WORLD LEPROSY DAY 2025

World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January each year and aims to raise awareness about leprosy and the fight against societal stigma associated with this disease.

This year, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on 26 January with the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”  The theme focuses on educating society about leprosy, understanding the challenges faced by patients, and promoting collaboration among all stakeholders to eradicate the disease.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which was first identified in 1873. To this day, it remains a public health concern.

Globally, 200,000 new cases of leprosy are reported annually. In Malaysia, the number of leprosy cases has shown fluctuating trends, decreasing from 181 cases in 2020 to 142 cases in 2021. This was followed by an increase to 256 cases in 2023 compared to 183 cases the previous year, attributed to more active detection efforts. In 2024, 66 new cases were reported as of May.

Leprosy spreads through prolonged contact with untreated patients. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, such as those produced when coughing or sneezing. However, casual contact, such as shaking hands, does not lead to infection.

The disease primarily affects the nerves in the hands and feet, the skin, and other organs such as the eyes and nose. Symptoms include numbness in affected areas, muscle weakness, and discoloured patches on the skin, often white.

With comprehensive treatment including multidrug therapy (MDT), leprosy patients can be fully cured. However, societal stigma often leads to patients feeling ostracised, discouraging them from seeking treatment.

To combat stigma and ensure equitable and timely access to treatment, public education campaigns and community involvement are essential. This can be achieved through advocacy efforts that are easy to understand, consistent and inclusive, reaching rural and endemic areas.

Additionally, psychosocial support and sharing success stories of recovered patients can foster acceptance and reduce misconceptions about the disease. Preventive measures include early detection, prompt treatment, and screening of individuals in close contact with patients.

In conjunction with World Leprosy Day 2025, let us unite in eradicating leprosy, eliminate stigma, and create an inclusive and supportive environment for affected individuals. Through consistent commitment, we can achieve the goal of zero leprosy cases by 2030, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of communities.

Dr. Azmiza Syawani Jasni

Senior Lecturer

Department of Medical Microbiology

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 24/01/2025 | Updated: 24/01/2025 | nadia_rahman