Global leprosy situation, beginning of 2008

Overview

 As of the beginning of 2008, leprosy control programmes in many endemic countries are sustaining their activities successfully; as a result of these efforts, the number of new cases detected globally continued to decline during 2007.

The Global strategy for further reducing the leprosy burden and sustaining leprosy control activities (plan period: 2006–2010) and the accompanying operational guidelines are being widely implemented in all WHO regions. Timely detection of new cases and prompt treatment with multi-drug therapy continue to be the main intervention strategies; these have proven effective in reducing the disease burden in many countries where leprosy is endemic. In addition, integration of leprosy control activities within the primary health-care system has enabled national programmes to sustain their activities, both in terms of service coverage and improvements in the quality of care.

In spite of the successes achieved, maintaining political interest and mobilizing the necessary funds to implement activities in the field are challenges for many national programmes as the burden of disease declines further.