GAIBANDHA, June 27, 2022 (BSS) - Speakers at a function here today underscored the need for integrated efforts of all sections of people to build leprosy free society.
 
"Many people of the society believe that leprosy is a curse and contagious disease but the physicians of modern time think it is the people's misconception, the modern Multi-Drug Treatment (MDT) has revolutionized leprosy treatment and a complete cure is assured in all cases at all stages", they said.
 
They made the comments while addressing a linkage building and advocacy meeting held at the conference room of Sadar upazila administration of the town here.
 
Rehabilitation part-Mobilization and Empowerment of people living with Disabilities (MEPD), The Leprosy Mission International-Bangladesh arranged the meeting under Gaibandha-Joypurhat Leprosy Care & Rehabilitation Project.
 
Chairman of Sadar upazila Parishad, Shah Sarwar Kabir attended the function as the chief guest and medical officer of Sadar upazila health and family planning office Dr. Manjurul Hasan and disability affairs officer here Akhter Hossain spoke at the meeting as the special guests.
 
Presided over by Sadar UNO Shariful Alam the function was also addressed, among others, by senior journalist Sarker Mohammad Shahiduzzaman, upazila cooperatives officer Hafizur Rahman, upazila rural development officer Tajul Islam, technical support officer Keshab Chandra Roy and Abdul Halim who cured from the leprosy.
 
Dr. Manjurul Hasan said leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, and skin areas around your body. Leprosy has remained since ancient times.
 
Children are more likely to get leprosy than adults, he said.
 
Upazila chairman Shah Sarwar Kabir urged all to come forward with a positive attitude and play a significant role to build leprosy free society by 2030 as declared by the government.
 
Sariful Islam, area development officer of MEPD Project, said a total of 2009 leprosy infected patients had been detected in Sadar upazila so far and 35 patients are now taking regular treatment from the hospitals.
 
Those who have become disable due to leprosy disease, are being rehabilitated in the society under the project through forming separate groups taking registration from the upazila cooperatives office, he also said.
 
Upazila level officers, social workers, staff and officials of the project participated in the meeting.