Report of the Global Forum on Elimination of Leprosy as a Public Health Problem : Geneva, Swtzerland, 26 May, 2006

Overview

Leprosy, one of the most ancient, feared and disabling diseases of humankind, is on the verge of defeat. The 1991 World Health Assembly resolution was a catalyst, and today 116 out of 122 endemic countries have eliminated leprosy as a public health problem.

To acknowledge this unprecedented achievement against leprosy and to encourage the international community to continue its efforts, a global leprosy forum took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 26 May 2006 at a special session during the 59th World Health Assembly.

Since 1985, prevalence of leprosy has been reduced globally by more than 90% and over 14.5 million patients have been cured through multidrug therapy (MDT). This success has been made possible by the strong commitment of endemic countries supported by the international community, including the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation; Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development; bilateral organizations; and national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), notably the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP).

The strategy to eliminate leprosy is twofold: (i) improving access to diagnosis through integration of leprosy control services into existing public health services; and (ii) providing effective drugs free of charge. Early detection of cases has dramatically reduced the risk of deformities and disabilities among patients, ensuring that leprosy sufferers can lead normal lives with dignity.

Since 1995, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided treatment free of charge to all leprosy patients worldwide thanks to generous contributions from the Nippon Foundation, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development. High-level political support and social marketing campaigns to change the image of leprosy have also significantly contributed to pushing the disease towards elimination.

Leprosy control has now reached a critical mile stone: patient numbers have dramatically reduced in recent decades, although pockets of the disease remain in several countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Identifying the last patients at the local level is increasingly difficult, delaying their treatment before deformities occur. Greater attention should therefore also be paid to patients who face human rights violations and who require help for their physical and socioeconomic rehabilitation.

A good surveillance system is essential for sustainable leprosy control in countries which have eliminated leprosy as a public health problem.

The global leprosy forum calls for stronger political commitment and further efforts to combat the disease through a coordinated intersectoral approach, substantial increases in funding, and greater participation of NGOs and foundations.