Biratnagar, January 30:

The number of patients suffering from leprosy decreased by 10 per cent in eastern districts this year, largely due to locals’ initiatives.

Compared to last year, the number of leprosy patients has decreased by 115 this year, the Biratnagar-based Netherlands Leprosy Relief Office (NLRO) said, adding that the office has been working to control leprosy for the past 30 years.

The number of patients undergoing leprosy treatment in eastern region has dropped to 962 from 1,077 last January, the office said.

According to NLRO’s statistics, it has provided treatment to 262 patients suffering from leprosy in Jhapa, 231 in Morang, 150 in Sunsari, 132 in Saptari, 127 in Siraha and 60 patients are getting treatment in the remaining 11 districts of the eastern

region this year.