The Tamil Nadu government has launched a statewide leprosy case detection campaign. The campaign began on February 13 and will run until February 28. Over 20,000 volunteers will conduct screenings across rural and urban areas.
The Health Department aims to screen residents in 37 districts, covering 133 rural blocks and 27 urban areas. A total of 18,192 searchers will focus on rural areas, while 4,332 will work in urban zones.
The campaign will target high-risk groups, including schoolchildren, workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and self-help groups. Volunteers will go door to door to identify cases early and offer treatment.
Leprosy is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It spreads through droplets from untreated individuals. Early detection and treatment with multi-drug therapy can fully cure the disease.
Dr T.S. Selvavinayagan, Director of Health Services, urged public cooperation to ensure success. He highlighted the state’s aim to eliminate leprosy by 2025. “Elimination means reducing the disease to a level where it is no longer a public health issue,” he said.
The campaign also includes preventive measures like post-exposure prophylaxis and routine screenings in schools. People showing symptoms such as hypo-pigmented patches or numbness in limbs are encouraged to get screened.
The health department aims to raise awareness and reduce leprosy cases in Tamil Nadu, making it a model for other states.
