**Executive Summary**
On January 30, 2026, the Central Leprosy Division (CLD), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organized an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) outreach program at Dilli Haat. The program aimed to promote awareness, early detection, and stigma reduction related to leprosy, aligning with national efforts toward a #LeprosyFreeIndia. The activities reflect CLD's commitment to community engagement.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **IEC Outreach Programme:**
* An IEC outreach program was conducted at Dilli Haat to promote awareness, early detection, and stigma reduction related to leprosy.
* A dedicated IEC stall was set up to engage the public and disseminate key messages on the signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of leprosy.
* The outreach was designed to reach all age groups.
* **Programme Activities:**
* Featured a Nukkad Natak (street play) focusing on early signs and symptoms of leprosy.
* Included a cultural dance performance by children affected by leprosy, showcasing confidence, talent and social inclusion.
* Offered a Self-Examination Mirror activity to encourage individuals to recognise early signs of leprosy.
* An interactive quiz assessed awareness levels and reinforced key messages.
* **Information Dissemination:**
* A "100 Questions & Answers on Leprosy” pamphlet, along with other IEC pamphlets and brochures, was widely distributed.
* **Pledge:**
* The audience and visitors collectively took a pledge not to discriminate against persons affected by leprosy.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness about leprosy, its signs and symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Encouragement to recognize early signs and seek timely care.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of early leprosy signs, practice self-examination, seek timely care, and take a pledge not to discriminate against persons affected by leprosy.
**Persons Affected by Leprosy**
* **Impact:** Reduction of stigma and discrimination, promotion of social inclusion and compassion. Opportunity to participate in activities and showcase talent.
* **Action Required:** Continue to adhere to treatment and advocate for social acceptance.
**Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Central Leprosy Division (CLD)**
* **Impact:** Reinforcement of commitment to community engagement and national efforts to interrupt leprosy transmission and ensure inclusive care.
* **Action Required:** Continue to align outreach efforts with national goals for a #LeprosyFreeIndia.
Key Entities Referenced
Central Leprosy Division (CLD): Division under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) responsible for leprosy related activities.
IEC Outreach Programme: Information, Education and Communication outreach program focused on leprosy awareness, early detection, and stigma reduction.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The government ministry responsible for organizing the IEC outreach program.
Dilli Haat: Location of the IEC outreach program.
#LeprosyFreeIndia: National efforts to interrupt transmission, promote early diagnosis, and ensure inclusive care for all
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Central Leprosy Division observes National
Leprosy Day with IEC Outreach Programme at
Dilli Haat
प्रव तथ: 30 JAN 2026 9:24PM by PIB Delhi
On the occasion of National Leprosy Day, the Central Leprosy Division (CLD) under the Directorate
General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised a comprehensive
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) outreach programme at Dilli Haat, here today. The
programme was aimed at promoting awareness, early detection, and stigma reduction related to leprosy.
Dedicated IEC stall was set up to engage the public and disseminate key messages on the signs,
symptoms, prevention, and treatment of leprosy. The outreach was designed to reach all age groups,
including children, youth, adults, and the elderly, ensuring inclusive and wide-ranging community
engagement. Large numbers of visitors and audience members actively interacted with programme
officials and IEC facilitators.
The programme featured a Nukkad Natak (street play) focusing on early signs and symptoms of leprosy,
followed by a cultural dance performance by children affected by leprosy. These children, supported by
Rotary Club and trained in diverse skill domains, showcased confidence, talent and social inclusion,
reinforcing messages of dignity and empowerment.An innovative Self-Examination Mirror activity attracted enthusiastic participation from the audience,
encouraging individuals to recognise early signs of leprosy and seek timely care. An interactive quiz was
conducted to assess awareness levels and reinforce key messages, with prizes distributed to participants to
enhance engagement.
A “100 Questions & Answers on Leprosy” pamphlet, along with other IEC pamphlets and brochures, was
widely distributed to enhance awareness, promote behavioural change, encourage early reporting and
treatment adherence, and reduce stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy.
During the programme, the audience and visitors collectively took a pledge not to discriminate against
persons affected by leprosy, reaffirming the importance of compassion, inclusion, and social acceptance.These activities reflect CLD’s commitment to community engagement and the shared journey towards a
#LeprosyFreeIndia, in alignment with national efforts to interrupt transmission, promote early diagnosis,
and ensure inclusive care for all.
***
SR
HFW/CLD Outreach on Leprosy Day/30th January 2026/2
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