The Raigad District administration will conduct a Leprosy Detection Campaign from November 17 to December 2 as part of efforts to achieve ‘Zero Leprosy Transmission’ in the district by 2027.
During the campaign, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and volunteers will visit 5,06,841 households, covering a total population of 23,30,871 across the district. The drive will include 100 per cent screening in rural areas and 30 per cent screening of the at-risk population in urban areas.
District Chief Executive Officer Neha Bhosale appealed to residents to cooperate with the health teams visiting their homes during the campaign.
“The objective is to identify undiagnosed leprosy patients at the earliest and bring them under multi-drug therapy, thus breaking the chain of infection and preventing further spread. The campaign also aims to increase awareness about leprosy in the community,” she said.
Currently, 390 leprosy patients are undergoing treatment in Raigad District.
A total of 1,995 health teams and 375 supervisors have been deployed for the drive.
Health officials explained that leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which affects the skin, nerves, and other parts of the body. Common symptoms include pale or reddish numb patches on the skin, loss of sensation to heat or touch, thickened or oily skin, small nodules, thickened earlobes, and difficulty closing the eyes or gripping objects.
Citizens have been urged not to fear or misunderstand the disease and to extend full cooperation to the visiting health workers.
“Through awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, we can make the Leprosy Detection Campaign a success,” Bhosale added.
