Mandya Deputy Commissioner Appeals for Compassion Towards Leprosy Patients
In a significant move to combat social discrimination, Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumara has made a heartfelt appeal to the public to shed the deep-rooted stigma associated with leprosy. Speaking at a crucial district-level inter-departmental coordination committee meeting held at the DC's office on Thursday, Kumara emphasized the urgent need to treat leprosy patients with dignity, compassion, and a humanitarian outlook.
Strengthening Patient Confidence and Social Reintegration
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that collective efforts must focus on strengthening the courage and confidence of patients, enabling them to lead normal lives and successfully reintegrate into society. As of the end of December 2025, Mandya district has identified 21 active leprosy cases, all of whom are currently undergoing comprehensive medical treatment.
Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign: A Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
The meeting was specifically convened to plan the implementation of the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC), which is observed annually in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi dedicated his life to the noble cause of creating a leprosy-free society, and this campaign honors his legacy through concrete action.
Accordingly, a 15-day intensive awareness drive will be conducted across Mandya district from January 30, which marks Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day, through February 13. The theme for the 2025–26 Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign has been designated as 'Ending Discrimination, Preserving Dignity', reflecting the dual focus on medical intervention and social acceptance.
Comprehensive Door-to-Door Surveillance by ASHA Workers
As part of this crucial campaign, ASHA workers will undertake systematic door-to-door surveys across all villages and urban wards in Mandya district. Their primary objective will be to identify suspected leprosy cases at the earliest possible stage, ensuring timely intervention. Deputy Commissioner Kumara has urged all residents to extend their full cooperation to health workers and provide accurate information, noting that early detection is paramount for ensuring timely and effective treatment outcomes.
Dispelling Medical Misconceptions About Leprosy
In his address, Kumara took special care to dispel widespread misconceptions about leprosy, clarifying several important medical facts:
- Leprosy is a completely curable disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae
- The disease can be fully treated through World Health Organization-recommended Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)
- Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy cases can be cured within 6 months of treatment
- Multibacillary (MB) leprosy requires 12 months of comprehensive treatment
Multi-Level Committees to Address Social Discrimination
To systematically address the persistent issue of social discrimination, Kumara announced that special committees would be constituted at three administrative levels:
- District-level coordination committees
- Taluk-level implementation committees
- Gram panchayat-level monitoring committees
Enhanced Vigilance in Educational Institutions
The Deputy Commissioner issued specific directives to school teachers and hostel wardens across Mandya district, instructing them to remain particularly vigilant. They have been asked to immediately report any suspicious skin patches observed among children to health authorities without any delay. This proactive approach aims to catch potential cases in educational settings where early signs might first appear.
Kumara concluded his address by emphasizing that public awareness must be substantially strengthened through sustained efforts. The Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign represents a comprehensive approach that combines medical intervention with social sensitization, working toward the ultimate goal of creating a stigma-free environment where leprosy patients can live with dignity and respect.
