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National Leprosy Day: Dilli Haat Event Fights Stigma with Street Plays & Pledges

The Central Leprosy Division marked National Leprosy Day with a public outreach programme at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The event featured an IEC stall, a street play on symptoms, and a cultural performance by children affected by leprosy. Interactive elements like a self-examination mirror and a quiz engaged visitors to promote early detection. The programme culminated in a collective pledge by the audience to end discrimination against persons affected by the disease.

Key Points: National Leprosy Day: Awareness Drive at Dilli Haat

  • IEC stall for leprosy awareness
  • Street play & cultural dance by children
  • Self-Examination Mirror activity
  • Pledge against discrimination
2 min read

Central Leprosy Division observes National Leprosy Day with IEC Outreach Programme at Dilli Haat

Central Leprosy Division hosts IEC outreach at Dilli Haat with street plays, self-exam mirrors, and a pledge against discrimination to build a Leprosy-Free India.

"These activities reflect CLD's commitment to community engagement and the shared journey towards a #LeprosyFreeIndia - Official Release"

New Delhi, January 30

The Central Leprosy Division under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on the occasion of National Leprosy Day, organised a comprehensive Information, Education and Communication outreach programme at Dilli Haat today.

The programme aimed to promote awareness, early detection, and stigma reduction related to leprosy.

According to the release, a dedicated IEC stall was set up to engage the public and disseminate key messages on the signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of leprosy.

The outreach was designed to reach all age groups, including children, youth, adults, and the elderly, ensuring inclusive and wide-ranging community engagement. Large numbers of visitors and audience members actively interacted with programme officials and IEC facilitators, as stated in the release.

The programme featured a Nukkad Natak (street play) focusing on early signs and symptoms of leprosy, followed by a cultural dance performance by children affected by leprosy. These children, supported by the Rotary Club and trained in diverse skill domains, showcased confidence, talent and social inclusion, reinforcing messages of dignity and empowerment.

An innovative Self-Examination Mirror activity attracted enthusiastic participation from the audience, encouraging individuals to recognise early signs of leprosy and seek timely care. An interactive quiz was conducted to assess awareness levels and reinforce key messages, with prizes distributed to participants to enhance engagement.

A "100 Questions & Answers on Leprosy" pamphlet, along with other IEC pamphlets and brochures, was widely distributed to enhance awareness, promote behavioural change, encourage early reporting and treatment adherence, and reduce stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy.

During the programme, the audience and visitors collectively took a pledge not to discriminate against persons affected by leprosy, reaffirming the importance of compassion, inclusion, and social acceptance.

These activities reflect CLD's commitment to community engagement and the shared journey towards a #LeprosyFreeIndia, in alignment with national efforts to interrupt transmission, promote early diagnosis, and ensure inclusive care for all.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the government actively working on stigma reduction. The cultural performance by children affected by leprosy must have been powerful. It's high time we move beyond the myths and treat it like any other curable disease. #LeprosyFreeIndia
A
Aman W
While the outreach is commendable, I hope this isn't just a one-day event for a photo op. Sustained efforts are needed, especially in rural areas where awareness is low and stigma is high. The pamphlets are good, but follow-up is key.
S
Sarah B
The inclusion of a street play (Nukkad Natak) is a fantastic idea! It's such an effective, traditional way to communicate important messages in India. Engaging all age groups is crucial for changing deep-seated attitudes. Well done.
V
Vikram M
My grandfather had leprosy and faced terrible discrimination in his village. Seeing children supported by Rotary Club performing with confidence gives me hope. The collective pledge is a small but important step. More power to them!
K
Kriti O
Early detection is everything. The quiz and interactive elements are great for making people remember the symptoms. Hope they upload the "100 Questions & Answers" pamphlet online for wider reach. 👏

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