23/02/2026
Our Department of Community Health Nursing, Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS), organised an awareness programme under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) at Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar, as part of the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2026.
The programme was conducted by our postgraduate and B.Sc. Nursing 7th semester students in collaboration with the Health Department, District Leprosy Office, NHM, TNAI, SNA, and BNLW. Through a rally and role play, we highlighted the early signs and symptoms of leprosy, the availability of free Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), and the importance of timely treatment and adherence. The theme, “Leprosy is curable; the real challenge is stigma,” was strongly emphasised.
With the participation of around 150 community members, along with ASHA and Anganwadi workers, the programme successfully promoted awareness, reduced stigma, and provided valuable community-based learning experience for our nursing students.