Legal Affairs Minister Stresses Social Awareness for Leprosy Eradication in Nepal

Kathmandu. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha has stated that social awareness is imperative for eradicating leprosy-related problems in Nepal. Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Nepal Law Society on Wednesday on the topic of 'Rights and Future Strategy for Persons Affected by Leprosy in Nepal,' he emphasized the need to spread awareness about the possibility of solving leprosy-related problems through treatment.

Supreme Court Justice Til Prasad Shrestha urged stakeholders to establish the rights of persons affected by leprosy and to bring necessary legislation, amend existing laws, and develop strategic plans for solving related problems.

Former Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal indicated that various studies show leprosy-related problems arise due to poverty and malnutrition, stating that the state must intervene in that area. Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Bikas Devkota stated that swift identification and treatment must be prioritized for solving problems related to persons affected by leprosy.

Secretary of the Ministry of Law Parashwar Dhungana stated that the ministry is striving to end the discrimination against citizens affected by leprosy as stipulated by the law.

At the program, Dr. Rabindra Baskota, Chief of the Leprosy Control and Disability Management Branch under the Department of Health, presented on 'The Status and Challenges of Persons Affected by Leprosy in Nepal,' expert from Nepal Law Society Shishir Dhungana presented on 'Study of Rights and Future Strategy for Persons Affected by Leprosy in Nepal,' and former Law Secretary Dhanraj Gyawali presented on 'Proposed Policy and Law for Persons Affected by Leprosy.'