Accra, Jan. 26, GNA - This year’s World Leprosy Day would be observed on Sunday January 29 in memory of those who suffer its dreadful effect.

A statement released in Accra by the Lepers Aid Committee and signed by Nathaniel Coleman, said with the advancement in technology and the availability of drugs for treatment, early detected cases of leprosy can be treated while many cured lepers are being given care and integrated into the society.

It said the Day would focus on the needs of the poor as well as tell the story to people who did not know that leprosy still existed and could be cured adding that it would "raise the awareness of creating a leprosy friendly environment with the total elimination of discrimination as perpetuated against lepers."

The statement said many people think of leprosy as being an ancient disease that has been eradicated many years ago but unfortunately new cases are being reported in several communities.