Jamshedpur: On August 7, 2024, the District Leprosy Prevention Officer Office of East Singhbhum organized an orientation program for Sahyas at the Community Health Center in Dhalbhumgarh. The training aimed to educate Sahyas on the early detection and treatment of leprosy to prevent disability.
Duryodhan Bagati, CSW from the Damien Foundation, emphasized the importance of early identification and treatment of leprosy. He announced the Leprosy Patient Search Campaign-2024, which will run from August 28 to September 13, 2024, across the district. The campaign aims to bring all suspected leprosy patients to hospitals for confirmation and treatment.
Bagati explained that leprosy is a bacterial disease, not a curse or sin, and its treatment is available free of cost at all government health centers. He educated the Sahyas on the cardinal symptoms, types, treatment, and disability caused by leprosy. He also highlighted the importance of self-care and reconstructive surgery to cure disabilities caused by leprosy. Additionally, he informed the Sahyas about the incentive amounts provided by the Leprosy Department.
MPW Prabir Mandal discussed post-exposure prophylaxis, recommending a single dose of rifampicin for all healthy contacts to prevent leprosy. He also explained the usefulness of MCR slippers and self-care kits.
The training program was made successful through the contributions of Block Program Manager Abhay Singh, MPW Prabir Mandal, and Duryodhan Bagati of the Damien Foundation.
