the Indian Leprosy Foundation ( ilf ) has distributed grants totalling Rs 11 lakh to various leprosy projects and hospitals in four states -- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Speaking at the function organised by ilf, Tamil Nadu home secretary R Poornalingam said, "The non-governmental organisations ( ngo s ) have a role to play in the leprosy eradication programme. They must help remove the mistrust among the people for government schemes and also the misconceptions about the disease."
Nearly 3,000 field-level workers were involved in identifying cases throughout the state, said Poornalingam. The number of leprosy patients all over India in 1982 was 40 lakhs and they were bought down to 5 lakhs at the end of March 1998.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.