Kalam exhorts people to work for cure, welfare of leprosy patients

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today exhorted people to work for the ''cure, welfare and rehabilitation'' of persons suffering from leprosy.

In his message on the occasion of the Anti-Leprosy Day being observed by the Hind Kusht Nirvan Sangh on the occasion of the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi tomorrow, the President said, ''The contribution of each enlightened soul in this cause, however small, can make a difference to the lives of such persons.'' He reminded that the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi had special love and compassion for people suffering from leprosy. He said, ''Such people are important part of our society and all of us should work for their cure, welfare and rehabilitation.'' On this occasion, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that service of people affected with leprosy and its complete eradication were central to Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.

''On the centenary of his first Satyagraha, we recall his resolve to dedicate his life to the needy after he saw a leprosy patient at his doorsteps in South Africa and nursed his wounds. His exemplary work became the motive force behind our efforts for leprosy eradication. It is appropriate that the day of his martyrdom is being observed as Anti-Leprosy Day. I am confident that the work done by the Indian Leprosy Association will contribute significantly to the eradication of this disease,'' he said.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss also remembered the efforts made by Mahatma Gandhi to fight the disease and create public awareness about leprosy which had ''unnecessarily led to social ostracism.'' India has made significant strides in reducing the incidence of leprosy. However, to remove the stigma and discrimination faced by the people suffering from the crippling disease was a major problem.

The representatives of people affected by leprosy from around the world has given a call this year for an end to the stigma and discrimination against people affected by the disease. They state that "denying the inherent human rights of anyone on the basis of disease is indefensible. Discrimination can never be justified." This event in Manila in Philippines today is co-hosted by the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation, in cooperation with WHO and leprosy NGOs.

While less than 300,000 people develop leprosy each year, an estimated 100 million must deal with cruel discrimination because of their association with the disease -- many spend their lives completely isolated from society.

UNI

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