JAMMU, FEBRUARY 12: As part of the ongoing SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Fortnight campaign observed across District Jammu, a series of awareness programmes were organised today to educate the public about leprosy, its symptoms, prevention and the importance of early treatment under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP). The campaign is being supervised by Chief Medical Officer Jammu Dr Harbaksh Singh and Zonal Leprosy Officer Dr Sushma Mattoo.
As a key activity of the day, the Cultural Unit of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) Jammu presented a Nukkad Natak at Maharaja Hari Singh Government Model Higher Secondary Boys School, Akhnoor. The street play effectively communicated vital messages regarding early detection, availability of free treatment and the removal of stigma surrounding leprosy, drawing keen interest from students and staff.
The District Jammu Leprosy Control Unit, led by Medical Officer Leprosy Dr Deepika Dewan along with PMAs Krishan Kumar and Subash Chowdhary, conducted an extensive awareness session for school staff, students and healthcare personnel. They distributed pamphlets and posters detailing the signs and symptoms of leprosy, the importance of timely reporting and the free treatment available through government health facilities. Dr Deepika Dewan and Dr Jahan Ara emphasised the need for community participation in eliminating stigma and promoting early medical consultation.
The event was supported by the Zonal Leprosy Office, Directorate of Health Services Jammu, to strengthen public awareness during the SPARSH campaign.
The programme was conducted under the direction of Joint Director Information Deepak Dubey and the supervision of Cultural Officer Mohit Sharma.
