The "World Day of Leprosy" is celebrated on the last Sunday of January every year . It is a date to inform and raise public awareness about this disease . It was instituted by the World Health Assembly , encouraged by Raoul Follereau (1903-1977) journalist and philanthropist, celebrated for the first time on 31 January 1954.
Official figures from the World Health Organization say there are more than 182 000 patients , mainly in Asia and Africa, with approximately 219 000 new cases reported in 2012.
To coincide with this date "Damien Social Development Institute" (DSDI), in India, has published its annual report. It is more than 40 years since Bill Petrie sscc founded "Damien Institute”. It has evolved, became the DSDI and it continues with perseverance in their efforts to care and promote leprosy patients, mainly in the state of Odhisa. DSDI conducts many different projects: health, education, social rehabilitation, human development, etc ... in which hundreds of people are attended. .
Saint Damien De Veuster is there always present, as inspiration for the brothers and sisters sscc working at DSDI and for all workers and employees, whatever religion they belong to.
To read the DSDI Annual Report click on the photo. 
01/27/2014