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The training was organised to train Medical Officers and Mid-Level Health Providers (MLHPs) from all rural health blocks, along with the RBSK team of District Jammu. The programme aimed at capacity building and enhancing awareness about leprosy among health functionaries as part of the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC). The theme of SLAC this year is âEnding discrimination and ensuring dignityâ.
In his keynote address, Dr Harbaksh Singh stated that leprosy remains prevalent in the country and is often overlooked and left untreated due to stigma and discrimination. He emphasised that with complete and timely multi-drug therapy (MDT), leprosy can be cured completely. He highlighted the crucial role of field-level healthcare staff in identifying suspect cases and motivating patients to complete treatment.
The resource persons for the training were Dr Deepika Dewan (MD Community Medicine), Medical Officer Leprosy and Dr Mashqoor Wani (MD Dermatology), Associate Professor and Unit Head, Department of Dermatology, SMGS Hospital, GMC Jammu.
PMAs of the Leprosy Control Unit, District Jammu, Krishan Kumar, Subash Chowdhary and Ajay Sharma, shared their field experiences in managing leprosy patients, their contacts and addressing stigma and taboos within the community.
Participants were trained on field-level implementation of various components of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) under the National Health Mission.
Emphasis was laid on early detection of suspect cases using common signs and symptoms, prevention and management of disabilities, especially Grade II disabilities, treatment completion and follow-up and elimination of stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy. NLEP is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO Global Leprosy Strategy, aiming to achieve zero transmission, zero disability and zero discrimination by 2027.
