Advancing the mission- The Week

The world observes World Leprosy Day on 26th January 2025, as an occasion to celebrate the resilience of those affected by Leprosy, raise awareness, and accelerate our collective efforts in eliminating the disease. In India, we celebrate this day on the 30th of January, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, as a tribute to his dedication to supporting individuals affected by Leprosy.

Leprosy, a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, persists as a public health challenge in our country contributing to 60% of the global leprosy cases (more than 100,000 cases reported annually in India). While the disease is completely treatable and timely diagnosis can prevent disabilities, stigma continues to play a key role in delayed diagnosis, treatmentseeking behaviours, and social isolation.

GLRA India has been spearheading efforts to eliminate leprosy in India since 1966 by supporting the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) in system strengthening. In over 58 years, our teams have treated and cared for more than 2.5 million individuals affected by leprosy, including 767,321 people who received in-patient care and 42,455 individuals who underwent reconstructive surgeries. Our core initiatives focus on delivering specialized leprosy care through secondary and tertiary care facilities, strengthening active case detection and surveillance through field activities, training healthcare professionals, and empowering persons affected by Leprosy with skill development and livelihood opportunities. We fight leprosy-associated stigma by promoting

inclusion and amplifying the voices of those affected through their success stories.

Currently, GLRA India is acting as the coordinating agency for ILEP (International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) in India supporting the coordinated efforts of 9 international NGOs with the National Program, WHO India, and Association of People Affected by Leprosy to reach the last mile. The collective efforts of NLEP, WHO, and ILEP have played a pivotal role in the development and roll-out of the National Strategic Plan 2027, aiming to accelerate the interruption of transmission of leprosy through collaborative and targeted interventions and sustained efforts.

This year, World Leprosy Day emphasizes the theme “Unite, Act and Eliminate Leprosy” urging for global and local collaborations and proactive actions to achieve a Leprosy-Free World. In alignment with this theme, GLRA India remains steadfast in its mission to:

Uniting stakeholders including the NLEP, NGOs, healthcare providers, and communities to collectively fight against leprosy and create synergies to tackle the disease comprehensively.

Acting by prioritizing early diagnosis, disability prevention, increasing awareness, educating the communities, reducing stigma, and promoting social inclusion to achieve interruption of transmission of the disease holistically. Our goal is to empower individuals affected by leprosy and promote their active participation in advocating for their rights.

Eliminate the disease following the WHO global targets by working together with all the stakeholders ensuring sustained collaborations to achieve the shared vision of a Leprosy-free world. Our efforts will continue to expand outreach and also continue to invest in innovative diagnostics, treatment, and care support.

—By Dr. Srilekha Penna Regional Research Coordinator, GLRA India

Join the Mission World Leprosy Day 2025 challenges everyone to act and we invite you to join us in this mission to break the cycle of stigma, empower communities, and promote holistic support for persons affected by Leprosy. Together let’s create a Leprosy-Free World.

YOUR SMALL CONTRIBUTION WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Bank Details