Awareness program – Leprosy: Early Detection; Better Protection

On February 4 2026, the IQAC and Department of Microbiology jointly organized an awareness program titled “Leprosy: Early Detection; Better Protection” at the Mini Seminar Hall, Annai Violet Arts and Science College. The resource person, Dr. Sridevi, Health Officer, NLEP explained the causes, symptoms, and modes of transmission of leprosy. She also emphasized that leprosy is a completely curable disease if detected early and treated with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which is available free of cost under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

Mr. V. R. Balaji, Non-Medical Officer, NLEP, provided important instructions regarding community participation in leprosy control activities. He highlighted the role of awareness, self-reporting of symptoms and cooperation with health workers in eradicating leprosy.

Mr. K. Kalaivanan, Health Inspector, NLEP, further explained the field-level activities undertaken under NLEP, including active case detection, contact examination, follow-up of patients, and public awareness campaigns. He encouraged the public to seek medical help immediately, if they notice symptoms such as light-colored patches with loss of sensation.