From Leprosy to Covid-19, how stigma makes it harder to fight epidemics
India TodayAsha, a leprosy patient, was rudely called a "kodhee" while she tried to board a local train and was unceremoniously thrown off, resulting in a fractured arm. While Mahatma Gandhi's experience led to the birth of "Satyagraha"-his non-violence movement to fight racism and social stigmas such as untouchability-millions of people like Asha are still being ostracized by their family, friends, work, and communities due to a disease that while being infectious, is fully curable with proper medicine and therapy. It has been found that in almost 750 leprosy colonies across India, patients who are fully cured continue to reside due to the fear of being ill-treated. The Leprosy Control in India Project, an initiative by the Rotary Club of Delhi South, Delhi South End, and Delhi Regency, with LEPRA and ACRE, too has been proactively involved in the battle against leprosy. -Article by Mr Deepak Kapur, Head, Rotary Club Alliance for Leprosy Control and Mr Pradeep Bahri, Chairperson, District Leprosy Control Campaign READ | World Autism Awareness Day 2021: Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and treatment READ | What's your average screen time per day?
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