The National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP) was launched by the GOl in 1955 with the primary aim of controlling leprosy through early detection and treatment, initially using Dapsone monotherapy.In the early 1980s, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) as a game-changer in leprosy treatment. Responding to this, India restructured NLCP into the National Leprosy Eradication Programme(NLEP) in 1983, shifting the focus from control to elimination. MDT was introduced nationwide, and the programme adopted strategies to reduce transmission by detecting and treating all cases promptly. With World Bank assistance, NLEP was expanded to all districts by 1993-94, and in line with the National Health Policy 2002, India set a national goal to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem (defined as less than 1 case per 10,000 populations). This goal was successfully achieved at the national level in December 2005. NLEP provides both technical and financial support to all States and Union Territories for implementation of activities related prevention, early detection, case confirmation, treatment, disability prevention, and post- treatment care. It also facilitates convergence with other national health programmes and deploys digital platforms such as Nikusth 2.0 for surveillance and reporting. The programme is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO Global Leprosy Strategy, aiming to achieve zero transmission, zero disability, and zero discrimination by 2027. Vision "Leprosy-free India" is the vision of the NLEP. Mission The NLEP's mission is to provide quality leprosy services free of cost to all sections of the population, with easy accessibility, through the integrated healthcare system, including care for disability after cure of the disease. Objectives: To reduce Prevalence rate less than 1/10,000 population at sub national and district level. To reduce Grade l1 disability %<1among new cases at National level. To reduce Grade l1 disability cases <1case per million populations at National level. Zero disabilities among new Child cases. Zero stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. the main strategies to be followed are: 1. Integrated anti-leprosy services through General Health Care system. 2. Early detection and complete treatment of new leprosy cases. 3. Carrying out household contact survey for early detection of cases. 4. Involvement of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in the detection and completion of treatment of Leprosy cases on time. 5. Strengthening of Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services. 6. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in the community to improve self-reporting to Primary Health Centre (PHC) and reduction of stigma. 7. Intensive monitoring and supervision at Health and Wellness Centers and Block Primary Health Centre/Community Health Centre. The following are the programme components: Case Detection and Management Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR). Information, Education and Communication (1EC), including Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Human Resources and Capacity Building Programme Management Activities under NLEP Diagnosis and treatment of leprosy- Free of cost Services for diagnosis and treatment (MDT) are provided by all public health care facilities including PHCs, CHC, DH, and Medical colleges throughout the country. Difficult to diagnose, complicated cases, reaction cases, and G2D cases requiring reconstructive surgery (RCS) are referred to the district hospital for further management. Revised Classification and Treatment Protocol (Effective April 1, 2025)- In 2023, India revised the classification and treatment protocols for leprosy in alignment with WHO recommendations. The updated protocol has been officially implemented nationwide from April 1, 2025. A 3-drug MDT regimen (Rifampicin, Dapsone, and Clofazimine) is now used for both PB and MB cases, enhancing uniformity and operational efficiency across public health facilities. The revised classification also emphasizes early detection based on lesion count and nerve involvement to minimize delays in treatment initiation. Capacity building- Training of general health staff like Medical Officers, health workers, health supervisors, laboratory technicians, and ASHAs is conducted every year to develop adequate skills for diagnosis and management of leprosy cases. 1EC and counselling- Intensive lEC activities are conducted to generate awareness, which will help in the reduction of stigma and discrimination associated with persons affected by leprosy. These activities are carried out through mass media, outdoor media, rural media, and advocacy meetings. Major focus is also given on interpersonal communication. Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation(DPMR)-For the prevention and management of disability, dressing material, supportive medicines, and micro- cellular rubber (MCR) footwear are provided to leprosy patients. The patients are also empowered with training in self-care procedures for preventing aggravating disability to the insensitive hands/feet. Emphasis is also being placed on correction of permanent disability through reconstructive surgeries (RCS). To strengthen. The patients concerned are provided RCS facility not only free of cost, but are also paid welfare allowances. Supervision and Monitoring -Programme is being monitored at different levels through analysis of monthly progress reports, through field visits by the supervisory officers, and programme review meetings held at central, state, and district levels. For better epidemiological analysis of the disease situation, emphasis is put on assessment of New Case Detection and Treatment Completion Rate and proportion of grade ll disability among new cases. Visits by Joint monitoring Teams with members from the GOI, ILEP, and WHO have been an integral part of NLEP. Key Initiatives: Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (14 days) in high endemic districts. Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC) in low endemic districts for case detection. Special plans for Hard-to-Reach areas for early case detection and treatment. ASHA Based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS)- in low endemic districts Focused Leprosy Campaign (FLC)in low endemic districts. Monitoring and Supervision- Regular national, state, and district- level review meetings and field visits are conducted to ensure programme performance, data quality, and treatment outcomes. Convergence of leprosy screening under NHM: Convergence of leprosy screening for targeting different age groups like under RBSK (for 0-18 yrs), RKSK (13-19 yrs), and CPHC- Ayushman Bharat (above 30+ yrs population). Timely referral and follow up for treatment completion on time through Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) available free of cost in all public health facilities. For prevention of leprosy amongst contacts: Post Exposure chemoprophylaxis administration (PEP) with Single dose of Rifampicin (SDR) given to the eligible contacts of index case in order to interrupt the chain of transmission. Reconstructive Surgeries (RCS) are conducted at District Hospitals/Medical Colleges/ Central Leprosy Institutes, and welfare allowance@ Rs 12,000/-is paid to each patient undergoing RCS. 1EC & Training
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