is a part of definition of health. Stigma, created due to leprosy,
causes mental health problem for the leprosy victims. Health is a fundamental human right. To fulfil this,
people affected by leprosy need access to proper healthcare, including counselling for mental health.
Without it, they are deprived not only of their health, but their livelihoods and joys too, and the
chance to live a flourishing life.  On the occasion of the World Health Day, let us pledge to work together to fight against leprosy for he sake of national interest. 
The wirter is a freelance journalist