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Welcome everyone to World Leprosy Day, occurring on January 28, a crucial day that shines a spotlight on an age-old disease that many perhaps, mistakenly, consider a thing of the past. Begun by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau in 1954, World Leprosy Day is a springboard for global initiatives to combat this misunderstood disease, which is completely curable but suffers from centuries of misinformation and stigma. As we unite in positive action, let's unmask the truth about leprosy together, challenge misconceptions and catalyze the crucial work towards a future where no one suffers from this curable condition. Join us to lend your voice and spread awareness about leprosy, because together, we can make a difference!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1873</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cause of Leprosy Discovered</div><div class='timeline-text'>Norwegian physician Gerhard Hansen discovered Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, making it the first bacterium to be identified as causing disease in humans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dapsone Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The antibiotic Dapsone was introduced in the 1940s as the first effective treatment for leprosy, although it later proved to be insufficient as a standalone therapy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Leprosy Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>French humanitarian Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Day to raise awareness about leprosy and its victims, and to advocate for research and funding.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WHO Multidrug Therapy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization introduced a multidrug therapy regime for leprosy, dramatically improving cure rates and marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Leprosy Elimination Target</div><div class='timeline-text'>The WHO announced that leprosy had been eliminated as a public health problem worldwide. The target was defined as reducing the global prevalence of the disease to less than one case per 10,000 population.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Awareness Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>On World Leprosy Day 2022, organizations and advocates worldwide continue to fight stigma, raise awareness, and support ongoing research for a leprosy-free future.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others about leprosy</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use World Leprosy Day as an opportunity to learn about this disease and eradicate misconceptions. Read up on the latest research and news articles that provide accurate information about leprosy. Share what you've learned with your friends, family, and social media networks to extend this awareness in your community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a charity event or fundraiser</h3><p class='facts-text'>To raise funds for leprosy research, consider hosting a charity event or an online fundraiser. You could organize a charity run, a bake sale, or a virtual talent show. The proceeds could go towards organizations dedicated to combating leprosy worldwide.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer with an organization</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many organizations work towards providing treatment and alleviating the living conditions of those affected by leprosy. Find one of these organizations and offer your time or skills to help their cause. Not only will you make a difference, but also gain deep insights into their humanitarian work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Write to your local lawmaker</h3><p class='facts-text'>Reach out to your local government representatives to take action against leprosy. Express your concern and urge them to prioritize funding and support for leprosy eradication programs in your area. Advocate for the rights and recognition of people who are affected by this disease.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Spread the word on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use your social media to spread awareness about leprosy. Share posts, infographics, videos, and stories that highlight the truth about leprosy. Use the hashtag #WorldLeprosyDay to encourage other people to join in the discussions and learn more about this curable disease.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>World Leprosy Day sheds light on a misunderstood disease</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Leprosy Day helps in creating awareness about leprosy, a disease surrounded by centuries of misinformation and prejudice. The day is utilized to disseminate accurate information regarding the disease, proving that it is curable and not a thing of the past, as many believe. It serves to dispel myths and stigma associated with the condition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>World Leprosy Day encourages collective efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The event symbolizes global unification and cooperative efforts to cure and eradicate leprosy. It sparks the initiative to take positive action together, offering numerous opportunities to lend our voices, support fundraising events, or volunteer with organizations. All these steps fuel the journey toward a leprosy-free future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>World Leprosy Day opens doors for advocacy and change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This annual event allows participants to advocate for the rights of those affected by leprosy. By writing to lawmakers, using social media platforms for meaningful discussions, and drawing attention to the need for funding and support, World Leprosy Day plays a crucial role in ushering policy changes and improvements in treatment programs.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Leprosy Day Marks the Death of Gandhi</h3><p class='facts-text'>World Leprosy Day is observed internationally on January 28 or the Sunday closest to this date. This day was chosen to coincide with the death of Mahatma Gandhi, who had great empathy and concern for people affected by leprosy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Stigma of Leprosy is Often More Difficult to Deal with Than the Disease Itself</h3><p class='facts-text'>World Leprosy Day aims to debunk the myths and eliminate the social stigma associated with leprosy. Unfortunately, this stigma often presents more challenging consequences than the physical effects of the disease, including social exclusion and mental health issues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Leprosy is Not Highly Infectious</h3><p class='facts-text'>Contrary to common belief, leprosy is not highly contagious. It requires close, prolonged contact to spread, typically within households. Worldwide campaigns on World Leprosy Day reiterate this fact to lessen the fear and social stigma related to it.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 4 Million People Live With Disabilities Due to Past or Present Leprosy</h3><p class='facts-text'>It is estimated that more than 4 million people in the world suffer from deformities and disabilities either due to past delayed treatment or present untreated leprosy. World Leprosy Day serves as a reminder of the severity of this condition and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Leprosy Still Affects Children</h3><p class='facts-text'>Each year, over 18,000 children are diagnosed with leprosy, indicating active transmission. World Leprosy Day raises awareness about the continuing impact of this disease on the youngest members of society, emphasizing the need for continued research and prevention efforts.</p></div></div>
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