NEWS & EVENTS

On 3^rd February 2024, The initiatives that aim to provide support and accommodation for the healthy children of leprosy patients, such as the Leprosy Ashram Bindova, warrant appreciation. Additionally, the collaboration between APAL’s state committee in Uttar Pradesh, Seva Samarpan Sansthan and Hindustan Petroleum to create accommodation facilities equipped with 10 cameras is commendable.

The provision of vocational training in candle-making, incense sticks, and other skills is a positive step towards empowering individuals who may be suffering from leprosy or disabilities. This kind of training has the potential to contribute to their economic independence and overall well-being.

Initiatives such as these play a significant role in creating a supportive environment for individuals affected by leprosy and their families.

On 3^rd February 2024, The efforts of APAL’s State Committee in Odisha, the inauguration of pucca houses in Lingaraj Leprosy Colony, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Naveen Patnaik, is a positive step towards providing better living conditions for the residents. The inclusion of basic facilities such as a kitchen, dressing room, bedroom, dining hall, lavatory, and bathroom is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for the people in the colony.

The availability of a ramp facility is also a commendable addition, as it ensures accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. This initiative reflects a commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable housing solutions, contributing to the well-being and dignity of the residents.

It’s heartening to see government efforts aimed at improving the living standards of communities, especially in areas that may have faced challenges in the past. Such initiatives play a vital role in addressing social issues and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

On 2^nd February 2024, APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in partnership with the Government of Meghalaya conducted the Fortnight World Leprosy Day program. The program was designed to increase awareness about leprosy while acknowledging the contributions of leprosy champions and the medical department. The program also involved the presentation of scarves to honour the authorities such as MD SLO MI DHS and other MDs of Meghalaya.

During the program, APAL’s Joint Secretary, Mr. Ramavarai Sah, visited the leprosy colonies and provided an overview of the organization’s services. The aim was to create awareness among the leprosy-affected people and to emphasize the need for their holistic development. The visit helped the organization to establish a direct connection with the community and understand their specific needs. The initiative was well-received by the community, and APAL’s efforts were appreciated by all stakeholders.

The program successfully spread awareness of leprosy, an important public health issue. The recognition of leprosy champions and the medical department acknowledge their significant contributions to the cause.

In conclusion, APAL’s Fortnight World Leprosy Day program in Meghalaya raises awareness of leprosy and recognizes the dedication of those involved in the fight against the disease.

On 31^st January 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare delivered her message at Global Appeal 2024 to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy will be signed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Appeal, which will be launched at a ceremony at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 31, 2024, is being signed by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa.

The event is being organized by the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative as part of its “Don’t Forget Leprosy” campaign. Since 1975, the Initiative has worked closely with the WHO toward the common goal of eliminating leprosy.

Global Appeal 2024 calls for a world where no one is left behind because of a treatable disease, aiming to break the chains of discrimination and ensure dignity for all.

Mrs. Maya’s delivered message is The eradication of discrimination against individuals affected by leprosy necessitates a collaborative effort.

It is imperative that countries establish laws and policies that acknowledge and address this issue, and involve those affected by leprosy in policy-making to address the problem of discrimination, particularly concerning leprosy.

Countries must also recognize their obligation to prevent third parties from discriminating against persons affected by leprosy, as mandated by international and domestic law. It is also essential that the fourth pillar of non-discrimination in the Global Strategy is not left behind and that all human rights are recognized as universal, interrelated, interdependent, and indivisible.

Individuals affected by leprosy should be recognized as experts with ample experience and be placed at the forefront of strategies aimed at interrupting leprosy transmission. Moreover, the World Health Organization must accord equal significance to all aspects of the Global Strategy.

