World Leprosy Day

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is highly infectious and caused by an organism identified as Mycobacterium leprae in the year 1873 by Dr. Gerhard Amauer Hansen. It causes skin problems characterized by skin macules which are anesthetic, causing loss of feeling over the affected areas and some degree of paralysis of both the upper and lower extremities.

Leprosy throughout History:

Leprosy is a disease that can be traced back to the time when the Messiah was still living amongst mortals here on earth. Remember the gospel where there was an old man infected with this disease who was stoned by some people because of his affliction? The people were hard and cruel to him because of his physical appearance. His skin was filled with open wounds and the texture was described as reptilian-looking.

“Kushtha” is the Sanskrit term in India for leprosy and also proves that leprosy has been indeed around for a long time. It was believed to have come from an infection of the Nile River, eating food that was not prepared hygienically and so on. It was not until 1873 that Dr. Hansen discovered that a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae causes the disease. The theory at first was that leprosy is an infection of the skin and can be transferred through contact but later on, it was discovered that leprosy may be spread through minute respiratory droplets and is an airborne disease. The mode of transmission is still uncertain, though. The other name is derived from the person who discovered it, Dr. Hansen.

The Cure:

Dapsone, the medication used to treat leprosy was discovered in the year 1941. The medication was used to treat people infected with leprosy and protected those who are not. The use of Dapsone alone though can cause a patient to develop resistance to the effects of the drug. This happened in the 70’s and caused major catastrophes in the field of medicine. 122 countries came to view leprosy as a major health issue. The combination of Dapsone, Clofazimine and Rifampicin was used and proved to be more effective than treating the disease with Dapsone alone. The effect was gratifying, and gave relief and hope to the victims of leprosy and those who have suffered the disease throughout their lives. The prevalence of this newly developed medicine has proven to eradicate a widespread epidemic. Novartis, A pharmaceutical company was one of the major industries to help and participate in the mission to fully eradicate or somehow lessen the spread of the disease throughout the world. Sustaining the program and giving widespread information about leprosy has also helped in lessening its prevalence. The campaign ensured public safety and wellness to both the people who are infected and those who are not.

World Leprosy Day is celebrated in January 31. However, some other countries like India celebrate it on January 28. This day is dedicated to the men and women who have helped eradicate and lessen the effects of leprosy to humankind.