Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Laudable effort

This refers to the article “Overcoming the stigma of leprosy” (Jan. 30). The author deserves praise for taking the initiative to change the people’s attitude towards those afflicted with leprosy. Just as we have awareness campaigns on AIDS, which have started making a difference to the way people treat those afflicted with it, it is time to have awareness programmes on leprosy so that the likes of Vinod, who quit his job because his parents suffered from it, do not face discrimination. Awareness on leprosy should be inculcated in the curriculum to ensure that the younger generation does not continue to have misconceptions.

Swati Dang,

New Delhi

There are many Vinods who are ostracised and deprived of their right to live without being discriminated against. Persons affected by leprosy need to be treated with respect. They have every right to integrate into the mainstream.

R. Murali Kumar,

Srirangam

The article was timely, appearing as it did on Gandhiji’s martyrdom day. True, the government has done a commendable job towards eliminating leprosy on medical ground. It is time it did something for the integration of the affected and the excluded into society.

P.N. Bijumon,

Idukki

The article’s message holds good vis-À-vis not only those afflicted with leprosy and their offspring but also those carrying the stigma of all the so-called “untouchable” diseases.

A. Jithesh,

New Jersey

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