01874nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653003000054653000800084653001400092653001200106653001100118653001300129100001400142700001200156245005100168856012500219490000600344520131800350       2023                            d10aLeprosy10aLeprosy Affected Patients10aWHO10aKnowledge10aBeliefs10aStigma10aAttitude1 aDang H. K1 aSahai R00aLeprosy in India: Current Issues and Prospects  uhttps://research-communications.cmpcollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/9-Harmeet-Kaur-and-Ragini-Sahay-FINAL-22.pdf0 v13 a<p>Leprosy, an age-old chronic bacterial affliction in human civilization is caused by Mycobacterium leprae through long exposure of the respiratory system to airborne nasal droplets. It is derived from the Greek word ‘leprós’ meaning ‘scaly’, relating to the skin. Leprosy mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves, which holds the risk of enduring and progressive visible deformities. Additionally, associated stigma bothers the leprosy patient through discrimination or exclusion, even after the completion of treatment. Leprosy patients with late diagnosis generally develop irreversible disfiguring complications. Late detection may result from poor knowledge, ignorance, unavailability of services, and stigma. This paper is a review of leprosy to understand the present situation in India in terms of burden, myths, stigmas, beliefs and attitudes of the community, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP) studies, programs, and initiatives by government in the Indian scenario. It also analyses to understand the disease perception and it was found that the majority of respondents possess little or no knowledge, and negative attitudes. Suitable recommendations have been devised to guide professionals in effectively planning and structuring solutions for the welfare of leprosy patients.</p>