ITANAGAR, Jan 16: A coordination meeting of the District Coordination Committee for Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC) Capital Itanagar was convened today in the chamber of the Deputy Commissioner Capital Itanagar Talo Potom to discuss regarding implementation of National Leprosy Eradication Programme. 
Dr Dominic Lokham, DLO ICC informed that in order to issue the stigma and discrimination associated with Leprosy and to raise awareness, a nationwide campaign called SLAC was introduced under National Leprosy Eradication program on 30th January 2017(Anti Leprosy Day) and this year the theme for the same would be ‘Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity’ with an aim to make Leprosy Free Arunachal and Leprosy Free India by 2027. He informed that on January 30 next, a Gram Sabha will also be conducted in coordination with the concerned departments and highlighted the proposed activities to be conducted during the Gram Sabha. Dr. Lokham through a PPT informed that Leprosy which is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Leprae is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind, which effects mainly skin, peripheral nerves, mucus membranes and many other organs. The disease was believed to be incurable earlier until 1940, when anti leprosy drugs were made available. He also highlighted the sign and symptoms including the prevalent cases of Leprosy.
The DLO informed that ICR is currently reporting 14 cases of Leprosy as on 15th January 2024 which includes 12 cases from other districts whereas the data of the state currently stands at 35 cases. He further highlighted that as per global study, India has more than 60% of Leprosy case prevalence of the whole world. 
The DC stressed on awareness generation regarding Leprosy, lack of which leads to stigma, discrimination and misconceptions about the disease transmission and treatment which ultimately affects many aspects of life such as social status, employment opportunities, marriage and family life. He urged all to work in coordination with each other to make the campaign a grand success.
Corporator Tadar Hanghi asked the DMO and his team to include testimonials of cured Leprosy patient during the Gram Sabha which would be a success story in inspiring other patients and help in breaking the misconception regarding the disease and its treatment. 
The Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign is celebrated all over India since the last seven years on 30th January commemorating the Martyrdom of the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi in order to re- emphasise his selfless effort and care for the people affected by Leprosy. Sparsh aims to touch everybody at grass root level of society with awareness about Leprosy. It aims to provide mental solace and encouragement to the affected people to come forward and get treated and aims to increase community participation and awareness amongst people by reaching out to them. Among others, Corporator Lokam Anand, DMO Dr Kipa Tuglik, DANO, District Epidemiologist, and CDPOs attended the meeting.
Later, Dr Perde Lombi District Epidemiologist urged all for their cooperation in rabies control and management and the importance of awareness generation regarding rabies vaccination.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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