<span style="color: #222222;">In India, Anti Leprosy Day is observed on 30th January every year. 30th January is Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom day. He was deeply committed to the cause of leprosy-affected persons. Leprosy is also one of the neglected tropical diseases. Today is also World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day. This year, World Leprosy Day is also being celebrated today. AIR correspondent reports, National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a centrally sponsored scheme. Its vision is "Leprosy-free India". Under this, action is taken for early case detection, complete treatment of detected cases and to contain the onset of disease in close contacts.<br />''<br />''Other initiatives under the programme include leprosy awareness campaigns and services for Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation such as provision of Microcellular Rubber footwear, Aids & Appliances and self-care kits. Under the programme, Reconstructive Surgeries are conducted and welfare allowance is paid to each patient undergoing Reconstructive Surgeries.<br />''<br />''As the issue of leprosy is being raised under different banners today, a fundamental question that we should ask ourselves is that are we aware about leprosy. Speaking on leprosy in 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind had stressed on becoming aware of ourselves and creating awareness amongst others.</span><br />

Today is Anti-Leprosy Day. The day, observed every year on the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi, remembers his selfless efforts and care for the people affected by leprosy. <br/><br/>Anti-Leprosy day aims to make people aware of the real need to fight the infectious disease. A campaign named as the 'Sparsh' Leprosy Awareness Campaign, has been organised in all the Gram Sabhas throughout the country by the Central Leprosy Division of the Health Ministry. <br/><br/>The campaign carries important information about the disease to help affected people. <br/><br/>It includes free of cost multidrug therapy that is available at all government dispensaries, health centres and hospitals to provide complete treatment. <br/><br/>The facility is given to all the affected people as only timely treatment prevents disability caused due to the disease. Some important symptoms of leprosy are light colour patches, redness, swelling and nodule formation over the skin