Panvel Launches Two-Week Leprosy Detection Drive to Combat Disease

The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a two-week Leprosy Detection Campaign from November 17 to December 2, 2023, with the ambitious goal of achieving “zero leprosy transmission by 2027.” This comprehensive effort targets high-risk urban areas, where health teams will conduct extensive household screenings to identify cases of leprosy.

Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale has emphasized the importance of rigorous monitoring during the campaign. Health officials are tasked with ensuring that outreach is effective, with a focus on early detection and complete elimination of the disease. “The campaign is designed to reach every vulnerable household,” officials stated.

To facilitate this initiative, a team comprising 203 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers and 43 supervisors has been mobilized under the Urban Primary Health Centres. Each member of the field staff has received specialized training to conduct the survey effectively. Dr. Usha Rathod, the corporation’s Leprosy Officer, confirmed that the team is well-prepared for this critical mission.

The campaign aims to screen approximately 30% of the high-risk population, targeting around 3.03 lakh people within the city. Community engagement plays a vital role in this effort. Dr. Anand Gosavi, Chief Medical Officer, has called on residents to support the health teams visiting their homes, stressing that early diagnosis is essential to breaking the chain of transmission.

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, affects the skin, nerves, and other parts of the body. Symptoms that individuals should be aware of include pale or reddish numb patches, loss of sensation to temperature, thickened or oily skin, red nodules, thickened earlobes, a weak grip leading to dropping objects, slipping footwear while walking, difficulty closing eyes fully, and deformities of fingers or toes.

The PMC’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to public health and the eradication of leprosy. By focusing on early detection and community involvement, the campaign aspires to significantly reduce the incidence of this disease in the coming years.