Training

Leprosy is a global disease that is present in various parts of the world. Thanks to the implementation of Multi-drug therapy, the prevalence of leprosy has significantly decreased from over 5 million cases in the 1980s to slightly over 170,000 cases in 2019. However, new cases of leprosy continue to emerge, with an annual occurrence of approximately 208,000 cases. Among these new cases, around 8% involve children, and 5% are diagnosed with deformities, specifically grade 2 disabilities.

If leprosy is not detected and diagnosed at an early stage, it can lead to deformities that have a profound impact on the affected individuals’ socioeconomic and psychological well-being. Leprosy tends to be more prevalent in communities characterized by overcrowding and poverty. Unfortunately, the community often associates leprosy with certain stereotypes, which frequently results in discrimination against those affected by the disease.

The Leprosy Mission’s Training unit at Naini offers various courses related to leprosy, including its epidemiology, recognizing and referring potential cases, diagnosis and treatment approaches, management of lepra reactions, prevention of disabilities, and public health interventions. By addressing these topics, the course aims to enhance understanding and promote effective strategies to combat leprosy and its associated challenges.