India is currently running one of the largest leprosy eradication program in the world, via the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) but the BMC’s health department recently identified 23 leprosy cases in Mumbai. The authorities conducted a 15-day leprosy drive across the city and suspected 17,000 cases. The authorities have started treating those infected with the leprosy bacteria. The leprosy case detection campaign (LCDC) was carried out by the public health department in order to eradicate leprosy from the city. While the campaign started from September 24, it continued till mid-October. While the team of more than 3,000 volunteered covered wards across Mumbai, a major focus was given to areas having major slum pockets. Speaking about the detected cases, Dr Padmaja Keskar, chief executive health officer, BMC’s public health officer, said, “The municipal health workers with the help of college students who volunteered, conducted a house-to-house survey in order to search suspected new leprosy cases in the city. While 17,000 people were suspected, only 23 new leprosy patients have been identified.” She added, “It is a good sign that the number of new cases is decreasing every year. Most of the patients we found were in earlier detection stage and so treatment was started immediately.” The leprosy cases were found in L ward (Kurla), KE ward (Andheri, Vile-Parle), PN ward (Malad), N ward (Ghatkopar East) and S ward (Bhandup). In last decade, there has been a drastic decrease in the number of leprosy cases in the city. In 2008-09 the number of cases in the city was 1,135, while in 2017-18 the newly detected cases were 432. From April till August 2018, the number of newly detected cases is 195. The union government has provided Rs 84 lakh towards leprosy, while the civic body has contributed Rs 28 lakh rupees for the leprosy campaign. Overall the campaign in Mumbai has a budget of Rs 1.12 crore. As per the BMC officials, the number of cases in the city is 0.22 per 10,000 people. “The aim of the drive was also to remove the stigma and make people realise, early detection and treatment can help prevent physical disability and deformity.” Did You Know Leprosy disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae that affects the nerves, upper respiratory tract and eyes.

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