On 31^st January 2024, The observance of World Leprosy Day on January 30, 2024, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, presents an opportune moment to raise awareness about leprosy and extend support to those impacted by the ailment. It is imperative to foster an environment of compassion and empathy towards individuals afflicted by this disease. The program scheduled at Sadar Hospital in Motihari, East Champaran, can serve as a pivotal platform to read out resolutions and messages of solidarity towards leprosy-affected persons. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to come together and promote awareness and understanding towards leprosy and its repercussions on individuals and communities.

On January 31st, 2024, the Behrampur Urban Health Center in collaboration with the APAL organized a medical camp at the Satya Jeevan Leprosy Association in Santosh Nagar Behrampur. The objective of the camp was to provide free medicines for leprosy to the public, along with complimentary medical opinions, and diabetes and blood pressure screenings.

We express our sincere appreciation to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the team of the Urban Health Center, the organizing doctor, Madam Vaghela Saheb, the in-charge of Santosh Nagar police post, and Dharmendra Bhai and Satya Jain of Leprosy for their generous support of this event. We also extend our thanks to Secretary Khwaja Hussain Bhai for his invaluable contributions to the success of the camp.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and believe that this event will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of those who attended.

On 31^st January 2024, A recent report highlights the issues presented at a meeting held to ensure the success of Sparsh, a program intended to run from January 30 to February 13, under the chairmanship of the Civil Surgeon in the Deputy Commissioner Auditorium of Dhanbad District. The APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand attended the meeting, during which Shri Madhusudan Tiwari, a member of APAL, discussed several critical issues related to leprosy patients.

Mr. Tiwari highlighted that Dhanbad district has 21 leprosy colonies, and caste certificates have not yet been issued to the children of the leprosy colonies, causing significant problems for the children. Moreover, the Dhokra Panchayat exemplifies the misconceptions about leprosy patients in society. Despite providing 1 acre of 35 decimal land to leprosy patients in 2005, the villagers of Dhokra Panchayat have not allowed the leprosy patients to settle to date.

On 31^st January 2024,  The recent conferment of the Padma Bhushan award to Shri Ram Naik Saheb by the Government of India, on behalf of APAL and APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra, we met him and congratulated him.

The honour is in Shri Ram Naik’s contributions to society, particularly his efforts in assisting those affected by leprosy families, including one of our stakeholders. We extend our congratulations to him for his remarkable service.

It is always inspiring to witness individuals being recognized for their selfless contributions to society. Shri Ram Naik Saheb’s efforts have been instrumental in positively impacting the lives of those affected by leprosy families. His tireless efforts to assist this group demonstrate his dedication and commitment to their well-being.

On 31^st January 2024, A commemoration event was held to mark Anti-Leprosy Day in Durgapur-B leprosy colony, located in Rourkela, Odisha. Srj Sarada Nayak, Cabinet Minister, along with officials from the BSSO, DSSO, and Leprosy Officer, among others, were reported to have participated in the occasion.

On the occasion of World Leprosy Day, which falls on January 30th, 2024, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 98 leprosy patients were awarded Great 2 certificates by APAL’s state committee in Bihar at Sadar Hospital in East Champaran, Motihari. Floral tributes were also paid to Gandhi at Gandhi Leprosy Ashram Chhatauni.

The work of the Father of the Nation was commemorated, and Sam Utthaan Apal Bihar demonstrated its commitment to the inclusion of leprosy patients and their families in mainstream society, along with the provision of quality education to their children. Leprosy patients must pay attention to their children and strive for a good education. Constitution AAPAL Bihar is committed to supporting all leprosy patients in this endeavour.

During this event, the State President of Constitution AAPAL, Mr. Someshwar Dubey, shared his insights, along with the Secretary, Mr. Brij Kishore Prasad, and Deputy Secretary, Mr. Ramesh Prasad. The wrestling ashram heads and residents also participated in the event.

This event was a significant step in the direction of empowering leprosy patients and their families. The dedication of Sam Utthaan Apal Bihar and the Constitution AAPAL Bihar towards this cause is commendable, and we hope that such initiatives will bring positive changes to the lives of leprosy patients.