Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. It is characterized by the formation of nodules (lepromas) or macules that enlarge and spread across the body, along with loss of sensation and severe deformities. The global prevalence rate of leprosy is 0.23 per 10,000 population. The prevalence rate in India is 0.66 per 10,000 population.
In India, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is a government-sponsored health scheme initiated to eradicate leprosy and has succeeded in bringing the prevalence rate down to the current state. World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January, to raise public awareness about the disease. In India, it is observed on 30th January, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The WHO has urged the international community to unite with a single goal to…