Targeted Approach to Leprosy Eradication in India

February 1, 2025

India has made strides in combating leprosy. The country achieved the World Health Organization’s elimination status in 2005. This status indicates less than one case per 10,000 population. However, leprosy remains a public health challenge in certain regions. The Union Health Ministry has initiated a targeted approach to further reduce leprosy cases by 2027.

New Treatment Regimen

The Central government has introduced a new three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases.
This replaces the previous two-drug regimen.
The change aims to enhance treatment efficacy and curb transmission.
Its focus areas are:
- Early case detection
- Prevention using post-exposure prophylaxis
- Reducing stigma & discrimination
- Online reporting via Nikusth 2.0 portal

National Strategic Plan (2023-27)

Launched on January 30, 2023, the National Strategic Plan (NSP) outlines a roadmap for leprosy eradication.
The NSP aims for zero transmission by 2027, three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals.
It includes year-wise targets and public health strategies. The focus is on awareness, early case detection, and stigma reduction.

High Prevalence States

India still reports more than 10,000 new cases annually.
Leprosy is most prevalent in five states – Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
The government is concentrating its efforts in 124 districts within these areas.

Role of the WHO

The World Health Organization supports India’s leprosy eradication efforts.
It provides free multi-drug therapy (MDT) to treat leprosy.
The WHO encourages governments to prioritise leprosy elimination as a public health issue.
Globally, leprosy is classified as a neglected tropical disease, with over 200,000 new cases reported annually.

Understanding Leprosy

Caused by Mycobacterium leprae
It affects skin and nerves.
Spread through respiratory droplets during close contact.
Symptoms: Pale/red patches with loss of sensation, nerve thickening, muscle weakness.
Diagnosis is based on cardinal signs, including loss of sensation and thickened nerves.
Types:
- Paucibacillary (PB) – Fewer bacteria
- Multibacillary (MB) – Higher bacterial load
If untreated, leads to permanent disabilities.

Progress and Statistics

India accounts for 52% of the world’s new leprosy patients.
Despite achieving elimination status, challenges remain.
The number of new cases detected has decreased from 125,785 in 2014-15 to 75,394 in 2021-22.
This represents 53.6% of global new cases.