Global leprosy situation, 2012

Overview

Leprosy control has improved significantly due   to   national   and   sub-national   campaigns  in  most  endemic  countries.  Integration  of  primary  leprosy  services  and  effective  collaborations  and  partnerships  have  led  to  a  considerable  reduction  in  leprosy  burden.  Nevertheless,  new  cases  continue  to  occur  in  almost  all  endemic  countries   and   high-burden   pockets   can   exist   against   a   low-burden   background.   Intensified  and  focused  activities  with multiple  drug  treatment  have  reduced  the  leprosy  burden  but  sustaining  the  same  level  of  focus  and  commitment  is  a  challenge,  especially  in  low-resource  settings  where  equity  of  access  is  an  issue.

The Enhanced global strategy for further reducing the disease burden due to leprosy 2011–20151 is being implemented by national programmes in endemic countries. The strategy aims to reduce the global rate of new cases with grade-2 (i.e. visible) disabilities per 100 000 population by at least 35% by the end of 2015, compared with the baseline at the end of 2010. The approach underlines the importance of early detection and quality of care in an integrated service setting. The strategy is expected to reduce the occurrence of new cases and thus lower transmission of the disease in the community