World Leprosy Day

January 31, 2021 06:00AM - 11:00PM

LEPROSY (HANSEN'S DISEASE)

Leprosy is an infection caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae. These bacteria grow very slowly and it may take up to 20 years to develop signs of the infection. The disease was founded in 1837 by a scientist named Hansen, hence the name Hansen’s disease.

This year, World Leprosy Day takes place on 31 January 2021. We unite around one goal: #BeatLeprosy. This World Leprosy Day, we invite you to help spread the word that #LeprosyIsCurable, join in the fight to #EndStigma, and advocate for the #MentalWellbeing of persons who have experienced leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.

It is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body: the hands, feet, and face.