About IAL
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT IAL
Dear members and visitors to the IAL website,
Greetings from IAL
I consider it an honour and privilege to serve IAL as the President. I thank the members for reposing their faith in me and the new executive and central council. We look forward to your support and participation in all the activities during the present term. I realize that I have stepped into the large shoes of my predecessor Dr P Narasimha Rao who has blazed a trail in the last term that serves both as an inspiration and a light on the direction ahead.
India has made much progress in containing leprosy since the implementation of MDT. The goal of elimination at a national level was achieved almost two decades ago but there is a growing realization that India needs to eliminate the disease at a sub-national level. There continue to be many districts in the country where the levels are still high. ‘Interrupting transmission’ is a strategic and stated priority but there is a growing concern that the existing WHO MDT regimen of fixed duration may not be able to completely stop transmission. Evidence of rising antimicrobial resistance has added to the fear that we need more than what is available in the repertoire of drugs and regimens to adequately contain the disease.
Two bright spots on the way ahead are the use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) with Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) and the potential use of Mycobacterium IndicusPranii (MIP) as an immunotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic tool to treat/prevent the disease as well as interrupt transmission. As IAL we hope to take these two strategic priorities forward in the next term to see its wider use by its members and institutions to specifically observe their ability to interrupt transmission and stem the occurrence of new infections.
We look forward to the IAL Academy carrying out various programs for the academic development of the association and to take forward some of the strategic priorities of IAL.
We welcome your thoughts and suggestions onways of taking the objectives of the association forward, as well as on any other matters pertaining to leprosy.
Best Regards
Dr. Sujai K Suneetha
President, IAL
MESSAGE FROM HONORARY SECRETARY IAL
Namaskar to all IAL Members!!
Let me first state with all humility that it is a great privilege and blessing from the Almighty that I have been elected as Honorary Secretary of Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL). As our nation enters a different phase and envisages National Strategic Plan and roadmap for leprosy upto 2027 and set a target to be a ‘developed nation’ by 2047, we have a very important role to play in aiding to achieve these targets. Let us not think that leprosy is a disease only of the poor and underprivileged and think of it as 'a just another disease caused by mycobacteria which can be treated and successfully managed.' Let’s change our mindset that leprosy-work is not charity but our professional duty as a health care professional.
Across the globe we come to know about the concerns of fading interest into the field of Leprosy and lack of expertise to train and upgrade the skill of health care professionals in leprosy, our association with its senior members having vast experience can be a guiding force to train and fill the void of such expertise. We look to expand the horizons of the IAL Academy to collaborate with other associations, knowledge partners and devise digital solutions to bridge the gap.
Wish you all the very best!!
Regards,
Dr. Santoshdev Rathod
Honorary Secretary, IAL
MESSAGE FROM HON. TREASURER IAL
It gives great pleasure in taking over as treasurer of the prestigious Association, IAL. I thank all of you whole-heartedly for reposing faith in me and giving me the opportunity to serve the IAL fraternity. I feel blessed by all the seniors who have motivated me to work for this hallowed association and humbled to be part of the executive committee.
I, as a Treasurer and team member, under the able leadership of the President and Hon. General secretary, would like to work with utmost enthusiasm and commitment for the betterment of our fraternity and association.
I look forward to your support in this endeavor. I would strive to reach your expectations and keep up the flag of IAL flying high.
Long Live IAL.
Thank you
Regards,
Dr Rajyalaxmi Konathan
Treasurer, IAL
