NEWS & EVENTS

On February 16th, 2024, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) partnered with the State Committee for Welfare of Persons Affected by Leprosy (SAMUTHAN) and the East Champaran Lion Club to distribute essential provisions to 12 families residing at the Gandhi Kushth Colony in Pipra, East Champaran, Bihar. The provisions, consisting of food grains and blankets, were intended to aid families affected by leprosy who lack access to basic amenities.

This collaborative effort is a commendable initiative that not only provides necessary support to those in need but also highlights the importance of community-driven solutions to address social issues. The provision of basic amenities to those affected by leprosy is a crucial step in the fight against this debilitating disease. The efforts of APAL, SAMUTHAN, and the East Champaran Lion Club should be recognized and commended for their contribution to the welfare of individuals affected by leprosy.

On 15^th February 2024, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Maharashtra recently participated in the Fortnight Anti-Leprosy Day program. During the program, the State Committee presented a memorandum to increase the 5000 disability pension for individuals affected by leprosy, to cover their basic needs and extra treatment expenses. The event was attended by various esteemed dignitaries, including EMC staff in Mumbai, Mahanagar Palika health officers, and Dr. Daksha Saha, Dr. Pednekar, and Dr. Renge, Assistant Director Leprosy. Rasul Mulla, the leader of APAL State of Maharashtra, was also present.

The attendees took an oath to work towards the betterment of leprosy-affected individuals, ensuring that they receive the support and resources they need to enhance their quality of life. They discussed various mechanisms to support citizens affected by leprosy, resulting in disabilities. The APAL State Committee presented the memorandum to increase the disability pension to cover the rising needs of individuals affected by leprosy and ensure that appropriate resources for survival beyond treatment prevention are provided.

Rasul Mulla expressed his gratitude for hosting the program in association with the India Leprosy Foundation & Ministry Of Health. They discussed the need for revising and updating laws regarding government schemes for individuals affected by leprosy and upgrading medical facilities worldwide. The attendees deliberated on different suggestions, such as awareness campaigns and bringing health services to the cooperatives of society, to provide a broader insight into preferences.

On 13^th February 2024, The closure of the Leprosy Eradication Fortnight was celebrated with grandiosity in Pedda Amberpet Shantinagar Colony, attended by the State Health Director, Dr. Ravindra Naik, as the chief guest. The program was led by T.V. Venkateshwarlu, Vice Chairman of the Hindu Kusht Nivaran Sangh, and many medical officers were present.

During the event, Dr. Naik highlighted that leprosy is not a difficult disease and can be treated with medicines if detected early. The awareness program, initiated on January 30, lasted for 15 days, and Dr. Naik suggested that it should be continued persistently, not just for a limited time. He pledged to work tirelessly towards making India leprosy-free by 2027, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, TV Venkateshwarlu, Vice Chairman of the Hindu Kusht Nivaran Sangh, urged the public to treat leprosy patients with compassion and extend support in every way possible. Dr. John Babu, Joint Director of Leprosy, emphasized that eradicating leprosy is possible only with awareness and that more initiatives to raise public awareness will be taken. Medicines for the disease will be provided free of cost in all primary centres. The event culminated with Health Director Dr. Ravindra Naik distributing blankets to leprosy patients.

The program was attended by Ranga Reddy, Hyderabad Additional DMHOs Dr. Aruna and Dr. Nirmala Prabhavathi, Sivananda Home CEO Dr. Ananthar Reddy, State President of SLAP (Society of Leprosy Affected Persons) Maniyada Ramesh, DPMOs, APMOs, and residents.

On 12^th February 2024, On the occasion of Gandhi’s death anniversary, a special event was held in Sanjay Gandhinagar Moulali Colony to celebrate the eradication of leprosy. Representatives from the Reliable Trust, including Cheap Satyanand, distributed essential commodities to 90 families who were affected by leprosy. The event was attended by several individuals, including Head Constable SK Rafi (Slap-Tis) as a representative of PIS CI, EC member K Anusuya B Venkataiah, Malkajgiri, Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL and various colony residents.

The APAL state committee in Telangana expressed their gratitude to the representatives of Reliable Trust for their efforts in making the event a success. The distribution of essential commodities to families affected by leprosy is a crucial initiative in the fight against this disease. The event demonstrated the commitment of the organizers and participants to the cause of leprosy eradication.

Overall, the event was a testament to the effectiveness of community-based initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by leprosy. The participation of various stakeholders, including government officials, non-profit organizations, and community members, highlights the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving the goal of leprosy eradication.

On 12^th February 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, on behalf of APAL (Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy), met Manisha Chaudhary, at the Member of Legislative Assembly – Dahisar, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mrs Chaudhary is a member of the BJP for Maharashtra and has previously served as a National Executive Member and Mangroves Committee member.

