World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January each year to increase public understanding of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and to show solidarity with people who are affected by it. The date was chosen close to the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who worked to support people with leprosy and challenged the stigma surrounding the disease.
Why it matters
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. If left untreated, it can lead to numbness, weakness, deformities of hands and feet and even blindness. However, with modern multidrug therapy (MDT), leprosy is curable, and early treatment can prevent disability in most cases. Despite this, many people delay seeking care because of fear, misinformation and social stigma. World Leprosy Day reminds communities and health systems that leprosy should be seen as a medical condition, not a curse or punishment, and that people who have had leprosy deserve equal rights, opportunities and respect.
History
World Leprosy Day was established in the early 1950s by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau to draw attention to the plight of people affected by leprosy and to mobilise global support for their care. Over time, the focus has shifted from charity and isolation to human rights, early diagnosis and community-based care. The World Health Organization (WHO) and many international NGOs support campaigns around this day to promote free MDT, active case-finding and reduction of stigma. Many countries have achieved the WHO target of “elimination as a public health problem” (defined by a prevalence of less than 1 case per 10,000 population), yet new cases continue to occur, including among children, indicating ongoing transmission.
Key facts
Cause
- a slow-growing bacteria (Mycobacterium leprae) that spreads mainly through prolonged close contact
- but is much less contagious than many other infections.
Symptoms
- pale or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- weakness of muscles
- and sometimes thickened nerves.
Treatment
- multidrug therapy (MDT) provided free of cost in most countries; treatment duration usually 6–12 months depending on the type of leprosy.
Prevention of disability
- early diagnosis
- regular self-care of hands and feet
- protective footwear and prompt management of nerve involvement can prevent many deformities.
Stigma
- myths about leprosy being highly contagious or hereditary often lead to social exclusion
- which can be more damaging than the disease itself.
In Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, leprosy has been reduced significantly over the past decades, but new cases are still detected every year, especially in some rural and hard-to-reach areas. The government, along with national and international organisations, provides free MDT through government hospitals, specialised leprosy hospitals and NGO-run clinics. Community health workers play an important role in identifying suspicious skin patches and referring people for diagnosis and treatment. On World Leprosy Day, awareness campaigns, community meetings and media messages highlight that leprosy is curable, treatment is free and early care can prevent disability. The day is also used to address stigma, encourage families to support affected members and remind society that people cured of leprosy should not face discrimination in education, work, marriage or social life.
Frequently asked questions
- Is leprosy curable?
- Yes. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), a combination of antibiotics provided free of charge in most countries. Early treatment can prevent nerve damage and disability.
- How can I recognise early signs of leprosy?
- Common early signs include pale or reddish skin patches that feel numb or have reduced sensation, along with tingling or numbness in hands and feet. Anyone noticing such symptoms should visit a doctor or skin clinic promptly.
- Is leprosy highly contagious?
- No. Leprosy spreads mainly through prolonged, close contact with an untreated person and is much less contagious than many other infections. After starting MDT, a person quickly becomes non-infectious.