World Leprosy Day 2023: Celebrated on the last Sunday of January to raise awareness about leprosy and call for an end to stigma and discrimination related to leprosy. This year, it falls on January 30. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease.
This day is celebrated by organizations of people affected by leprosy and leprosy-focused organizations, such as The Leprosy Mission, and provides an opportunity to elevate the voices of people affected by leprosy. leprosy worldwide.
World Leprosy Day 2023: Theme
The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act now, end leprosy”. of leprosy because they also have the right to a dignified life, without being discriminated against because of their illness.
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World Leprosy Day 2023: History
World Leprosy Day was established in 1954 by French philanthropist Raoul Follereau. The main goal is to raise awareness about leprosy and teach people about this ancient disease that is today easily curable. Many people around the world are unaware of the disease, do not have access to basic medical care, and continue to experience stigma surrounding the disease.
The two goals in creating World Leprosy Day were: People with leprosy should be treated equally and the second goal was to re-educate people about leprosy by correcting misconceptions in history. history surrounding this disease.
Why is World Leprosy Day celebrated?
The main objective behind celebrating this day is to spread awareness about a disease that many people believe does not exist anymore.
Each year, approximately 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy and millions are living with the disastrous consequences of delayed leprosy treatment. Not only that, this day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those affected, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and address the stigma surrounding leprosy. .
World Leprosy Day 2023: How is it celebrated?
Leprosy was observed in both countries with or without leprosy. It is said that in countries where leprosy is non-existent or very rare, World Leprosy Day is marked by churches, NGOs and leprosy activists who help spread the word. Spread awareness about the fact that leprosy still exists and that it is still destroying lives.
In countries where leprosy still exists, celebrations are held by communities and people affected by leprosy. They come together to spread awareness and organize events. The aim of the event is to reduce stigma around leprosy and raise awareness about the disease. In various countries, governments also participate, celebrate and raise awareness.
What is leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacteria leprae. It multiplies slowly and the average incubation period is 5 years. Symptoms can occur within a year but can last up to 20 years or even more.
The disease can affect the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract mucosa, and eyes. Leprosy can be cured by treatment with a variety of drugs.
It is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth, through close and frequent contact with untreated cases. Leprosy, if left untreated, can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.
World Leprosy Day 2023: Know about Causes, Significance, Treatment, Prevention and more
Some main events
According to WHO,
– According to official data, in 2020, there were about 127,558 new cases of leprosy detected globally from 139 countries in 6 WHO Regions. This includes approximately 8629 children under 15 years of age.
– The discovery of new cases was among children and was recorded at 4.4 million children.
– Among the newly discovered cases, there are about 7,198 new cases of grade 2 disability. The new G2D rate was recorded at 0.9 million people.
– The incidence rate at the end of 2020 was about 129,389 active cases and the corresponding incidence rate was 16.7 per million population.
– Leprosy was renamed Hansen’s disease after Norwegian scientist Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen discovered in 1873 the slow-growing bacteria known as Mycobacteria leprae as the main cause of the disease.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn