Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Leprosy Awareness Campaign in Pune
A special campaign called 'Sparsh' is happening in Pune from January 30 to February 13 to teach people about leprosy.
The goal is to stop people from being mean to those who have leprosy and to help them get treated early.
There will be meetings in villages, schools, and public places where people can learn about leprosy through plays, competitions, and talks.
Special guests who have been cured of leprosy will also share their stories.
The government is also working hard to make sure everyone can get free treatment for leprosy.
They want to make India leprosy-free by 2027.
Everyone is invited to join and help spread the right information about leprosy.
The 'Sparsh' Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2026 will run from January 30 to February 13 in Pune district, aiming to create awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy.
The campaign includes various activities such as Gram Sabha meetings, awareness programs, health camps, rallies, street plays, competitions, and exhibitions, supported by NGOs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other social bodies.
The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) provides free diagnosis, treatment, and care services at government health facilities, including microcellular rubber footwears, free assistive devices, self-care kits, and reconstructive surgery.
India achieved the official elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in December 2005, with 31 states/UTs and 638 districts achieving this as of March 2025, targeting 'Zero Transmission, Zero Leprosy' by 2027.
National Leprosy Day is observed annually on January 30, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to honor his work with those affected by leprosy and to emphasize collective efforts to eliminate stigma and ensure dignity and care for all.
- Who
- Public Health Department, NGOs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other social bodies, supported by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) and the government
- What
- Leprosy Awareness Campaign and government initiatives for free screening and treatment
- When
- January 30 to February 13 (campaign), annually on January 30 (National Leprosy Day)
- Where
- Pune district (campaign), nationwide (government initiatives)
- Why
- To create awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, ensuring a Leprosy-Free India
Proactive Awareness Campaign
Government Initiatives
Campaign Objectives
Proactive Awareness Campaign
The 'Sparsh' campaign aims to create awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy through various activities and community engagement.
Government Initiatives
The government's National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) focuses on free diagnosis, treatment, and care services to ensure a Leprosy-Free India, with a target of 'Zero Transmission, Zero Leprosy' by 2027.
Activities and Services
Proactive Awareness Campaign
The campaign includes Gram Sabha meetings, awareness programs, health camps, rallies, street plays, competitions, and exhibitions.
Government Initiatives
The NLEP provides free diagnosis and treatment (MDT), microcellular rubber footwears, free assistive devices, self-care kits, and reconstructive surgery for leprosy patients.
Community Involvement
Proactive Awareness Campaign
The campaign is supported by NGOs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other social bodies, highlighting success stories of cured patients.
Government Initiatives
The government emphasizes collective efforts to eliminate stigma and ensure dignity and care for all, aligning with the observance of National Leprosy Day on January 30.
- Campaign Name
- Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2026
- Duration
- January 30 to February 13
- Theme
- End Discrimination, Treat with Dignity
- Location
- Pune district
- Key Activities
- Gram Sabha meetings, awareness programs, health camps, rallies, street plays, competitions, exhibitions, and interactive sessions
- Organizers
- National Leprosy Eradication Programme, Public Health Department, NGOs, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other social bodies
- Objective
- Create awareness, eliminate stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy
- Government Initiatives
- Free diagnosis, treatment, and care services at government health facilities, microcellular rubber footwears, free assistive devices, self-care kits, and reconstructive surgery
- Leprosy Elimination Status
- India achieved official elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in December 2005, with 31 states/UTs and 638 districts achieving this as of March 2025
- Target
- Zero Transmission, Zero Leprosy by 2027
Sources
Leprosy Awareness Campaign To Be Conducted Across Pune From January 30 To February 13
25 Districts In Gujarat Bring Leprosy Cases Below Elimination Threshold
Leprosy-Free India Mission: Government To Ensure Free Screening And Treatment Nationwide
