Sri Lanka identified as priority nation for Leprosy?

• National Leprosy Day to be observed on January 21

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly reclassified Sri Lanka as one of 13 nations requiring priority attention for leprosy control, health sources said.  

Sources report that 1,690 new leprosy cases were recorded in Sri Lanka last year, with the country typically seeing 1,500 to 2,000 new cases annually.   

This re-inclusion is notable, as Sri Lanka was previously recognised for eliminating leprosy, sources indicated.  

In light of this, the Ministry of Health’s Leprosy Eradication Campaign has announced National Leprosy Day will be observed on January 21.   

Furthermore, January 26 to February 26 will be marked as Leprosy Prevention Month, aiming to heighten awareness and strengthen efforts to combat the disease.  
Daily Mirror’s attempts to get an official comment were unsuccessful.