The number of new cases detected worldwide each year is about half a million. WHO and Government of India. In India there are at present 5,68,000 registered leprosy cases as on December 1996. Forest and hilly areas spread over 39,000 kms are relatively inaccessible. There are scattered villages with limited accessibility.
Some people try to hide the disease due to the social stigma and local myths and prejudices.
Some people still believe that Leprosy occurs due to Heredity Immoral behaviour Impure blood Faulty eating habits such as dried fish. Past signs, etc. People think Leprosy spreads in some families only. It can be contacted by mere touch. Leprosy is often associated with deformity.