WORLD LEPROSY DAY – 2026
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
ANDHRA MEDICAL COLLEGE, VISAKHAPATNAM
World Leprosy Day 2026 – Health Awareness Campaign
Theme: “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma”
Date: 30th January 2026
Organised by: Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College
Overview
World Leprosy Day 2026 was observed globally on 30th January with the theme “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” The day served as a reminder to raise awareness about leprosy, eliminate misconceptions, and advocate for dignity and inclusion of persons affected by the disease.
Under the guidance of Dr. A. Krishnaveni, Professor & HOD, and Dr. P. Radha Kumari, Professor, the Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College, conducted a Health Awareness Campaign to mark the occasion.
Health Education Activities
Faculty members and postgraduate students actively participated in the campaign, with the following objectives:
- Awareness creation: Educating the community about signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission of leprosy.
- Promoting early detection: Highlighting the importance of reporting to health facilities at the earliest.
- Treatment information: Reinforcing that free and effective treatment is available under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).
- Dispelling myths: Addressing misconceptions and stigma surrounding leprosy, emphasizing that it is completely curable.
Methods of Engagement
- Interactive sessions to encourage dialogue and clarify doubts.
- Poster presentations to visually communicate key messages.
- Group discussions to foster community participation and collective learning.
- Faculty Q&A sessions to address queries from participants.
Impact
The initiative received an enthusiastic response from the community. It strengthened the commitment of Andhra Medical College towards:
- Community health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Social inclusion and dignity for persons affected by leprosy
