Leprosy or Hensen’s Disease is an infectious, chronic granulomatus disease caused by an acid and alcohol fast bacillus called Micobacterium Leprae. It is an ancient i.e Biblical terrifying condition having negative stigma and sufferer being shunned and outcasts. It damage primarily peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), limbs, skin, testes, eyes and mucous membrane of the nose and causes severe disfigurement.

Micobacterium Leprae can be cultured in Armadillo and Mice but not in artificial media. It is not clear how leprosy spreads but one can catch it by close and repeated contact with nose and mouth droplets of an untreated leprosy patient. About 95% people who are exposed to Micobacterium Leprae do not develop the disease because of their strong immune system which fights.

More than two lac new cases are recorded each year globally. 14 countries still have leprosy as per 2017 data which include Bangladesh, Brazil, Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Early diagnosis and treatment of infected people can prevent spread. For household contacts immediate and annual examination for at least five years are recommended.

 Treatment is done with multiple drugs for six months. No vaccine is available to prevent it. However, BCG vaccine for tuberculosis can provide some protection against leprosy also. As tuberculosis and leprosy both are Micobacterial diseases. Bangladesh was a signatory to 1999 WHO resolution for elimination of leprosy as public health problem by year 2000. WHO supports to NLEP (National Leprosy Elimination) and NTB (National Tuberculosis Control) Programme. 625 leprosy centres have been established countrywide.