More than 1,500 walk to spread awareness

Secunderabad: On Sunday, LEPRA Society, a reputed Non-Government Organisation headquartered in Secunderabad and working in six states of India (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana) organised a walk to beat leprosy. 

More than 1500 people from all walks of life including students, medical professionals, employees of corporate organisations, Bharat Scouts Guides, LEPRA Society Management Committee members and staff participated in this 3-kilometre walk (from the parking lot opposite People’s plaza to NTR Garden and back) raising awareness about leprosy. A heartening feature was the presence of 400 people affected by leprosy who participated in this walk.

The Chief Guest was Brigadier D. Vivekanand, Commandant, Military Hospital Secunderabad, while the other guests of honour included Shri Siva Prasad IPS, ACP and actor Sesh Adivi (of Baahubali and Kshanam fame).

In her welcome address Dr V. Rukmini Rao, Chairman, Management Committee, LEPRA Society said LEPRA is pledged to eradicate deformities in children by 2020. It is sad to know that one child case is detected every forty-five minutes. She urged we should all come together to eradicate leprosy.

The Chief Guest Brigadier D. Vivekanand, Commandant, Military Hospital, pointed that leprosy is still a major public health issue and it is unfortunate that the largest number are from our country. He said LEPRA is doing a commendable job through its initiatives with a focus on early detection which can prevent deformities. He was thankful and proud to be part of this initiative. 

Siva Prasad, IPS, ACP emphasised that two issues which plague our country are lack of education and ill health.