The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted by the lockdown to the lives of India’s thousands of (760 leprosy Colonies all over India) persons affected by leprosy and irrespective of their disability, gender, caste, age, or economic background; they are suffering from disability by the disease of Leprosy like Chronic ulcers, reactions and blindness also. They are all most afraid of COVID-19’s consequences because the current terrible crisis lockdown situation may continue.
Health promotion information is reaching some persons affected by leprosy, but others are difficult to reach due to travel restrictions and illiteracy. Our APAL organization and some local NGOs are working to find alternative ways to get messages to those that need them. Most people haven’t smartphones and newspapers also banned them.
In response to this upheaval, Mr. Narsappa Vagavathali, the President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) visited Santhi Nagar Leprosy Colony in Mahaboob Nagar District, Telangana, and made them well aware of precaution of COVID-19. Also, he distributed eggs to them and said “cook well before eat”.
He pointed out following precaution methods
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wash your hands at least 20 seconds
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
- Don’t eat raw food, thoroughly cook meat & egg
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean & disinfect frequently touched object & surfaces
- Avoid crowded places and traveling
The leprosy colony people expressed their gratitude to Mr. Narsappa and APAL.