Is leprosy contagious? Common myths busted on World Leprosy Day

Is leprosy contagious? Common myths busted on World Leprosy Day

Leprosy remains one of the oldest known infections to humankind, yet it continues to affect communities even today. India carries the highest burden of leprosy worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action. Importantly, leprosy is completely curable—just like any other infection—when it is diagnosed and treated early.  According to Dr Shitij Goel, Professor & Head, Department of Dermatology, School of Medical Sciences and Rese…

Stigma is biggest enemy in fight against leprosy

Leprosy is no longer Fiji’s greatest challenge but the stigma associated with it is. Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa says leprosy can be treated, prevented, and cured, but social rejection continues to isolate patients and their families long after diagnosis. “Leprosy is not something that happens only internally — it exposes externally as well,” Mr Ravunawa said during a World Leprosy Day 2026 event at the Tamavua Twomey Hospital…

‘Leprosy curable, but stigma still blocks screening and early treatment’

Padmavati Prabhu Panaji: Leprosy can be cured with treatment, but the stigma attached to the disease continues to prevent people from coming forward for screening, State Leprosy Officer Dr Cheryl D’Souza said. “The stigma has been there since the old days when there was no treatment available. But today even when it can be completely cured, the stigma continues,” Dr D’Souza said. She said the stigma mainly stems from myths, misconceptions, fear …

End Leprosy Stigma: India’s Fight on Awareness Day – Report Wire

As World Leprosy Day dawns on January 30, India reflects on a curable foe held back by shame. Tied to Gandhi’s death anniversary, the day celebrates his revolutionary empathy for leprosy patients, whom he embraced when society turned away. The focus remains clear: uproot stigma, spread knowledge, and champion lives free from discrimination for the afflicted. This bacterial infection from Mycobacterium leprae targets nerves and skin but responds …