Mokokchung, 29 May (MTNews): The National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP) North Eastern States regional review meeting and training program commenced today at Hotel De Oriental Grand in Kohima. The event was inaugurated with Dr Anil Kumar, Principal Advisor (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, as the guest of honor, and Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary (H&FW), Government of Nagaland, as the Chief Guest.
Dr Lily Gangmei, CMO (NFSG), Central Leprosy Division, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the objectives and purpose of the review meeting. She highlighted that the training would encompass various subjects, including the National Strategic Plan (NSP), Roadmap for Leprosy 2023-27, and Nikusth 2.0.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Y Kikheto Sema acknowledged that leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to humanity and remains a significant public health challenge, with over 2 lakh new cases reported annually across more than 120 countries. He shared that Nagaland currently has 31 active cases of leprosy, with 90 percent of them concentrated in Dimapur. Furthermore, he noted that 80 percent of these cases are non-Naga migrant workers.
Sema mentioned that India has made substantial progress in combating leprosy, with new cases declining each year. He highlighted the country’s commitment to achieving the goal of becoming leprosy-free by 2027, three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target. Sema stressed the importance of collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to attain these objectives.
Dr Anil Kumar expressed appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the NLEP workers and shared updated data on leprosy cases worldwide. He expressed concern over India accounting for 80 percent of global leprosy cases. However, he expressed confidence that with the implementation of new initiatives, these numbers would decrease in the coming years.
The NLEP North Eastern States regional review meeting and training programme is scheduled to be a two-day event. It will bring together doctors and representatives from the NLEP across all the North Eastern States.
