Kathmandu, January 26:

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has wished speedy recovery to all affected by leprosy on the occasion of the 55th World Leprosy Day 2008.

In a message on the occasion of World Leprosy Day today, Prime Minister Koirala said until some years back leprosy used to be taken as an incurable and complicated disease, but effective medicines for curing leprosy have come into use, thanks to the development and progress made in the field of science and technology. “Like the people suffering from other diseases, people suffering from this disease also have the opportunity of becoming fully well through proper treatment and medication and it is necessary to take leprosy as any other disease,” he said.

The Prime Minister has also expressed gratitude to all the people and organisations which have helped in efforts to eradicate leprosy in the country by extending active cooperation to that end.

Minister for Health and Population Giriraj Mani Pokharel in a message on the occasion stated that the Government of Nepal is actively working towards eradication of leprosy from the country. He said for this purpose, the government is engaged in the task of raising public awareness on leprosy throughout the country with the help of health workers and volunteers and by mobilizing the local communities.