Global leprosy situation, 2006

Overview

The Global Strategy for Further Reducing the Leprosy Burden and Sustaining Leprosy Control Activities (Plan Period: 2006–2010) has evolved from the WHO Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Leprosy 2000–2005. The new strategy has been developed to address the remaining challenges that endemic countries are likely to face in providing services for people affected by leprosy under conditions of low prevalence. The emphasis remains on providing high-quality diagnostic services and treatment services using multidrug therapy, and ensuring that they are equitably distributed, affordable and easily accessible. The strategy has been widely accepted and endorsed by all partners. It is expected that the concerted efforts of all stakeholders will ensure that gains made by the elimination strategy will be sustained and the disease burden will continue to reduce over the coming years. It is clear that new and cost-effective tools will be needed to embark on a strategy to eradicate the disease. At present, the necessary tools are not available.

WHO will continue to encourage endemic countries that have not yet reached the elimination target to achieve this goal within the next few years. It will support all endemic countries in their efforts to integrate leprosy control activities into general health-care services and will place a special emphasis on improving the quality of services, providing multidrug therapy free of charge, promoting good registration practices, building capacity and competence within integrated programmes, improving community awareness, and improving the monitoring, supervision and evaluation of the leprosy situation in endemic countries.