750 leprosy colonies in India still remain segregated from mainstream society: Official

New Delhi: There are still 750 leprosy colonies in India that remain segregated from mainstream society, S Govindaraj, the Commissioner at the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), said on Sunday, emphasising the urgent need for collective efforts to break the stigma associated with leprosy.

Speaking at a virtual seminar on World Leprosy Day, Govindaraj also addressed the legal challenges faced by individuals affected by the disease and urged comprehensive solutions to ensure their rights and dignity.

The seminar, organised by CCPD, brought together government officials, NGOs, medical experts, and advocates to address myths about leprosy and promote the inclusion of affected individuals.

Govindaraj noted that 750 leprosy colonies in India remain segregated from mainstream society and called for collective efforts to end the discrimination associated with leprosy Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), described "leprosy-related untouchability as worse than caste-based discrimination".

Sharing his experiences from three decades ago in a leprosy colony in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, he highlighted how even family members often alienate those afflicted with the disease.

Aggarwal called for legal reforms, early detection, and robust rehabilitation measures to combat this issue.

S Sivasubramaniam, a senior scientist, revealed that India accounts for 53 per cent of global leprosy cases, stressing the need for community-based rehabilitation.

Shivkumar, a leprosy expert, added that 125 districts in 14 states continue to report significant cases, with Chhattisgarh leading the tally with 24 districts.

Advocacy and communication expert Nikita Sarah emphasised that leprosy is one of the easiest diseases to cure if detected early but continues to face stigma due to ignorance.

"It is not a deformity or disability, but the lack of awareness perpetuates these misconceptions," she said.

The seminar also featured Dr P Narasimha Rao, President of the International Leprosy Association, who elaborated on the medical challenges of leprosy elimination.

He pointed out that the disease, while rare in most parts of the world, remains a concern in India, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Shabnam Khan, a leprosy survivor, shared her journey of overcoming societal rejection to become her family's first graduate and live an independent life, offering a message of hope and resilience.