The meeting proved fruitful as the two discussed pertinent issues such as the PM Awas Yojana and the land issue affecting Pushp Vihar Colony. Specifically, they addressed concerns about funding housing projects through the PM Awas Yojana and their equitable distribution to keep in accord with the scheme’s inclusive mandate.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the ongoing land issue impacting the quality of life of Pushp Vihar’s residents adversely. Mrs. Ranavare brought these issues to Manisha Chaudhary, and the MLA responded positively to their concerns. She offered suggestions on steps to be taken to address these pressing concerns. Also, she acknowledged the need for focused efforts to improve the lives of those affected by diseases like leprosy.

APAL, grateful for the open and continuous dialogue with Mrs Chaudhary on these sensitive topics, thanked her for her positive response and continues to extend its cooperation to government initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of those affected by leprosy.

Overall, Mrs Ranavare’s meeting with Manisha Chaudhary promises much for the 100 families affected by residents in the Pushp Vihar community. The productive exchange is a reminder of the vital role that advocacy and dialogue play in tackling complex issues related to public welfare. APAL hopes that both public and private stakeholders continue to collaborate for the well-being of those affected by leprosy.

On the 10th of February 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare and the authorities from the Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (APAL) had the honour of meeting with the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Ram Naik, at their premises. This meeting was a significant opportunity for the APAL authorities to interact with a distinguished political figure and offer their congratulations to him on his recent Padma Bhushan award.

Mr. Ram Naik is a veteran politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who has had a long and illustrious career in Indian politics. He held the position of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha for several years. The government appointed him as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 2014, a role he served in until 2019. Furthermore, Mr. Naik has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to public service.

During the meeting, the APAL authorities extended their congratulations to Mr. Naik on his recent accolade and expressed their sincere admiration for his unwavering dedication to the field of public service. Moreover, they brought up important topics related to PM Awas Yojana and Disability Pension, which offered insights into various areas that will help persons affected by leprosy all across the country.

Overall, the meeting was incredibly informative and gave the APAL authorities the chance to engage with a seasoned political figure. Mr. Naik shared his extensive knowledge with the authorities, and the meeting ended successfully on all fronts. It is a reminder of the great strides being made towards addressing health and social concerns impacting people affected by leprosy across the country.

On 8^th February 2024, On the occasion of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a ceremony was held in Balajinagar Mother Teresa Colony to celebrate leprosy eradication activities. Representatives from the Reliable Trust, including Cheif Mr Satyanand, distributed essential commodities to 60 families affected by leprosy in collaboration with APAL’s State Committee in Telangana.

The event was attended by Simharaju Garu, Deputy Paramedical Officer of Johar Nagar PHC, Joseph Garu, Deputy Paramedical Officer of Malkajgiri PHC, K Anusuya Member of the State Committee, and residents of the Colony.

APAL extend our gratitude to the representatives of the Reliable Trust for their efforts in assisting those in need and special thanks to Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL for his active contribution in the leprosy fields.

On 7^th February 2024, The State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Bihar recently organized an awareness program on leprosy at primary schools located in Maa Jankinager Colony, Sitamarhi, Bihar. The program aimed to educate students and their families about the disease, including its prevention and treatment.

The initiative is commendable as it recognizes the importance of raising awareness about leprosy, which is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. By educating young students at an early age, the program has the potential to create a lasting impact on the community’s health and well-being.

Overall, the program’s success can be measured by its ability to raise awareness and empower individuals with knowledge about leprosy. Such initiatives are critical in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, and we applaud APAL’s State Committee for their dedication and efforts towards this cause.

Special thanks to Mr. Brij Kishore Secretary of the State Committee for his contribution in the awareness program.

On 6^th February 2024, The State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Uttar Pradesh recently organized an awareness program on leprosy at Navjeevan Inter College, Mohanlalganj, Uttar Pradesh. The program aimed to educate children and teachers about the public awareness and symptoms of leprosy.

The initiative was undertaken as a part of the APAL’s efforts to raise awareness about the disease, which continues to be a major health concern in many parts of the world. Through the program, the participants were informed about the various aspects of leprosy, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Overall, the program was highly successful in raising awareness among the participants about the importance of early detection and treatment of leprosy. It is hoped that such initiatives will help in reducing the stigma associated with the disease and in improving the lives of people affected by it.

On 6^th February 2024, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) state committee in West Bengal conducted an event on Fortnight World Leprosy Day at the Manipur Leprosy Rehabilitation Center in Manipur, West Bengal. The event’s objective was to enhance awareness about leprosy through public rallies.

The event witnessed active participation from students and local stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Nabakumar Das for his valuable contribution towards this awareness program.