WORLD LEPROSY DAY

(Last Updated On: May 4, 2022)

Every year on the last Sunday of January, World Leprosy Day seeks to increase public awareness of leprosy, a chronic infectious skin disease. The day also helps to debunk common myths associated with leprosy.

Unbeknownst by many, leprosy was renamed Hansen’s disease in 1873. It was renamed after the Norwegian scientist, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen discovered the cause of the illness. This cause was a slow-growing bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. Despite the fact the disease was officially renamed, many people and organizations still call it leprosy. In 2016, there were 200,000 cases of the disease in the world. In the United States, about 150 to 250 cases are reported each year.

Through the years, people with leprosy have been ostracized in their communities. Sadly, even though there is now a cure for the disease, the stigma still exists. This is due to the myths that people believe about the disease. These myths include:

Leprosy is very contagious
The disease causes fingers and toes to fall off
Historical leprosy is the same as modern leprosy
Leprosy is caused by a curse or sin
Leprosy is always fatal

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), none of these statements are true. Leprosy is very hard to get. About 95% of the adults won’t catch it because their immune system can fight off the bacteria. The disease attacks the nerves of the fingers and toes. When the disease is untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the nerves and skin. People who have leprosy do not need to be quarantined. When treated with antibiotics, they will not be contagious after starting the medicine.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldLeprosyDay

Many organizations, such as the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy hold meetings and events to raise awareness for leprosy. They also raise money for research that aims to prevent the disease. Health care professionals, educators, and nonprofit organizations also observe the day. Since many people know about leprosy from the Bible, many churches hold events to help end the stigma of one of the world’s oldest diseases.

To participate:

Donate to an organization that spreads awareness for leprosy
Participate in an event at your church or place of worship
Learn the facts about leprosy and do your part to end the stigma
Read about notable people who had leprosy including Otani Yoshitsugu, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, and Father Damien of Molokai

Help spread awareness by sharing #WorldLeprosyDay on social media.