Leprosy is a disease which can affect anyone, but like all infections, people from socio-economically disadvantaged sections of the community are at a much higher risk, due to crowded living conditions and poor nutrition. This results in a vicious cycle of disease, disability, exclusion and poverty because of the stigma that still prevails in the community.

 

These factors are perpetuated, leading to children of leprosy affected parents often being deprived of education and the normal care which is taken for granted in other families. This hampers the opportunities for development and condemns them to a life of poverty and unfulfilled potential.
 

 

 

 

 

Every year the staff and students at Udayan conduct an Annual Leprosy Awareness Drive to educate people about the disease and tackle the stigma which is so prevalent in India.  Held on World Leprosy Day the Awareness Drive includes:

 

1) Talks in Schools and Clubs

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2) A procession headed by a vehicle which is plastered with posters about the disease through the whole of Barrackpore from which slogans like "Leprosy is Curable" are spoken over a microphone from the vehicle.

The children of Udayan (except the very little ones) along with students of the local schools follow on.

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3) Lectures over loudspeakers from a stall outside the Barrackpore Railway Station and the handing out of special leaflets sharing the facts about leprosy.