On 23rd April 2025, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) continues to play a significant role in advocating for the rights, welfare, and health of individuals affected by leprosy across India. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance outreach and service delivery, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana recently met with the State Leprosy Officer, Dr. John Babu, at his office. The meeting focused on a critical issue that has long hindered effective leprosy control — the presence of hidden cases that remain undetected and unreported.
During the discussion, the APAL Telangana team emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive re-survey across the state. They highlighted how updated and complete data would significantly improve strategic planning and the delivery of health services tailored to leprosy-affected individuals. Dr. John Babu responded positively to the concerns raised and acknowledged the importance of such an initiative. He expressed his willingness to collaborate closely with APAL and assured full support from the state health department. Dr. Babu also conveyed his appreciation for APAL’s work and reiterated his commitment to working together in a collaborative mode to achieve the shared goal of eliminating leprosy and addressing the needs of those affected.
