Gandhinagar, Jan 29 (NationPress) On the cusp of Anti Leprosy Day, Gujarat has made remarkable strides in its battle against leprosy, successfully reducing the disease prevalence to below the elimination threshold of one case per 10,000 population in 25 districts, as reported by officials on Thursday.

In the last three years, over 11,640 individuals have been diagnosed early and provided access to free treatment, showcasing the state government's unwavering commitment to public health.

Data from the State Health Department up to December 2025 indicates a consistent reduction in new leprosy cases, along with an enhancement of detection, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

From 2023 to December 2025, more than Rs 1,219 lakh was invested in leprosy elimination initiatives throughout Gujarat.

In alignment with the national theme "Ending Discrimination, Ensuring Dignity", the state is set to observe Anti Leprosy Day on January 30 by launching the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign – Fortnight, which will run from January 30 to February 13, 2026.

This campaign aims to debunk myths surrounding leprosy and emphasize that the disease is not transmitted through touch or social interactions and is entirely treatable with timely medical care.

As per official statistics, 4,323 new cases were recorded in 2023–24, including 238 children. This number decreased to 4,033 cases in 2024–25, with 171 children affected, and further declined to 3,288 cases in 2025–26 up to December, including 126 children.

Health officials credit this positive trend to enhanced surveillance and early detection initiatives.

Special Leprosy Case Detection Campaigns (LCDC) conducted in a mission mode from 2023 to 2025 helped uncover over 3,900 hidden cases, facilitating early interventions and minimizing the risk of disabilities and deformities.

Beyond treatment, Gujarat has embraced a rehabilitation-centric approach aimed at restoring dignity and promoting social inclusion for those affected by leprosy.

In the past three years, 81 reconstructive surgeries have been performed to correct deformities.

To prevent injuries resulting from loss of sensation, the state has distributed over 26,120 micro-cellular rubber shoes free of charge, along with more than 8,300 ulcer care kits for effective wound management.

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Sahyog Kushthyagya Trust, managed by Padma Shri awardee Sureshbhai Soni, where he engaged with individuals affected by leprosy and assessed rehabilitation efforts.

Officials noted that the visit reaffirmed the state government's focus on tackling stigma and ensuring social acceptance alongside medical treatment.

Health experts reiterated that leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a curable disease impacting the skin and peripheral nerves.

Initial symptoms may include light-coloured or reddish patches with diminished sensation and thickened nerves.

The state offers free multi-drug therapy at all government health facilities, enabling patients to lead healthy and dignified lives when diagnosed early.