Article Title: Major initiatives under National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
06-08-2022
Social Issues Prelims Plus
The National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a centrally sponsored Health Scheme under the National Health Mission of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
It was launched in 1983 as a continuation of the National Leprosy Control Program of 1955.
Major objective of reducing the disease burden, prevention of disability and to improve awareness among the mass about Leprosy and its curability.
Vision of the NLEP – “Leprosy-free India”.
Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
Leprosy can develop at any age but appears to develop most often in people aged 5 to 15 years or over 30. It is estimated that more than 95% of people who are infected with Mycobacterium leprae do not develop leprosy because their immune system fights off the infection.
BCG is the best available vaccine for the prevention of leprosy.
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