Leprosy: Government's New Strategy for Targeted Containment and Eradication

Key Facts:

• Prevalence in India: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha report the highest leprosy cases.
• Government's New Approach: The Union Health Ministry launched a targeted containment strategy after achieving WHO elimination status in 2005.
• National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2022-27: Aims for zero transmission by 2027.

Key Initiatives:

• New Treatment: Updated regimen for Paucibacillary cases.
• Nikushth 2.0 Portal: Web-based information system for leprosy management.
• Focus on Early Detection: Prophylaxis and early treatment to prevent disabilities.
• Raising Awareness: Reducing stigma and discrimination related to leprosy.

Global Context:

• Leprosy affects 120+ countries, with over 200,000 new cases annually.
• WHO considers leprosy eliminated when prevalence is less than 1 per 10,000 population.

About Leprosy:

• Cause: Chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, impacting the skin and peripheral nerves.
• Symptoms: Disfiguring sores, nerve damage, muscle weakness.
• Transmission: Spread via droplets from untreated cases through close contact.
• Treatment: Multidrug therapy (MDT) ensures cure and prevents disability.
• National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP): Government initiative focused on early detection and free treatment to curb disabilities.