The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Leprosy awareness event

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Wednesday, Jul 01, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Leprosy awareness event

Staff Reporter

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

For a cause: Students of Annai Theresa Matriculation School presenting a skit as part of the leprosy awareness and case detection camp in Chennai on Monday.

CHENNAI: An awareness programme on leprosy was conducted for students of Classes 6 to 10 at the Annai Theresa Matriculation School in MGR Nagar here on Monday. The ‘Leprosy Awareness and Case Detection Camp’ is part of an ongoing initiative by the State Health department to involve school and college students in leprosy eradication.

“The prevalence of leprosy in the State is less than one in 1000. But with the rapid economic growth and a sharp increase in the floating population, there is a chance for the number of cases to flare up,” said S. Yogalakshmi, deputy director of medical services (leprosy).

School children are especially vulnerable, according to Dr. Yogalakshmi.

Various issues such as malnutrition, overcrowded housing localities and low socio-economic status proved to be contributing factors.

The awareness programme targets schools in low income localities at the start of every academic year.

The idea behind the initiative is that children are not only very receptive but are also good communicators of that information in their neighbourhood.

Dr. Yogalakshmi said that there is a lot of ignorance about the disease.

“Lepers were historically viewed as outcasts. There used to be a social taboo with regard to leprosy. But treatment options have improved remarkably. It is no longer incurable. Any person suffering from the disease can be cured within six to 12 months,” she said.

Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) is offered free of cost by the government as part of a Central government scheme called National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

“All one has to do is to approach the nearest Corporation hospital. We even provide reconstructive surgery in case of deformation,” she said.

The event featured a skit with leprosy as its theme, a choreographed dance performance on leprosy detection and speeches by students who shared what they had learnt about leprosy with the audience.

At the end of the programme, health inspectors who had worked on the field shared their experiences with the students and asked them to lend a helping hand.

“Now it is time for all of you to act as health inspectors. You are India’s future pillars. We need your help and assistance to eliminate leprosy,” said S. Ravi, a health inspector.

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