Padmavati Prabhu
Panaji: Goa reported 51 new cases of leprosy from April to December 2024, including one pediatric case. There are a total of 91 patients across the State presently undergoing treatment.
However, the stigma
surrounding leprosy continues to deter individuals with symptoms from seeking timely diagnosis, despite the disease being treatable. Delayed treatment allows the disease to progress,
increasing the risk of deformities.
“Though there are visible symptoms like skin patches, people do not want to come forward to get tested due to the fear of rejection if found positive for leprosy. But early diagnosis and subsequent treatment is the key. Leprosy can be treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT),” said State Leprosy Officer Dr Cheryl D’Souza.
Goa’s prevalence rate of leprosy per 10,000 population is 0.59.
“Once the treatment begins, the patient becomes non-infectious,” she said.
Every year, January 30 is observed as the National Anti-Leprosy Day. Though Goa achieved the elimination stage of leprosy in the year 2006, it is yet to achieve total eradication of the disease. Leprosy has a very long incubation period.
The theme for National Anti-Leprosy Day this year is ‘Together, let us raise awareness, dispel misconceptions, and ensure that no one affected by leprosy is left behind’.
“The people with suspected symptoms should come forward and get tested so that they can begin treatment at an early stage. But, if the disease progresses, then it could lead to visible deformities,” said Dr D’Souza.
“We want to achieve zero cases, zero transmission, zero disability and no stigma and discrimination. Treatment is available at all the peripheral health centres across the State,” she informed.
As part of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, the Directorate of Health Services will hold the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign from January 30 to February 13.
