Leprosy: Everybody's Concern

by Subodh Kumar

Leprosy : Everybody’s Concern is the voice of my heart calling people from all walks of life – medical practitioners, school and college students, teachers, scientists, legal experts, social workers, para-medical workers as well as administrators, political leaders, religious preachers, and of course the general public at large, to come forward in providing medical, social, educational, legal and employment opportunities to leprosy victims. Keeping in view that the book is also meant for the general public, a lot of efforts have been made to present the medical aspect of leprosy, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment, etc. in the simplest form. Every medical term used in the book has been explained in such a simple way that even a layperson can fully understand its meaning and uses. Examples have been added to make the things clear. Even after centuries, the historical legacy and social stigma attached to the disease interferes with early reporting and adherence to complete treatment, thereby nullifying the advantage of multi-drug therapy. Leprosy if detected and treated late, can cause serious complications like permanent damage to the nervous system. A lot of emphases has been given to this aspect and further focussed in the form of ‘Myths and Facts about leprosy.’ The role of the Government in eradicating the disease through the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, the involvement of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and launching of Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign have been described in detail. A gist of prominent Government and Non-Government Organisations/ Institutions in India providing facilities of treatment of complicated cases, training for leprosy cured for enhancing their livelihood and medical rehabilitation facilities, have been developed for ready referencing. Key epidemiological indicators for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the programme have been explained. Efforts have been made to furnish the latest statistical data on leprosy estimates have been made to assess the magnitude of the disease. Further, Global vis-à-vis India data have been analysed to assess the achievements made against the targets set for Global Leprosy Strategy 2016-2020. Leprosy often results in deformities and disabilities. The scientific techniques of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and Reconstructive Surgery for removing such deformities and disabilities have been explained. Further, the manner in which Prosthetics and Orthotics services provide physical impairments for medical rehabilitation of leprosy cured have been presented. Milestones in leprosy from its inception to elimination to eradication have been depicted reflecting the progress made in leprosy. Our recommendations in detail under the heading Future Imperatives have been suggested for implementation towards the eradication of leprosy. Many countries, including India, still have laws that discriminate and isolate people with leprosy from their communities/ workplaces/ religious festivals. A gist of 10 such legislation has been presented that reflect the sufferings of leprosy affected persons. Latest reservation position for leprosy cured in Govt. services has been mentioned which may be helpful for administrators and leprosy cured persons. In the last is an important chapter on views expressed by the great leaders, scientists, administrators and physicians on leprosy, which would undoubtedly change your perception about the disease.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020