"Each year, about 250,000 new leprosy cases are detected, almost 60 percent of which are in India. The major challenge in leprosy-control activities lies in sustaining the same level of focus and commitment, especially in low-resource settings where equity of access is an issue."
Mukherjee said it is required to intensify efforts towards early detection of cases, provide equitable access to appropriate treatment and integrated services in geographically focused areas.
The president also said the social stigma attached to the disease is of greater concern than the medical condition, and the socially discriminated need to be empowered through advocacy and information dissemination.
Noting the United Nations has now passed a resolution on discrimination against people affected by leprosy, he said efforts are on to repeal laws that prevent people affected by it from participating in society.
In his address, Ansari urged for generating awareness about misconceptions.
"The physical pain inflicted upon the victims of leprosy is compounded by the social stigma attached to it, which leads to social exclusion, psychological distress and economic hardship. The disease affects the poor more because of their social and economic vulnerability," he said.
Updated on: February 16, 2014 8:38 IST
