Creating an awareness

W.A.F. HOPPER

January 30 is observed as World Leprosy Eradication Day. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) of the Government of India is supported by The Leprosy Mission (TLM) India and other Non-Government Agencies to reach the goal of a Leprosy Free India atleast by 2005 A.D.

The TLM, India had its beginning in 1874 at Ambala by Wellesley Cosby Bailey, an Irish missionary teacher. He saw a large number of people suffering from leprosy in Punjab. They did not get any medical attention. Their plight touched Bailey deeply and he dedicated his life to take care of them. Today, TLM functions in 32 countries.

The Chennai chapter organises awareness education programmes for students. Recently it organised competitions in painting , written quiz, essay-writing and singing at the St. Paul's Higher Secondary School, Chennai. About 50 city schools participated. The prizes would be distributed at the World Leprosy Eradication Day function at Chennai on January 30, 2001.

In India, the prevalence of the disease has decreased.

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