Physicians in a function here underscored the need for ensuring dignity of the leprosy affected people cured from the disease in all spheres  of the society to build a disparity free society.

“Leprosy is not a curse. It is a contagious disease. It is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Infection can lead to damage of the nerves. In the past, leprosy was feared as a highly contagious, devastating disease, but now we know that it is hard to spread and it is easily treatableand curable if the patients take medicines properly”, they also said.

The health experts came up with the comments the comments while they were addressing a discussion meeting organized by health department at the conference room of the Civil Surgeon (CS) office of the town here on Sunday  marking the World Leprosy Day-2024 in cooperation with Proyash Project of the Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh, Gaibandha.

This year’s theme of the day was  “Beat Leprosy: Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity”.

District Surveillance medical officer of CS office Dr. M. Rashedul Islam addressed the function as the chief guest and Medical officer TB & Leprosy of CS office Dr KM Afroz Jahan spoke at the function as the special guest while CS AbdullahelMafi presided over the function.

Technical support officer of the Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh here Keshob Chandra Roy, program organizer of TB& Leprosy, CS office and junior health officer Amirul Islam addressed the function,  among others.

The physicians in their speeches underscored the need for searching the leprosy patients from the grass root of the district and bringin them under treatment facilities of the government to build leprosy free district.

Marking the day, Proyash project of the Leprosy Mission International project, Gaibandha, chalked out the elaborate programmes that included rally, publicity through loud speakers, setting up stalls to create much awareness among the people about leprosy and its prevention.

In addition, The Leprosy Mission International Bangladesh here arranged various programmes like rally, discussion meeting,  miking, leprosy case detection campaign, orientation regarding leprosy affairs among the students of Sadullapurupazila of the district marking the day under Learning for Change and Resilience Project (L-360), said Shariful Islam, area development officer of the leprosy Mission.

A large number health officials, staff, NGO activists, inviter persons attended the programmes spontaneously.