Maharashtra to Survey Over 8.5 Crore Citizens for Leprosy and TB
In a bold initiative aimed at eradicating leprosy and tuberculosis, Maharashtra’s Public Health Department is set to launch a comprehensive door-to-door survey from 31 January to 14 February 2025. The campaign, targeting a staggering 8.66 crore citizens, will cover both rural and selected urban areas, with the primary goal of detecting and treating leprosy and TB cases early.
The state’s efforts to curb leprosy have been consistent, with noticeable progress. The prevalence of the disease has steadily decreased in recent years, with the leprosy rate per thousand dropping from 1.16 percent in 2023-24 to 1.07 percent by September 2024. The health department now aims to further reduce these numbers through intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns. The door-to-door survey will involve 70,768 teams who will visit over 1 crore 73 lakh homes across Maharashtra. These teams will be tasked with identifying symptoms of leprosy and tuberculosis and referring potential cases for treatment. The initiative is expected to enhance early detection and prevent the spread of both diseases. The campaign will also coincide with Leprosy Prevention Day, which is observed on 30 January to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who played a crucial role in fighting the stigma surrounding the disease. Following this, the state will conduct various awareness activities from 31 January to 14 February to educate the public about leprosy and tuberculosis, as well as to encourage people to participate in the survey.
Despite the substantial progress in leprosy eradication, challenges remain. Public misconceptions and societal fear have hindered the complete elimination of the disease. Additionally, there was a slight uptick in cases after the COVID-19 pandemic, as health services were temporarily disrupted. However, the health department, under the leadership of Director Dr. Nitin Ambedkar, has been proactive in identifying and treating patients promptly. With a focus on reducing the disease burden, the government is committed to continued awareness campaigns and medical outreach, ensuring that the general population is well-informed and can access the necessary treatment. The survey aims not only to curb the spread of leprosy and tuberculosis but also to foster a healthier, more informed society.
