Srinagar: On ‘World Leprosy Day’, awareness campaigns, rallies and seminars were saturday conducted across all the districts of Kashmir to raise awareness among masses about the curable nature of the diseases. The speakers informed the audiences that Leprosy disease is totally curable at all stages and is not a communicable disease and signs and symptoms help to detect the Leprosy cases.It was given out that the main objective of observing this day is to create awareness among masses on Leprosy to reduce stigma and discrimination in community and for early detection of Leprosy cases and treatment.Meanwhile, a pledge was administered to participants not to discriminate with leprosy affected persons.
At Budgam: The Department of Health saturday organized an awareness programme camp on SPARSH Leprosy at New Conference Hall Budgam. The Programme Officer Budgam, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf was the chief guest on the occasion. He stressed on the Health Department to mobilize village and urban communities for the eradication of the diseases.The CMO Budgam Dr. Tajamul Hussain on the occasion said only 15 patients of this district are suffering from Leprosy and they are being provided free of cost medicines.Later, the Chief Guest distributed Woolen Clothes and first Aid Kits among leprosy patients. Among others, the District Panchayat Officer, District Health Officer, Dermatologist, and other concerned were present on the occasion.
At Ganderbal: The Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal who is also the chairman of District Leprosy Coordination Committee Ganderbal saturday launched the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC), 2021 at Town Hall, here.Speaking on the occasion, the DC stressed on creating proper awareness for self-reporting, timely diagnosis and complete MDT treatment of leprosy cases which is crucial for ultimate eradication of the disease at the district and block level. He also directed the concerned institutions like the Education Department, Social Welfare Department, Panchayat Raj Institutions, NGOs and other voluntary organizations to play their role in the Sparsh Leprosy Campaign.On the occasion Dr Afroza, DHO Ganderbal and Dy CMO, Dr Nighat gave a detailed lecture about leprosy to the audience and briefed them about MDT which is freely available in all health care institutions. Later, a rally was taken from Town Hall Ganderbal to CMO office for spreading awareness about leprosy among the people.Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal Dr Mehraj-u-din Sofi, MS District Hospital Ganderbal Dr Yasmeen, MS SDH Kangan Dr Salma and Asha workers were present on the occasion.
At Pulwama: To raise awareness about leprosy eradication, District Leprosy Society , Pulwama organized a Leprosy awareness seminar at DC office Complex, here.The day-long programme was inaugurated by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Shabir Ahmad Raina in presence of CMO Pulwama, Programme Officer, ICDS and other concerned Officers.The ADDC while addressing the audiences said as desired targets are being achieved under the program however it is vital to focus on minimising stigma associated with the disease . He said the need of the hour is to have an effective disease surveillance program and mobilise field functionaries in reaching out to the public On the occasion, various speakers said the day is being observed every year to raise awareness among the public that leprosy can be easily prevented and cured. The CMO informed that a series of awareness programmes will be held in the district to provide medical assistance.Later on ,ADDC administered a pledge to participants declaring that unflinching efforts shall be made by all participants to eradicate Leprosy and end the stigma associated with the disease.
At Shopian: The Awareness campaign was launched across the district with the main function being organised at Mini Secretariat, Arhama under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, SB Suse. During the launch Suse said all the main objective of the awareness programme is to create awareness among masses on Leprosy to reduce stigma and discrimination in community and for early detection of Leprosy cases. He said awareness about the disease is of crucial importance and all efforts as required would be taken to eradicate the disease. On the occasion, the Chief Medical Officer and District Leprosy Officer enlightened the masses about the importance of early detection thereof. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent DHS, Doctors, Health workers Aasha workers and other concerned were present on the occasion.
At Kulgam: The Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Showkat Aijaz Bhat here at Mini-Secretariat, here.On the occasion the DC said the main objective of this awareness programme is to create awareness among masses on Leprosy to reduce stigma and discrimination in community and for early detection of Leprosy cases and treatment.Later, free medicines, blankets and other items were distributed among the RFT patients.Among others, CMO, Dr Fazil Ali Kochak, MS, Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, DHO, BMOs and other officers and officials from district administration were present on the occasion.
