India accounts for 52% of world’s new leprosy patients, says Mandaviya
- With a renewed focus on tackling leprosy, the Union Health Ministry has devised a strategic road map for achieving zero cases of the infection by 2030.
- Union Health Minister recently said that despite India being declared “Leprosy Eliminated” in 2005, the country still accounts for over half (52%) of the world’s new leprosy patients.
Leprosy
- A chronic bacterial infection, which affects skin, nerves, lungs and eyes.
- An early detection of the infection in the affected person can save them from physical disability.
Leprosy cases in India
- 2021-22: A total of 75,394 new cases were detected in India.
- Grade 2 disabilities: A total of 1,863 grade 2 disabilities detected amongst the new leprosy cases during 2021-22.
- States & UTs yet to achieve leprosy elimination target: Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, UP, Delhi, MP, Gujarat, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu have either one or more districts (total 82 districts) which are yet to achieve leprosy elimination target & contributes to > 90% cases in the country.