World Leprosy Day Observed at RHTC, Kalarabanka
World Leprosy Day was observed at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Kalarabanka with great enthusiasm and community participation, reinforcing the commitment to early detection, effective treatment, and elimination of stigma associated with leprosy. As per the directive SLAC- theme for 2026 is “Ending Discrimination, Ensuring Dignity” The activity started from 30th January and continued for a fortnight till 13th February 2026.
This was followed by an interactive health education session with the school students. Dr. Geeta , and Dr. Sai Post Graduates and Interns explained leprosy in detail, covering its causes, signs and symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment, and prevention. Posters were used as visual aids, and audio-visual IEC materials were played to enhance understanding and engagement among the students. The session concluded with a quick quiz, encouraging active participation. Goodies were distributed to the students as appreciation for their support in the programme.
Students were also sensitized to identify individuals with hypo-pigmented patches and hypoesthesia and were requested to counsel such persons to report to the health camp scheduled on 13th February 2026 at RHTC, Kalarabanka. The programme was well responded by the students and faculty, and the active participation made the observance a grand success, reinforcing the message that leprosy is curable and stigma must be eliminated. The entire event was meticulously planned, organized, and executed under the guidance of Dr. Sai Chandan Das (Supervisor, RHTC) and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya (RHTC In-Charge)
The programme on 13th February commenced in presence of guests Ms. MitaPattnaik (PHEO, Nischintakoili Block); Prof. (Dr.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty (Professor of Medicine); Mr. Ashok Kumar Parida (Principal, Kalinga English Medium School); Mr. Durga Chandra Samanta (CEO – N.M.C.T., Manapur Panchayat), and Mr. Balaram (Supervisor).
Key technical sessions focused on early detection, screening, diagnosis, intensive treatment, and follow-up measures for leprosy. Ms. Mita Pattnaik and Prof. (Dr.) Ambika Prasad Mohanty emphasized the crucial role of ASHAs in timely identification of suspected cases, ensuring treatment adherence, and sustained follow-up. Special emphasis was placed on reducing social stigma, encouraging empathy, awareness, and community support for affected individuals. In recognition of exemplary fieldwork, ASHAs—Renu, Mita, Laxmipriya, and Urmila were felicitated by the dignitaries for their dedicated services in their respective Anganwadi Centres. Adding a powerful personal perspective, Mr. Balakrushna Singh, a treated leprosy case, shared his experience, highlighting the ease and effectiveness of treatment and follow-up when accessed timely, thereby instilling confidence and hope among attendees. He was felicitated with a cash incentive.
Simultaneously, a Skin Camp was conducted alongside the main programme. Dr. Paromita Dey, Senior Resident (Skin & VD); along with Dr. Ashneet Kaur, Post-Graduate (Skin & VD), successfully examined 50–60 patients, providing consultations and guidance. The camp operations were streamlined by Dr. Gouri Kumar Rath, 3rd Year Post-Graduate, Department of Community Medicine, who ensured smooth coordination and supervised drug dispensing with the support of proactive interns posted at the RHTC. The entire event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Sai Chandan Das (Supervisor, RHTC) and Dr. Geeta Chand Acharya (RHTC In-Charge).
National Leprosy Day Observed at UHTC, KIMS
The Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) wing of the Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), successfully observed National Leprosy Day with the objective of creating awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting early detection and treatment of leprosy within the community.
The program was conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Basanta Kumar Behera and Dr. Prem Sagar Panda. Both faculty members delivered insightful health talks focusing on the epidemiology of leprosy, its early signs and symptoms, availability of free treatment under the National Leprosy Eradication Program (NLEP), and the importance of social inclusion and elimination of discrimination against affected individuals.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from interns of the Department of Community Medicine, who played a significant role in community engagement. Through short, focused health education snippets, the interns addressed common myths and misconceptions related to leprosy, emphasized the curability of the disease, and encouraged the community to seek timely medical care. Their interactive approach helped in effectively communicating key public health messages to the residents.
As part of the awareness activities, a rally was organized, which commenced from Panda Park Basti and concluded at Rikshaw Colony Basti, both of which fall under the catchment area of UHTC, KIMS. The rally served as a visible and impactful medium to disseminate messages on leprosy awareness, early reporting, and stigma reduction, drawing active attention and participation from the local community.
The National Leprosy Day observation at UHTC, KIMS, reinforced the department’s commitment to community-oriented preventive and promotive health services. The coordinated efforts of faculty, interns, and healthcare workers contributed to the successful conduct of the program, aligning with national public health goals of leprosy elimination and community empowerment.
The Department of Community Medicine, KIMS, continues to strive towards strengthening community awareness initiatives and fostering inclusive healthcare practices through sustained field-based activities.
The department sincerely expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Principal, Prof (Dr.) R.C. Das, KIMS and the Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Prof (Dr.) Sonali Kar, KIMS for their unvarying administrative support, encouragement , and invaluable guidance in successfully organizing this community based public health initiative.
