Leprosy

 Hansen’s disease is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae and these bacteria grow very slowly and it might take up to 20 years to progress the signs of the infection. Leprosy mainly affects the nerves of the extremities, the lining of the nose, the skin, and the upper respiratory tract. If left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, blindness and paralysis. Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease but in the year of 2016, WHO launched its "Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020: Accelerating towards a leprosy-free world" to revive efforts for leprosy control. The respective strategy focuses on children as well as on avoiding disabilities.