People affected by leprosy continue to lose their jobs, families, social standing and dignity, due largely to the deep-rooted stigma attached to the disease despite it being completely curable.

The number of people affected by the disease in India was huge and the number of new cases every year was “disturbing”, said Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Keshav Desiraju. He was addressing the launch function of the HEAL (Hire, Educate, Accept Leprosy-affected) India campaign here on Thursday.

The campaign, launched by the Leprosy Mission Trust India, aims to clear misconceptions around the disease. India accounts for 58 per cent of new leprosy cases worldwide.

Desiraju said healing, inclusion and dignity were the watchwords for this campaign. “The Government would do whatever it took to ensure treatment, but we need the cooperation and participation of everyone for shedding the fear of leprosy.”

The campaign plans to reach out to over a million people by bringing together corporates, Governments, entrepreneurs, children, schools, celebrities, non-Government organisations and people affected by leprosy.

It also plans to open up avenues for employment of people affected by leprosy by helping them build their skills, connecting them to job opportunities through a corporate charter with industry bodies, the trust said.

To spread awareness, HEAL India plans to use celebrities, television shows and music to urge India to treat people affected by leprosy with dignity and respect. A HEAL anthem will also be created with popular musicians and celebrities to highlight the issue.

>Aditi.n@thehindu.co.in

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