World leprosy day

Why in News?

• Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. Every year last Sunday in January is observed as Leprosy Day. This year, it falls on 29th January. 

Highlights

• Theme of 2023 is Act Now, End Leprosy.
•  World Leprosy Day was established in 1954 by French philanthropist Raoul Follereau.
• The main aim was to raise awareness about leprosy disease and to teach people about this ancient disease that is now easily curable.
• Various people across the world are not aware of the disease, lack of access to basic medical care, and continued stigma surrounding the illness.
• Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease which is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
• Leprosy is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200000 new cases reported every year.