World Leprosy Day takes place annually on the last Sunday in January. In 2025, World Leprosy Day falls on 26 January. This global day serves as a chance to honor individuals affected by leprosy, promote understanding of the illness, and advocate for the removal of stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy.
World Leprosy Day 2025: History
World Leprosy Day is celebrated worldwide annually on the final Sunday of January to raise public awareness about leprosy. In 1954, French philanthropist Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Day. The goal was to increase awareness of leprosy and show solidarity with those affected. French humanitarian Raoul Follereau selected this date to honor Mahatma Gandhi, who dedicated significant efforts to helping those impacted by leprosy and passed away at the end of January in 1948.
World Leprosy Day 2025: Significance
World Leprosy Day is a vital international event focused on eliminating the stigma and difficulties linked to leprosy. Although leprosy is treatable, it still holds a social and cultural stigma, impacting people's lives in ways beyond their physical health.
World Leprosy Day 2025: Theme
The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 is "Unite. Act. Eliminate." The theme underscores the immediate need for action to enhance awareness of leprosy, tackle the difficulties experienced by those impacted, and promote cooperation among stakeholders to meet the World Health Organization's aim of eradicating the disease through proactive efforts and ongoing dedication.
World Leprosy Day 2025: Care To Take
The best way to prevent the spread of leprosy is the early diagnosis and treatment of people who are infected. For household contacts, immediate and annual examinations are recommended for at least five years after last contact with a person who is infectious. Treatment. Leprosy is a curable disease. The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three medicines (dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine) and is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT). The same regimen with a duration of 6 months for PB and 12 months for MB cases has been recommended by WHO.
