Feb. 2, 2025: As part of the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2025, a significant cycle rally took place in the streets of Imphal, starting from the office of the Directorate of Health Services in Lamphel.
Organized jointly by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) and the National Health Mission (NHM) Manipur, the event featured a spirited cycle rally advocating for leprosy awareness and dispelling prevalent misconceptions.
Under the theme “Together, let us raise awareness, dispel misconceptions, and ensure that no one affected by leprosy is left behind,” participants, including Directorate of Health Services staff and members of Doctors on Pedals from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), embarked on a journey from the Medical Directorate Complex, Lamphel.
Their route took them through key landmarks such as Uripok Canteen, Kangla Western Gate, Chingmeirong, and the Manipur Legislative Assembly, concluding at the IMA Complex via Lamphel Sana Keithel.
Dr. Salam Bocha, State Leprosy Officer, emphasized the significance of the rally in spreading awareness about leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, and clarified that it is not a contagious disease.
He highlighted the effectiveness of multi-drug therapy in treating leprosy and announced upcoming collaborations between the central government and the World Health Organization to provide free treatment for leprosy patients.
The rally, an annual event from January 30 to February 13 since 2017, aims to educate the public and ensure that no one affected by leprosy faces stigma or isolation.
