In 2024, World Leprosy Day is Sunday 28 January. World Leprosy Day always takes place on the last Sunday of January.

This date was chosen by French humanitarian, Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who did much work with persons affected by leprosy and died at the end of January in 1948.

We celebrate World Leprosy Day to raise awareness of a disease that many people think does not exist anymore.

What can you share this World Leprosy Day?

If you want to raise awareness with us online this World Leprosy Day, here are some key facts and details that you can share:

• Leprosy is curable with a combination of antibiotics known as Multi Drug Therapy (MDT). This treatment is available for free across the world. If leprosy is not treated, it can lead to serious complications.
• Leprosy is at least 4,000 years old, making it one of the oldest diseases known to humanity. However, we believe we can be the generation that finally ends the transmission of leprosy – our target is zero transmission by 2035.
• çand many millions are living with leprosy-related disabilities, particularly across Asia, Africa, and South America.
• You can donate to help treat a person with leprosy at donate.leprosymission.org